Wedding Photographer in Hampshire

Marwell Hotel, Wedding Venue Review

Marwell Hotel

Thompsons Lane

Colden Common

Winchester

Hampshire

SO21 1JY

Marwell Hotel is an interesting wedding venue, situated next to Marwell Zoo it has an animal theme which extends to an 'Easter island' monkey head feature to the front of the hotel which makes an interesting backdrop.

As a photographer the first thing that strikes me about Marwell Hotel is that it lacks the lawns usually associated with a wedding venue, there is a lightly wooded area nearby and the venue itself offers a central garden, however this is mainly concrete and decking and at head height the backgrounds contain the hotels windows l As the central area is surrounded by windows and is a little busy with tables and chairs it does not make the best area photographically.

The local ground is Clay, so following wet weather the ground can become quite wet and waterlogged, particularly in winter.

Inside the venue is a different matter, the bar has a spacious feel and is quite square giving it an almost modern gallery feel. Within the bar there is a feature spiral staircase which has lots of photographic potential and also allows shooting down from above.

The banqueting hall is light with a neutral colour making it quite light and ideally suited to informal photography.

While Marwell hotel may not have the most suitable grounds directly outside, the inside is very pleasant. There are wooded areas within walking distance that can be used outside and for the adventurous bride and groom who don't mind spending a little time on their photographs, there is of course the zoo itself.