why woodlands hotel, leeds is a great venue for your wedding photography

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  • A bride and groom stand on outdoor stone steps in front of a large manor house, with green lawns and cloudy skies in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride in a white off-the-shoulder gown and a groom in a black dinner suit hold hands and smile whilst walking indoors, with floral arrangements in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • Bride and groom sharing tender wedding moment

Wedding_photograph_taken_of_woodlands_hotel_leeds_by_drawn_by_light_photography_drone_photo

why i love woodlands hotel wedding venue in leeds

Hey there, lovely couples and wedding enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my heartfelt love for one of my favorite wedding venues: the Woodlands Hotel in Leeds.

From the moment you step into the Woodlands Hotel, you’re greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The friendly staff goes above and beyond to make you feel at home, which is so important on your big day. They genuinely care about making your wedding dreams come true, and that’s something every couple deserves!

If you’re on the hunt for a picturesque setting for your special day, look no further. Here’s why this venue has captured my heart (and many others, too!).

Get in TOuch

stunning backdrops

Let’s talk about the aesthetics! The Woodlands Hotel boasts beautiful gardens and charming indoor spaces that are perfect for capturing those precious moments.

Whether you’re saying “I do” under a lush archway or twirling on the dance floor surrounded by elegant decor, every corner of this venue offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.

One of the things I love most about the Woodlands is the flexibility it offers. Every couple is unique, and the venue understands that. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, they’re more than willing to work with you to create a day that reflects your style and personality.

I’m always excited to explore the different spots to find the perfect angle for each couple!

A bride and groom stand together on stone steps in front of a large, historic stone building with manicured lawns and overcast skies. Drawn by Light Photography

convenient location

Let’s not forget the location! Situated in Leeds, the Woodlands Hotel is easily accessible for your guests.

It’s a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet it’s close enough for everyone to join in on the festivities.

Plus, with ample parking available, your loved ones won’t have to stress about getting to and from the venue.

a touch of nature

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll appreciate the beautiful outdoor spaces at Woodlands.

The gardens are perfect for a romantic stroll or a cosy moment away from the crowd.

These serene spots provide an ideal setting for those candid, heartfelt shots that truly capture the essence of your day.

  • A woman in a white off-the-shoulder gown and a man in a black dinner suit stand outdoors on gravel, holding hands and smiling at the camera. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a striped green lawn, with trees and shrubs in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A man in a beige suit and a woman in a white dress stand against a weathered brick wall, smiling and laughing together. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride and groom pose outdoors in formal wedding attire, holding a bouquet of flowers, with greenery in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A woman with curled hair sits on a sofa, smiling and holding a champagne glass labelled "bride." She wears a satin pyjama top and shorts. Drawn by Light Photography

delicious food and drink

And of course, we can’t overlook the culinary experience! The Woodlands Hotel offers a fantastic range of catering options. From exquisite canapés to a sumptuous wedding breakfast, the food is always top-notch.

Trust me, your guests will be raving about the meal long after the last dance!

Lastly, what truly makes the Woodlands Hotel special is the memories that are created there.

I’ve witnessed countless couples tie the knot, sharing laughter, tears, and joy surrounded by their loved ones. Each wedding tells a unique story, and being part of that journey is what makes my job so rewarding.

A bride in a white dress and veil sits on a groom's lap, holding his face in her hands, in a decorated reception venue. Drawn by Light Photography

immaculate vibes!

In short, the Woodlands Hotel in Leeds is more than just a wedding venue—it’s a place where love stories come to life. From the beautiful surroundings to the exceptional service, it’s a fantastic choice for couples looking to create unforgettable memories. If you’re considering this gem for your special day, I can’t recommend it enough!


Looking for a Leeds Wedding Photographer - get in touch!

Happy wedding planning, and I can’t wait to capture your beautiful moments at the Woodlands Hotel! 💖

