LJ Photographics Blog

Chawton House is a fantastic wedding venue situated in the beautiful English country village, with fabulous grounds grazed by sheep, cattle and horses.  When approaching, you are greeted by a long gravel driveway leading up to the exquisite Chawton House which sets the scene brilliantly.

** To view more of our photographs of Chawton House, please click here. **

What does it offer?

Chawton House offers a choice of three beautiful rooms, perfect for a historical themed civil ceremony.

The Dining Room can seat up to 50 people for a larger ceremony and boasts oak panelling and the Knight family dining table.

The Oak Room is ideal for smaller, more intimate ceremonies and can seat up to 30 guests. Then known as the Ladies Withdrawing Room, it was a favourite of Jane and the other ladies. If you opt for this room, be sure to shock and impress your tablemates with your historical knowledge and note; the room was remodelled around 1900 by Montagu Knight who installed full length panelling and an imposing stone fireplace thought to be designed by Edward Lutyens! Alternatively you can always simply enjoy the incredible setting!

The Great Hall is the principal ceremony room and the room of choice for most of the weddings held at Chawton House. It can sit up to 60 people comfortably and host 100 wedding guests for your drinks reception.

For larger parties still, a marquee on the South Lawn makes a fantastic, tranquil setting for a wedding – overlooking Church Meadow with views of the Parkland along the Lime Avenue.

The wedding photography opportunities at this venue are endless and your wedding party will have exclusive use of the house and grounds so you really are spoilt for choice!

Inside there are a number of fantastic spots to photograph. If you like artistic, moody lighting then look no further, Chawton House is for you! Dramatic and visually stunning wedding photographs are exactly the type of shots that capture the heart of this historical venue!

Chawton House has amazing stairs cases, corridors, chairs and windows perfect for ‘arty’ photography with plenty of atmospheric lighting for us to help bring your wedding photos to life! The opportunities are endless and creative flair can really flow inside Chawton House!

Not only does Chawton House offer fabulous inside opportunities to photograph your wedding, but it also benefits from amazing grounds. Weather permitting(!) you can do both fun shots with your bridal party and intimate couple shots by the steps, leaning on the railings and by a featured tree. The grounds at this venue really make you feel relaxed as they are a perfect, peaceful setting for your special day!!

The history bit!
Chawton House is the ancestral home of the Knight family who prospered sufficiently enough to buy the manor of Chawton from the de Port family who acquired it after the Norman Conquest. In 1583 John Knight began replacing an earlier medieval building with the house that still stands today. Jane Austen’s brother, Edward was adopted by Thomas and Catherine Knight who were cousins of the Austen’s and inherited the house. Jane Austen moved into Chawton cottage in1809. In 1826 Chawton House became the home of Edward’s son until 1879 when it passed to his son Montagu.  Due to high running costs the estate had to be sold, the house was then rescued in 1993 when a new charity established by American entrepreneur, Sandy Lerner, bought the lease.
Ten years later after extensive conservation work, the house reopened as Chawton House Library and is now a fabulous wedding venue!!

Quick Fact!
Did you know “The Borrowers” was filmed at Chawton House in 1993?

Major on character!
The character of this venue is completely different to the more contemporary hotels and wedding venues. If you are interested a more historical setting, then you absolutely must consider this brilliant venue! One additional benefit to choosing Chawton House, is that your wedding fees will go directly to the charity and ultimately contribute to the ongoing upkeep of the property!
What better way to spend your money than by enjoying your wedding of a lifetime at this amazing wedding venue, warmed by the knowledge that in doing so you are actually helping contribute to the upkeep of this brilliant venue and charity!

For more information please call Sarah Cross the Events Manager on 01420 541010.

Please don’t forget to check out more of our photo’s of Chawton House by clicking here