Set on the outskirts of Braintree in the village of Great Bardfield
Nestled on the outskirts of Braintree in the charming village of Great Bardfield, Essex, the Great Lodge is a standout wedding venue that I’ve had the pleasure of photographing at many times. As an Essex wedding photographer, I’m excited to share the unique qualities that make this venue perfect for couples looking to tie the knot. From its historic charm, dating back to Anne of Cleves’ era, the many picturesque backdrops and its charming alpacas. This Essex venue offers a dream setting for unforgettable wedding photos with the bonus that it’s dog-friendly too!
The alpacas at the Great Lodge
One of the most unique features of the Great Lodge is its resident alpacas. Upon arrival, your wedding party will be greeted by these charming creatures grazing peacefully. For a memorable experience, couples can even enjoy alpaca feeding on their wedding day with Rebecca, the venue owner. This activity adds a memorial experience to any wedding, also offering fantastic photo opportunities for especially during sunset, when the views across the fields are beautiful.
The Rich History of This Essex Wedding Venue
The Great Lodge, a historic Essex wedding venue, boasts a captivating past that dates back to the 14th century. Most famously, the estate was given to Anne of Cleves by Henry VIII as part of their annulment settlement. The barn, which still stands today, offers a glimpse into the venue’s rich heritage, providing a unique backdrop for any history-loving couple. If you’re searching for a wedding venue in Essex with both character and historical significance, the Great Lodge is an ideal choice.
Limited bookings
At the time of writing this blog post, the Great Lodge limits the venue to 25 weddings a year. This is brilliant for couples looking for a more personalised wedding experience. With only one wedding per weekend, there’s ample time for setup and takedown, reducing stress and giving couples the freedom to create their perfect day without feeling rushed. This thoughtful limitation makes the Great Lodge an ideal choice for couples seeking a more intimate and stress-free wedding venue.
Ceremony locations at The Great Lodge
At this Essex wedding venue, you have the flexibility to choose between indoor or outdoor ceremony locations, both offering stunning photography opportunities. The outdoor space is perfect for warmer months, providing a scenic backdrop for a romantic ceremony. In cooler seasons, the historic barn creates a cosy, intimate atmosphere that enhances the charm of your wedding day. Whether indoors or outdoors, both settings offer beautiful moments.
Overhead speaker
You might be curious about the overhead speaker feature, especially since it’s not common in many local venues. At the Great Lodge, there’s a unique hanging structure above the dance floor that houses speakers. This setup creates a fantastic party atmosphere on the dance floor, while keeping the volume at a comfortable level for guests who prefer to mingle and chat across the room. It’s perfect for events where you have a mix of energetic dancers and more relaxed guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy the celebration in their own way.
Photo backdrops at the Great Lodge
When it comes to photo backdrops, the Great Lodge truly spoils you with endless options. Some of my favourite spots for couple portraits include the picturesque vineyard, charming apple orchard, and the romantic swing under the willow tree. You can also capture moments by the lake, with the alpacas (feeding them too if you wish!), along the driveway, in front of the historic house, or the gardens and the fields with seasonal crops. That’s just daytime, come the evening you’ve also got the stunning festoons in the garden creating a magical setting for stunning nighttime shots.
Onsite wedding accommodation
In recent years, the Rose Barn, Stables, and Cart Lodge have undergone a stunning transformation, making them into charming accommodations for wedding couples and their guests. It’s always a great feature when a venue offers onsite accommodation, as it provides a perfect opportunity to freshen up throughout the day and not have to drive home at the end of the night. Additionally, The Rose Barn acts both as the getting-ready suite as well as the accommodation for the wedding couple the night of the wedding, making it a convenient choice for the big day.
Always a warm welcome
I first crossed paths with Rebecca the owner of the Great Lodge, back in 2015 for Becky and Tim’s engagement shoot. Later that year, I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding reception at the venue. I’ve always been warmly welcomed at the venue and I enjoy working alongside Rebecca. She goes above and beyond for her couples and I genuinely look forward to each opportunity to wedding I capture at the Great Lodge.
Dog friendly wedding venue in Essex
Not every venue is as welcoming to furry friends as the Great Lodge is. Here, your beloved dog(s) can join in on the celebration, and even pose for some adorable photos in their wedding outfits! It’s a wonderful way to include your four-legged family members in your special day. Rebecca at the Great Lodge even has a couple of her own friendly fur babies, if you’re lucky enough you might be able to spot them.
Wedding photographs taken at the Great Lodge
Just some of the many photographs I’ve captured at the stunning Great Lodge.
Planning your Essex wedding at the Great Lodge?
As a wedding photographer local to Great Bardfield with extensive experience capturing this beautiful venue in every season and weather condition, I know just how to showcase its charm. I’d be delighted to document your special day, from the venue’s picturesque backdrop to the joyful moments with your loved ones. Let’s create stunning, unforgettable memories together. Get in touch, and let’s start planning how to make your wedding truly extraordinary!
Photography testimonial from a Great Lodge couple
Gemma photographed our wedding in August 2019. She did a fantastic job, we love every photo that she took on the day. She caught the romance, emotion, the atmosphere and the memories perfectly. Not only is Gemma professional but she is a lovely person too, which helped us feel at ease when she was taking photos. Also, Gemma saved the day with her sewing kit when we had a bridesmaid dress malfunction while getting ready. Can’t recommend her enough!
