Planning One Hour of Wedding Photography at Berwick Lodge
Guidance from a Bristol wedding photographer
If you are planning an elopement wedding at Berwick Lodge, one of the most common questions I am asked as a Bristol wedding photographer is:
“Is one hour of Berwick Lodge elopement photography enough?”
The short answer is yes, if it is planned properly.
With years of experience photographing intimate weddings and elopements at Berwick Lodge, I know exactly how the day flows, how long moments realistically take, and how to make the most of a shorter photography window without it feeling rushed or stressful.
This guide is here to help you understand what one hour of Berwick Lodge elopement photography can cover, how to time it well, and why adding a little extra time can completely change the feel of your day.
Why Berwick Lodge Works So Well for Elopement Weddings
Berwick Lodge is one of the most popular elopement and intimate wedding venues near Bristol and for good reason.
From a photography point of view, it offers beautiful interiors with natural light, the iconic staircase that is perfect for arrival moments, elegant ceremony spaces, landscaped gardens ideal for portraits, and everything in one location so there is no travel time.
All of this makes it possible to create a complete wedding story, even within a shorter photography timeframe.
How One Hour of Wedding Photography at Berwick Lodge Works
With careful planning, one hour of photography at Berwick Lodge can be calm, intentional, and beautifully documented.
Here is how I typically structure it.
15 Minutes Before the Ceremony
This is where the story begins.
During this time, I photograph you putting on your dress or final touches and capture natural, relaxed moments rather than staged poses. I also photograph you coming down the staircase at Berwick Lodge. These moments are often some of the most emotional of the day, quiet and intimate, and full of anticipation.
The Wedding Ceremony
I then photograph the ceremony in full, including your entrance, the vows, the ring exchange, the signing of the register, and that first moment as a married couple.
Because I know the ceremony spaces at Berwick Lodge well, I can work discreetly while capturing the key moments without interrupting the flow.
Photographs with Your Guests
After the ceremony, we allow time for group photos with up to six guests. I focus on natural, relaxed interactions rather than stiff line-ups.
With smaller guest numbers, this part is quick and stress-free, leaving you more time to enjoy being together.
Couple Portraits and a Short Walk Around the Gardens
The final part of the hour is dedicated to formal photographs of the two of you and a gentle walk around the Berwick Lodge gardens.
These natural, editorial-style portraits do not feel forced and allow you to enjoy the moment. You get space to breathe, take it all in, and celebrate that you have just got married.
Is One Hour Enough?
One hour works well if you are having a true elopement or very small wedding, and you want simple, meaningful coverage. You can still have a beautiful, complete gallery.
However, it does move quickly, and you should be aware that timings are tight.
Why Adding an Extra 45 Minutes Makes a Big Difference
Adding an extra 45 minutes to one hour of photography can completely change the pace of your day.
That additional time allows for more relaxed getting-ready moments, extra couple portraits without rushing, and time to pause and enjoy Berwick Lodge’s gardens.
Instead of moving from one moment to the next, the day feels calm, intentional, and unrushed. From a photographer’s perspective, this also means capturing more candid moments and telling a fuller story.
A Photographer’s Honest Advice
Because I have photographed so many elopement weddings at Berwick Lodge, I can help you build a realistic timeline, decide how much coverage you truly need, and avoid squeezing too much into too little time.
My role is not just to turn up and take photos. I guide couples so the wedding day feels effortless, relaxed, and well-paced.
Final Thoughts from a Bristol Wedding Photographer
If you are planning an elopement wedding at Berwick Lodge, one hour of photography can work beautifully, especially when guided by experience.
Adding extra time allows for a slower pace, more breathing space, and a more complete photographic story. The difference between covering the day and fully experiencing it is often that extra 45 minutes.
If you want help planning your elopement photography at Berwick Lodge, I am always happy to talk through timings and options so your day feels as good as it looks.
Alicia Garside is a fine art wedding photographer based in Gloucestershire, capturing elegant celebrations across the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire countryside, and historic English manor venues like Pauntley Court and Elmore Court. Through her studio, Red Maple Photography, Alicia creates timeless, light-filled imagery that blends natural beauty with refined storytelling.
With more than a decade of experience, she approaches every wedding with an artist’s eye and a heart for authentic connection — documenting moments that feel both effortless and enduring. Her work reflects the romance and charm of the English countryside, crafted for couples who value emotion, artistry, and elegance.