See more about wedding photography by Drawn by Light photography

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woodlands hotel gallery

  • A bride in a white off-the-shoulder gown and a groom in a black dinner suit hold hands and smile whilst walking indoors, with floral arrangements in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride and groom kiss under a flowing white veil outside a building, both dressed in formal wedding attire. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A man in a beige suit and a woman in a white dress stand in front of a weathered brick wall, both smiling and laughing. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride and groom stand holding hands in front of a brick wall covered with blooming pink flowers, both looking at each other and smiling. Drawn by Light Photography
  • Two men in matching shirts and aprons stand in front of a flower arrangement; one speaks into a microphone whilst the other smiles. Seated guests raise their arms and glasses in response. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A woman in a white off-the-shoulder gown and a man in a black dinner suit stand outdoors on gravel, holding hands and smiling at the camera. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride in a white dress stands outdoors with five bridesmaids in light green dresses, all holding bouquets and smiling, with greenery in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • Bride and groom laughing during wedding ceremony
  • Wedding guests laughing at reception table
  • A bride and groom in formal attire stand together and smile in front of a decorated Christmas tree and window with fairy lights. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride and groom stand holding hands and smiling during their wedding ceremony, with guests seated in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A group of seven men in suits, with one in a cream suit and the rest in black, walk and smile together outside a large stone building. Drawn by Light Photography
  • White high-heeled shoes, a ring in a box, perfume, pearl earrings, a necklace, and white flowers arranged on a reflective surface. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bright, elegant indoor venue with wooden chairs draped in white fabric, arranged in rows beneath a glass ceiling and large windows, set up for a wedding ceremony. Drawn by Light Photography
  • Six men in suits and waistcoats stand together in a well-lit room, some laughing and holding drinks, with curtains and large windows in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit walk hand in hand across a striped, sunlit lawn with trees in the background. Drawn by Light Photography
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a tree-lined road, dressed in wedding attire, surrounded by sunlight and shadows. Drawn by Light Photography
  • Elegant banqueting hall set for an event with round tables, white linen, floral centrepieces, and large "LOVE" letters near the windows under a glass ceiling. Drawn by Light Photography
  • Bride and groom in formal wedding attire posing together outdoors by a stone wall covered with flowers. Drawn by Light Photography
  • Bride and groom share emotional wedding moment indoors

woodlands hotel faq's

Yes — many times, and it’s genuinely one of my favourite venues to photograph. Woodlands holds a very special place in my heart, as it’s where my husband and I chose to celebrate our own wedding. That personal connection means I know the venue well, from how the light moves throughout the day to the best spots for relaxed, natural photographs. Every time I return, it feels familiar, calm and full of character — all the things that help couples feel at ease on their wedding day.

Woodlands has two excellent options for wedding preparations, which makes the morning feel calm and well organised. There’s a lovely bridal suite upstairs, ideal for relaxed getting-ready photos, and a designated getting-ready room downstairs which works perfectly for hair, makeup and spending time with your wedding party.

Both spaces offer great light and enough room to move around comfortably, helping everything feel unhurried.

Photography tip: Build a little buffer into your timeline so the room change isn’t rushed. It’s a great way to get clean prep shots without bags and suitcases in the background!

Woodlands offers so many lovely options for wedding portraits. The back lawn is always a favourite — it’s beautifully kept and provides a timeless backdrop, with the added bonus of a slightly hidden woodland walk that feels private and relaxed. Indoors, the orangery is perfect in any weather, filled with soft natural light, and the bridal suite also works wonderfully for quieter, more intimate portraits.

I’ll always tailor portrait locations to suit the season, the light and how you’re feeling on the day.

Photography tip: Consider doing your confetti shot just before dinner — it’s a fun way to gather everyone in one place and creates beautiful, golden-toned images.

Golden hour portraits don’t need a big time slot. At Woodlands Hotel, 10–15 minutes is plenty to capture beautiful images while keeping the flow of your day intact. The gardens at Woodlands Hotel work beautifully as the sun begins to drop. The trees filter the light naturally, creating soft, flattering tones that are kind on skin and perfect for relaxed photography.

Photography tip: Check sunset times for your date and build 15–20 minutes into your timeline post-ceremony or before dinner. You won’t regret it.

Lisa Kershaw

Lisa Kershaw is an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer based in West Yorkshire, operating from her studio in Elland, near Halifax. In 2020, she was recognised as one of the Top 10 international wedding photographers of the year by The Guild of Professional Photographers. As a registered member of The Guild of Photographers, Lisa specializes in capturing genuine, emotional moments for weddings, families, newborns, and maternity sessions. She has become a lifelong photographer for many families across West Yorkshire, documenting their journey from wedding day through to growing families. Lisa's work has been regularly featured in Your Yorkshire Wedding magazine, and she is a recommended photographer at prestigious venues including The Coniston Hotel, Spicer Manor, Holdsworth House, and Hornington Manor. Clients travel from Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, and across Yorkshire to work with her. Based in Brighouse with her husband, two children, and black labrador Finn, Lisa is passionate about making photography a fun, enjoyable experience while creating beautiful family heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. Learn more about Lisa.