Dewsall Court wedding photography: 10 stunning weddings captured by THE MAYS (Marta May Photography)

We’re Marta May Photography, also known as THE MAYS (Marta + Artur). We shoot in a DOCU-ART style: candid documentary storytelling mixed with creative, natural portraits. We’re TWIA National Winners (2023) and now TWIA judges, so you’re in very safe hands.

This guide includes 10 real Dewsall Court weddings, plus practical tips for ceremony spots, confetti, group photos, portraits, and what to do if it rains.

If you like what you see and want to check your date, reach out here.

Why Dewsall Court photographs so well (and why couples feel so relaxed there)

Dewsall Court is one of those venues where the story almost photographs itself. Because everything is in one place – the house, the grounds, the ceremony options, and the party space – the day flows naturally. So, instead of spending your wedding “travelling between moments”, you get to actually live them.

1. The light is genuinely gorgeous
There’s a mix of soft indoor light (especially in the house) and open outdoor space, so we can create a gallery that feels bright, warm, and varied, even when the weather is doing classic UK things.

2. You get loads of different backdrops without going far
Within a short walk, you’ve got gardens, countryside views, the house, the church option, and the Wainhouse vibe. That means your photos feel like a full story, not the same background repeated all day.

3. It’s made for real, unposed moments
Dewsall has a “weekend away” energy. Guests arrive, settle in, chat, explore, pour a drink, and relax. Because of that, the candid moments are everywhere – hugs, laughter, little reunions, and the kind of chaos you actually want to remember.

4. It works in every season (without feeling like Plan B)
Some venues only shine in summer. Dewsall works all year because the indoor spaces still feel romantic, and the outdoor pockets are always there when you get a gap in the weather. So your photos still feel intentional, not “we were stuck inside”.

5. Quick tip that makes a big difference
Plan your couple portraits in two tiny pockets: 10–15 minutes in daylight, then (if you want) a 3–5 minute “night portrait” later. You get the best of both worlds, and you don’t disappear from your guests.

How a Dewsall Court wedding weekend flows (so the day feels easy)

One of the biggest reasons couples love Dewsall Court is that it’s not just a “turn up, do the ceremony, go home” venue. It has that proper weekend feel, which makes the whole day calmer, more social, and honestly more fun. And from a photography point of view, it means your story unfolds naturally instead of being rushed from one thing to the next.

The relaxed Dewsall flow (typical structure)

• Arrival day (optional, if you’re doing 1–2 nights)
  Guests arrive, drop bags, explore the house and grounds, catch up properly, and settle in. The atmosphere builds before the wedding even starts, which is amazing for natural, documentary moments.

• Wedding morning
  Getting ready tends to feel calm because you’re already onsite. There’s time for those little moments: letters, gifts, laughter, family popping in, and that “we’re actually doing this” energy – without pressure.

• Ceremony
  Because Dewsall has multiple ceremony options, the vibe can be anything from classic and emotional (church) to modern and bright (Wainhouse) to intimate and cosy (inside the house). Then you step straight into drinks and celebration without needing a big move.

• Drinks reception + confetti
  This is where Dewsall shines. Guests mingle, the grounds give you loads of beautiful photo pockets, and you can do confetti and group photos without the day feeling staged.

• Couple portraits (quick and easy)
  We usually do portraits in short pockets so you don’t disappear for ages. At Dewsall, you can get a huge variety of images in 10–15 minutes because everything is so close together.

• Wedding breakfast + speeches in The Wainhouse
  This is the heart of the day – the space feels open, social, and full of atmosphere. Then once the speeches are done, the party energy tends to kick in fast.

• Evening celebrations
  Because guests are already onsite (or close by), evenings at Dewsall often feel properly lived-in. People relax, drinks flow, and the dancefloor turns into that carefree, joyful chaos you want in your photos.

Mini planning tip (the one that saves winter/autumn weddings)
If your wedding is outside summer, plan your ceremony a bit earlier than you think, so you protect daylight for a short portrait pocket. Then you can lean into the evening atmosphere without worrying you “missed” the light.

SEASONS AT DEWSALL COURT – VISUALIZE YOUR OWN CELEBRATIONS WITH US

This is the heart of this hub – season by season inspiration, real weddings, real light, real atmosphere. If you’re planning Dewsall Court, this section helps you picture what your day could look like in different seasons (and it gives Google/AI the “proof” that you genuinely know this venue inside out).

