A photographer’s guide to Cambridgeshire wedding venues (2026)

Cambridgeshire is my home county, and I photograph weddings here as well as across London and the surrounding counties. I’m often asked for venue recommendations, so I’ve put this list together based on places I’ve either photographed at myself or am regularly asked about.

Some I know first-hand from real weddings. Others are established venues across the county that couples regularly consider.

Cambridgeshire wedding venues I’ve photographed

These are venues where I’ve photographed real weddings, so the notes below are based on experience rather than brochure descriptions.

Poets House, Ely

I’ve photographed two wedding receptions at Poets House – one in November and one in June – with very different guest numbers. It works just as well for a private dinner of around ten guests as it does for a larger celebration with exclusive use of the courtyard and reception spaces.

You can see an example of a smaller Poets House, Ely wedding reception in this full gallery from a recent celebration.

The light here is excellent. Even in November we had clear, bright conditions, and in summer the courtyard at the back of the hotel becomes a contained space for drinks and relaxed portraits. When hired exclusively, the flow from courtyard to the downstairs reception room feels seamless and keeps guests together rather than spread across separate areas.

One of its biggest advantages is location. Poets House sits directly opposite the green outside Ely Cathedral, which makes group photographs straightforward and gives you access to a grand backdrop without needing transport between venues.

The Old Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon

I photographed a September wedding reception at The Old Bridge Hotel for around thirty guests. It’s well suited to celebrations of that size – intimate without feeling sparse, and formal enough to feel like an occasion without tipping into grand.

The wood-panelled rooms add warmth, particularly in autumn light, and everything flows easily from drinks through to dinner.

I’ve shared a full Old Bridge Hotel wedding reception gallery if you’d like to see how the space looks set up for dinner and speeches.

There’s access down to the riverside for portraits outside of flood season, and the ivy-covered exterior wall makes a strong backdrop later in the day when the light softens.

It’s worth knowing that more than one wedding can take place on the same day, so if exclusivity matters to you, check that in advance.

Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge

I photographed an August outdoor wedding ceremony in the gardens behind Harvey Court at Gonville & Caius College, on one of the hottest days of the year. Despite being in the centre of Cambridge, it feels unexpectedly private. The tall trees around the garden provide natural shade and soften the space, which is particularly helpful in summer.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to Old Court at Gonville & Caius College for the reception, arriving via one of Cambridge’s cobbled streets.

The gates are opened by a porter, which adds a sense of occasion without tipping into theatrics. Inside the courtyard, there’s plenty of space for drinks and group photographs, with smaller alcoves for quieter couple portraits.

The dining hall itself is classic Cambridge – high ceilings, wood-panelled walls and strong natural light. It suits couples who want the history and atmosphere of a college setting without it feeling intimidating.

South Farm, Royston (near the Cambridgeshire border)

I photographed a reception at South Farm last year, with guests travelling from a ceremony in Cambridge city centre. It’s around a 30-minute drive, but once you arrive, it’s easy to see why couples make the effort.

South Farm is exclusive hire, which changes the feel of the day immediately. There’s no sharing spaces and no crossover with other events. The grounds are generous, with a large house, gardens and plenty of open space for drinks, group photographs and relaxed portraits.

One of its distinctive features is the animals. If you’re comfortable around them, you can include them in photos or even feed them.

There’s also a small bridge that works well for couple portraits, along with multiple garden backdrops that change through the seasons.

Other established Cambridgeshire wedding venues

These are venues couples regularly ask me about when planning weddings in Cambridgeshire. I haven’t photographed at all of them yet, but they’re established, well-regarded spaces across the county.

Island Hall, Godmanchester

Island Hall is a privately owned Georgian house set within riverside grounds in Godmanchester. It’s exclusive hire and limited to a small number of weddings each year, which keeps it feeling personal rather than commercial.

The river setting and gardens give it a sense of privacy despite being close to town. Couples can even arrive by river, which adds something distinctive without feeling theatrical.

Holmewood Hall, Holme

Holmewood Hall is a Tudor Gothic mansion offering exclusive use and a distinctly traditional feel. It’s often chosen by couples planning a more classic, formal style of wedding with both indoor and outdoor options.

Longstowe Hall, Longstowe

Longstowe Hall is known for its lakeside pavilion and formal interiors. It suits larger weddings and couples drawn to a traditional country house atmosphere with plenty of outdoor portrait space.

Waresley Park Estate, Sandy

Waresley Park Estate is set within extensive private parkland and offers flexible outdoor ceremony options alongside marquee receptions. It’s particularly suited to couples planning a larger celebration with an outdoor focus.

Kimbolton Castle, Kimbolton

Kimbolton Castle sits within tree-lined grounds and makes a strong visual statement on arrival. The steps leading up to the building create a natural backdrop for group photographs, and there’s plenty of space for portraits across the grounds.

Swynford Manor, Six Mile Bottom

Swynford Manor blends contemporary interiors with a countryside setting. It tends to appeal to couples wanting something modern but still rooted in a rural landscape.

Swavesey Windmill, Swavesey

Swavesey Windmill offers something more distinctive architecturally, with its landmark tower and surrounding gardens. It suits smaller to mid-sized celebrations looking for something slightly different.

The Graduate, Cambridge

The Graduate is a modern hotel overlooking the river in central Cambridge. It offers a contemporary alternative to the traditional colleges and country houses nearby, with flexible spaces and a city-centre location.

The Maltings, Ely

The Maltings is a former brewery turned riverside venue in Ely. Its exposed brickwork and open layout make it a versatile space for couples wanting something characterful but adaptable.

Planning your wedding in Cambridgeshire?

If you’re planning your wedding at one of these venues and want photography that stays unobtrusive while still paying attention to the detail, you can read more about how I work.

Or, if you’d prefer to talk through your plans properly, get in touch.