Cliveden House Wedding Inspiration for Couples

A historic country house wedding venue, super-chic white and gold reception styling and the most glamorous of couples; what’s not to love about Georgina and Kerem’s spectacular summer wedding at Cliveden House in Berkshire?

A bride and groom share an intimate moment under a white parasol, with the bride leaning in to kiss the groom outdoors on a sunny day. David Bostock Photography

The iconic Berkshire historic wedding venue

I’ve been shooting weddings at Cliveden House for 17 years now and I don’t think it will ever lose the wow factor for me. It’s the most spectacular Grade I country house, set in acres of National Trust manicured gardens and woodlands. From the opulent, period interiors to the elegant gardens and grounds, this venue is a dream come true for a wedding photographer. It’s easy to see why Georgina and Kerem fell in love with this luxurious Berkshire venue – and they chose the perfect, sunny August day for their unforgettable wedding.

Grand historic mansion with stone columns, tall windows, and ornate architectural details. Four cars are parked in front, and two large potted plants flank the entrance. The sky is partly cloudy. David Bostock Photography

Ornate gold wrought iron gate set in a stone and red brick wall, flanked by arched alcoves with potted greenery, and a small blackboard sign near the entrance. David Bostock Photography

A luxurious, wood-panelled room with ornate arches, elegant furniture, a large floral arrangement, red carpet, and a grand staircase with a portrait hanging above it. Warm lighting enhances the opulent atmosphere. David Bostock Photography

The getting ready photos at Cliveden House

Both Georgina and Kerem chose to get ready the day of the wedding at Cliveden House. The bride and her crew took over the Lady Astor Suite, while the groom and his friends settled into the Mountbatten Suite. Having both in the same place made it easy for me to be able to spend time with them as they got dressed, suited and booted for the ceremony. A big shout out to Guy Hearn, my second photographer, who helped out with some of the pre-wedding getting ready shots of the groom and co.

Seven women, six in matching light blue shirts and one in white, stand close together indoors, smiling and hugging, appearing joyful and ready for a special occasion. David Bostock Photography

Six women in matching blue shirts sit and chat in a warmly lit lounge, some on a red sofa, others nearby, with snacks and drinks on the table, and sunlight streaming through patterned curtains. David Bostock Photography

A group of women in matching blue shirts show their hands and personalised cuffs with embroidered names, standing on a patterned carpet, wearing white slippers. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a white dress sprays perfume on herself whilst standing in a decorated room, smiling softly. David Bostock Photography

Two gold wedding rings rest on an elegant invitation; one ring is plain, and the other is adorned with diamonds. David Bostock Photography

A pair of white Manolo Blahnik high-heeled shoes with pointed toes sits atop a white shoebox on a marble surface. David Bostock Photography

It’s always great fun to be around the couple on the morning of their wedding. The vibe in both Georgina and Kerem’s suites was relaxed and excited; it was a joy to hang out with them and capture these shots before the main event.

A young man in formal attire stands in a room, smiling whilst adjusting his bow tie. The room features wooden panelling, a lamp, and framed art. The image is in black and white. David Bostock Photography

A man adjusts another man's bow tie in an elegant, wood-panelled room. Both wear formal attire and smile warmly, suggesting a special occasion or celebration. David Bostock Photography

A bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne, two brown leather hip flasks, a cork, and blurred objects on a table with a decorative background. David Bostock Photography

A man in a dinner jacket adjusts his jacket and looks confidently at himself in an ornate wooden mirror, with his reflection clearly visible. David Bostock Photography

Georgina and Kerem’s classic style

Georgina looked absolutely incredible in her wedding dress. Featuring a winged corset, drop waist and full ballgown skirt, it was the perfect choice for such a grand wedding venue. I love how Georgina kept the rest of her look simple, with an elegant tulle veil, sleek up-do and delicate jewellery. For the reception, our bride switched up her look, changing into a beaded, halterneck, fit-and-flare gown.

A bride in a white dress walks down an ornate staircase, with an older man behind her. The grand interior features statues, arches, wood panelling, and framed portraits. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a wedding dress and veil faces an older man in a tuxedo with a white rose buttonhole, who stands with open arms and an emotional expression in an elegant room. David Bostock Photography

Six women in matching off-white dresses stand on a staircase, smiling and looking up. The setting appears elegant, with wood panelling, red carpet, and ornate decor, including statues and a red lamp. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a veil stands on a grand staircase, surrounded by bridesmaids in light dresses, embracing her. Two people stand above, smiling, in an ornate, wood-panelled room with statues and a red lamp. David Bostock Photography

A woman in a strapless wedding dress sits beside a window, looking towards the camera. Light from the window illuminates her and the room, which features a wooden chest of drawers and patterned curtains. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a white dress and veil descends a wooden staircase, with a framed portrait hanging on the panelled wall behind her. David Bostock Photography

Kerem kept it classic in a black tux and bowtie, as did his groomsmen. The bridesmaids looked fabulous in cream, strapless gowns, with trains. This was one seriously stylish wedding party!