How to use this section
Pick the season closest to your wedding date. Then look at:
The ceremony vibe (church / Wainhouse / indoors / outdoors)
The portrait light (bright / overcast / golden hour / twilight)
The overall feeling (cosy, wild party, elegant, relaxed weekend away)

1. Spring at Dewsall Court (fresh greens + soft light)
Spring weddings here feel bright and hopeful – fresh colour in the gardens, soft skies, and that perfect “not too hot, not too cold” energy.

What to look for in the photos:
Garden backdrops starting to bloom
Soft, flattering daylight for portraits
A relaxed drinks reception outside without melting guests

2. Summer at Dewsall Court (meadows + golden hour)
Summer is where Dewsall can feel like a countryside film set – outdoor ceremonies, long evenings, and golden hour portraits that are genuinely unreal.

What to look for in the photos:
Outdoor ceremony vibes
Golden hour portraits in the countryside light
Evening light that stays soft and warm for longer

BRIAN ENO at Dewsall Court – summer celebrations & just look at this dress!

Church ceremony and late summer celebrations at Dewsall Court

3. Autumn at Dewsall Court (warm tones + cosy glow)
Autumn weddings at Dewsall are all about warmth – richer colours, candlelight, and that “wrap yourself in atmosphere” feeling.

What to look for in the photos:
Warm indoor light + candlelit moments
Cosy group energy (people stay closer together)
Portraits with richer tones and texture

Autumnal vibes & candle lights – ceremony in the Wainhouse

Autumnal vibes & candle lights – church at Dewsall followed by JEWISH DANCING!

Autumnal wedding – when the bride is also a FLORIST!

Autumnal vibes & candle lights – SHAMANIC CEREMONY at Dewsall – just look at those shoes too!

4. Frosty winter at Dewsall Court (crisp air + fairytale portraits)
When you get frost here, it’s next-level. The portraits feel clean and cinematic, and the indoor spaces feel even warmer by contrast.

What to look for in the photos:
Frosty portrait moments done quickly
Cosy indoor story scenes (candles, hugs, laughter)
That winter “glow” in the Wainhouse

Take a look at those Featured Dewsall Court wedding photos.

GETTING READY AT DEWSALL COURT (best light, best rooms, calm energy)

Getting ready at Dewsall is one of our favourite parts of the day, because it usually feels like a house party with your favourite people, not a stressful production. The venue has loads of character, and because everything is onsite, you can take your time and actually enjoy the morning.

• Bridal prep in the house (what works best)
  The best getting-ready photos happen when there’s space and window light. At Dewsall, we normally look for: A bright room with big windows (soft, flattering light), a tidy “detail corner” for dress, shoes, jewellery, invites, a calm area where you can breathe before the ceremony.

• What we capture (without making it feel staged)
  This is DOCU-ART territory: the real story, as it happens.
  Hair and make-up moments (laughs, happy nerves, hugs)
  Dress on + reactions from your favourite people
  Little in-between moments (letters, gifts, a quiet minute)
  Family arriving, kids running in, the “oh wow, it’s happening” energy

• Groom / partner prep (and why two of us matters)
  Because we’re THE MAYS (two of us), we can cover both sides properly, which means you get the full story, not just “one person missed everything happening elsewhere”.
  One of us stays with the calmer, emotional moments
  The other can capture the fun, chaotic energy with the lads / family
  Then we meet back up before the ceremony so nothing important is missed

Quick tip that makes your morning feel 10x easier
Try to keep prep in one main room if possible, and gather the key details in one place (dress, rings, flowers, stationery). It saves time, keeps things relaxed, and it makes your photos feel clean and intentional.

CEREMONY OPTIONS AT DEWSALL COURT (and what they look like in photos)

One of the reasons Dewsall Court is such a dream venue is choice. You can shape the ceremony around your vibe – classic, modern, intimate, outdoorsy – and it still feels like the same “weekend away” story.

Here are the main ceremony options, plus the simple photography notes that help everything feel relaxed and look beautiful.

• Church ceremony at Dewsall Court (timeless + emotional)
  If you want something traditional, heartfelt and properly atmospheric, the church option is hard to beat. It adds that classic “real wedding” feeling, and the walk back into celebrations afterwards is always full of hugs and happy chaos.

