True colour, film style photography for summer wedding at Mapperton House in Dorset

A summer wedding at Mapperton House and Gardens in Dorset feels like stepping into another era. The golden stone, the sculpted topiary, the long reflecting pool and rolling hills beyond. It is grand yet intimate, historic yet completely alive in summer. From the moment I arrived, the air felt dewy and damp with the promise of warmth in the air. Mapperton has that quiet presence about it. The kind of place that does not need embellishment. It simply allows a wedding day to unfold within its gardens and walls.

Bridal Preparations at Mapperton House

The morning began softly inside one of the beautiful rooms at Mapperton. Light filtered through patterned curtains as bridesmaids helped fasten Joelle’s stunning wedding dress and smooth the train. There was laughter, calm anticipation and those small in between moments that matter so much.

Joelle’s Bridal gown was elegant and structured, with clean lines that contrasted beautifully against the softness of the Dorset countryside and a carefully located slit up one leg and all essential pockets. I photograph weddings using both high quality digital cameras and 35mm film, and my true colour edit is intentionally filmic in tone. The warmth of skin, the softness of natural light and the richness of summer greens are preserved exactly as they were. It creates a seamless blend between my digital work and the 35mm film photography I shoot throughout the day.

Nothing feels overly processed. Just honest, romantic and timeless.

A Church Ceremony Within the Grounds

One of the most special elements of a Mapperton House wedding is the church nestled within the grounds. Walking from the house through gardens and stone pathways before stepping into a traditional church ceremony feels deeply grounding.

Inside, the atmosphere was intimate and heartfelt. Wooden pews, florals tucked into corners, soft light filtering through windows. When Patrick and Joelle exchanged vows, the room felt still. When they walked back down the aisle, hands raised and smiles wide, the joy was unfiltered and real.

This is where my relaxed documentary approach comes into its own. I do not interrupt. I observe. I let moments breathe. Big thanks to Catherine Spiller for her help to be in all places and covering all the angles with me on the day.

Summer Portraits in the Mapperton Gardens

Mapperton House and Gardens are breathtaking in summer. The formal hedges, the reflecting pool, the pergola wrapped in greenery, the winding gravel paths. Every turn offers texture and depth.

We wandered through the gardens without rush. A champagne glass in hand. Her bouquet vibrant against the soft greens packed with my favourite coral peonies which popped against the green backdrops. The structured hedges framing couple portraits perfectly. Mapperton allows those moments to feel editorial without feeling staged. The setting does the work. I simply guide gently and let movement happen naturally.

Under the vine covered pergola, the light softened and wrapped around them. Later, we stepped out into the open Dorset fields as the sun began to drop. That golden haze across the grass, the horizon glowing behind them. It was quiet and cinematic and entirely unforced.

A Summer Evening Celebration in Dorset

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere shifted into celebration. String lights overhead, music building, guests gathering closer to the dance floor. Mapperton House carries beautifully into the evening. The stone walls and exposed beams create warmth and intimacy once the light fades.

The dance floor was full. Laughter, movement, arms in the air. The kind of energy that feels spontaneous and alive. These are the moments I love most. Unscripted and joy filled.

Photographing Weddings at Mapperton House

Mapperton House and Gardens is one of the most iconic wedding venues in Dorset for a reason. The combination of historic architecture, formal gardens and sweeping countryside views offers so much variety throughout the day.

I photograph weddings in Dorset and across the south of England using a blend of 35mm film and digital, with a true colour edit that carries a soft, filmic quality throughout. My approach is relaxed and documentary led, with gentle editorial direction when it is needed.

If you are planning a wedding at Mapperton House and Gardens in Dorset and are drawn to romantic, natural wedding photography with a timeless finish, I would love to hear about your plans.