A Grand Setting for a Heartfelt Celebration
Kingston Maurward is one of Dorset’s most iconic wedding venues, and as a seasoned Kingston Maurward wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to capture some truly beautiful celebrations across its grounds. Nestled just outside Dorchester, this Georgian manor house is surrounded by tranquil lakes, sweeping lawns and landscaped gardens that make it one of the most visually striking venues in the county.
It’s a venue that exudes classic English charm — grand yet relaxed, historic yet incredibly welcoming. And that’s what makes it such a joy to work at.
Why Choose Kingston Maurward for Your Wedding?
From an outdoor ceremony under blue skies in the Red Gardens, to elegant indoor vows in the grand rooms of the house, Kingston Maurward offers flexibility, romance, and beautiful light in every direction.
As a Kingston Maurward wedding photographer, I’m constantly drawn to the way this venue shifts and transforms with the seasons. From golden-hour portraits across the lake, to vibrant summer celebrations surrounded by blooming flowers, there’s always something fresh and beautiful to capture.
The house itself brings an undeniable sense of occasion, while the gardens and lake offer peaceful moments of calm — a perfect balance for a wedding day.
Real Weddings at Kingston Maurward
We’ve had the joy of documenting several unforgettable celebrations here. Each couple brought something deeply personal and unique to their wedding day — which is exactly how it should be.
Kim & Rob held their relaxed summer wedding outdoors, with heartfelt vows and joyful guests soaking up the sun. See their story
Kelly & Gavin embraced the open-air feel of Kingston Maurward with an emotional ceremony that flowed into an epic party, complete with wild dancing under twinkling lights. Relive their day
Another Red Garden wedding, intimate and full of emotion, featured a stunning floral arch and quiet moments that made for timeless imagery. View it here
If you’re considering this venue, I encourage you to explore these galleries — they’ll give you a real sense of how flexible and magical the setting can be.
Capturing the Real Moments, Beautifully
At Smiling Tiger Studios, our focus is always on people. The interactions, the tears, the full-belly laughter. We don’t just take pictures of how the day looked — we show how it felt.
That’s why Kingston Maurward suits our style so well. With so much space to explore, from formal gardens to hidden corners, it gives couples space to just be — and that’s when the real magic happens.
We shoot in an unobtrusive, documentary style that allows you to enjoy every second of your day, while we quietly work in the background, capturing the authentic moments that matter most.
Thinking of Booking a Kingston Maurward Wedding Photographer?
If you’ve fallen for the charm of this stunning Dorset venue, we’d love to help tell your story.
Having photographed weddings here in all seasons and styles, we know exactly how to make the most of Kingston Maurward’s light, location, and layout.
Let’s chat about your plans and how we can document your day with heart, honesty, and a little creative flair.
Ready to Book?
Love what you see? Let’s make it yours.
Check our availability and get full details on our photography & film collections.
Popular dates book fast—so if you’ve fixed your date, get in touch today.
Featured Weddings
About the location
Kingston Maurward
Kingston Maurward College
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8PY
Ready to say “I do”?
We’d love to hear about your wedding plans and how we can help capture your special day.
Get in touch with us today to check availability or discuss your vision and let’s create something unforgettable together.
Golden hour, wild heathland, and the cutest Cavapoo sidekick — Charlotte & Ethan’s New Forest engagement shoot had all the right ingredients.
Their connection? Effortless. The light? Glorious. The moments? Real.
Throw in a surprise foal encounter and it was pure photo magic.
If you`re dreaming of your own shoot in the New Forest (or just want to bring your dog along!), this is your sign. 🌟
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📍 Bolton’s Bench, New Forest📸 Smiling Tiger Studios
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Jul 7
Trends fade. Moments don’t.
It’s easy to get swept up in the look of wedding photography — but the feel is what lasts. The quiet glance. The squeeze of a hand. The emotion that lingers long after the cake’s been cut.
We just dropped a blog that dives deep into the difference between style and substance — and why both matter.
✨ If you want wedding photos that look beautiful and feel like you, this one’s for you.
📸 Smiling Tiger Studios
📍Dorset | Somerset | UK & beyond
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Jul 4
They’re the storytellers, the baby-whisperers, the ones who’ve loved us the longest.
Including grandparents in your family shoot isn’t just beautiful—it’s meaningful.
We recently shared our thoughts on why these moments matter (and how to make them effortless) in a new post that’s all heart, no pressure.
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✨ Head to the blog for tips, ideas, and a whole lot of love.
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Jul 3
Perfectly timed, completely unposed — and an absolute favourite of ours.
The best man lands a killer punchline. The bride, groom, maid of honour and best man? All mid-laugh, eyes wide, caught in that rare shared moment of total joy.
You don’t always get the whole top table aligned like this. But when it happens — and everyone’s dialled in — it’s storytelling gold.
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Jul 1
“All-day coverage” — sounds like a dream, right?
But too often, it means 8 hours and done. Or “until the first dance”... if you`re lucky.
We do things differently.
At Smiling Tiger Studios, we tell the whole story — from final prep to the dance floor chaos, and all the emotion in between.
No clocks. No cut-offs. Just honest, story-led coverage that flows with your day.
Thinking about booking a photographer? Ask the right questions.
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Jun 27
