Wedding Photography at Denbies Wine Estate
We are privileged to have been Denbies wedding photographers since 2012, when we shot our first wedding there. Our first weddings there were in the winter months. When the vines really aren’t at their best. But our last two weddings there, in July and August last year, had the vines in full growth. Which helps greatly in the images, when you are trying to give that vineyard feel to the photos. As in the photo above for example. As lovers of wine, including English wine, we love shooting among the vines. The sunset light coming over the hill is just in the right spot.
Denbies is Englands largest vineyard and a spectacular wedding venue. Only 45 minutes from London. It was purchased from the Cubitt family in 1984 by the current owner Adrian White.
The first vineyard was planted in 1986. The estate consists of 627 acres, of which 265 acres are dedicated to the vines. This is three times larger than any other vineyard in the United Kingdom. There is also 200 acres are woodland at Denbies. The famous chalky soil is perfect for wine production. Denbies location is just south of Dorking, in a protected valley of south facing slopes. Just west of the famous Box Hill. The area is so unique, it was declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958. Denbies product many award winning English wines. Including many sparkling wines, ideal for a wedding celecbration, they even have awards for an English rose wine and the Noble Harvest desert wine.
If you’re looking at having an English Vineyard Wedding, we hope these images might inspire you and give you some ideas for your own wedding day. There are certainly some stunning photo opportunities around Denbies Wine Estate. The spectacular vineyard being the pièce de résistance, making a romantic setting for some wedding portraits. They certainly allow the wedding photographers to exercise their skills. Using the light coming through the vines to maximum effect. Who doesn’t love a backlit sunset portrait, it’s one of our favourite shots, if the light is right on the wedding day.
Don’t forget to book a vineyard tour and do some wine tasting while you’re at Denbies. They have many award winning wines on offer.
Carol & Paul
Denbies Wine Estate
Weddings by Carol & Paul
Denbies offers four different options for your civil ceremony. From the Garden Room, for up to 150 guests. The Denbies suite, with up to 180 guests. The newly renovated Ranmore Suite for up to 50 guests. Perfect for a small family wedding. This can be seen in Claire & Phil’s images in the blog post above. Finally the Cloisters Courtyard, which is now licensed for up to 106 guests.
There are also four choices of reception venue at Denbies. Our favourite is the Gallery Restaurant that opened in 2000. It’s on the 3rd floor, at the top of the winery’s main tower. It’s very intimate with exclusive use and can seat between 20-50 wedding guests. We love the contemporary design and big round lights in the ceiling. It has some of the most spectacular views in Surrey. Overlooking the vineyards, Box Hill and the North Downs.
Denbies Cellar makes a unique location for pre-reception drinks. Guests can be guided through the working winery to the cellar. The old large barrels can make for some iconic photos. The main Conservatory Atrium can accommodate up to 250 guests for the wedding breakfast. Combined with the Garden Room, which overlooks the Cloisters Pavillion, it can accommodate up to 350 guests. The Garden room on its own can accommodate up to 70 guests for a wedding breakfast. It also contains a licensed bar for the drinks reception and evening parties.
Denbies Vineyard Hotel provides 17 deluxe ensuite rooms. Within easy walking distance of the main building. So makes a perfect resting place for yourself and some of your wedding guests after a memorable wedding reception.
Weddings at Denbies Wine Estate
Denbies Wine Estate Wedding Photographer Paul Tansley and his partner Carol are available to shoot weddings all over Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and surrounding counties.
More images also available on our dedicated Venue Pinterest board
Denbies Wedding Photos
Venue Info: Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA