Laura Lewis

About The Couple

We were introduced by a mutual friend at a pub in Saltford in 2010 – The Riverside Inn. We immediately clicked. We are like chalk and cheese and agree we bring out the best in one another. I (Vic) am calm and very loving, where as Dave is the clown and full of high energy… it just works!

Popping The Question

Dave proposed. Only 11 years after we first got together…*eye roll*! We always visit Dyrham Park in the spring to see the beautiful tulips and that is where he proposed. Such happy memories every time we go there. It was a complete surprise! I thought he was out shopping for a last minute Mother’s Day gift for the kids to give to me the following day, however he was actually asking my Dad for my hand. I even called my mum that morning and moaned that Dave had popped out at such an inconvenient time – little did I know he was with them!

Choosing The Venue

Berwick Lodge was the venue we came away from saying ‘This is it!’ – The house and grounds are stunning, the accommodation incredible – the initial meeting with Georgia and the rest of the team sold Berwick to us. The fact that everything could be taken care of and nothing was too much trouble, Berwick Lodge is an absolute gem.

We had a few things to consider… Dave’s mum is disabled so a venue to accommodate her needs was top of the list. We also have 2 children and we wanted a venue with different rooms/spaces to accommodate different needs on the day. We wanted somewhere that didn’t feel like a cliché wedding venue. Berwick is classy but also has a warm, boutique, quirky feel. We also love the fact we will be able to go back over the years to come.

Wedding Day Q&A

What did you wear?
We wanted a black-tie dress code so I was after a dress with an evening gown feel. I knew I wanted a bardot style wedding dress and also something I could easily dance in as well as pick up my youngest daughter. I chose a dress from Coast after trying on so many! It was sparkly and I loved it!

What outfit did the groom wear?
Dave and the groomsmen had black tuxedos and blue bow ties. They looked so smart. Our young nephews wore the same – they looked adorable.

Were you nervous before the ceremony?
I didn’t have time to feel nervous as the morning was such a whirlwind. Our wedding coordinator Simone helped to relax me. I was more emotional than anything else – I am always a ‘happy tears’ kind of person! Dave and the groomsmen chose whisky to settle the nerves!!

What did you choose as your entrance song?
‘Can’t help falling in with you’ sang by the amazingly talented Danielle Celeste.

Was there a theme for the day?
It was Good Friday so we had a Spring/Easter theme. Colours were pale yellow and blue. As we have children ourselves we wanted to make the day feel less formal and planned an Easter egg hunt for our guests. We also decided to give Cadbury Cream egg favours because who doesn’t love a cream egg!?

How did you choose your flowers?
We chose seasonal flowers, so daffodils, hyacinth, tulips were included in our flower arrangements. The centrepieces were supplied by Berwick Lodge from their beautiful flower cutting garden and the bouquets by ‘Flower Fairies Bristol’.

Did friends help with any styling?
Our table plan and ‘order of events’ board were hand made by our incredibly talented friend Hollie.

Did you have a wedding cake?
We had the M&S Colin and Connie the Caterpillar wedding cake and 2 smaller Connies to represent our daughters. M&S Colin the caterpillar cake is a firm favourite in our family and has been for years. It was the only ever option for us!

What was your favourite dish served on the wedding day?
Our guests raved about the food – the slow cooked beef was absolutely delicious.

How did you entertain your guests?
We had live music from Danielle Celeste for the ceremony and welcome drinks, she is so talented. Our DJ, Kieran, understood the assignment very early with the guests loving cheesy bangers. Kieran interacted with everyone and the dance floor was packed until the end!

What part stood out the most?
The ceremony was very special to us and the wedding breakfast and speeches – it was a day filled with love and laughter from start to finish.

Any funny stories or unusual anecdotes?
Better left unsaid!!

Who or what made your day extra special?
The dedication to the black tie dress code from our guests and the ‘above and beyond’ service from all at Berwick Lodge made our day everything we dreamed of and more!

Did you honeymoon anywhere?
We did a 2 week ‘family-moon’ cruising around France and Spain. Dave is the travel expert in our house! He has more of a ‘YOLO’ attitude than me! It was great exploring new places with our favourite people.

