Elegant Old Down Manor
As wedding photographers we get to document weddings at many fantastic venues. The Old Down Manor wedding photography can be quite unique because of those fantastic views. The Old Down Manor, Tockington, Bristol is truly unique because of the stunning wild gardens, meadows and beautiful landscapes. As wedding photographers we are really spoilt for choice there.
QUICK ANSWER
If you want OLD DOWN MANOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY that feels relaxed, fun, and full of real moments, this venue is perfect for DOCU-ART storytelling. It has a warm, social flow (so guests naturally mingle), beautiful backdrops for short portrait pockets, and cosy indoor options if the weather turns.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as THE MAYS (Marta + Artur) – and we photograph Old Down in a documentary-first style with cinematic portraits woven in naturally.
KEY FACTS
Venue: OLD DOWN MANOR (often searched as Bristol / South Gloucestershire / Somerset-adjacent)
Best for: Social, guest-led weddings with a strong party payoff
Style match: DOCU-ART (candid documentary + cinematic portraits)
Flow: Easy to keep the day relaxed, with guests naturally gathering in the main social areas
Plan B: Strong indoor atmosphere (rain doesn’t kill the vibe)
Portraits: Best done in quick pockets close to the action (10–20 mins total)
Who we are: Marta May Photography (THE MAYS – Marta + Artur)
Authority: TWIA National Winners (as THE MAYS) + now TWIA judges
The perfect wedding venue in Tockington, Bristol
If you like the idea of spending the weekend using those lavish bedrooms and bathrooms, elegant, sweeping staircases, stunning gardens and panoramic views across the River Severn to Wales and the rolling hills beyond, this is the perfect wedding venue for you.
Wedding day – Old Down Manor wedding photography
We would love to share with you the images from a wedding we photographed at the Old Down Manor back in 2019. It was the first time we documented a wedding there and we immediately fell in love with the stunning landscapes and the venue.
Getting ready
Our couple chose to get ready at the venue and they had a truly relaxing, sunny morning. What we like about the Old Down Manor’s bedrooms is how spacious and bright they are. From a wedding photographer’s point of view this is just ideal and perfect for those getting ready portraits.
The ceremony
The ceremony took place in a bright ceremony room and the groom just couldn’t stop his tears when he saw his bride. We photographed so many special and emotional moments during that ceremony because the emotions and tears were seen on numerous faces – quite rare and so special!
Confetti moment
The perfect spot for the confetti was in front of the Old Down Manor. As wedding photographers we just adore this moment and if you want to find out more about what and how much confetti to use, we’ve written a blog post about it too.
Wedding reception and the group pictures
Reception drinks, canapes, group pictures, the speeches and the wedding breakfast are a typical part of a wedding day. Some parts of it (food) are something everyone is looking forward to and the formal wedding photos are something quite opposite. As wedding photographers we try to take the group pictures as quickly as possible, just so everyone can get back to enjoying the food and the drinks.
Couple pictures
The Old Down Manor wedding photography is stunning, original and unique during the day and at night because of the stunning backdrops and here are some examples of the couple portraits created by us:
The party
Our couple had the party in the same room they got married in. They had a fantastic wedding band that makes all the difference – the guests just couldn’t sit, the music was that good! After a delicious meal many calories were burned on the dance floor.
If you’re still shortlisting SOMERSET WEDDING VENUES, we’ve put together a practical guide that compares venues by vibe, flow, Plan B, and portrait spots (so you can choose with confidence). And if you’re looking for a SOMERSET WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER who’ll capture the real atmosphere without turning your day into a photoshoot, start here.
Similar Somerset wedding venues (if you love Old Down’s vibe)
If you love OLD DOWN MANOR for its character, relaxed flow, and proper party energy, you’ll probably like these Somerset venues too:
ALDWICK ESTATE – relaxed luxury with countryside calm (great for short portrait pockets)
DILLINGTON ESTATE – cinematic grounds and a “chaptered” wedding story feel
CLEVEDON HALL – romantic and refined (a softer, calmer version of elegant)
CROWCOMBE COURT – characterful and a little different (quirky but elevated)
BRYMPTON HOUSE – big Somerset celebration energy with classic grandeur
OLD DOWN MANOR Wedding Photography – FAQs
How long do portraits take at Old Down Manor?
Usually 10–20 minutes total, split into short pockets so you don’t miss the fun.
What if it rains?
Old Down’s indoor spaces still feel warm and atmospheric, so the story doesn’t change – it just gets cosier and more cinematic.
Is Old Down more Bristol or Somerset?
It’s often searched as Bristol/South Gloucestershire, but it sits nicely for Somerset shortlists too – especially for couples who want countryside character with easy access.
Looking for your own Old Down Manor wedding photographers?
Get in touch with us and let’s chat about your wedding plans. If you’re planning your own Old Down Manor wedding in Tockington, Bristol, we would love to be your photographers!
