Getting married at Styal Lodge? Tips from a videographer who’s filmed there

I filmed Jodie & Tom’s wedding at Styal Lodge, and it’s one of those venues that does a lot of the work for you. If you’ve booked it (or you’re about to), here’s what I’d want you to know from behind the camera.

The venue in a nutshell

Styal Lodge sits on Station Road in Styal, the National Trust village just outside Wilmslow, a short hop from Manchester Airport. It’s a family-run, open-plan timber lodge with high ceilings and big windows, plus gardens for guests to wander. It’s exclusive use, so it’s just you and your people all day.

1. Use the windows

Those big windows flood the lodge with natural light, which is gold for film. If you’re getting ready or doing your first look inside, ask your videographer to set up near them. Soft side light is the most flattering light there is.

2. Plan a ten-minute golden-hour escape

Check sunset for your date and sneak out to the gardens about 45 minutes before it. Ten minutes, just the two of you, then straight back to the party. Your guests won’t miss you, and those shots are often the ones couples love most.

3. Don’t book your videographer to leave at the first dance

The lodge comes alive at night. Fairy lights, the bar, the dance floor filling up. Jodie & Tom finished with a sparkler send-off and it’s one of my favourite moments I’ve filmed. If you’re planning one, keep your videographer on until it happens.

4. Sparkler tips (from someone who’s filmed them)

• Check with the venue first. Every venue has its own rules on sparklers and where you can use them.
• Buy the long ones (at least 18 inches) so they last the full walk.
• Light from one end of the line and work down, so they’re all burning when you set off.
• Walk slowly. Then do it again. The second run is nearly always the keeper.

5. Think about the speeches

An open-plan room with high ceilings means sound carries, including the bar, the kitchen and chatter. Make sure your videographer is miking the speeches properly rather than relying on the camera. (I’ve written about why that matters.)

6. Remember there are no rooms on site

There’s no accommodation at the lodge itself, so think about where you’re getting ready and factor the travel into your morning timeline. If you want getting-ready footage, let your videographer know where to be and when.

Want to see the venue on film? Watch Jodie & Tom’s Styal Lodge wedding film. Getting married there yourself? Check if I’m free on your date.

Venue details from Coco Wedding Venues. Always check the latest with Styal Lodge directly.