Supplier Shout-out

• Venue – Berwick Lodge
• Bride’s dress – Coast Fashion
• Hair and make-up – Rachel & Gemma (@hairbyrachel01225 @celfie_hairmakeup)
• Photographer – Stu Tucker Photography
• Wedding cake – Marks and Spencer’s
• Flowers – Flowers Fairies Florist
• DJ – Kieran Clarke Entertainment
• Entertainment – Danielle Celeste: Wedding Singer
• Stationery – Lynette Bower Arts

Wedding photography isn’t just about documenting the events of the day — it’s about telling the story of your celebration through light, setting, and emotion. The venue you choose can make a huge difference to your images. Natural light, beautiful architecture, and varied outdoor spaces give photographers the freedom to create pictures that feel relaxed, romantic, and timeless.

When your wedding takes place at a country house surrounded by gardens and woodland, stunning backdrops are never far away. At Berwick Lodge, couples often discover that some of their favourite photographs happen in the quiet in-between moments — walking through the gardens together, laughing with friends on the terrace, or pausing in golden hour as the light softens across the grounds.

If you’re planning your wedding and thinking about photography, here’s how to make the most of a country house setting and build a timeline that allows your photographer to capture the day naturally.

Why a Country House Venue Works for Wedding Photography

Country house venues are especially loved by photographers because they offer variety without needing to leave the property. Couples can move easily between gardens, interiors, and architectural features — keeping the day relaxed and giving photographers the freedom to capture authentic moments.

At Berwick Lodge, the venue naturally supports this style of photography. The house sits within 18 acres of private gardens and woodland, offering quiet paths, open lawns, and hidden corners that feel intimate and romantic.

The house itself is a beautifully renovated Victorian manor, retaining many original features while blending traditional charm with modern comforts. Chandeliers, wood-panelled walls, fires in winter, and carefully placed houseplants create a rich canvas for photographers.

Because the ceremony, reception, dining, and accommodation all happen in one location, couples can enjoy the day without rushing — and photographers can capture more natural storytelling moments.

Beautiful Wedding Photography Locations at Berwick Lodge

One of the greatest advantages of a venue like Berwick Lodge is the variety of backdrops available within a short walk. Photographers often move between several spots throughout the day to create a gallery of images that feels varied and natural.

Wisteria Pergola

The pergola is a summer favourite, with wisteria draping overhead to create a romantic floral canopy. It’s ideal for ceremony shots, confetti photos, or relaxed newlywed portraits.

Aphrodite’s Dome

A unique highlight in the gardens, Aphrodite’s Dome features classical sculptures and positions couples to face the gardens. It creates elegant, cinematic portraits that stand out in any wedding album.

Garden Fountain

The fountain is perfect for quiet couple moments or candid shots of guests. The flowing water and surrounding greenery add a peaceful, natural element to photographs.

Woodland Paths

The paths through the woodland are ideal for relaxed, natural portraits. Filtered light creates gentle shadows and a calm atmosphere, perfect for intimate golden-hour images.

Terrace and Gardens

The terrace offers open space for candid shots during drinks receptions. It’s also a great place for couple portraits with the house in the background, providing a sense of location in the photographs.

Your photographer will love the freedom to work across these settings at pace, without interruptions or background clutter.

Anatolia Terrace

The Anatolia Terrace transforms with the seasons.

Summer: a Mediterranean-inspired open terrace, perfect for sunny drinks reception photography.

Winter: a cosy enclosed space with candles and blankets, ideal for intimate indoor portraits.

Front of the House and Driveway

The grand entrance and driveway provide classic country house backdrops. Couples often take portraits here between events to capture the elegance of the manor.

Staircases and Stained Glass

Inside, the main staircase and stained-glass windows provide dramatic indoor photography opportunities. These areas are particularly valuable for winter weddings or rainy days.

Lounges, Fires, and Interior Spaces

The lounges feature wood-panelled walls, chandeliers, houseplants, and fires in winter, giving photographers warm, atmospheric spaces for candid moments and family portraits.

A Wedding Photo Timing Template That Works

Having a well-planned timeline ensures more relaxed, beautiful photographs throughout the day. Here’s a suggested flow for Berwick Lodge:

Morning

9:30–11:30am: Bridal and/or groom prep in suites. Capture candid moments and hair/makeup details.

12:00pm: Details — dress, shoes, stationery, rings.

