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The Best Wedding Venues in Hampshire (From a Photographer Who’s Actually Shot at Them)

Right, venue talk! Hampshire is RIDICULOUSLY spoilt for wedding venues. Seafront hotels, castles, barns, gardens, little churches with more character than most people I know… and I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings at loads of them.

So this isn’t a list I’ve pinched off Google. These are venues I’ve actually stood in, flashes in hand, and this is what I genuinely think makes each one brilliant for photos. I’m Emma, a fun and candid Hampshire wedding photographer based in Portsmouth and ranked top ten in the world for flash. Let’s go!

Jump to a venue

By the coast: The Queens Hotel, The Square Tower, Southsea Castle, The Alverbank, St Mary’s Portchester, Portsmouth Registry Office, St Thomas à Becket, Warblington, Newtown House Hotel, Tournerbury Woods, Langstone Quays

Countryside, gardens and rivers: Houghton Lodge Gardens, Kimbridge Barn, The Master Builder’s, Old Thorns, Skylark

Winchester: Winchester Registry Office

The Queens Hotel, Southsea

Silhouette of the bride and groom against a dramatic sunset with a mirror reflection on Southsea seafront

If I could shoot one venue every weekend, this might be it! The Queens is a grand seafront hotel with a gorgeous ballroom, a sweeping staircase, a painted dome and that famous canopy out front, which looks INCREDIBLE lit up at night. Then you’ve got Southsea seafront a few steps away for sunset portraits. And yes, that reflection shot above really is Southsea!

Bride and groom standing under the illuminated canopy sign at The Queens Hotel Southsea at night

Whitney and John gave me some of my favourite images EVER here, and some of the best giggles. Whitney had the registrar call one of the guests up to read out a “poem” during the ceremony… which turned out to be the lyrics to C’est La Vie by B*Witched. ICONIC. Next time I’m back I’m stealing even more portraits in the lobby, because it’s absolutely begging for flash. Hint hint, Queens Hotel couples!

See Whitney and John’s Queens Hotel wedding, their flash-lit portraits after dark, or my full Queens Hotel wedding photographer guide.

The Square Tower, Old Portsmouth

First kiss lit with off camera flash in the vaulted brick ceremony room at The Square Tower

Oh, this one. A stunning vaulted brick ceremony room bursting with history, right on the water in Old Portsmouth, plus a rooftop with views to die for. It’s quite dark inside though, which is EXACTLY where my flash comes in.

For Vicki and Luke’s ceremony I lit up the whole room, so every face, every brick and that first kiss are bright, crisp and full of colour. No dark, grainy ceremony photos here, thank you very much! And Luke? Luke did NOT want his picture taken. His mum told me she didn’t have a single photo of him smiling. Well, she does now. LOADS of them! I’ve shot two weddings here, one with flash and one without, and put them side by side so you can see the difference for yourself.

See Vicki and Luke’s Square Tower wedding, flash vs no flash at The Square Tower, or my Square Tower wedding photographer guide.

Houghton Lodge Gardens, Stockbridge

Couple in front of the thatched lodge at Houghton Lodge Gardens, Hampshire

This place is a PLAYGROUND for photographers. A gorgeous lodge house, a walled garden bursting with flowers, big sweeping lawns and the River Test running right alongside for golden hour. Everywhere you turn there’s another beautiful spot to play with.

Esta and Joe were an absolute dream to photograph here and I’d go back in a heartbeat. See Esta and Joe’s Houghton Lodge Gardens wedding.

The Alverbank, Gosport

Flash lit bridal portrait on the landing at The Alverbank with a chandelier and mirror reflection
From my styled bridal shoot at The Alverbank

What a hidden gem! Grand staircases, a chandelier-lit landing, leaded windows, rich colourful rooms and gardens outside. I shot a styled bridal shoot here and fell head over heels. The staff were so lovely and there’s a real family team feel to the place.

