This venue needs no introduction!

I photographed my first wedding at the Larmer Tree Gardens in September 2010 (at the time I was working at a design agency in Hampshire), and it occurred to me last summer, in 2025, that I’ve been photographing weddings at the Garden’s every year since 2010 without fail – 15 years! And with more booked-in this year and next, that’ll make it 17 years and counting! I’ve photographed more than 37 weddings at the Gardens (some I can’t feature on here for security reasons) – that’s likely more weddings photographed at the Larmer Tree Gardens than any other Hampshire wedding photographer – and possibly in the country. I’d like to think so anyway.

So I thought I’ve got to shout about this on my blog!

At first, I wanted to get this live towards the end of last year, but this post has grown somewhat in what it is. Initially, it was purely going to be a collection of my favourite photographs from the past 15 years (still a big task in itself), but it soon became apparent as I was trawling through thousands of photographs that this post was going to be more than that.

The Garden’s have changed over that time and so I could highlight some of those things for posterity. I’ve also come to learn what ideas work really well for a good fun day at the Larmer Tree Gardens and thought I’d share some of these too as a useful resource.

2010

I had only photographed 3-4 weddings by this time (my first in 2008). This was the wedding that made me think ‘I could do this for a living’. I’m forever grateful to these two for having me capture their day. Sadly I don’t seem to have a back-up of the original images from their wedding any longer. Below is a post taken from my Instagram feed highlighting some of the images. I can’t believe this was over 15 years ago now!

2011

I was back again. This year was the one where I handed in my notice and became a full-time wedding photographer.

Back in 2011, there was no Pavilion dinning room. The wedding breakfasts were held in the Jubilee Hall and at that time there was also no bar in the Jubilee Hall.

2012

I photographed four weddings at the Larmer Tree Gardens this year. These images are some of my favourites from 2012:

This year I photographed an intimate ceremony in the upper floor of the Lower Indian Room. I began to encourage my couples to sign their names on the back of the Singing Theatre, and started to take the big group photo of ‘everyone’ on the stage of the Singing Theatre (which I still do to this day).

Back then, couples would use the Dell in the evening by setting out lanterns onto the pond. Whilst this no longer happens, making use of the gardens in the summer evenings is a must in my opinion.

2013

This was a quieter year for weddings for all suppliers (likely because of the number), but I still had a couple of beautiful weddings here. Again starting with my favourites:

I photographed my first ceremony using the ground floor of the Lower Indian Room:

Live music from the Singing Theatre is another must. I was a fan of the old striped deck chairs that lined the front. This year a groom stage dived from the stage (a very memorable moment and one that hasn’t been repeated since). A game of rounders on the Lawn in the evening is also another recommend from me.

2014

The new Pavilion dinning room was now open and I photographed my first wedding breakfasts in the new space (note the original green chairs):

The Larmer Tree, for me, has always been synonymous with their Peacocks. They’re right characters and they know it!

A game of badminton on the main lawn is always a win in my opinion:

2015

This was the first time I stopped on the venue’s long drive, with the bride and groom, and captured some pictures of the couple with their wedding car.

And once again, the Garden’s animals were putting on a show:

Live music during the drinks reception from the Singing Theatre, and s’mores on the Jubilee Hall’s terrace at night are a win!

2016

My highlight from this year was taken at the Roman Temple (my favourite building) looking out toward the Dell.

Sadly the pair of Macaw parrots are no longer around. I love the one where one of them is watching the caterer (ForkingOut) cook on the BBQ.

This was the last year I saw guests lighting lanterns in the evening and setting them down at the Dell. It was also the year the festoon lighting leading to the Jubilee Hall was added.

A strong contender for my best peacock photo:

2017

This year started very strong with an epic February winter wedding.

Complete with Mariachi band!

This was the year I first photographed bridal prep at the newly bequeathed King John’s House.

Here’s another highlight from 2017:

2018

I photographed some stunning weddings at the Garden’s this year.

Here are a handful of other great little moments captured this year (live music – The Royal T’s featured, lawn croquet, giant Jenga, s’mores – what’s not to love!)

2019

A sunset stroll to the Folly is another little recommend from me.

Below are a few more highlights from this year:

And a few highlights of the grounds looking stunning:

2020

The pandemic!

2021

I captured one of my all time favourite photographs at the Garden’s:

A few more favourites and highlights from this year:

My brother and sister-in-law celebrated their wedding reception here this year too.

A huge thank you to Lawrence & Rachel who booked me back in 2010, and to Gail for the many many subsequent referrals, recommendations and bookings. Part 2 (2022-2025) coming soon…