12:30pm: Optional first-look or short couple portraits before the ceremony.

Ceremony & Drinks Reception

1:30–2:30pm: Ceremony.

2:45–3:30pm: Confetti and group photos in the gardens or courtyard.

3:30–4:30pm: Couple portraits while guests enjoy drinks.

Reception & Evening

From 4:30pm: Candid photography during reception, speeches, and terrace moments.

Golden Hour

Summer: 7:00–8:00pm

Winter: 3:30–4:00pm

A short 10–15 minute session outside during golden hour often results in the most magical photographs of the day.

Wet-Weather Plans & Indoor Options

Even if the weather changes, Berwick Lodge provides plenty of indoor options:

Lounges with fires

Staircases and doorways for framing

Anatolia Terrace enclosed in winter

Light-filled rooms with chandeliers and original architectural details

Even a few raindrops outdoors can create striking, memorable shots with umbrellas, reflections, and dramatic skies

Tips for Relaxed Wedding Photography

Allow 30–45 minutes for couple portraits, ideally split across the day.

Trust your photographer to guide you through the best locations.

Candid moments often make the most meaningful images — don’t feel the need to pose constantly.

Take advantage of golden hour for soft, warm lighting.

Trusted Wedding Photographers

Couples often choose photographers familiar with the venue to maximise results. Recommended photographers include:

• Red Maple Photography

• Richard from Hotwells Photography

They know the best light, favourite spots, and how to capture natural, relaxed moments at Berwick Lodge.

FAQs About Wedding Photography at Berwick Lodge

How long should we allow for couple portraits?
Aim for 30–45 minutes, split between afternoon and golden hour. Your photographer may also suggest a short pre-ceremony session if you’re doing a first look.

Where should we take group photos?
The garden area just beyond the pergola offers plenty of space and flattering light. There are also covered areas in case of rain.

What’s the best time for golden hour here?
Golden hour shifts with the seasons. In summer, expect it around 7–8pm; in winter, it’s closer to 3:30–4pm. Plan your ceremony earlier if you want to catch that light.

Do we need a second shooter?
It’s not essential, but for larger weddings or if you want both partner prep covered simultaneously, a second photographer can be helpful.

Plan Your Wedding at Berwick Lodge

When a venue provides gardens, historic interiors, and versatile indoor/outdoor spaces, wedding photography becomes effortless.

Couples often find their favourite images happen naturally — walking through the gardens, enjoying the terrace, or sharing quiet moments in the dome or by the fountain.

For a venue where wedding photography feels natural and beautiful, Berwick Lodge offers everything in one location.

Explore more about weddings at Berwick Lodge or arrange a viewing to see the space for yourself.

Planning a wedding for a smaller guest list opens the door to a celebration rich with personal touches, warmth, and timeless elegance. For couples exploring small wedding venues in Bristol, this guide offers practical insights, venue features, and planning advice — centred around Berwick Lodge’s offerings.

What Is a Micro Wedding – and Is It Right for You?

A micro wedding typically involves anywhere from 2 to around 30 guests. At Berwick Lodge, the venue offers dedicated non‑exclusive micro wedding and elopement packages for up to 30 guests, as well as intimate elopements for just two people.
These smaller celebrations allow you to prioritise what matters most – immersing yourself in moments with each guest, elevating your budget per person, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere without compromise.

Discovering a Small Wedding Venue That Feels Just Right

Licensed Ceremony Spaces & Guest Comfort
Berwick Lodge accommodates up to 150 guests for relaxed or evening celebrations. With a seasonal stretch tent, capacity can reach 200 guests, offering scalable options depending on your guest list.

The venue includes both indoor and outdoor licensed spaces, ensuring flexibility and ceremony options regardless of the weather.

Venue Spaces Tailored for Intimate Weddings
The dining room, Hattusa, offers an elegant and intimate setting for wedding breakfasts accommodating up to 90 guests for a sit down meal, and up to 150 for evening receptions. Home to one of the standout fine dining experiences near Bristol, the restaurant is renowned for its beautifully presented, seasonal cuisine and exceptional service. Inside, rich wood panelling, sparkling chandeliers and large windows overlooking the gardens create a warm yet refined atmosphere. Perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated small wedding venue in Bristol with outstanding food at its heart.

