solberge hall weddings
A wedding photographers Guide
2.solberge hall
EMILY + TOM
at Solberge Hall
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in North Yorkshire with plenty of character, Solberge Hall near Northallerton is definitely one to have on your list.
As a North East wedding photographer, I’m always looking at a venue from a slightly different perspective. Beyond how it looks when you first arrive, I’m thinking about the light, the surroundings, the spaces for portraits and, importantly, how well a venue allows you to capture both the big moments and all the little ones in between.
Solberge Hall has plenty to work with.
A country house with a difference
Set within around nine acres of private grounds, Solberge Hall combines the feel of a traditional Georgian country house with much more contemporary and characterful interiors.
That mix is fantastic for wedding photography.
Outside, you have gardens, mature trees, countryside views and an oak arbour, while inside you'll find elegant spaces alongside the wonderfully dramatic Vinery.
The Vinery is particularly memorable, with chandeliers, a mirrored bar, professional lighting and a huge gold disco ball. It creates a completely different atmosphere once the party gets going — and makes for some brilliant evening photographs.
Exclusive use and getting ready
Solberge Hall is available for exclusive-use weddings, which makes a big difference to the feel of the day.
You can get ready at the venue, have your ceremony and drinks reception there, take time for portraits around the grounds and then finish the evening in the Vinery.
For photography, that continuity is fantastic.
The story can start with the anticipation and excitement of getting ready and naturally progress through the ceremony, portraits, celebrations and evening party without constantly moving between locations.
Portraits with plenty of variety
If you’re the sort of couple who wants a portrait-heavy wedding gallery, Solberge Hall is particularly appealing.
There are plenty of opportunities to create photographs that feel intentional and beautifully composed, rather than simply relying on a quick five-minute walk around the grounds.
The gardens, architecture and countryside give us a variety of backdrops, light and atmosphere. We can make time for proper portraits of the two of you, while still keeping them relaxed and enjoyable.
I love working with couples who want more than just a handful of posed photographs.
Your wedding gallery can include those striking, editorial-style portraits alongside photographs that feel completely spontaneous — giving you the best of both worlds.
Candid moments matter too
Of course, beautiful portraits are only one part of your wedding story.
Some of the photographs you'll treasure most might be the ones you weren't even aware were being taken.
A parent seeing you for the first time. Your friends laughing during the drinks reception. The chaos of getting ready. A quiet moment together after the ceremony. Your grandparents dancing. Your best friend delivering a speech that nobody expected.
Solberge Hall works brilliantly for this documentary side of wedding photography too.
With everything happening in one place, there are plenty of opportunities to move through the day naturally, observing what's happening rather than constantly pulling you away from your guests.
The Vinery and the party
For couples who want their wedding to finish with a proper celebration, the Vinery really comes into its own.
The space can be transformed in the evening with lighting, music and the huge gold disco ball overhead. Add a packed dance floor and you have the ingredients for some seriously energetic party photographs.
It's also a great contrast to the quieter portraits and countryside photographs from earlier in the day.
That variety is something I always look for when choosing where to photograph a wedding.
Why I think Solberge Hall is worth considering
For couples who want their wedding photographs to be a combination of beautiful portraits and genuine moments, Solberge Hall offers a lot.
You have the scenery and architecture for carefully considered portraits, the characterful interiors for something a little different, and plenty of space for the candid photographs that tell the real story of the day.
And that's ultimately what I look for in a wedding.
I don't want to give you a gallery made up entirely of posed photographs — but I also don't think you should have to settle for a handful of rushed portraits.
Your wedding gallery can have both.
Beautiful photographs of the two of you that you'd be proud to put on the wall, alongside the fleeting, funny, emotional and completely unplanned moments that take you straight back to the day.
What about the weather?
This is Yorkshire, after all, so there’s always the possibility that the weather will have other ideas.
Thankfully, Solberge Hall doesn't rely entirely on its gardens to provide good photographic opportunities.
The interiors have plenty of personality, and the Vinery gives us a fantastic alternative if the weather isn't playing ball.
And personally, I don't think rain is something to fear.
Some of the most atmospheric wedding portraits can happen in dramatic weather — whether that's using reflections, embracing the rain or simply making use of beautiful window light indoors.
Planning a Solberge Hall wedding?
If you're getting married at Solberge Hall and looking for a North East wedding photographer who puts real emphasis on portraits as well as candid storytelling, I'd love to hear from you.
My approach is relaxed, but I'll also take the time to create those beautiful, considered portraits — giving you a wedding gallery that's varied, personal and full of photographs you'll genuinely want to keep.
Thank you to Emily + Tom for allowing me to share part of their beautiful day at Solberge Hall in Northallerton on my blog