A complete guide to wedding photography at Valentines Mansion and Gardens, Ilford, North East London
Front entrance of Valentines Mansion and Gardens, Ilford, North East London.
A popular venue in North East London (or Essex, depending on who you ask!), we have shot and also attended multiple weddings at Valentines Mansion and Gardens. It also has a personal connection for Bomi who grew up in Ilford, and remembers several summers attending fairs and lounging with friends on the grass. We’ve pulled together this guide to help you find out more information about the Mansion, and to give you an idea of the wedding photography experience if you decide to choose us as your photographers.
A history of Valentines Mansion
At over 320 years old, Valentines Mansion is a solid part of East London/Essex history. It was originally built around 1696 for Elizabeth Tillotson and her family, whose husband was the Archbishop of Cantebury. The Mansion was acquired by the council in 1912, operating as a home to wartime refugees, a hospital and council housing department. Since 2009 the Mansion has been open to the public and played host to a number of weddings (with possibly yours to be added to the list!).
What can I expect from a Valentines Mansion wedding?
Classical, opulent and charm are the words that come to mind when we think of weddings at Valentines Mansion. The facade of the building, large front lawn and the ample opportunities for outdoor photos offered by the park make this a really versatile venue option. It’s also conveniently located for public transport, being a short walk from Ilford Station on the Elizabeth Line, or Gants Hill Station on the Central Line.
Which room should I choose?
There are three rooms to choose from: the Morning Room, Drawing Room and Holcombe Room. The maximum capacity is in the Drawing Room which holds 70 guests, while the Holcombe Room only accommodates six people. We have shot weddings in both the Drawing Room and Morning Room, and your decision on which room to choose will likely come down to capacity and price.
In terms of how your room selection will determine your wedding photography, the Drawing Room is home to Valentines Mansion’s famous balcony - if this a shot you want, be sure to book this room!
Hiral & Raj’s wedding in the Drawing Room
The Drawing Room has one of Valentines Mansion’s famous balconies, which can be used to capture some unique shots.
Hiral & Raj’s wedding in the Drawing Room
Style and sophistication come to mind when shooting the Drawing Room, with light wallpaper and flooring that will add a clean look to your photos. This room also has the famous Valentines Mansion balcony (see image from the earlier section of the blog).
Kamila & Mehdi’s wedding in the Morning Room
All of Valentines Mansions rooms have an intimate feel, but the Morning Room adds an extra layer of cosiness with large, classic windows that give your wedding photos a warm glow.
What types of photos can I expect to be captured on the day?
From the moment you arrive, Valentines Mansion is the perfect setting to capture a mix of outdoor and indoor photos on your special day. There’s the spacious front entrance, with its oval drive and perfectly manicured lawn, period features of the interior rooms, and lots of outdoor space to play with across Valentines Park. Many couples choose to take photos in the Rose Garden and by the canal. The gallery below has a selection of our favourite photos.
Kamila & Mehdi’s wedding
There are plenty of outdoor photography opportunities at Valentines Mansion. You may even treated to a showing of one of the ample swans that stalk the grounds!
How much time should we accommodate for photos?
Bookings with Valentines Mansion typically include about 30 mins inside the reception room after your ceremony. We recommend you book at least 3 hours for the whole wedding if you want photos around the grounds and park following your ceremony, of yourself and your family.
How can I book Valentines Mansion and Gardens?
Head over to the Valentines Mansion’s webpage for more information on prices and booking.
How can I book you as my photographer(s)?
Easy! Please get in touch with some more information about your wedding plans and we will get back to you in a few days. In the meantime, you can browse our portfolio, recent weddings and learn more about us.