At the end of April, I had the pleasure of photographing a small midweek wedding at Butley Priory in Suffolk, and let me tell you — it was one of those days that reminded me exactly why I do what I do.

Everything about the day was effortlessly perfect: the setting, the weather, the couple, the vibe. If you’re considering a smaller wedding and you haven’t come across the Butley Priory elopement package, this little slice of Suffolk history might just steal your heart like it did mine.

Why Butley Priory is So Special

A Wedding Venue with Real History

Butley Priory isn’t just a pretty building — it’s a 900-year-old former Augustinian monastery, and the only surviving part is the grand, Gothic gatehouse. Built in the 14th century, this beautifully restored gem is now an exclusive-use wedding venue tucked away in the Suffolk countryside.

Back in the 1530s, like many religious buildings, it was dissolved during Henry VIII’s reign, and much of the original priory was demolished. Thankfully, the gatehouse survived and was rescued from disrepair about a hundred years ago. Since then, it’s been lovingly restored into one of the most unique and intimate wedding venues in the UK.

Overflowing with Charm and Character

When you step inside, you immediately feel the history all around you — from the vaulted ceilings to the thick stone walls and the sense of calm that comes from centuries of quiet. It’s got just one main room for ceremonies, and a second for guests to relax — which is all you need when your wedding is intentionally small.

I’d been wanting to shoot here again for years — eight, in fact. And it was every bit as magical as I remembered.

The Elopement Package: Small Wedding, Big Personality

Midweek Magic for Up to 100 Guests

Butley Priory’s elopement package is ideal for couples who want the beauty of a historic venue without the stress (and expense) of a massive event. It’s designed for up to 100 guests, but it works incredibly well for much smaller gatherings.

The couple I photographed had just 16 guests — close family and friends. That made for a peaceful, personal celebration where everyone could relax, be present, and enjoy each other’s company.

A Calm, Relaxed Timeline

With around three to four hours at the venue, you get plenty of time for:

• A heartfelt ceremony

• Group and couple portraits

• A bit of downtime in the sunshine with your guests

No rushing, no schedules packed to the brim — just time to breathe, take it all in, and enjoy the moment.

A Late April Dream: Perfect Weather and Wisteria

April 30th, 2025, felt like the very best kind of wedding day. The weather hit the mid-20s (rare for England!), the skies were clear, and the wisteria was in full bloom, hanging like lilac curtains over the doorways and windows.

The grounds were lush, green, and glowing in the sunlight — the perfect canvas for wedding photography. Honestly, I could have photographed there all day (and nearly did). The lighting, the atmosphere, the colours — everything just came together.

A Couple Who Came Alive in the Quiet

The bride and groom were a young couple who described themselves as quite shy and reserved — and that’s one of the reasons they chose Butley Priory. They didn’t want a loud, showy event. They wanted something beautiful, private, and calm, where they could be themselves and still make memories with their nearest and dearest.

And that’s exactly what they got.

There was something about this little corner of Suffolk that allowed them to relax and shine. During the couple portraits, they laughed, whispered, and danced under the wisteria — totally in their element.

These are the kinds of weddings I adore. They’re not about the performance. They’re about connection.

Photographer’s Perspective: Why I Love Butley Priory

Light, Lines, and Landscape

From a photography point of view, Butley Priory ticks all the boxes:

• Soft, flattering natural light

• Beautiful stonework and architectural lines

• Intimate interiors with a classic feel

• A well-maintained garden for group shots and candid moments

The textures, shadows, and colours all lend themselves to storytelling photography, which is how I love to work — natural, honest, and emotion-led.

It’s the kind of venue where you don’t need to “make” anything look romantic. It already is.

The Reception: Ramsholt Arms on the River

After the ceremony and some relaxed mingling, the couple and their guests headed to the Ramsholt Arms, a characterful pub about 20 minutes away, perched right on the River Deben.

It’s another dream location for candid, relaxed photography. We arrived just before golden hour, so we took a stroll down by the shore and snapped a few more portraits with yachts in the background, the water glistening, and the Suffolk coast stretching into the distance.

You couldn’t script it better if you tried.

The Ramsholt Arms itself was perfect for a low-key celebration — drinks in the beer garden, a delicious pub meal, and no pressure to do anything fancy. It was all about good food, good company, and the start of a new chapter.

A Photographer’s Favourite Moments

I finished the day sitting in the sunshine, eating Pate and nursing a well-earned drink in the beer garden, feeling completely content. That’s the magic of small weddings — you’re part of something meaningful, but it never feels overwhelming.

This wedding reminded me that small doesn’t mean less — in fact, it often means more. More intimacy. More personality. More moments that truly matter.

And the team at Butley Priory deserve a shoutout — they were fantastic. Calm, helpful, warm. Everything you want from a venue when your wedding day is unfolding.

Is Butley Priory Right for You?

If you’re a couple who:

• Want a unique, historic venue

• Prefer small, intentional celebrations

• Crave a calm atmosphere over chaos

• Appreciate beautiful surroundings for relaxed photography

• Like the idea of a weekday wedding with less fuss and more focus

Then Butley Priory’s elopement package might be exactly what you’re looking for.

You’ll have a piece of English history all to yourself. You’ll be looked after. You’ll get stunning photos without having to pose all day, and you’ll spend your time with the people who matter most.

Final Thoughts: A Little Piece of Perfection

I’ve photographed weddings in castles, gardens, stately homes, beaches — you name it — but Butley Priory holds a special place in my heart now. There’s something about its scale, simplicity, and soul that’s hard to put into words.

It’s a reminder that wedding days don’t have to be big to be beautiful. Sometimes, all you need is sunshine, a gatehouse steeped in history, the smell of wisteria in the air, and a few people you love.

And maybe — just maybe — a photographer who feels lucky to be part of it.