Butley Priory Wedding Photography
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Getting married at Butley Priory: Everything you need to know

Luxury Wedding Photography at Butley Priory, Suffolk

Everything you need to know about getting married in Suffolk at the beautiful Butley Priory.

Nestled in the heart of Suffolk’s stunning countryside amongst Rendlesham Forest, Butley Priory is an enchanting, historic wedding venue that gives couples a truly luxurious wedding experience. Exchange vows surrounded by the grandeur of a former Augustinian monastery, followed by a magical celebration under the vaulted ceilings (they are breathtaking!) or in the romantic gardens. Your wedding photography at Butley Priory will be utterly unique; as a wedding photographer I have been to a lot of venues and there is literally nowhere else like Butley Priory.


Why Choose Butley Priory for Your Suffolk Wedding?

Butley Priory is a venue like no other. Named one of the best wedding venues in the world by Vogue Its 14th-century architecture, complete with soaring arches, stone mullioned windows, and atmospheric interiors offers an utterly idyllic setting for a wedding; it’s got pure romantic charm in abundance. It has an exclusive use policy, meaning Butley Priory allows you to host your wedding day exactly as you envision it—whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate celebration with close family and friends, you know it’s exclusively yours for privacy as you celebrate.

As a wedding photographer, I’m continually in awe of the versatility of this venue. Whether you choose an indoor ceremony beneath the arches or an alfresco celebration in the manicured gardens, every corner of Butley Priory is brimming with character, with so many options for stunning backdrops for your wedding photos.

Second to none, the team at Butley Priory are among some of the most dedicated I’ve ever met. They ensure every client has such a personalised experience and honestly, weddings at Butley run so smoothly; it’s like no where else I’ve ever worked.


Which Butley Priory Spaces Work Best for Your Celebration?

The Great Hall
The Great Hall is the centrepiece of Butley Priory, with the beautiful stone walls and striking arched windows; the grand hall is always bathed in gorgeous natural light. It’s perfect for both your ceremony and reception as this historic hall can accommodate up to 95 guests for ceremonies and 80 guests for a seated feast. As the day unfolds and the natural light fades, the warm glow of candlelight and fairy lights creates a romantic, cosy, intimate atmosphere for a reception and wedding breakfast. I love shooting this time of day as the speeches start.

The Gardens
The gardens at Butley Priory are dreamy for couples looking to incorporate the outdoors into their big day. Ceremonies of 95 guests can be held against the backdrop of the priory, before everyone is throwing confetti and starts sipping champagne on the lush lawns. The gardens are also a favourite spot for family photos.

The Drawing Room
For smaller, more intimate celebrations, the Drawing Room provides a cosy but elegant space. Its antique furnishings, open fireplace, andviews of the gardens make it ideal for pre-ceremony preparations or an intimate gathering with your closest loved ones.

Marquees
Butley has a dedicated lawn area where couples can set up a marquee, sailcloth tent or tipi to host dinner and dancing for up to 200 guests, all against the stunning backdrop of the historic Priory. Whether you envision a classic country garden style with floral installations, a relaxed festival-themed celebration with festoon lights or a more opulent affair with chandeliers, a marquee is a wonderful blank canvas to create your unique wedding vision.


Overnight Accommodation for You and Your Guests

One of the brilliant features of Butley Priory is its boutique accommodation. The house itself offers six luxurious bedrooms, each with its own distinct character, keeping the historic charm with luxurious touches. Imagine waking up the morning after your wedding to the tranquillity of the Suffolk countryside outside the huge arched windows and then sharing breakfast with your nearest and dearest. There is also Priory Cottage, Paddy’s Cottage and Abbey Farmhouse all on site, so you can host up to 47 of your favourite people. For larger wedding parties, this part of Suffolk has an abundance of nearby holiday cottages and hotels.


Butley Priory Wedding Guest Capacity

Butley Priory is wonderfully flexible when it comes to guest numbers. The venue can comfortably host up to 95 guests for an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and around 80 for a seated dinner in the Great Hall. For couples planning a more intimate wedding, the Drawing Room or the gardens provide the perfect setting. You also have the option for a large marquee on the grounds for up to 200. The options are endless!


Wedding Photography at Butley Priory

As a wedding photographer, Butley Priory is one of my favourite Suffolk venues to work at. The mix of historic architecture, soft natural light, and breathtaking outdoor spaces offers endless opportunities for stunning photography that is unique to each of my clients that get married there.

Unlike other venues that may have just one or two almost designated ‘photo spots’, Butley surprises me each time I’m there. From the romantic stone archways to the lush garden paths, it’s so full of nooks and crannies that I discover new spaces to take my couples each time. Whether taking a stroll hand-in-hand through the grounds, in amongst the forest or sharing a quiet moment under the stars, I promise to photograph you in a way that feels natural, easy and authentic.


Dining and Wedding Breakfasts at Butley Priory

The team at Butley Priory takes pride in working with the finest local caterers to create bespoke wedding menus that delight and impress. Whether you’re hoping for a formal sit-down meal in the Great Hall or a relaxed garden feast, I’ve had the pleasure of eating here many times and the dining experience at Butley Priory is guaranteed to be exceptional.

From locally sourced produce to world-class wines, your wedding breakfast will be a true celebration of Suffolk’s finest. The team at Butley will be able to suggest the finest local chefs to fit your vision.


Your Wedding Weekend

At Butley Priory, you can extend your wedding into a weekend full of fun, relaxation, and connection. Welcome everyone on Friday and treat your guests to pre-wedding activities like clay pigeon shooting, countryside walks, or even a yoga session in the gardens. The serene surroundings offer the perfect atmosphere for a luxurious and stress-free wedding weekend. After the wedding day, get everyone together for a recovery brunch before saying farewell.


How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at Butley Priory?

Wedding pricing at Butley Priory varies but as a guide:

  • Exclusive use of the venue ranges between £15,000–£47,000.
  • The cost is dependent on the time of year and whether you opt for their Classic, Luxury or Lavish packages.

These prices include exclusive access to the venue, use of the Great Hall and gardens, welcome drinks, your wedding breakfast and accommodation (for how many guests is dependent on which package). For a bespoke quote, it’s best to reach out to the dedicated team at Butley Priory directly.


Recommended Butley Priory Wedding Photographer

I’m over the moon to be a Recommended Photographer at Butley Priory. As someone who has photographed countless weddings across the UK and Europe, I can say without hesitation that Butley Priory is one of the most intimate and romantic. My approach to wedding photography is relaxed and journalistic, allowing me to capture the story, emotions and spontaneous moments that make your day so special.

If you’re planning your wedding at Butley Priory and are looking for a photographer who knows the venue inside and out, I’d love to chat with you about your vision and what’s important to you.


Contact the Team at Butley

General Manager: Donna Stockley

Assistant Managers: Libby Pearson & Daniela Chandler

Email: info@butleypriory.co.uk

Office: +44 (0)1394 450046

Mobile: +44 (0)7458 078201

Location: Butley Priory, The Clumps, Butley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3NR

Ready to Plan Your Butley Priory Wedding?

If after reading this, you’re dreaming of a wedding at Butley Priory, don’t wait—this exclusive venue is in demand!
And if you’re looking for a photographer, I’d be honoured to be part of your day.