When you seek out your venue, do have your photographer's availability to hand. Many top photographers have instant availability checkers online to help you set a date for your wedding.

Fantastic grounds and landscaped gardens are great when the sun is out. If photography is high on your list of priorities you will want to choose a venue that can provide covered places and rooms away from the guests where you can go for photographs if it is raining.

Select a reception venue with a manager that will let you choose the timings of your day.

Avoid a venue that insists you use their 'approved' suppliers. Stay flexible and enjoy making your day unique.

 

A reception venue and its staff will help set the style and pace of the day. From city slick hotels to chic country houses, here are a few of our favourite venues. We have found them all to have the magical qualities required for a fantastic wedding:

Highfield Park, Hook, Hampshire.

Warbrook House, Hook, Hampshire.

The Clock Barn, Whitchurch, Hampshire.

The Elvetham Wedding Venue in Hampshire.

The Vyne, Hampshire.

Easthamstead Park, Berkshire.

Aldermarston Manor, Berkshire.

Royal Berkshire Hotel, Sunningdale.

St Audries Park, Somerset.

Pohawn Fort, Cornwall.

The Lismoyne Hotel, Fleet.