When it comes to Shucknall Court wedding photography, we had the absolute privilege of capturing history in the making – the venue’s very first real wedding. And what a wedding it was. Think modern luxury meets countryside charm, with a few surprises (three bridal outfits, a tea ceremony, and golden hour so dreamy it could make Tuscany jealous).
The First Wedding at Shucknall Court – Where History Meets Luxury
Imagine being the very first couple to tie the knot at Herefordshire’s newest luxury wedding venue. That’s exactly what happened at Shucknall Court, and it was nothing short of magical.
From stylish getting-ready suites to a breathtaking barn ceremony, a Chinese tea ceremony, alfresco dining that felt straight out of Italy, and golden hour portraits in the rolling Herefordshire countryside – this wedding set the bar sky-high for everything to come.
Shucknall Court is the new name on every stylish couple’s lips – a lovingly restored estate that feels both exclusive and welcoming, with views across the Herefordshire countryside that stop you in your tracks. As one of the first photographers invited to document a wedding here, we got to explore every corner of the estate, from the elegant Fold barn to the Italian-style courtyard that was made for alfresco dining.
Our couples come to us because they want more than snapshots. They want emotion, atmosphere, and art. And that’s exactly what Shucknall Court delivers: a luxury backdrop for celebrations that are as stylish as they are heartfelt.
Venue Spotlight: Shucknall Court – A Luxury Gem in the Heart of Herefordshire
If you’re searching for a luxury wedding venue in Herefordshire, Shucknall Court should be at the very top of your list. Tucked away in the rolling countryside just outside Hereford, it’s where modern design meets timeless English elegance.
At the centre of it all is the Fold, a spectacular barn space with soaring ceilings and a mezzanine level where guests can watch your ceremony from above. It’s fresh, bright, and versatile – equally perfect for grand entrances as it is for intimate moments. Step outside and you’ll find the landscaped courtyard, the kind of place that feels like you’ve just stepped into an Italian piazza. Alfresco dining here isn’t just possible; it’s practically a must.
Then there are the gardens – expansive, lush, and full of tucked-away spots for portraits. Whether you’re dreaming of golden-hour couple photos or a relaxed confetti toss framed by historic stone walls, Shucknall Court has the perfect backdrop.
It’s not just about the spaces, though. Shucknall Court has been designed with flow in mind. Morning preparations? The estate has two separate getting-ready suites, both beautifully styled and full of natural light. Ceremony? The Fold barn is as striking from the mezzanine as it is from the aisle. Reception? Take your pick between courtyard dining, barn celebrations, or a mix of both.
Shucknall Court is more than a venue. It’s a stage for unforgettable, luxury weddings – a new Herefordshire gem that already feels iconic.
Key Facts
First Ever Wedding – we had the honour of photographing their first wedding, and it was spectacular.
Luxury Prep Spaces – both brides got ready on-site in modern, fresh suites that felt perfect for relaxed mornings.
Barn Ceremony with a View – spacious and dramatic, and guests could watch from above.
Confetti in the Courtyard – the perfect backdrop for joyful, colourful moments.
Italian Alfresco Vibes – courtyard dining under the sky, decorated like a scene from Tuscany.
Golden Hour Glow – endless photo backdrops with dream Cotswolds-style countryside views.
Exclusive Luxury Venue – Herefordshire has a venue that blends style, space, and exclusivity.
The First Real Wedding at Shucknall Court – An Incredible Beginning
There’s something magical about photographing the very first wedding at a brand-new luxury venue. It feels like writing history, and at Shucknall Court, that first chapter couldn’t have been more breathtaking.
Both our bride and groom got ready onsite in Shucknall’s gorgeous prep spaces, two separate suites that were modern, fresh, and filled with natural light. From the very start, everything felt smooth and beautifully thought out.
Their ceremony took place in The Fold barn, a showstopper of a space with high ceilings and a mezzanine where guests could watch from above. Seeing the couple exchange vows with loved ones looking down from every angle was unforgettable, an atmosphere full of love, joy, and a little bit of awe at this new venue’s possibilities.
From there, the celebrations spilled out into the courtyard for the confetti moment. Stone walls, blue skies, and the happy chaos of petals flying everywhere – it was the perfect start to the party. Guests mingled in the gardens, enjoying drinks and canapés while we captured relaxed group photos against Shucknall’s stunning backdrops.
Then came the surprises. The bride slipped away and returned in a dazzling Chinese dress for a heartfelt tea ceremony in the barn. Later, she changed into a third gown for dinner – a true fashion moment that made the whole day feel like three weddings in one.
The wedding breakfast took place outdoors in the courtyard, and honestly? It looked like something straight out of Italy. Long tables, beautiful florals, and golden evening light gave the whole setting a dreamy, alfresco vibe. Guests feasted, laughed, toasted, and soaked up the atmosphere.
Evening celebrations kicked off with cake cutting in the barn, followed by one of Herefordshire’s favourite live acts – Jake of Diamonds – leading the first dance in another space onsite. With the courtyard glowing and the music flowing, the party was set to carry on late into the night.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, golden hour arrived. Shucknall Court’s grounds gave us endless backdrops for portraits – wild gardens, sweeping views, and soft light wrapping around the couple like a painting. The perfect ending to the first ever wedding here, and an unforgettable debut for this luxury Herefordshire venue.