Ceremonies in the Mews feature two charming spaces: Summeria and Mesopotamia accommodates up to 90 guests and opens to outdoor patio areas.

Planning Your Intimate Celebration

Budgeting with Focus
Smaller weddings often allow you to invest in quality over quantity – whether that’s exceptional catering, unique decor, or standout photography. For micro weddings, tailored pricing is available through a dedicated package with flexible inclusions. Couples are encouraged to request the brochure directly.

Crafting a Flowing, Personal Timeline
Even scaled-down weddings benefit from structure. Here’s a refined sample timeline, tailored for intimacy and ease:

Morning: Bridal preparations in a suite

Afternoon: Garden or indoor ceremony

Drinks and canapés in the grounds

Wedding breakfast in Hattusa

Early evening: Speeches and cake cutting

Evening: Optional first dance or relaxed drinks reception

This flow keeps your day smooth and meaningful, without feeling rushed or overly formal.

Why Berwick Lodge Stands Out for Intimate Weddings

Serene Countryside Setting with a Private Dining Experience
Set within 18 acres of gardens and woodland, with views toward Wales, Berwick Lodge offers peaceful seclusion while remaining easily accessible from central Bristol and the M4/M5 motorways. For couples searching for a small wedding venue in Bristol that combines countryside charm with convenience, the setting feels both exclusive and welcoming.

For intimate weddings and micro celebrations, couples enjoy private use of Hottusa, an elegant restaurant, creating a refined space dedicated to you and your guests. With fantastic food at the heart of the experience, attentive service, and the support of our experienced team, your celebration feels personal, seamless, and thoughtfully curated.

No matter the size of your wedding, your day can be tailored to reflect your story. From incorporating sentimental décor and meaningful personal touches to designing bespoke menus, smaller weddings at Berwick Lodge offer the freedom to create a celebration that feels entirely your own.

Accommodation and Bespoke Interiors
Fourteen individually styled boutique bedrooms allow close friends and family to stay on-site, turning your day into a relaxed getaway. From wood-panelled character rooms to elegant dining spaces, Berwick Lodge blends historic charm with contemporary sophistication — perfect for couples seeking a distinctive small wedding venue in Bristol.

FAQs

What qualifies as a micro wedding?
A micro wedding usually includes 2–30 guests. Berwick Lodge offers a dedicated Intimate Micro Wedding Package designed for this scale.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

Ceremony and seated meals: up to 100

Evening celebrations: up to 150

With stretch tent: up to 200

Do micro weddings include accommodation?
Yes, they can — 14 boutique bedrooms are available onsite for your guests.

Are indoor and outdoor spaces licensed?
Yes — Berwick Lodge is fully licensed for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies.

Begin Planning Your Intimate Day

If you’re dreaming of a celebration filled with warmth, elegance, and connection, Berwick Lodge offers one of the most thoughtful and versatile small wedding venues in Bristol.

Next Steps:

View the Intimate Micro Wedding Package
Discover more about weddings at Berwick Lodge

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels entirely yours – where every room, garden, and beautiful corner belongs to you and your guests – then an exclusive-use wedding venue could be your perfect match. For couples in or near Bristol, country house venues like Berwick Lodge offer a seamless blend of privacy, luxury, and personalisation that can transform your big day into an unforgettable experience.

What Does “Exclusive Use” Really Mean for Your Wedding?

When a venue offers exclusive use, it means you’ll have sole access to the entire property for the duration of your hire. No other events, no hotel guests, no restaurant bookings – just you, your wedding party, and complete control of the setting.

At Berwick Lodge, this includes:

Exclusive access to the house, grounds, 14 bedrooms, and all wedding areas

Your ceremony, drinks reception, meal, and evening celebration taking place across private indoor and outdoor spaces

Full use of the permanent stretch tent – ideal for outdoor dining, dancing, or shelter in unpredictable weather

Use of all gardens and woodland for photography and outdoor mingling

Optional overnight accommodation for up to 28 guests across the venue’s individually designed rooms

More than a location, it becomes your private country estate for the day – or even the weekend.

The Flow of the Day – When You Have the Place to Yourself

One of the biggest benefits of exclusive use is the natural, unhurried flow it creates throughout the day. There’s no rushing, no turnarounds between events, and no compromise on your vision.

