Update: Click here to see the blog post from a full real wedding at Southdowns Manor.

Exciting times when a fantastic new exclusive use wedding venue opens up pretty much on my doorstep, so I was delighted to be present at the launch of Southdowns Manor, nestled on the edge of the beautiful national park from which it takes its name in the rolling countryside just outside Petersfield, on the West Sussex border with Hampshire, last weekend. I had been asked to attend both to see the hotel for the first time in all its glory after an incredibly extensive refurb, and to capture some photos of the event: the hotel itself, and some of the couples who were attending who have already booked to hold their weddings there in 2014 (lucky people).

Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyVenue exterior with gazebo for outdoor humanist ceremony options Naturally, as I looked around the hotel in its finished state for the first time (it was all coming together nicely when I toured it a few weeks ago but the transformation between then and now was remarkable to say the least!) I was considering it all very much from a photography perspective, and it didn't disappoint. Quite frankly, I can't wait to cover my first wedding here. The whole place is so flexible and versatile, with beautiful soft natural light pouring in through the huge windows, bags of space, beautiful finishing and little touches, and stacks of interesting corners, angles and features everywhere you look. It's been designed as an exclusive use venue, so the wedding party effectively moves in and takes over their own manor house for 24 hours, and to my mind the accommodation available to them upstairs is one of the crowning glories. I was envisaging the opportunities for bridal preparation shots in the dressing room, portraits of the bride and groom in the stunning bridal suite... It's all got a real boutique hotel feel to it which I've got no doubt is going to tick a lot of boxes for people in Hampshire, Sussex and beyond in the coming years.

Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyView over South Downs, and alternative angle of venue Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyImpressive and spacious entrance lobby Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyThe magnificent bridal suite Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyBridal dressing room Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyOne of several further guest suites Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyThe enormous lounge area with stunning fireplace Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyVersatile ceremony and reception area Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyCakes and details Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyVisitors at the launch event in bar area Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyThe central part of the venue set up to demonstrate ceremony options Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyLaunch guests in the bar and lounge area Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyMulled wine on offer Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyFuture weddings exploring the venue Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyVenue interior in black and white Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyCandid photography at launch event Southdowns Manor Petersfield wedding venue photographyBlack and white landscape across the South Downs National park

And add to all this the wonderful countryside on the doorstep, with views straight across to the South Downs (which brought back memories of last year's multi-day slog when I walked the South Downs Way with a group of friends), and the many more photographic opportunities that all this presents, and quite frankly I think they're on to a winner!

So that's the venue, now open and taking bookings, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing it in full wedding flow very soon!

If you are planning your wedding at Southdowns Manor and would like to know more about my wedding photography services, packages and prices, please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your plans and ask me any questions you might have; I'm only too happy to help however I can.

As ever, thanks for reading,

Stephen