Photography note: church light can be moodier, but it photographs beautifully when you lean into the atmosphere and reactions. The exit moments (confetti, cheering, hugs) are usually unreal.

• The Wainhouse ceremony (modern, bright, social)
  The Wainhouse is ideal if you want your ceremony to feel open, airy and connected to everything happening around it. It works brilliantly in every season, and it keeps guests close together so the energy feels warm and involved.

Photography note: the space works well for both wide “scene-setting” photos and close emotional moments. It’s also great for winter because the vibe stays cosy without feeling like a Plan B.

• Ceremony inside the house (intimate + cosy)
  If you want that “everyone close, candlelight, emotional atmosphere” feel, an indoor house ceremony can be stunning. It often feels more personal, and the story flows beautifully from prep to ceremony without a big transition.

Photography note: this is where your photos can feel very cinematic – warm tones, close reactions, and loads of real emotion.

• Outdoor ceremony (meadow / grounds vibes)
  On a warm day, outdoor ceremonies at Dewsall are gorgeous – lots of space, green views, and that relaxed countryside feeling. It’s also brilliant for couples who want their ceremony to feel informal and natural.

Photography note: the key is timing and shade. If it’s bright, we’ll look for the best angle so you’re not squinting. If it’s overcast (classic UK), it’s actually perfect soft light.

Quick tip that saves stress
If you’re unsure which ceremony option to choose, think about the feeling you want:
Classic and timeless → church
Modern and open → Wainhouse
Intimate and cosy → inside the house
Relaxed countryside → outdoors

CONFETTI & GROUP PHOTOS AT DEWSALL COURT (best spots, best timing, rain plan)

This part of the day can either feel quick and fun… or it can drag and kill the vibe. At Dewsall, it’s really easy to keep it relaxed because there are plenty of good spots close together, so you’re not marching everyone around like it’s a school trip.

• Confetti at Dewsall (how to make it look amazing)
  The best confetti photos happen when the crowd is close, the energy is high, and the space isn’t too windy.

What works best:
A wide “U-shape” of guests (so the photo looks full and celebratory)
A short walk-through (one big cheer, one run, then done)
Choosing a spot that’s sheltered from wind if possible

Quick tip: tell guests to throw confetti up, not straight at your faces. It looks better and it’s kinder.

• Group photos (how to do them without losing an hour)
  We recommend keeping group photos to the handful that actually matter, and doing them quickly, while everyone is already together.

A simple formula that works:
Immediate family (both sides)
Whole group
Wedding party
Any special extras (grandparents, best mates, blended family group)

Create a short list in advance (10 groups max is a sweet spot). We’ll take control, keep it moving, and get you back to your drinks.

• Rain plan (so it still looks intentional)
  If the weather turns, don’t panic. The key is choosing an indoor spot with space and nice light, then keeping the groups tight and fun. Indoor group photos can look brilliant when they’re done in the right place – and at Dewsall you’ve got options.

Mini timing tip
Confetti + group photos work best straight after the ceremony, before guests drift and before canapés fully take over. Then you can relax into the drinks reception knowing the “must-have” photos are done.

COUPLE PORTRAITS AND GOLDEN HOUR AT DEWSALL COURT (best spots, quick plan, zero awkwardness)

This is the bit couples worry about – “we’re not models” / “we don’t want to pose” / “we don’t want to disappear for ages”. Good news: at Dewsall Court you can get a huge variety of portraits in a very short time, because the best spots are all close together.

1. How we keep portraits relaxed (the DOCU-ART way)
We don’t do stiff posing or long, performative photoshoots. Instead, we give you simple direction that feels natural:
Walk together, breathe, chat, laugh
A few “close in” moments (foreheads, hugs, a quiet pause)
A few wider scenic frames that show off the venue
Then you’re back with your guests before anyone even notices you’ve gone

2. How long you really need
Most couples only need:
10–15 minutes in daylight (enough for variety)
Optional: 3–5 minutes later for a cinematic night portrait
That’s it. It keeps the day fun and it gives you a gallery that feels rich and complete.