Start the Day in Style
Berwick Lodge offers on-site accommodation and private preparation spaces. Brides and grooms can begin their day relaxed, knowing that hair, makeup, and morning rituals can unfold without external interruptions.

 

Ceremony to Celebration – Seamlessly
With no venue turnover between events, there’s no need to relocate or adhere to strict room timings. Whether you hold your ceremony in the gardens, the atmospheric Mews rooms, or indoors, your guests can transition naturally from each stage of the day.
And with the all-weather stretch tent, your day can continue outdoors in comfort and style – whether it’s canapés beneath the canopy, alfresco dining, or evening dancing under fairy lights.

Stay Late – On Your Terms
Because you’re the only wedding that day, your evening celebration can run according to the venue’s dedicated party timing. Berwick Lodge hosts evening receptions for up to 150 guests — and with 14 luxury bedrooms on-site, key guests can relax and stay overnight.

The Practical Benefits of Exclusive Use

A Venue That Works for You
Berwick Lodge offers licensed indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, seasonal flexibility, and in-house support that helps reduce planning stress. Indoor ceremonies and wedding breakfasts cater to up to 100 guests, while evening celebrations welcome up to 150 – or up to 200 when making full use of the stretch tent and outdoor areas.

Curfew & Music Policies
With exclusive hire, Berwick Lodge allows music and dancing to continue until midnight, giving couples a full evening to celebrate. The property’s location within 18 acres of private gardens and woodland also helps manage sound without disturbing neighbours.

Room Allocations Made Easy
With 14 bedrooms available, couples often assign these to immediate family, the bridal party, or key travelling guests. Your wedding coordinator can assist in mapping out accommodation that suits your group and the occasion.

Dining, Décor, and Personal Touches

Exclusive use also means freedom to style the space your way. From floral installations to signature menus, the venue’s in-house chef and events team collaborate with you to bring your ideas to life – while still maintaining the charm of the property. Last summer even saw llamas accompanying the couple, with an owl taking on the role of ring bearer, proving just how imaginative celebrations here can be. The stretch tent provides even more creative flexibility – perfect for festival-style weddings, elegant outdoor banquets, or relaxed lounge areas.

Why Berwick Lodge is a Standout Exclusive-Use Wedding Venue Near Bristol

Berwick Lodge is a Victorian country house set on the edge of Bristol, offering countryside seclusion just minutes from the M4/M5 and city centre. It combines heritage architecture, modern boutique bedrooms, and award-winning dining — all designed for weddings that feel entirely personal.

Key Exclusive-Use Features

Full use of the house and 14 bedrooms for your wedding night

Indoor and outdoor ceremony options with civil ceremony licences

Permanent stretch tent for covered outdoor celebrations – ideal in all seasons

In-house chef and sommelier for tailored menus and drinks receptions

Landscaped gardens, lawns, woodland, and terraces for photos and entertainment

Dedicated wedding coordinator support

Dog-friendly (for exclusive-use weddings)

Wheelchair-accessible facilities and lift access to guest rooms

With multiple packages available – including weekend and midweek options – Berwick Lodge is equipped to support traditional, relaxed, or two-day weddings all under one roof.

Explore more at Berwick Lodge Weddings

FAQs About Exclusive-Use Wedding Venues

What does exclusive hire typically include?
At Berwick Lodge: full access to the house, gardens, 14 boutique bedrooms, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, use of the permanent stretch tent, and support from the in-house planning team.

Can we decorate the venue ourselves?
Yes. The venue welcomes personalised styling and offers flexibility to bring your own decorations, florists, and entertainment.

Are there noise or curfew rules?
Evening celebrations can run until midnight, with indoor music and dancing permitted. Outdoor sound and firework policies are discussed with your coordinator.

How do we allocate rooms?
Berwick Lodge offers 14 rooms. Couples usually reserve these for immediate family, close friends, or travelling guests. Room allocations are managed with help from the venue team.

Ready to Plan Your Private Wedding Weekend?

If you’re searching for an exclusive-use wedding venue near Bristol, Berwick Lodge offers everything you need for a truly private celebration. With licensed ceremony spaces, luxurious bedrooms, a dedicated wedding team, and the added flexibility of a permanent stretch tent, your dream wedding can unfold exactly as you imagined.

Book a viewing or request your exclusive-use brochure today.