Planning a Parley Manor wedding? A fun guide to Wedding Photography at Parley Manor — best photo spots, garden ceremony magic and how to get amazing wedding photos without awkward posing.

Lulworth Castle Wedding Photography

If you’re getting married at Parley Manor, you’ve basically chosen the wedding venue equivalent of a romantic period drama.

Secret garden vibes. Ivy everywhere. Walled gardens. Old manor house. It’s giving Bridgerton but with prosecco and a DJ.

From a Wedding Photography at Parley Manor point of view… it’s an absolute gift.


Why Parley Manor is such a dream venue

Some venues are all about the building.
Some venues are all about the views.

Parley Manor said: why not both?

You get:
• A beautiful historic manor house
• Gorgeous walled gardens (seriously good)
• Outdoor ceremony space that feels like a secret garden
• Lovely indoor backup options
• Everything close together (no disappearing acts)
• A super relaxed, romantic atmosphere

It’s elegant without being stuffy. Fancy without being formal. Perfect.


The outdoor ceremony (aka the showstopper)

Let’s start with the star of the show.

The outdoor ceremony space at Parley Manor is ridiculous in the best way. Walled garden, flowers, greenery, soft light… it feels private and intimate even with all your guests watching.

From a Wedding Photography at Parley Manor point of view… it’s an absolute gift. As a Dorset wedding photographer, it’s one of my favourite venues to shoot at.

• Beautiful soft light
• Gorgeous natural backgrounds
• No harsh shadows
• Everyone looks amazing

Outdoor ceremonies here are chef’s kiss.


The gardens = photography playground

Parley Manor gardens are honestly one of the best photo backdrops in Dorset.

Everywhere you walk there’s:
• Ivy walls
• Flower beds
• Hidden corners
• Tree-lined paths
• Perfect soft shade

You could wander for five minutes and get a full gallery of couple photos without even trying.

This venue does a lot of the heavy lifting for Wedding Photography at Parley Manor.


Couple photos without missing your wedding

My favourite thing about this venue? You don’t need to disappear for ages.

We sneak off for:
• 10 minutes after the ceremony
• 10 minutes at sunset

That’s it. You get amazing photos AND you get to enjoy your day. Revolutionary.


Golden hour at Parley Manor = romantic movie mode

When the sun drops behind the trees, the gardens glow.

Soft warm light. Long shadows. Romantic vibes everywhere.

These are the photos couples always print, frame and show off forever.

Golden hour here never disappoints.


Drinks reception & candid moments

The lawn and gardens are perfect for relaxed drinks reception photos.

Guests spread out, kids run around, hugs happen, drinks flow… all the natural storytelling moments kick in.

Basically, the good stuff.


Group photos (easy mode)

Loads of space. Clean backgrounds. Beautiful greenery.

No squeezing into awkward spaces. No chaos. Just quick, relaxed group photos so you can get back to the party.


Evening celebrations

When the evening kicks in, Parley Manor turns into a proper celebration space.

Fairy lights. Warm atmosphere. Big dance floor energy.

This is where ties come off, shoes disappear and dance moves get questionable.

My favourite part of the day.


Tips if you’re getting married here

Plan sunset photos — the gardens glow and it’s worth it.

Trust the outdoor ceremony — it’s one of the best in Dorset.

Relax and enjoy the venue — it’s designed for mingling and fun.

Don’t stress about rain — indoor options are great too.


Final thoughts

Parley Manor weddings are romantic, relaxed and ridiculously photogenic. It’s one of Dorset’s best venues for natural, fun storytelling photography.

If you’re planning your wedding and searching for Wedding Photography at Parley Manor, I’d love to hear about your plans.

Planning your wedding?

If you’re looking for a relaxed Dorset wedding photographer, or specifically a Bournemouth wedding photographer capturing natural moments, you can explore my full wedding photography portfolio, take a look at my wedding photography packages, or add wedding videography to your day.

If you’d like to chat about your plans or check availability, feel free to get in touch.