Hawkesyard estate Wedding Photography
A Wedding Venue Steeped in History
There’s something special about a wedding venue which is not just a wedding venue but a historical icon to the area. Hawkesyard Estate was not designed for weddings but with that, it carries a unique experience for all of those who choose to get married beneath it’s Gothic exterior.
Planning your special day at Hawkesyard Estate?
Hawkesyard Estate is such a beautiful place which I have photographed so many times. I love returning time and time again so why not drop me message and find out a little more?
Behind the Scenes at Hawkesyard Estate
Through the magic of a 360 camera, I’m able to capture behind-the-scenes content on my wedding days to show my current and future couples exactly what it would like for them to have me along at their Hawkesyard Estate wedding day
All of these videos and more are captured in the most subtle way making sure to not disrupt the wedding day at all. I feel the connection between a couple and their photographer is a really important factor hence why I wanted to show this part of my work as well. I’m not like every wedding photographer and showing you these behind-the-scenes videos from Hawkesyard hopefully helps me to reinforce that statement.
@adamlowndesphotography A simple step portrait posed outside of Dunwood Hall in Staffordshire. #insta360x3 #insta360 #nikonz8 #dunwoodhall #leek #altbride #altcouple #altwedding ♬ abandoned. - FutureVille
@adamlowndesphotography Grabbin’ this beautifully lit sunset photogrpah for Tim & Charl at Dunwood Hall. Love a run and a dress swoosh when doing wedding portraits
♬ Heavy Wave - Motorama
@adamlowndesphotography When attending a wedding as a key family member and a photographer there is only one way to do the group shots. Behind the scenes captured with the @insta360_official X4 #groupshots #offcameraflash #flash #flashphotography #dunwoodhall #godox #godoxad200 #ad200 #ad200pro #dunwoodhall #staffordshire ♬ original sound - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 Lowndes - Photography
If you are still looking at wedding photographers’ websites and have come to Adam’s website, look no further, you’ve found your photographer!
From our initial meeting with Adam right the way through to our wedding he was approachable, helpful and always happy to offer advice when we weren’t sure about things.We initially met over Zoom and after spending 2 hours chatting we knew he was the best person for the job. Closer to the wedding he came over to our house and we discussed the photos we wanted and the logistics of the day
We couldn’t be more pleased with our photographs, they completely encapsulated the joy of the day.
Tasmin & Dale
Hawkesyard Estate, 2025
The History of Hawkesyard Estate
Hawkesyard Estate is one of Staffordshire’s true hidden gems. Nestled between Rugeley and Lichfield, this Grade II listed estate has a story that stretches back hundreds of years — and you can really feel that history as soon as you turn onto the long, sweeping driveway.
The estate was originally known as Armitage Park, with its roots going all the way back to the 13th century. It later became home to the famous Spode family, of Stoke-on-Trent pottery fame, who transformed it into the grand Gothic-style mansion we know today. The impressive Hawkesyard Hall, with its battlements, stonework, and turrets, still proudly carries the Spode family crest above the entrance.
In the years that followed, the Hall was owned by the Dominican Order and later served as a convent school, before falling into disuse for a while. Thankfully, it was lovingly restored in the early 2000s and reborn as the stunning wedding venue it is today.
From the manicured lawns to the historic architecture, Hawkesyard Estate is one of those places that perfectly balances grandeur and warmth. Every time I work here, I can’t help but admire how its centuries of history add so much depth and atmosphere to every wedding day.
Hawkesyard Estate Weddings
I’ve photographed countless weddings at Hawkesyard Estate over the years, and honestly, it’s one of those venues that just keeps on giving. Whether you’re going for something traditional and elegant or more relaxed and rustic, it adapts beautifully to every couple’s vision.
Your wedding morning here usually begins in the elegant Bridal Suite — a light and airy space with huge windows and period detailing that make it ideal for those ‘getting ready’ photographs. There’s a real sense of calm before the day kicks into full swing.
The ceremony itself most often takes place in the Lister Suite, a grand room with chandeliers, tall ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with soft natural light. From a photographer’s point of view, it’s a dream — that mix of historic features and open brightness makes every ceremony feel timeless.
After the “I do’s,” guests usually spill out into the formal gardens for drinks and confetti. The gardens are beautifully kept, with plenty of space for everyone to mingle, laugh, and take in the surroundings. It’s also where I like to capture some relaxed candid shots and a few natural portraits amongst the trees and stone pathways.
When it’s time to dine, the celebrations move into the Armitage Suite — a spacious and versatile room perfect for both the wedding breakfast and the evening party. It’s one of those spaces that can feel intimate with smaller weddings but easily holds a big crowd when the party gets going. The team at Hawkesyard are always on top form too; they’re experienced, friendly, and make sure everything flows smoothly from start to finish.
As night falls, the place takes on new life and comes alive with light and laughter, and that’s when the real party shots start. Every Hawkesyard Estate wedding I’ve captured has had its own unique energy — but the backdrop of the Hall and gardens always makes it something truly special.
Photographing Weddings at Hawkesyard Estate
Hawkesyard Estate is a photographer’s playground — there’s no other way to put it. Every direction you turn offers a new opportunity for stunning imagery. From the grand façade of the Hall and its ornate stone archways to the tree-lined gardens and romantic lawns, it’s bursting with character.
When I photograph weddings here, I love working with the natural light that streams through the large windows of the Lister Suite and Armitage Suite. It gives the photographs a soft, cinematic quality that’s hard to beat. Outside, the gardens and open grounds create endless possibilities for portraits — whether that’s a quiet moment under the old oak trees or a dramatic sunset shot across the lawn.
One of my favourite moments of any Hawkesyard wedding day is just before sunset, when the golden light hits the Hall’s stone walls. That warm glow creates the perfect backdrop for some relaxed couple portraits — the kind of images that just feel timeless.
My approach is always laid-back and unobtrusive. I’ll blend in with your guests, capturing genuine moments and emotions as they happen — no awkward posing or forced smiles. If you’re planning your big day at Hawkesyard Estate, I’d love to be the one to document it all for you. This venue really is a joy to photograph, and together, we can create something that feels authentic, beautiful, and completely unique to your day.
Meet Adam Lowndes
A Hawkesyard Estate Wedding photographer
No matter your race, colour, creed, or sexuality, you are everything to me. I wouldn’t live this incredible photography dream job without you. I can’t help but be your absolute wedding hero.
My couples are usually super down to earth and are planning a relaxed fun wedding day surrounded by all those people they love. I love a party! So when it comes to weddings I can’t help but get wrapped up in the magic of your day. Getting so stuck in with your wedding allows me to translate so much more feeling into my photographs. At some point, you’ll want a few awesome photographs of the two of you. These photographs will take minutes and not hours so we can get straight back to the party. Oh and those family formal portraits, don’t worry about them, they’ll be zero hassle.
With my super extraverted personality I’ll be one of the most excited guests from the moment I arrive. It won’t take your wedding party long to assume we are lifelong friends.