Back in June, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful wedding at The Waterside Venue. I wanted to share a few thoughts about my experience there, especially for couples on the lookout for a great location or fellow photographers doing some research.
The Waterside Venue, in Rickmansworth, is an exclusive location for weddings in Hertfordshire. It is yours, and yours alone for the day, so no uninvited gate crashers! Let me tell you more.
The Waterside Venue
This idyllic wedding venue is perfect for intimate weddings. It holds no more than 100 guests, with a choice of ceremony locations, weather dependent, between the Oak Room and the Willow Grove. Both offer a very romantic setting and opportunities to dress them in stunning floral arrangements. Fortunately for Nicola and Jermaine, the weather played ball, remaining dry enough for the wedding gazebo in the Willow Grove. It allowed me to capture some beautiful images of the bride and groom, and this special moment in their day.
The Reception Flexibility
There are two gardens and marquees available during each wedding. The reception marquee looked outstanding. With floral chandeliers and table decorations in classical shades of white and green, with just a hint of lilac to complement the bridesmaids’ gowns, it took your breath away.
Now, this is something I love, The Waterside Venue offers flexibility on catering. Therefore, you get to choose any fully licensed catering company and theme that you want. From a traditional, sit-down wedding breakfast to a summer BBQ or a selection of food trucks, the choice is entirely yours. Nicola and Jermaine chose very well, and the food on their wedding day was delicious! Yes, I was lucky enough to be fed!
Naturally, following the feast came the speeches. Like all good weddings, they generated laughter, tears, and special gifts for the Bride and Groom’s wedding party. I was particularly impressed with the Mike Tyson framed autograph, but not nearly as much as the groom’s lovely dad. There were plenty of fans in use, too, thanks to the warmth of the day!
Fortunately, the gardens offered plenty of opportunities to seek shade during breaks in the reception. I loved the zig-zag benches under the large parasols. There were plenty of shady corners, too, with comfortable seating for those who just needed some time to chill.
Photo Opportunities
Although The Waterside Venue isn’t huge, it makes excellent use of the space. As a photographer, I really appreciated how many unique spots there were for photos, and how close everything was.
The beautiful gardens and lawn provided the perfect backdrop to capture more formal wedding photos before the reception. Likewise, as I’m a photographer who loves to have fun with couples, they proved very useful when we celebrated with a champagne spray and enjoyed a few games, like tossing the groom in the air!
Naturally, I also whisked Nicola and Jermaine off for a few intimate, romantic couple shots. With the waterside walkway, draped in floral garlands, the wedding gazebo, and a beautiful pergola hosting colourful climbers, we were spoilt for choice.
As you will see, from the images at the end of this blog, I also love to capture the feel and atmosphere of a wedding, documentary style. The pretty surroundings of The Waterside Venue offered plenty of scope for that! Indeed, I recommend it for being a relaxed, natural environment that works really well for both posed shots and those lovely in-between moments.
Evening Festivities
With the marbled cake cut, the bride and groom made their way to the dancefloor to the delight of their family and friends. A stunning rose wall and twinkling lights made this a memorable evening. Everyone, young and old, danced till they dropped. A fitting end to a fabulous day.
A Few Practical Points
As my aim is to share my personal insights of The Waterside Venue, here are a few practical observations.
Great Value for Money
One of the first things the couple told me, and something I quickly saw for myself, is how affordable The Waterside Venue is. Compared to many wedding venues in the area, the cost here is genuinely competitive, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on quality.
It’s a rare combination: stylish, well-run, and reasonably priced. If you’re planning a wedding on a budget but still want something that feels polished and special, this is definitely a venue worth checking out.
Friendly, Professional Service
Another big plus I noticed: the staff were genuinely great with the guests. From friendly bar staff to well-organized timings by the events manager, everything ran efficiently but with a personal touch.
When the team behind the scenes is attentive and calm, it helps the whole day flow better. That translates into more relaxed couples, happier guests, and better photos. Win-win-win.
Accessibility
The Waterside Venue is easy to access, just 20 miles from London. There is ample private parking, with a parking attendant on the premises, too. Whilst the venue doesn’t offer accommodation itself, there is a Premier Inn, just 5 minutes down the road in Rickmansworth, and another in Croxley Green, 10 minutes from the venue.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, The Waterside Venue is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s affordable, beautiful, and surprisingly versatile when it comes to photography. Whether you’re a couple looking for a charming venue or a photographer preparing for your first shoot there, I’d definitely recommend giving it a look.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my lovely bride and groom, Nicola and Jermaine, for inviting me to be their wedding photographer. It is a privilege I never take for granted and never get tired of. Additionally, I’d like to thank Nicola and Jermaine’s wonderful family and friends for embracing my fun suggestions and making me feel part of the party.
The Waterside Venue is a lovely Hertfordshire wedding venue that offers a lot, without the price tag that often comes with exclusive wedding venues. Here’s a link to their website if you’d like to learn more.
Likewise, if you’ve enjoyed viewing my images and would like to have a chat with me about photographing your special day, please knock on my door here, it’s always open and I look forward to chatting to you very soon.
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