A Relaxed Warwick Wedding: Yasmin & Oscar at Lord Leycester Hospital and Guy's Cliffe House
A wedding portrait at The Lord Leycester
On Saturday, 30th August, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Yasmin and Oscar's beautiful wedding day in the heart of Warwick. Their celebration was split between two of Warwickshire's most stunning historic venues – the magnificent Lord Leycester Hospital for their ceremony and the mysterious and breathtaking Guy's Cliffe House for their reception.
Discovering Guy's Cliffe House
When I first met with Yasmin & Oscar via Zoom a year before the wedding, I had no idea that Guy's Cliffe House was available for wedding hire – and what an incredible discovery it was! This historic venue is unlike anywhere else in Warwickshire. The site features dramatic rock cliffs, atmospheric caves, and the romantic ruins of the original house, all set alongside a secluded stretch of the River Avon. The huge events marquee set up in the courtyard provides the perfect blend of historic surroundings with modern comfort.
Guy's Cliffe isn't just one backdrop – it's multiple stunning locations in one venue. From the ancient caves carved into the cliff face to the picturesque riverside spots perfect for intimate portraits, every corner offers something special for wedding photography. If you're looking for a unique Warwickshire wedding venue with character, history, and natural beauty, Guy's Cliffe should definitely be top of your list.
By the river at Guys Cliff
The Ceremony at Lord Leycester Hospital
The wedding style was relaxed and informal, perfectly reflecting Yasmin and Oscar's laid-back personalities. The ceremony took place in the magnificent Great Hall at the Lord Leycester Hospital, where Yasmin's grandfather had the honour of giving her away – a truly touching moment to capture.
Dating back to the 13th century, Lord Leycester Hospital is one of the finest examples of medieval timber-framed buildings in England. The Great Hall, with its historic atmosphere and original period features, provides a truly unique setting for wedding ceremonies. The ancient wooden beams, stone walls, and architectural details create an intimate and romantic backdrop that modern venues simply can't replicate.
The Great Hall at the Lord Leycester
Medieval Magic and Confetti Dreams
After the ceremony, we created one of my favourite shots of the day: a spectacular confetti throw through the medieval arch into the courtyard. The ancient stone archway framed the moment perfectly, with centuries-old walls providing a dramatic contrast to the modern celebration of confetti and joy.
Confetti throw in the courtyard at the Lord Leycester
But before that, Yasmin and Oscar stole a quiet moment together on the battlements of the East Gate amongst the flying buttresses – I managed to catch a few shots as the historic architecture provided a dramatic and romantic backdrop. Standing high above Warwick's streets, with medieval stonework surrounding them, these intimate moments captured the perfect blend of timeless romance and contemporary love.
Portraits in the Masters Garden at the Lord Leycester
Following drinks in the historic courtyard, we gathered everyone for a big group photo before moving to the Master's Garden for portraits and family photos. The garden, enclosed by ancient walls and featuring beautifully maintained period planting, was perfect for capturing those important family moments whilst the rest of the guests made their way to Guy's Cliffe House.
When the Weather Had Other Plans
Just as we arrived at Guy's Cliffe House, the weather decided to turn – but Yasmin and Oscar weren't about to let a bit of rain dampen their spirits! We found the perfect solution: an alcove in the rock formation that provided natural shelter and created an incredibly atmospheric setting for photos. The dramatic caves and cliff faces at Guy's Cliffe became an unexpected blessing, offering protected spots that added mystery and drama to the group portraits.
Family and guests took turns keeping me dry under an umbrella, and the whole experience became part of the day's adventure.
The bridal party enjoying themselves
Drinks Reception Under the Marquee
Meanwhile, whilst family and friends had their photos taken, the rest of the guests were entertained by Sax on the Beat delivering an incredible saxophone and DJ set, William Poliet's magic tricks, and refreshing frozen shots provided by Ice Nine.
Under the Marquee at Guys Cliffe House
Speeches and Delicious Buffet Food
The entertainment didn't stop at hired entertainers – there was a long list of speeches that perfectly accompanied the stages of the meal prepared by Guy's Cliffe Catering. We had the traditional groom and best men speeches from Oscar's brothers, but also the proceedings compèred by Oscar's father, and speeches from Yasmin's mother and brother, as well as Yasmin herself.
Golden Hour (Almost!)
Once the rain eased, we seized the opportunity to capture some intimate portraits in the secluded area by the River Avon. The grey sky had turned a subtle orange, which reflected from the sandstone cliffs that border the green area next to the river.
Portraits under the cliffs at Guys Cliffe House
A Celebration Full of Energy
Whilst Yasmin and Oscar's wedding style was relaxed and informal, don't mistake that for low-key! These two know how to throw a party, and their infectious energy filled every moment of the day. From the emotional ceremony to the explosive dance floor later in the evening, their enthusiasm was contagious.
The evening reception at Guy's Cliffe was absolutely electric with live performances from Only Sun, and the dance floor was packed all night. They delivered indie banger after indie banger – The Killers, The Strokes – and the crowd went absolutely wild. At one point, guests launched Yasmin and Oscar onto their shoulders in scenes of pure joy and celebration. Both bride and groom even grabbed the microphone to join in with the singing. Yasmin and Oscar led the charge, dancing with the same joy and abandon that characterised their entire approach to the day.
The party in full swing under the marquee
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the band perform – it was the perfect end to a perfect day.
An Amazing Team of Suppliers
Yasmin and Oscar brought together a fantastic team of suppliers who helped create this unforgettable celebration:
Registrars: Susan & Mike from Warwickshire Registrar's Office
Catering: Guy's Cliffe Weddings
Flowers: Stunning arrangements by Candy's Flowers, supplied by Wild & Whimsy
Entertainment: Sax on the Beat for an incredible saxophone/DJ set and live music by Only Sun
Magic: William Poliet kept guests amazed throughout the reception
Drinks: Ice Nine provided fantastic frozen ice drinks
Bridal wear: Wedding dress tailoring by Bridal Gallery London and dress from Coast Bridal
Seating: Rustic hay bale seating from Party Bales Warwickshire
Why I Love Photographing Warwick Weddings
There's something magical about combining Warwick's historic venues with modern, relaxed wedding celebrations. The contrast between medieval architecture and contemporary style creates truly unique photography opportunities. Yasmin and Oscar's wedding perfectly captured this blend – historic grandeur meets easy-going celebration meets high-energy party.
Guy's Cliffe House in particular offers wedding photographers an treasure trove of riches: dramatic cliff faces, mysterious caves, romantic ruins, secluded riverside spots, and beautiful courtyard spaces. Combined with the medieval splendour of Lord Leycester Hospital, these venues provide endless creative possibilities.
If you're planning a Warwick wedding or considering historic venues in Warwickshire, both Lord Leycester Hospital and Guy's Cliffe House offer incredible backdrops that photograph beautifully in any weather – rain just adds to the adventure!
Looking for a wedding photographer in Warwick, Warwickshire, or the surrounding areas? I'd love to hear about your plans and help capture your special day. Get in touch to check availability and discuss your wedding photography needs.
