It was a real privilege to be Pragya and Charlie’s Manor By The Lake wedding photographer. Not only is Manor By The Lake one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the Cotswolds, but Cheltenham also holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I studied photography and lived for three years. Getting to come back with a camera in hand and to do it somewhere as beautiful as this, always feels a bit special.
Manor by the Lake has that rare combination of grandeur and charm. There’s the Victorian manor itself, the lake tucked into the grounds, the neat gardens, the reception rooms that feels really elegant. From the Italian Pavilion through to the Grand Ballroom, it’s the kind of place where you can’t really go wrong, every corner gives you a backdrop that suits natural, polished wedding photographs.
Looking for a Photographer for your Manor by the Lake wedding?
If you’re planning your day at Manor by the Lake and want someone to photograph it in a relaxed & authentic way, I’d love to hear from you. Use my Contact Page to get in touch and find out about my availability.
No additional travel costs for Manor by the Lake weddings
Why Manor By The Lake Is One of the Most Beautiful Wedding Venues in Cheltenham
Some venues are impressive on paper, Manor by the Lake is even better in person. If you’ve picked it for your wedding, you’ve chosen one of the most camera friendly spots in the Cotswolds, there are photo opportunities everywhere you look. It’s an award-winning, exclusive-use venue that pairs a Victorian manor with seven acres of gardens, a romantic lake, and reception spaces that feel timeless. The Italian Pavilion and Grand Ballroom get mentioned a lot for good reason, but honestly, the whole place photographs beautifully. From a photographer’s point of view, Manor by the Lake is a dream. It manages to feel luxurious without being stiff. The gardens are immaculate, the lake is stunning, the interior rooms are rich and bright in all the right ways and having twelve thoughtfully designed bedrooms means couples can turn it into a proper wedding weekend with the people they love.
What I enjoy most is the variety. You can have vows in the Italian Pavilion, drinks on the lawn with that lake view and a full-on evening celebration in the Grand Ballroom.
When it comes to portraits and candid moments, there’s so much choice that it never feels repetitive.
Wedding Photography at Manor By The Lake
Photographing here is always a pleasure. Indoors you get lovely natural light, outdoors you’ve got endless options. Bridal prep in one of the bedrooms, guests wandering through the gardens, portraits by the lake, or a classic shot in front of the manor façade, it all works.
Another thing Manor by the Lake does well is giving you a varied set of images without needing to go anywhere else. The architecture brings that sense of occasion, while the gardens and water soften everything and keep portraits feeling natural. Golden hour here is something else. As the sun drops, the light turns gentle and warm, perfect for slipping away for a few minutes together.
My Photography Connection to Cheltenham
This venue meant even more to photograph because Cheltenham is where I learned photography. It’s such a beautiful area, it was the perfect place to study photography in a hands-on way. My degree involved shooting on 35mm film and medium format cameras, doing placements on film sets and assisting on fashion and advertising shoots in London. I also photographed celebrities and authors at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, including Joanna Lumley, Jarvis Cocker and Caitlin Moran to name a few!
I loved learning about photography so much that I graduated with a First-Class degree and received an award for achieving the highest mark across all art and design courses for the 3 years…
So yes, I am unapologetically a massive PHOTOGRAPHY NERD.
I actually photographed some of my earliest weddings while still at university and I’m genuinely proud to say I’ve been working professionally ever since. Coming back to Cheltenham for a wedding at Manor by the Lake felt like a full-circle moment and I’ll always take an excuse to revisit my old stomping ground!
Pragya and Charlie’s Manor By The Lake Wedding Renewal.
I was genuinely excited when Pragya and Charlie asked me to photograph their vow renewal at Manor by the Lake, especially since I’d already photographed their intimate town hall wedding in London. Knowing they both loved the photos and enjoyed the experience enough to book me again meant a lot. When I found out they’d chosen Manor by the Lake, I was even happier, it’s one of the most elegant venues in Gloucestershire and it brought me right back to Cheltenham.
Their celebration was warm, joyful and full of energy. The setting suited everything, heartfelt vows outdoors, fun smoke bomb portraits and champagne spray in front of the manor.
Best Photo Locations at Manor By The Lake
One reason couples love Manor by the Lake is the sheer range of backdrops across the grounds. (it’s also why photographers like me love it!)
- The Romantic Lake – The lake at Manor By The Lake is ideal for timeless portraits, especially during golden hour.
- The Italian Pavilion at Manor By The Lake is a stunning ceremony location and a beautiful architectural feature.
- The Grand Ballroom at Manor By The Lake offers a luxurious setting for speeches, dining, and dancing.
- The Manicured Gardens – The gardens at Manor By The Lake provide a mix of formal elegance and natural beauty.
- The Historic Manor House – The Victorian façade of Manor By The Lake creates a classic and sophisticated backdrop.
My Approach to Manor By The Lake Wedding Photography
My style is natural, relaxed and unobtrusive. At Manor by the Lake, I focus on real moments as they happen, while also making time for portraits that take advantage of the surroundings. I’ve got over a decade of professional photography experience across fashion, celebrity portraiture and weddings. I pay close attention to light, composition and genuine emotion. The result is a gallery of photographs that feel vibrant, colourful and full of personality.
Planning Your Wedding at Manor By The Lake
If you’re getting married at Manor By The Lake, you’re choosing one of the best wedding venues in Cheltenham. And if you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to capture both the beauty of Manor By The Lake and the real moments that make your day unique, I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch to find out more about my wedding photography and to discuss your plans for Manor By The Lake.
Manor By The Lake FAQs
Where are the best photo locations at Manor by the Lake?
Some of the best photo spots at Manor by the Lake include the Italian gardens, the lakeside, the grand staircase and the beautiful ceremony rooms.
Can you have an outdoor wedding ceremony at Manor by the Lake?
Yes, Manor by the Lake offers multiple options for outdoor ceremonies, including in their beautiful Italian gardens. This picturesque setting is perfect for couples who want to say their vows surrounded by manicured lawns, mature trees and elegant architecture. It also provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photographs.
Does Manor by the Lake offer exclusive use for weddings?
Yes, Manor by the Lake is available on an exclusive use basis, meaning you and your guests have private access to the venue and grounds throughout your wedding day. This gives your celebration a relaxed and intimate feel, with plenty of opportunities to make the most of the venue’s impressive interiors and gardens for your photographs.
Manor By The Lake Address & Phone number
Hatherley Ln, Cheltenham GL51 6PN
