The Upper House in Barlaston is a beautifully historic country house wedding venue set in Staffordshire, originally built in 1845 for Francis Wedgwood — grandson of the great Josiah Wedgwood. Steeped in history, this elegant manor sits within 10 acres of landscaped gardens, woodlands, and fields, providing an idyllic backdrop for weddings that feel refined, personal, and deeply memorable.
With versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, The Upper House offers a mix of characterful interiors and serene gardens, making it perfect for wedding photography that feels natural, elegant, and storytelling-led.
Where is The Upper House and why is it a popular Staffordshire wedding venue?
The Upper House is nestled in Barlaston, Staffordshire, just outside Stoke?on?Trent and easily accessible from the wider West Midlands and Cheshire. Its location feels peaceful and private, yet perfectly placed for couples who want countryside character without straying too far from home.
Couples are drawn to The Upper House for its variety of ceremony options — whether you choose an outdoor “I do” beneath the Pavilion in the gardens, a woodland ceremony nestled among trees, or an indoor civil service in the Orangery or Woodlands Suite. Its combination of characterful indoor spaces and beautifully landscaped grounds allows every couple to tailor the day to their vision.
What is it like to have your wedding photographed at The Upper House?
Wedding photography at The Upper House is about capturing a story rich with texture, light, and personality. The sweeping driveway and historic façade set the tone from the very start, leading into gardens and grounds that work beautifully for relaxed couple portraits, joyful candid moments, and scenic group shots.
Inside, light pours through windows in spaces like the Orangery, creating soft, flattering light for ceremony photography. The Pavilion and woodland areas offer natural, outdoor settings that are perfect for capturing the atmosphere of your day in every season. The variety — from manicured lawns to shaded tree lines — gives endless opportunities for imagery that feels both elegant and grounded.
Best photo locations at The Upper House
The Upper House offers a range of beautiful locations for wedding photography:
The Pavilion: an outdoor ceremony space set within landscaped gardens, perfect for sunlit vows and dramatic couple portraits.
Woodland ceremony area: a scenic woodland setting for more intimate outdoor celebrations.
Orangery: a light-filled interior, ideal for elegant ceremony shots.
Woodlands Suite: a versatile indoor space for wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations, with plenty of charm and character.
Gardens & lawns: naturally landscaped outdoor spaces that work beautifully for couple portraits and group photos across the seasons.
How I photograph weddings at The Upper House
My approach focuses on being present for real moments, using the venue’s beautiful surroundings and architecture to elevate them, so your photos feel like a beautifully told visual narrative of your day.
The Upper House wedding photography style
At The Upper House, my photography blends documentary storytelling with refined composition. I capture genuine emotion, thoughtful detail, and atmospheric light — creating images that feel modern, elegant, and true to your wedding experience.
Looking for a The Upper House wedding photographer in Staffordshire?
If you’re planning your wedding at The Upper House in Barlaston and want a photographer who values natural storytelling, refined composition, and elegant imagery, I’d love to hear more about your plans.
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