ST MICHAEL’S MANOR HOTEL ST ALBANS

St Michael's Manor, Wedding Blog, Wedding Venues

St Michaels Manor wedding in Hertfordshire

St Michael’s Manor Hotel in St Albans is about as close to St Albans city centre as you can get. Just a short walk down the historical Fishpools St (previously the ancient city of Verulamium). And an even shorter walk from the famous St Albans Abbey Cathedral.

St Michael’s Manor hotel Wedding Photography

Set in five acres of private gardens, this 4-star hotel offers exclusive use for weddings with plenty of accommodation for guests.

ST ALBANS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

St Albans is a vibrant and popular City in Hertfordshire. With fast links to London, cobbled streets and historic buildings, award-winning restaurants, and stunning parkland.

It was no surprise that Zuzana and Dan who live in heart of St Albans chose St Michael’s Manor as their wedding venue. They could literally walk their from their house.

Theirs was a truly international wedding. With Dan’s family flying in from America and Zuzana’s friends and family from practically every European country. And how better to show off St Albans than to have their ceremony at the stunning St Albans Cathedral.

ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL WEDDING

I am lucky enough to have photographed several wedding ceremonies at St Albans Cathedral, and it is breathtaking. With family on flights and beautiful Autumn weather we were days away from an incredible wedding…….

Then Covid struck the Groom and his family.

However, after several lockdowns and two years of significant disruption, weddings were indeed back. Therefore following a nervous few days and an isolating Groom, with masks on hand, the wedding could go-ahead. After a fraught few days leading up to the wedding, I couldn’t believe how relaxed Zuzana was the morning of her wedding. Chatting with her best friends whilst Jade Anna Makeup Artistry worked her magic.

St Albans Cathedral is vast in size yet weddings there always feel so private and intimate. Even when photographing from the back of the Cathedral. The Cathedral remains open to the public during weddings, and Zuzana & Dan walked out of the Cathedral to the cheers and applaud from the general public.

After lots of confetti, hugs and some family photos, we then made our way to St Michael’s Manor for the drinks reception.

“We never imagined every picture would be worthy of hanging on the wall”!

ST MICHAEL’S MANOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Accordingly, with a nod to Zuzana’s heritage, the drinks reception kicked off with the Czech tradition of plate smashing. With the Bride and Groom subsequently being left to clear up the mess. And whilst this sounds rather harsh on your wedding day, the tradition is rooted in superstitions. Firstly, the broken chips bring happiness, and secondly, the couple’s willingness to cooperate by jointly sweeping the broken chips will lead to a harmonious marriage.

St Michaels Manor wedding photography st albans

The wedding breakfast was held in the beautiful Orangery at St Michael’s Manor, with panoramic views over the gardens. I love the light that pours into this room during the day, and how much it changes at night with a few twinkle lights. After the meal, it was time to find out just how much the couple actually knew about each other with the Shoe Game. Now you can go as far as you want with the questions in this game. From my experience at weddings, I’d say the more personal – the better!

With 30 bedrooms and suites at St Michael’s Manor, the guests didn’t have too far to travel after a perfect day even with Covid as the unwelcomed guest.