Orchardleigh - a gorgeous wedding venue near Frome profiled by a Somerset photographer
Hidden away a couple of miles north of Frome is Orchardleigh Estate, with an amazing array of facilities including a church on an island, a helipad, a golf course and the stunning Orchardleigh House, built in the 1850's, and now used as a wedding venue for hire.
Orchardleigh House, Frome, viewed from the south east. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
The main house is hidden away, well off the main road, so you could easily drive past without even realising it's there at all. But when you get in and go down the long winding driveway across the estate (now converted into a golf course) you realise you're in very grand surroundings indeed. The driveway brings you to the north of the house, with its pointed towers being reminiscent of the Scotch Baronial architectural style. The whole house is available for the use of wedding guests, with indoor banqueting for up to 160.
Main approach to Orchardleigh House from the north. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
Standing on the terrace on the south side of the house, you look down over elegant, carefully manicured lawns and towards the lake. You can just make it the lake in the photo below - it's just beyond the cows! If you have to look hard to see it, well that just gives you some idea of the scale of the place!
View towards Orchardleigh Lake, showing the balustrade, a favourite romantic spot for wedding shots of the bride and groom. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
Tucked away behind a clump of trees over on the right, is St Mary's Church, and although you can't really tell from the pictures, the church is actually on its very own island, as you can see here from Google maps. Lots of people dream of being whisked off to a romantic island for their wedding - well, who knew, you can do it right here in Somerset!
The Church of St Mary, on a little island on the Orchardleigh Lake. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
All in all, Orchardleigh is a stunning, romantic location for a truly memorable wedding, and if you're interested, you can browse more of my photographs of Orchardleigh here.
Orchardleigh House, wedding venue in Somerset. Image by Beata Cosgrove Photography
