Skip to content "Oakwell Hall has always been one of my absolute favourite wedding venues in West Yorkshire. Over the years, this historic estate has provided the backdrop for countless brilliant memories and some truly incredible couples."
There are so many reasons why I love working here. First is the sheer history of the place. It is a stunning building that has even graced our television screens in period dramas like Gentleman Jack. Then you have the grounds. The beautiful gardens and woodland give you absolutely everything you need for striking, elegant portraits. Crucially, it naturally attracts exactly my kind of couples.
I also have to mention the staff. They are genuinely some of the best I have ever worked alongside, constantly going the extra mile to make sure everything runs flawlessly.
"So, when I was shooting Annabelle and Andy’s wedding and the team told me that Kirklees Council are closing the hall, it was a distinctly bittersweet moment."
The building needs essential repairs, which is completely understandable. A historic property like Oakwell Hall is a jewel in Yorkshire's crown and it must be preserved. I am entirely on board with that. However, the rumour mill suggests that once the scaffolding comes down, it will no longer host weddings.
The flow of a wedding day here is just perfect. You say your vows in the atmosphere of the great old hall, head out into the gorgeous gardens for drinks and family formals, and then take a relaxed wander across the courtyard to the stables for the wedding breakfast and evening party. There are very few historic venues run by local councils that work this seamlessly.
I might just be a wedding photographer, but if anyone from Kirklees Council happens to read this, I am officially begging you. Please, once the renovations are complete, reopen this magnificent building for weddings. It would be a monumental shame to deny future couples the chance to celebrate here.
If this does turn out to be the end of an era, Annabelle and Andy gave the hall the perfect send-off.
We were blessed with flawless weather. Surrounded by their absolute favourite people in that historic old hall, the entire day was a total joy to photograph. They brought such brilliant, relaxed energy to the celebration.
It was also the setting for one of my favourite, slightly cheeky drone shots to date. I noticed from above that the clever design of the pitch and putt golf green actually spelled out the word LOVE. I convinced the newlyweds to lie down on the grass right in the middle of it for an epic aerial shot. I think it is pretty iconic.
Annabelle & Andy at Oakwell Hall