Shucknall Court Wedding Photography Highlights
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Shucknall Court was built with photography in mind. Every corner of this luxury Herefordshire wedding venue offered a backdrop that felt cinematic yet natural, exactly the kind of canvas our DOCU-ART style thrives on.
The barn ceremony was a dream to capture. The soaring timber beams, the warm natural light, and the unique mezzanine gave us multiple perspectives – perfect for documenting not just the vows, but also the reactions of friends and family watching from above. It felt intimate and grand at the same time, a rare combination.
The courtyard became the heart of the day – confetti flying, guests laughing, drinks clinking, and tables later set up for the alfresco wedding breakfast that looked straight out of Tuscany. For us as photographers, this was a goldmine: movement, colour, and candid emotion at every turn.
Then there were the gardens. Shucknall Court’s landscaped grounds gave us endless opportunities for relaxed portraits – sweeping views one moment, hidden romantic corners the next. And when golden hour arrived? Magic. The light here wrapped around the couple like liquid gold, creating images that were equal parts timeless and atmospheric.
Inside the barn, the contrast was just as stunning. The tea ceremony brought rich tradition and vibrant detail, while the evening transformation for dancing delivered pure energy. Having Jake of Diamonds fill the space with music meant there was no shortage of raw, colourful moments to freeze in time.
What makes Shucknall Court stand out for us is its versatility. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic elegance of the barn, the Italian-vibe courtyard, or the rolling Herefordshire countryside beyond, it gives couples (and us photographers) an endless playground for storytelling.
It’s the kind of venue where every photograph feels alive – full of colour, atmosphere, and personality. Exactly how wedding memories should be.
Why Shucknall Court is Perfect for Exclusive Weddings
Some wedding venues are lovely. Shucknall Court? It’s unforgettable.
This brand-new luxury Herefordshire wedding venue has everything high-end couples dream about – exclusivity, privacy, and that “wow” factor the moment your guests step through the gates. Hosting the first ever wedding here was a privilege, and it confirmed what we already suspected: Shucknall Court is set to become one of the most sought-after luxury wedding venues in the Cotswolds and Herefordshire.
Why? Because it feels like your own private world. The barn combines rustic charm with modern polish, the courtyard could easily double as an Italian piazza, and the landscaped gardens flow seamlessly into sweeping countryside views. For couples who want a wedding that feels elegant yet relaxed, polished yet personal, Shucknall Court nails it.
And let’s not forget versatility. You can host your ceremony in the barn with guests looking on from the gallery, enjoy alfresco dining under fairy lights in the courtyard, and still have space for traditions like a tea ceremony or a roaring dance floor with a live band. Few venues offer so many backdrops for one celebration.
This is the kind of venue that attracts couples who want something rare and extraordinary – a wedding day that feels both timeless and tailored. Paired with our DOCU-ART photography style, Shucknall Court becomes the stage for images that don’t just look beautiful, they feel alive with your story.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s more than “just a day” – something immersive, exclusive, and designed for memories that last decades – Shucknall Court might just be your perfect match.
Tips for Couples Planning a Shucknall Court Wedding
If you’re lucky enough to book Shucknall Court, here are a few insider tips from photographing their very first wedding:
- Getting ready → Use the separate prep spaces. Both are modern, stylish, and perfect for those morning photos – no awkward bumping into each other before the aisle moment!
- Ceremony magic → The Fold (the barn) has space galore, plus that incredible mezzanine. Think of it as your built-in VIP balcony for guests (and some killer wide-angle photos).
- Confetti goals → The Courtyard is made for it. Picture flower petals flying against stone walls, laughter echoing – it’s the stuff of wedding photography dreams.
- Golden hour portraits → This venue shines at sunset. Carve out 15 minutes for a couple’s shoot and trust us – those photos will glow.
- Alfresco dining → Italian vibes in Herefordshire? Yes, please. The courtyard setup looks stunning with long tables, floral runners, and string lights. Pro tip: add candles or lanterns for when the sun dips – it turns dinner into pure magic.
Shucknall Court really does it all: modern prep, rustic ceremony, alfresco dining, and golden-hour perfection. It’s a photographer’s dream and a couple’s paradise.
Why Choose Shucknall Court for Your Wedding Photography
Every so often, a new venue arrives on the scene and instantly feels iconic. Shucknall Court is that place. From its sun-soaked courtyard to its soaring barn, it delivers luxury with a modern twist and the kind of backdrops photographers dream about. And being there for the very first wedding ever held at Shucknall Court? Honestly, it was magic.
The beauty of this venue is that it gives you everything – exclusive spaces for getting ready, a ceremony barn with wow-factor views, alfresco dining straight out of an Italian wedding, and golden-hour portraits that look like they belong on the pages of a magazine. It’s fresh, it’s exciting, and it’s already shaping up to be one of Herefordshire’s most exclusive wedding venues.
Your wedding deserves more than just photographs. It deserves storytelling – art that brings back the tears, the laughter, the goosebumps – for decades to come. That’s where we come in. As Marta May Photography (The Mays), we’re known for our DOCU-ART style: the perfect blend of candid documentary and cinematic fine art. It’s why we’re ranked among the best wedding photographers in the UK, and why couples who want something truly extraordinary choose us.
If Shucknall Court is where your love story begins, don’t wait. Dates are limited, and this venue is about to get very popular.