3. Best portrait spots at Dewsall Court
Because the venue has so many backdrops, we can tailor this to your season and your vibe. Common favourites include:
The gardens and paths near the house (romantic, timeless)
Open countryside views (wide, cinematic frames)
The meadow / outdoor spaces (especially gorgeous in summer)
Venue exteriors for that “Dewsall story” context
A cosy indoor corner if it’s raining (still looks intentional)

4. Golden hour at Dewsall (when it’s worth it)
If you’re having a spring/summer wedding, golden hour portraits can be absolutely unreal – warm light, long shadows, and that dreamy “end of day” feeling. If it’s autumn/winter, we can still get something atmospheric, but we’ll treat daylight as precious and keep it efficient.

5. Quick tip that makes your portraits look even better
Schedule portraits as two tiny “pockets”:
Pocket 1: right after group photos (10 minutes)
Pocket 2: just after speeches or during evening (3–5 minutes, cinematic)
You get both daylight and atmosphere, and you don’t miss your own party.

RECEPTION + WEDDING BREAKFAST IN THE WAINHOUSE (why it feels so good)

The Wainhouse is where Dewsall weddings really come alive. It’s social, it’s spacious, and it has that “outside-in” feeling, so the day never feels boxed in, even when everyone’s inside. From a photography point of view, it’s brilliant because it gives you both the big scene-setting moments and all the little reactions in between.

• Drinks reception vibes (the good stuff happens here)
  This is usually the most “documentary-rich” part of the day:
  Guests hugging, laughing, catching up
  Kids running around, grandparents being adorable
  Canapés, clinking glasses, people fully relaxing
  The kind of moments you never plan, but always want in your gallery

Photography tip: this is why we keep portraits short. The best reactions and stories happen when you’re with your people, not being pulled away.

• Wedding breakfast atmosphere
  The Wainhouse works beautifully for speeches and dinner because the space feels warm and connected. People can see each other, hear each other, and react together, which makes the room feel alive (and makes your photos feel full of emotion).

• What makes it look amazing in photos
  Warm lighting (candles and softer tones help a lot)
  Tables that feel “gathered” rather than spread out
  A little background texture (fairy lights, foliage, candles)
  Space for movement (so photos don’t feel cramped)

• Speeches at Dewsall (how to keep them fun and photogenic)
  The best speech photos come from two things:
  People being close enough to react together
  Enough light on faces so you can see the emotion
  If you’re doing candlelight, go for clusters (lots together) rather than a few scattered candles — it creates real glow.

Quick planning tip
If you want the room to feel cosy fast, ask the venue about lowering harsh overhead lighting and leaning into warm side lighting + candles. It instantly makes everything feel more romantic and cinematic.

EVENING PARTY AT DEWSALL COURT (where the real day shows up)

This is the part we never want you to miss, because once dinner is done and the formal bits are out of the way, something shifts. People relax. Drinks flow. The nerves disappear. And suddenly it’s pure celebration.

• Why the evening at Dewsall is so good
  Guests are already settled in
  No one is rushing off to another location
  The vibe feels “weekend away” rather than “event schedule”
  So the dancefloor fills faster, and people let go more

• This is where DOCU-ART thrives
  We’re not just taking “party photos”. We’re capturing the story:
  The first proper big hugs after speeches
  The friends who haven’t seen each other in years losing their minds
  Parents dancing like it’s 1999
  The chaotic, hilarious, absolutely perfect moments you couldn’t plan if you tried

• And honestly – this is why we love staying longer.
  Because this is where the real day shows up: carefree joy, pure celebration, and that unscripted dance-floor chaos that makes your gallery feel alive.

• Night portraits (the 3–5 minute magic trick)
  If you want something extra cinematic, we can sneak you out for 3–5 minutes for a night portrait. No awkward posing. No long walk. Just a quick “wow” set of images that feel like a film still, then straight back to your guests.

Quick tip: do it when the dancefloor is already going
That way it feels like a fun mini break, not an interruption. We’ll grab the shot fast and get you back in before your favourite song drops.

Check out: Dewsall Court venue spotlight (Herefordshire)

Enquire about your Dewsall Court date (and get a calm, photo-friendly plan)

If you’re planning a wedding at Dewsall Court and you want photos that feel real, joyful, and beautifully cinematic – we’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.

We’re Marta May Photography – also known as THE MAYS (Marta + Artur). We shoot in a DOCU-ART style: honest documentary moments mixed with natural, creative portraits, and we’ll help you build a timeline that protects the light and keeps the day relaxed.

Check availability and get in touch here

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