I’d LOVE to photograph a full wedding day here, so if you’re getting married at The Alverbank, give me a shout! Have a nosy at my Alverbank styled shoot.

Southsea Castle, Southsea

Southsea Castle lighthouse at Ashbys and Southsea Castle, styled shoot
From a styled shoot at Southsea Castle

A castle, sea views AND a lighthouse? Need I say more! Southsea Castle is about as local as it gets for me, and it’s built for drama. That lighthouse shot is from a styled shoot I did there (look at those skies!).

Molly and Kerry had their colourful ceremony at the castle, and my top tip is to give yourselves a little time after the ceremony for portraits around the walls and the lighthouse. Trust me, it’s worth it! See Molly and Kerry’s Southsea Castle wedding or my Southsea Castle wedding photographer guide.

St Mary’s Church, Portchester

Groom kissing the bride by the castle walls at St Mary’s Church, Portchester

A cute little church inside the walls of Portchester Castle, and for some reason the weather goes a bit wild EVERY time I shoot there. I love it though. The wind, the moody clouds, the drama!

There’s a café right next to the church, so I always ask my couples’ guests to do the cheer line one way and throw confetti the other, so the café isn’t in the background. Does anyone ever listen? Nope! Confetti ends up flying in both directions, everyone looks very confused and the bride is usually in fits of giggles. Some of my favourite photos come out of that chaos. See Dragana and Tim’s blustery St Mary’s wedding.

Kimbridge Barn, Test Valley

Bride and groom kissing at golden hour at Kimbridge Barn, Hampshire

A gorgeous barn near Romsey, with pretty gardens and long grasses that look lush at golden hour. No sunset? We can make one! That’s exactly what I did for Jon and Zoe, and it’s still one of my favourite shots.

I’ve got a whole list of new ideas I’m itching to try here, so Kimbridge couples, let’s talk! See Jon and Zoe’s Winchester and Kimbridge Barn wedding and a summer wedding at Kimbridge Barn (where I was second shooter). Or have a nosy at my full Kimbridge Barn wedding photographer guide.

Winchester Registry Office (and the Military Museums)

Couple in the formal gardens at Winchester Register Office

I love it here! Winchester Registry Office feels a lot less rushed than some registry offices, which means more time for the fun stuff. Even better, the Military Museums are just up the road, with grand buildings and perfectly trimmed gardens. It’s one of my favourite spots for couples portraits and SO cute for photos.

See Daisy and Will’s Winchester micro wedding, Jon and Zoe’s wedding, or my Winchester Registry Office wedding photographer guide.

Old Thorns, Liphook

Couple with sweeping golf course views at Old Thorns Hotel and Resort, Liphook

I’ve photographed weddings at Old Thorns as a second photographer, and wow, those views over the golf course and the countryside! It’s a big, beautiful resort with loads of space to explore.

I would LOVE to come back as your lead photographer and explore it properly in my own style, so if you’re getting married at Old Thorns, let’s chat! See a fun-filled Old Thorns wedding and another Old Thorns wedding.

The Master Builder’s, Buckler’s Hard

Bride and groom by the Beaulieu River at their Master Builder's wedding, Buckler's Hard

A riverside wedding on the Beaulieu River, with boats bobbing about and the prettiest little village right on the doorstep. Jennifer and Gareth booked my Essentials package, so I didn’t get to explore all of it, but I spotted SO many nooks and crannies I’m desperate to go back for. See Jennifer and Gareth’s Buckler’s Hard wedding.

St Thomas à Becket Church, Warblington

St Thomas à Becket Church in Warblington, Hampshire, with the bride and groom in the doorway

A beautiful church with bags of character, and the priest was so funny and charming that the whole ceremony felt relaxed from the off. Sally and Dave even recreated a family wedding photo in the church doorway, which was just the best! See Sally and Dave’s Warblington micro wedding.