A young man in a black dinner jacket with a white shirt and bow tie leans against a stone wall under an archway, hands in pockets, looking at the camera. David Bostock Photography

Eight men in black dinner jackets with bow ties pose together on wooden steps in a well-lit, elegant room with large windows and green curtains. David Bostock Photography

Six men in black dinner jackets with buttonholes walk together outdoors on a sunny day, with a large historic building and trees in the background. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a white dress stands with seven bridesmaids in light dresses, all smiling. The bridesmaids hold bouquets aloft, celebrating together against a light stone wall background. David Bostock Photography

The romantic outdoor wedding ceremony

The August weather did not let us down, and Georgina and Kerem were able to have the outdoor wedding ceremony they’d hoped for. Cliveden’s West Terrace was set up for the ceremony, with elegant white floral displays lining the aisle. The Italianate architecture paired with the gorgeous sunshine honestly made it feel as though we were at some fabulous venue in Tuscany. Guests took their seats as the string quartet played – it was the most magical setting for Georgina and Kerem’s vows.

Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with gold chairs and white floral arrangements lining the aisle, under a covered stone terrace with arches and tall columns overlooking green trees. David Bostock Photography

A wedding invitation card rests on a gold cushioned chair surrounded by white flowers. The card features elegant script text with details about the marriage ceremony. David Bostock Photography

Rows of gold chairs line a stone aisle, which is decorated with lush arrangements of white flowers and greenery, creating an elegant and romantic setting, possibly for a wedding ceremony. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a flowing gown and veil walks arm-in-arm with an older man in a tuxedo outside a stone building, both smiling. David Bostock Photography

A groom in a black tuxedo stands facing a bride in a white gown and veil, holding a bouquet. Others stand nearby, including a woman in green, during an outdoor wedding ceremony. David Bostock Photography

A bride and groom stand smiling at an outdoor wedding ceremony, holding hands in front of seated guests. The bride wears a white gown and veil; the groom is in a black dinner suit. Greenery and flowers decorate the scene. David Bostock Photography

Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands during a wedding ceremony, with the bride in a white dress and the groom holding a book, possibly a vow book or script. David Bostock Photography

A bride and groom stand at the altar during an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests seated on gold chairs under a vaulted pavilion decorated with white flowers. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk outside at a sunny wedding ceremony, surrounded by greenery, columns, and seated guests in formal attire. David Bostock Photography

After the sweet ceremony, guests enjoyed a drinks reception on the terrace, soaking up the idyllic views. I managed to get a few requested group shots before everyone headed into the French Dining Room for the wedding breakfast.

A bride and groom smile and pose in front of a large group of well-dressed guests, who are raising glasses in celebration outdoors on a sunny day. David Bostock Photography

A bride holding a white parasol talks to a man in a tuxedo at an outdoor wedding, with guests mingling in the background. David Bostock Photography

A bride and groom kiss in front of a large group of guests dressed formally, posing together outdoors on a patchy, dry grassy area. David Bostock Photography

The couple’s opulent reception style

I’ve photographed many reception rooms, but Cliveden’s French Dining Room gets me every time. It’s a gilded dream of a room, with sumptuous décor, dramatic chandeliers and a beautiful warm glow. When it comes to reception styling you really don’t need to do much, so Georgina and Kerem let the opulence of the room do the talking.

Two women in elegant dresses stand in a lavishly decorated room with ornate walls, gold trim, white floral arrangements, and a tall tiered wedding cake. One woman holds a parasol. Tables are laid for a formal event. David Bostock Photography

Elegant ballroom with ornate gold decor, round tables set for an event, gold chairs, floral centrepieces, chandeliers, and a large tiered wedding cake on display in front of a grand mirror. David Bostock Photography

Elegant banquet table set with white tablecloth, glassware, cutlery, and a floral centrepiece, surrounded by gold chairs in a decorated room. David Bostock Photography

Beautiful white floral displays dressed the room, but it was the epic seven-tier wedding cake that stole the show. This really was next level! It was a masterpiece in white with intricately iced gold detail and fresh white roses.

Large ornate vase filled with lush white flowers and greenery, set against a gold-trimmed wall in an elegant room; part of a formal gathering with seated guests visible. David Bostock Photography

A white floral centrepiece with a card labelled Buckingham on a table set with glassware and plates, suggesting a formal event or wedding. David Bostock Photography

Tall, ornate white and gold tiered cake decorated with intricate gold designs and white flowers, reflected in a mirror behind it. David Bostock Photography

Elegant couple photos at Cliveden House

One of the joys of photographing a wedding at a venue you know inside out, is that you’ve already got the inside info on the best places for couple photography. I took Georgina and Kerem around the house and its grounds to shoot some really elegant bride and groom portraits. I love how much of a statement Georgina’s dress makes in these shots; they both look fantastic!

A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet and looks ahead, while a groom in a black dinner suit holds her hand and looks at her. They stand near stone columns and an arched doorway. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit pose on an ornate wooden staircase with statues and a large framed portrait in the background of an elegant, historic interior. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a white gown sits smiling under grand stone arches, holding a white and green bouquet, with her train spread around her on the floor. David Bostock Photography

A bride and groom dance under stone arches. The groom, in a black tuxedo, twirls the bride, who wears a white dress and veil. Sunlight filters through the arches, creating a romantic atmosphere. David Bostock Photography

A bride and groom embrace outside a grand stone building, surrounded by colourful flowers and greenery. The bride wears a white dress and veil, while the groom wears a black suit. David Bostock Photography

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a suit stand closely together under a stone archway of an old building, posing for a wedding photo. David Bostock Photography

Find a photographer for your Cliveden House wedding

Choosing a wedding photographer is a big deal. After all, these are the photos you’re going to look back on for the rest of your life, so you want them to be just right. If you’re planning a wedding at Cliveden House, or another venue across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond, please do get in touch. I’d love the chance to tell the story of your day with my photography. Click here to send me a message and I’ll get straight back to you.