My wedding photography style is a mix of informal documentary coverage and relaxed and fun portraits, and Hogarths Hotel is a perfect venue for this. The grounds provide a colourful backdrop for natural photos during the wedding reception, and the outdoor ceremony area is an ideal space for exchanging vows (in flattering natural light). I loved capturing some great wedding photos of the couple in the extensive gardens of this gorgeous wedding venue.
Hogarths Hotel Solihull Wedding Photography
Hogarths Hotel is a unique wedding venue with beautiful rooms, stunning grounds and gorgeous views. Situated on 27 acres of woodland and open countryside, Hogarths is perfect for wedding photography. You’d be amazed at how close it is to Birmingham Airport and the motorway. When I was there, they were still recovering from a flash flood, but they’d pulled out all the stops to get the place back up and running and did a fantastic job.
Jen & Syd at Hogarths Hotel
I first met Jen and Syd when I did the wedding photography for Mark and Tim. You can read about their wedding here (it was awesome). Jen is Tim’s sister. After seeing how I work and how good my wedding photography is, she contacted me via my contact page. This was all pre-covid, so there was some uncertainty over the date when the pandemic struck. However, we worked together and found a wedding day that worked for all of us. They were initially still determining where they were going to get married, but when they shared this venue with me, I was excited about their Hogarths Hotel wedding photography.
Hogarths Hotel in Solihull is further than I usually like to travel to photograph a wedding. But for the right couples, it’s never an issue.
The Morning
My journey down to Hogarths was just over 2 hours, but the roads were flowing, and thankfully, my start time on their big day was pretty early. I arrived in plenty of time, so rather than going straight to Jen, I took a walk around some of the grounds looking for good portrait locations and checked out the ceremony area. After that, I talked to Chantelle, the coordinator, and we discussed the day ahead. It was unfortunate that they’d had the flooding at the hotel. But this was great for Jen and Syd as they had the whole venue to themselves. I then went up to Jen’s room to photograph her prep.
Looking for a Grains Bar wedding photographer? Check out my packages, portfolio and contact me.
Hogarths Hotel Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony went well, and we got a few couple portraits straight after on the bridge from over the water there. The venue area is on a small island created by a bow in the stream, making Hogarths Hotel wedding photography special.
The weather on their wedding day was glorious, so we could move straight on to the confetti shots and family photos. We walked back up to Hogarths Hotel and did them on the way.
Then it was time for mingling, group shots, and the wedding breakfast and speeches. But before the wedding breakfast, there was time for a few more couple shots. What can I say? I’m a wedding photographer who loves shooting stunning portraits in a pretty setting when the happy couple wants them.
The Wedding Breakfast
Jen and Syd had arranged food for Helen and me by Hogarths. The food was vegetarian and outstanding! They also told us to get a drink on their tab. Most times, when there is a hotel wedding, they will feed the wedding photographer anyway, but being looked after by the happy couple is always appreciated.
The light was lovely after the meal, so we collected Jen and Syd and set off around the grounds for some more couple portrait photography. Couple portrait photography is easy with a great venue and an eager couple.
Wedding photography and portrait photography are both things that I am passionate about, so I am always happy when I can combine the two.
There was time after for some more mingling. Then it was time for cake, the first dance and partying.
Their first dance was beautiful, and I loved it when their friends and family were able to join in the dancing. Something that has been missing at weddings, so it’s great that people can now feel free to join in and have a great day.
I finished the day with some more family photos and a few shots of Jen and Syd enjoying pints of Guinness, a tradition of theirs.
If you want to see some of my more recent work, head over to my portfolio
Are you planning your special day at Hogarths Hotel Solihull? Visit my contact page.
Looking for a Grains Bar wedding photographer? Check out my packages, portfolio and contact me.
Yes, Hogarths has a charming outdoor ceremony area on a picturesque island.
The outdoor cermony area is covered, but there is also facilities for indoor weddings and photography.
Hogarths is just off the M42 not far from Junction 4
Read about Tim and Mark’s Wedding
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