Crathorne Hall
Crathorne Hall hotel Yarm is a luxury country house hotel located in Yarm, North Yorkshire. Built in 1906 the hotel has played host to royalty, politicians and socialites over it’s history. It is grand, yet warm and very welcoming.
Crathorne has 37 bedrooms that are all characterful, charming and exude elegance. If you are thinking of this beautiful setting for your wedding day you can take over the entire building if you wish.
The backdrop for your wedding photos is the Leven Valley. The spectacular views from the hotel will ensure fantastic wedding photos you will treasure. Crathorne Hall was purpose built for entertainment so what better place for your wedding day celebrations. A setting that mixes period features, ornate details and a dedicated wedding team to make your wedding day a dream come true.
Your indoor ceremony will take place in the Edwardian Room. The perfect aisle length, a carved ceiling and original marble fireplace give the room added grandeur. You can then add touches of your chosen colour theme to make it uniquely you. Floor to ceiling windows let the light flood in and provide views to the grounds and countryside beyond.
Crathorne Hall offers outdoor weddings which are held on the lawn where you will be framed by this impressive sized building. Saying your vows whilst listening to the sounds of nature outside can make a truly memorable wedding ceremony.
I will join you on your wedding day some 2 hours before your wedding ceremony begins. Candid photos of you enjoying this time with your friends. Your dress, shoes and jewellery make beautiful vignette photos for the early pages of your wedding album. Photos of the excitement as you spend this time with your bridal team, giggling, clinking glasses of prosecco, giving gifts. If your partner is getting ready in the hotel I can quite easily photograph both of your preps. Alternatively you can add a second photographer to your package.
Your ceremony room is being prepared as you are getting ready. This neutrally decorated room looks perfect as is. Alternatively it can be decorated in your chosen theme or colour to make your wedding day uniquely you. Comfy chairs for your wedding guests and a perfect aisle length, not too short and not too long. The windows overlook the beautiful gardens and light floods in no matter the season.
I’ll head downstairs to photograph the room before your guests arrive. Your partner may be there greeting your guests as they arrive so a great time for candid photos. I’m also ready for you as arrive to be walked down the aisle.
I photograph your wedding ceremony from the top of the aisle. This way I am close enough to catch you walking down the aisle and hopefully your partners reaction too. If you’ve added a second photographer they will be at the bottom and photograph from a different vantage point. This gives you lots of photos from different angles. I’m very unobtrusive when photographing your wedding ceremony.
This time is the very heart of your day. It shouldn’t be interrupted by flashes firing and walking around. Experience has taught me where to be and at what time to ensure I get photographs of your vows. Also your ring exchange and the all important first kiss. The registrars will set up a mock signing photo for you. Your guests will also love to get this photo and will be invited to do so if you wish.
Unplugged ceremonies became very popular around 5 years ago and are actually a really great thing. I would encourage your guests to take lots of photos during the day. However the ceremony is a time for them to give you their full attention. You want to see their faces as you traverse the aisle not the back of their phones. Please do give this some thought.
Crathorne Hall wedding photography
You’ve both said your wedding vows and you’re finally married, how amazing is that ! We can set up a confetti tunnel if you’ve chosen to have one. There’ll be welcome drinks and canapes for your guests as they gather around to offer you their congratulations. I’ll stand back at this time and take candid photographs. Then, as we have a captive audience, I’d suggest this is a good time for any group and family photos you would like.
In the run up to your wedding day I’ll have sent you a final details form. On this you can write any family and friend groupings you would like. I typically ask a bridesmaid or groomsmen to assist making this process quick and painless. We don’t want to upset the run of your day. We do want these all important photos as a record of those who spent this day with you.
As your guests are milling around and enjoying the day maybe you’d like to sneak off for a walk and some photos of the 2 of you. This isn’t a staged photoshoot by any stretch I will just gently pose you to gibe you fabulous yet natural looking portraits that will take price of place in your wedding album. The choices for your wedding photos are endless. We can spend as much or as little time doing these as you’d like. Most couples comment afterwards that they loved this little bit of time alone together and were really happy they’d done it.
Rather than one big photo session I prefer to intersperse your staged photos with a candid, documentary style that tells the real story of your day. I will grab you at stages throughout the day so you will barely notice a disruption but will also get those all important photos of the bridal party.
Your ceremony room will have been transformed. Your cake is in place and all these smaller details that you poured your heart into choosing will be laid out on tables to welcome your guests. These fabulous little touches are what make your day uniquely you. With your guests taking their place for the wedding breakfast you’ll be announced into the room to rapturous applause and shouts of congratulations. Many couples prefer to have their wedding speeches first. People not used to public speaking are often nervous. This means it’s a good idea to do them and then they can relax and enjoy their meal.
If you’d like some night time photos we can do this now. You might enjoy a bit of fresh air and to walk off your wedding meal. This will prepare you nicely for the dance floor.
First we need to cut the wedding cake. Guests will grab their phones and love this photo opportunity. Then you can make your way to the dance floor for your first dance together as a married couple.
My full day packages all include either a photobook or wedding album. I’m a firm believer in printing your memories and this is a family heirloom to pass down. A record of those who shared your wedding day. If you are planning your wedding in this truly wonderful venue please do get in touch. Lets see how I can help with your wedding day. Further information about my packages is here.
Blackwell Grange Hotel- Darlington Wedding Photographer
