A Dream Wedding at Melchet Court: Hampshire’s Newest Ultimate Romantic Wedding Venue
As a wedding photographer, there’s always something wonderful about photographing an event, but when it’s a wedding showcase at a brand new venue, the excitement is even greater. I had the pleasure of photographing a recent showcase at Melchet Court on the Hampshire Wiltshire border, and let me tell you—this place has some serious potential to become a go-to venue for couples planning their big day. Not only was the venue absolutely stunning, but it also brought together an incredible team of talented wedding vendors, each one contributing their own unique touch to create an unforgettable experience for engaged couples.
Walking into Melchet Court for the first time is nothing short of magical. The venue, nestled in the heart of Hampshire’s sheep-filled countryside, combines a perfect balance of manor house grandeur and architectural charm. The light-filled rooms, with enormous picture windows, sweeping staircase, and blossoming outdoor spaces provide a photographer with endless creative opportunities.
On this particular day, the venue was in full bloom, hosting a variety of top-tier wedding vendors who had all come together to showcase their talents. From the grand entrance hall to the breathtaking outdoor alcove, the venue was transformed into a wedding dream world, and I couldn’t wait to get started taking photos.
The showcase kicked off with the wonderful Quintessential Toastmaster, Michael Christie, who welcomed guests into the grand entrance hall. His lively and warm introduction set the tone for the day, giving everyone a glimpse of what was to come. As a photographer, I love moments like these—when the energy is high, and there’s that initial spark of excitement. It would be difficult to not be excited when you first see Melchet Court, as you have to drive under a beautiful entrance gate, and past the lake and fields of sheep to get to the venue. It’s the perfect start to a day filled with love, laughter, and stunning visuals.
One of the first areas I photographed was the beautiful outdoor alcove, where Pomp and Petals had created an absolute showstopper. A large urn, overflowing with seasonal blooms, was placed perfectly in the centre of the space, surrounded by greenery and soft, natural light. It’s these kinds of details that really make wedding photos pop. The flowers added an element of romance and whimsy, and I was lucky to capture some stunning shots of the florals, as well as some of the beautiful bouquets which decorated the top table in the dining hall.
Walking through the showcase, I was also lucky to capture the beauty team in action. Two talented hairdressers, Rachael Smith Hairdressing and Lucy Wellgreen Hair Stylist were ready to work their magic on brides-to-be, while Bridal By Zena, Makeup Artist was ready to create fresh, glowing looks. Avenue 51 Bridal was also at the showcase, with a selection of some of the most stunning wedding gowns I have ever seen!
No wedding showcase would be complete without a Celebrant. Kim the Celebrant was with us at Melchet Court, showing everyone that celebrant-led ceremonies are so much more personalised and intimate than a registrar-led ceremony.
We also had Candidly Ever After with us, taking behind the scenes videos, just like if you were to have a content creator at your wedding.
The collaboration between all the creative vendors was seamless. The way each vendor added their personal touch—whether it was hair and makeup, or the beautiful decor—created a space where couples could imagine their dream wedding coming together. I also got the chance to snap some behind-the-scenes shots, which, as any photographer knows, always provide a little extra magic to a wedding story. Of course, no wedding showcase is complete without a photographer, and I was fortunate enough to team up with two fellow photographers for the event. We worked together to capture all the details, interactions, and moments that make a showcase like this so special.
One of the most awe-inspiring features of Melchet Court is the grand staircase that leads into the entrance hall. It’s dramatic, elegant, and perfect for wedding portraits. The Little Green Florist had decorated the staircase with an array of soft, lush flowers, creating a visually stunning focal point. The florals cascaded down the bannister, giving the space an added air of luxury and romance. Every photographer loves working with a feature like this, as it creates a beautiful frame for couples’ portraits.
It was easy to imagine a couple walking down this staircase for their grand entrance—picture-perfect moments waiting to be captured!
Without a doubt, my favourite moment of the day came when I got to hold not one, but two owls. That’s right! The lovely CSR Falconry was showcasing two beautiful owls that are available for couples who want a truly unique wedding experience—having owls deliver the wedding rings down the aisle! It was such a fun and memorable part of the event, and it provided me with an excellent photo opportunity... for myself that is. I got to hold the owls! Holding these beautiful birds while they gently perched on my arm was a surreal experience. Honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling.
Beyond the stunning decor and floral displays, there were some amazing wedding treats at the showcase. Two talented cake makers were on hand, showcasing their craft. The Cherished Cake makes incredibly elaborate cakes, with sugar roses that looked so real you could almost smell them. Kasserina's Cakes are equally impressive, offering more simplistic but equally beautiful designs, which were absolutely delicious!
Outside, the Sip Coffee cart was a popular stop for guests and suppliers alike, looking to indulge in some delicious brews. The aroma of fresh coffee in the air made the whole experience even more delightful. And who could forget the Treat Yourself Hire sweet cart? A true highlight for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Peachy Productions lighting and production company had transformed the venue with their stunning lighting displays, highlighting key architectural features of the venue and bringing a certain warmth and glow to the space. The dramatic lighting really helped set the mood and created the perfect environment for photography. From highlighting the William Morris original wallpaper with up lights to the soft glow illuminating the chapel, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Speaking of magical, we also had David Major Magician at the showcase, showing off his incredible talents.
Finally, I photographed the chapel and dining hall—both of which had been beautifully decorated by The House of Styling. The chapel featured a delicate chiffon-draped square arch with tea lights lining the aisle, adding a romantic glow. Not too much to overpower the stunning chapel ceiling, but just enough to give the chapel a lovely wedding vibe. Meanwhile, the dining hall had been set with elegant shades of blue, and the napkins had been folded into lilies—folded lovingly by myself! Every table was a work of art, with stationery from the wonderfully talented Alison Jane Calligraphy, adding a personalised touch that would make any couple’s wedding day feel uniquely theirs.
The showcase wasn’t just about capturing stunning photos; it was also about networking with some incredible vendors. I had the pleasure of meeting so many talented professionals—florists, planners, entertainers, and more—and it was a great opportunity to make new connections and share ideas. After all, building relationships with fellow vendors is what makes the wedding industry such a supportive and inspiring community.
The wedding showcase at Melchet Court was truly an unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking decor to the talented vendors, it was a day filled with inspiration, creativity, and excitement. I’m so grateful to have been part of such a special event, and I look forward to photographing many weddings at this incredible venue in the future.
For anyone considering Melchet Court for their big day, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a venue that’s as stunning as it is versatile, and I’m sure it will become one of Hampshire’s most sought-after locations for weddings in the years to come.
