As a Contemporary Wedding Photographer, I’m always looking at ways to create beautiful wedding images, one of the key ingredients for a classic wedding image is the location. Over the time I’ve  been photographing weddings, I have visited some stunning locations, so I thought It’s about time I highlighted these gems in and around Leicestershire, Warwickshire and the Midlands, so that  future wedding couples have a choice of beautiful well recommended venues.

http://www.thecityrooms.co.uk  The City Rooms is a Georgian, Grade 1 listed banqueting venue and boutique hotel in the heart of Leicester city centre. After a careful two year restoration and refurbishment project The City Rooms has been brought back to life. Opening its doors once again for business in October 2006, it is now a very popular venue for Conferences and Weddings alike. This stunning, historic venue attracts guests from all over the East Midlands and further afield. Built in 1792, it is a venue steeped in history, with many fascinating features, giving evidence of the original plans for the building to become the premier hotel in Leicester. Used primarily as a venue to hold events, The City Rooms is also now open as first intended over two hundred years ago. The four lavishly decorated boutique hotel rooms are one of the best kept secrets in the city centre. All  the above information can be found on the home page of the city rooms website, but I love the city rooms not only for its undeniable beauty, but for the quality of service in every aspect of a wedding couples big day, The first time I walked into this family owned venue, I was made to feel welcome, If you would like any information on the city rooms, feel free to contact me, or to view this unique venue contact Vicky at the City Rooms.

http://www.foliohotels.com/brownsoverhall/  Brownsover Hall Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian Gothic mansion nestling in 7 acres of woodland and garden. This magnificent building has a dramatic interior with sweeping staircase and crackling log fires. With rich colours and plenty of character and charm the Brownsover Hall Hotel has a distinct unique charm. I really do love Brownsover hall for many reasons, A past bride described it as looking shaby sheek, I don’t know what that means, but I do know It has a special feel about it, the rooms have gothic features and beautiful warm wall coverings, as mentioned above Brownsover has 7 acres of woodland and gardens. Located in Rugby Warwickshire this wedding venue is well worth a visit.

http://www.bosworthbattlefield.com/visit/tithe_barn.htm I will be visiting this venue in the next couple of months, and I will post my thoughts on it, What I will say for now is that this venue is a really different alternative to a traditional venue, the building for me is funky and contemporary, with its timber and glass structure, And I can not think of a more historic location than this.

http://www.anstyhallhotel.com/ MaCdonald Ansty Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian Mansion Dating Back to 1678. Set in eight acres of grounds in the rolling Warwickshire countryside.

http://www.kilworthhouse.co.uk/weddingsintro.htm   The most important day of your life deserves a special setting – a location that’s not just out of the ordinary, but extraordinary. That location is Kilworth House Hotel. Kilworth House stands apart from the everyday world – a place of timeless warmth, elegance, and gracious living, set amid 38 acres of rolling parkland. The bedrooms are palatial and the food is superb, while the attentive staff understand what makes a guest feel special. You can not mistake the beauty of kilworth house and it’s parkland, I have to add however that it does come with a  price tag, if however your budget will stretch, kilworth house is a definate contender.

http://www.thebelfry.co.uk/index.cfm/section/info/display/19/celebrate.htm Details to follow but website well worth a visit

http://www.halsteadhouse.co.uk/  A unique wedding venue set in 170 acres of rolling Leicestershire countryside, the elegant Georgian Halstead House with its two converted Victorian built barns provides a special atmosphere for wedding receptions and parties and is licensed for civil ceremonies. I have only visited this venue once, but as first impressions go, I love it! this is a working farm, it is rustic and beautiful, its a far cry from a conference  center style hotel, I will be photographing a wedding there later on this year

http://www.stonesweddings.co.uk/friarswell/?gclid=CLObkqHk2p8CFQYslAod7FiyGA  At Stones Weddings, we believe that everything about your special day should be tailored to suit you.We pride ourselves on ensuring that the bride and groom receive our full attention and can enjoy all those personal touches that will reflect your own taste as a couple.That’s why this unique venue, offering complete privacy and inspiring views, has been carefully selected to provide you with both luxury and flexibility.

http://www.noseleyhall.co.uk/  Noseley Hall was built by Sir Arthur Hazlerigg in 1729, in an exceptional position overlooking the famous rolling Leicestershire grasslands. The Hall has panoramic views that are unrivalled in this part of the country. The house is still the private home of the Hazlerigg family who have lived on the site since 1419. The peacefulness of the setting, just 65 minutes by train from London, makes Noseley the perfect setting for a variety of exclusive functions. It is the perfect wedding reception venue in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside. The Hall is always hired on an exclusive basis. This venue for me is a one off, with it’s own family chapel and beautiful grounds, this venue really needs to be on your radar.

http://www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk/ Barnsdale Hall Hotel is set in conservation parkland, overlooking the magnificent views of Rutland Water, making it the ideal venue for your wedding. This unique setting with elegant surroundings provides the perfect backdrop to your day.

http://www.rothleycourt.com/default.htm Rothley Court is an impressive ancient rambling Manor House, with its own 11th Century Chapel, idyllic manicured grounds, rose walk, babbling brook and trout filled river. Located just outside Leicester and on the border of Rothley Park Golf Club, this beautiful hotel is perfectly placed in the English Countryside.

http://www.the-empire.co.uk/empire.html A Grade II listed building and a historic landmark of Leicester, The Empire is a venue with attention to detail and design and its historical element is a unique venue full of antique charm and character which is now available for exclusive hire.