Newtown House Hotel, Hayling Island

Golden hour cuddle at Newtown House Hotel, Hayling Island

I’ve photographed weddings and a vow renewal here now, and the thing I love most is the team. They’re so friendly and work together like one big family, which makes the whole day feel relaxed and easy for everyone. It’s a fun, laid back venue for couples who want a proper party, and the gardens are lovely for golden hour.

See Ellie and Warren’s festival-vibes wedding, Jess and Luke’s wedding, Stacey and Scott’s wedding, Toni and Vikki’s winter vow renewal, or my Newtown House Hotel wedding photographer guide.

Tournerbury Woods Estate, Hayling Island

Golden hour portrait of the newlyweds at Tournerbury Woods Estate, Hayling Island

Woodland, a lake and dappled light, all tucked away on Hayling Island. Paige and George weren’t fussed about couples portraits at all (camera shy? Good, most of my couples are!), so I grabbed them for just a few minutes by the lake at golden hour, and look what we got. Quick, painless and done before anyone got fed up! See Paige and George’s Tournerbury Woods wedding.

Langstone Quays Resort, Hayling Island

Groom kissing the bride by Langstone Harbour at Langstone Quays Resort, Hayling Island

Langstone holds a special place in my heart because I got married there myself! The views over Langstone Harbour are beautiful and really come alive at sunset. My top tip: flash is your best friend here if you want to make the most of that harbour backdrop, especially for your exit and signing the register. See Chris and Jenny’s Langstone Quays wedding.

Portsmouth Registry Office

Bride walking down the stairs at Portsmouth Register Office

I’ve photographed four weddings here now! It’s a lovely spot, especially the reception area and that pretty staircase. In summer it’s very much one in, one out, so we work quickly, but I know exactly where to grab the best shots in the time we have. See Michael and Cailey’s wedding, Sam and Warren’s Portsmouth wedding or my Portsmouth Registry Office wedding photographer guide.

Skylark Golf & Country Club, Whiteley

Bride and groom walking hand in hand on an autumn path at Skylark Golf and Country Club, Whiteley

Golf course greens and big open skies make for lovely golden hour portraits here, and a sunset with a bit of flash goes a long way. See Amber and Phil’s summer wedding, Laura and Andy’s autumn wedding, or my Skylark wedding photographer guide.

A few more Hampshire venues I’ve photographed

  • The Churchillian, Portsdown Hill, where Sam and Warren had their reception, with some lovely spots for couples portraits. See their wedding.
  • The Barn at Avington, Winchester, which I shot as a second photographer. See the wedding.
  • John Pounds Church, Old Portsmouth, for Sadie and Antonio’s wedding, with portraits by the sea wall. See their wedding.

Hampshire Wedding Venue FAQs

What’s the best wedding venue in Hampshire for photos?

Honestly? The one that feels like you! If you want gardens and golden hour, Houghton Lodge Gardens is a dream. For grand interiors and seafront sunsets, The Queens Hotel in Southsea is hard to beat. And if you love history and character, The Square Tower in Old Portsmouth is brilliant, especially with a bit of flash.

Do you charge travel for Hampshire weddings?

Nope! There are no travel fees for any wedding up to an hour and a half from Portsmouth, which covers the whole of Hampshire, plus West Sussex and Surrey.

Will you photograph a venue you’ve never been to?

Absolutely, I’m always up for somewhere new! I bring my lights to every wedding, so dark rooms, grey skies and tricky spots don’t scare me.

What if it rains on our wedding day?

Don’t panic! Because I bring my lights everywhere, rainy days can still give you bright, punchy photos indoors. And if you fancy it, a bit of rain and flash can look properly dramatic outside too.

Getting married somewhere else in Hampshire?

Don’t panic! These are just the venues I’ve shot so far, and I’m always up for somewhere new. Have a nosy at my Hampshire wedding photographer page, my Portsmouth wedding photographer page or my portfolio. When you’re ready, check my date and tell me all about your plans!

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