So today is officially my last day of work this week… we’re treating ourselves to a very long weekend of music and dancing our heads off, plus a little Christmas shopping too. Of course English Wedding will still have fabulous features coming your way: we’ve a wedding dress showcase tomorrow and then 3 gorgeous real weddings to share with you – all very different, and from Devon, Essex and London. I can’t wait to see them live on the blog! Today though, join me and my lovely friend Carol Elizabeth Photography for a virtual tour around one of Oxford’s most exciting wedding venues – the Ashmolean Museum. Carol is an English Wedding team member and visited the Ashmolean on our behalf earlier in the autumn when they held an open evening. She took her camera and captured a few images from the event – and she’s shared some fabulous pics from a beautiful real wedding at the Ashmolean too!

If you’re getting married in Oxford, then look no further for your venue and photographer! Carol Elizabeth and the Ashmolean Museum are your dream team!

“It’s always wonderful to visit wedding venues in the UK to get a unique perspective from the wedding team on how the venue can be used to its best potential. The Ashmolean wedding showcase allowed a small group of local suppliers to view the fabulous rooms which can be used for the wedding ceremony and reception and also to ask questions about the room capacity and layouts.

It was lovely to meet Stacey Puffer who is the wedding co-ordinator, and had lots of ideas to share with the suppliers. As the gallery is open to the public, the ceremonies are held in the evening once the museum closes. This allows a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy the galleries after closing time, browsing beautiful artwork, sculptures and paintings before taking their seats for the ceremony.

A very popular room for ceremonies is the European Art Gallery, which showcases marble and bronze sculptures amoungst old master paintings. The room has a feeling of grandeur, with chandeliers, red wall paper and a sweeping staircase for the arrival of the bride. A beautiful piano allows for music during the ceremony, and the room seats up to 100 guests.

I love these two images! Above – “before”. A shot from the Ashmolean Museum’s open day.

Below – “after” – just look at this staircase for a unique and different group shot for all your wedding guests! Love it!

We had a look at a few of the other spaces, including the atrium which is popular for a drinks reception. This dramatic space allows views to the top of the museum, and houses some impressive sculptures which tower over the guests. We also had a walk through the Greek and Roman Sculpture Gallery which is a versatile room for larger ceremonies. It can also be used for receptions for larger or smaller groups. Dramatic colour-effect lighting adds to the mood of this room, with beautiful pillars and sculptures surrounding the walls.

We ended the show-around in the rooftop restaurant and terrace, which is another versatile space which can be used for wedding celebrations. I joined the other suppliers for a glass of bubbly and a chat about the venue, and discussed some ideas for floral arrangements (with lovely Kirsty and Bex from Flowers by Kirsty in Ardington) and photography in the different locations.

Contact & Bookings: Ashmolean Museum wedding photographer Carol Elizabeth Photography

www.carol-elizabeth-photography.co.uk
Instagram.com/carol_elizabeth_photography
Facebook.com/carol.elizabeth.photography.uk
Twitter.com/CarolEliz_Photo
Pinterest.com/carolelizphotos/

 

A Christmas wedding at the Ashmolean Museum

I was honoured to have photographed a Christmas wedding at The Ashmolean, and the couple and their guests used many of the rooms to celebrate their wedding. Erin and Rob entered the ceremony down the beautiful staircase, watched by their family and friends. The small and intimate ceremony was full of happy moments. After the ceremony we walked through the museum for photographs with the historical and unique artworks on show, followed by a drinks reception in the Atrium. The wedding reception was held in the Sculpture Gallery, lit with purple uplighters and decorated with white roses and candles. The fabulous Christmas trees in reception allowed for a few festive photos of the happy couple.

If you are looking for a unique venue with great staff and attention to detail, where your guests will experience the best Oxford has on offer, then please book a show-around to discuss your wedding – you won’t be disappointed!

~ Carol Elizabeth Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

Discover the Ashmolean Museum for yourselves:

https://www.ashmolean.org/weddings-and-parties

Instagram – @ashmoleanevents