Spains Hall, Essex

Spains Hall is a parkland estate just outside of the quaint village of Finchingfield and is one of my favourite venues to work at. It’s been a country estate for hundreds of years and for the last 250 of them under the careful ownership of the same family; giving it a lovely atmosphere where you feel cossetted and looked after by the great staff.

There is a stunning Elizabethan Hall within the main house where ceremonies are held. With beautiful panelled walls and huge windows, you exchange your vows amongst your chosen guests and the grand family portraits that line the walls of this gorgeous light filled room. If your celebrations are on a smaller scale you can book the Drawing Room, overlooking the gardens and the lake beyond, or the Dining Room and, if you love the idea of an outdoor ceremony they also have a beautiful summer house nestling in the pretty rose garden. Spoilt for choice.

So Much to Love about Spains Hall

Having been fortunate to have photographed a number weddings here I always find the beauty of the building set in its extensive grounds quite charming. There are cottages where you can get ready or choose the main house to prepare in a beautiful room where an antique four poster bed and family objet surround you. One of my favourite images from bridal preparations was taken here, capturing the intensity of make up and hair preparations whilst another image glimpses them through the curtains surrounding the four poster bed, from where ‘the dress’ waits patiently on its hanger nearby.

There’s ample room for your guests if you do have your ceremony in the Elizabethan Hall and an ‘aisle’ wide enough for you both to float along afterwards receiving congratulations from your guests before spilling out into the gardens that are truly stunning for after ceremony shots. Formal group shots look fantastic when taken in the gardens and they provide a romantic space amongst the magnificent trees to take time out for romance. But don’t forget about the front of the house – its beautiful red brick façade provides a great backdrop. I have a great informal group shot taken here; The group was large so with everyone clapping and cheering I ran along the group capturing everyone before stopping to do one large group. It was great fun and the bride and groom loved it.

We are blessed with so many gorgeous historic properties across the UK, some grand, some small, but each brings their own unique history to their buildings and I find the ones that are still homes bring an extra dimension to the feeling of exclusivity and privilege at being in such a place. If you are looking for somewhere that has charm, privacy and utter gorgeousness in spades this is the venue for you. Go see for yourself and I’m sure you will be taken by its charm…..

Weddings at Spains Hall


Martin & Kristen

Looking for a photographer for your Spains Hall wedding?

If you’re planning your wedding at the amazing Spains Hall and would love to have me there to capture your day, get in touch by giving me a call on 0370 626 5200, e-mail me at hello@scott-wood.uk or complete the Contact Form to request my latest brochure, check my availability or just talk through the plans that you have for your own amazing celebration.