As a wedding videographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most breathtaking locations across the UK, but few venues hold a candle to St Giles House in Dorset. This award-winning Georgian estate, nestled in the tranquil Dorset countryside, is a filmmaker’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of historic charm, stunning landscapes, and modern amenities that make every wedding unforgettable. From its exclusive hire to its stunning golden hour light, underground nightclub, and endless opportunities for romantic couple shots, here’s why I adore filming weddings at St Giles House—and why it’s the ultimate choice for couples seeking a magical, cinematic wedding experience.
A Brief History of St Giles House
St Giles House, located in Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, is the ancestral home of the Earl of Shaftesbury. Dating back to the 17th century, this Grade I-listed Georgian mansion has a rich and storied past. The estate, set within 5,500 acres of rolling countryside, was originally built in the 1650s and has been lovingly restored by the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, Nick Ashley-Cooper, and his wife, Dinah, following decades of neglect. After tragic family events in 2004, including the murder of Nick’s father and the sudden death of his brother, the estate was inherited under challenging circumstances. The couple’s meticulous restoration project, completed in the 2010s, brought the house back to its former glory, blending classic English grandeur with contemporary touches like vibrant interiors and a state-of-the-art underground nightclub. Today, St Giles House is not only a family home but also a premier wedding venue celebrated for its historic charm, picturesque grounds, and luxury accommodations, earning accolades from publications like House & Garden and Town & Country.
Why St Giles House is a Filmmaker’s Dream
1. Stunning House and Gardens That Feel Like a Destination Abroad
The moment you drive down the long, tree-lined avenue to St Giles House, it feels like stepping into a scene from a European fairytale. The Georgian architecture, with its elegant symmetry and warm stonework, exudes timeless sophistication, while the expansive gardens—complete with a serpentine lake, wildflower meadows, and an 18th-century shell-lined grotto—create a backdrop that could easily belong to a chateau in France or a villa in Italy. The sunken garden, restored by garden designer Jane Hurst, bursts with vibrant blooms like Alchemilla mollis and Aster ‘Mönch’, offering endless opportunities for cinematic footage. Whether it’s the Anteros statue by the fountain or the romantic stone bridge over the lake, the estate’s beauty feels like a destination wedding without leaving the UK. For couples, this means a picturesque setting that looks incredible on film, with every frame drenched in natural splendour.
2. Exclusive Hire for a Secluded, Intimate Experience
One of the standout features of St Giles House is its exclusive hire policy, ensuring your wedding feels private and personal. Tucked away in the serene Dorset countryside, the estate offers a sense of seclusion that’s hard to find at other venues. With no neighbors to worry about, couples can celebrate late into the night without restrictions, making it ideal for those envisioning a grand, uninterrupted party. The exclusive use includes access to the main house, grounds, and luxurious accommodations like the 17th-century Riding House and Pepperpot Lodges, which can sleep up to 30 guests. This setup creates a weekend getaway vibe, perfect for hosting family and friends in style. As a filmmaker, I love how this exclusivity allows me to capture candid moments without distractions, ensuring every shot feels intimate and tailored to the couple’s story.
3. The Best Golden Hour Light for Cinematic Magic
If there’s one thing that sets apart St Giles House wedding videography, it’s the golden hour light. The estate’s open parkland and wild meadows catch the setting sun in a way that bathes the landscape in a warm, golden glow, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. The stone bridge by the lake, framed by the house and its lush surroundings, is a favorite spot for couple shots during this magical time of day. The light filters through the beech avenue and dances across the wildflower meadows, offering a soft, cinematic quality that elevates every frame. Couples look radiant in this natural spotlight, and as a filmmaker, I can’t get enough of how effortlessly these moments translate into breathtaking footage that couples will cherish forever.
4. An Underground Nightclub for Unforgettable Party Scenes
Perhaps the most unique feature of St Giles House is its award-winning underground nightclub, affectionately dubbed the “rave cave” or “Bat Cave.” Hidden in the basement, this contemporary space is a complete contrast to the house’s classic elegance, featuring a Funktion-One PA system, LED strip lights, a smoke machine, and a DJ booth. It’s the brainchild of the 12th Earl, a former DJ, who wanted to add a modern twist to the estate’s offerings. For wedding videography, this space is a goldmine. The vibrant lighting and electric atmosphere make for dynamic, high-energy footage as couples and guests dance the night away. The transition from the opulent library or Great Dining Room to this speakeasy-style bar and club creates a narrative arc in the film, capturing the shift from romantic elegance to all-out celebration. It’s a feature that surprises and delights guests, ensuring the party scenes are as memorable on film as they are in person.
5. Picture-Perfect Locations for Couple Shots
St Giles House is a treasure trove of romantic backdrops for couple shots. The stone bridge over the lake offers a classic, fairytale-like setting, with the house reflected in the water. The wildflower meadows, bursting with color in spring and summer, provide a natural, whimsical vibe that’s perfect for candid, carefree moments. The 18th-century shell grotto, lined with Caribbean shells, adds a quirky, intimate spot for close-up shots, glowing softly in the light. The sunken garden and Anteros statue by the fountain are equally stunning, offering endless angles for creative compositions. From sweeping aerial views that showcase the estate’s grandeur to intimate moments in the library with its candlelit ambiance, every corner of St Giles House is a filmmaker’s dream. These diverse locations allow me to craft a wedding film that’s varied, dynamic, and deeply personal to each couple.
6. Stunning Aerial Views That Elevate Your Wedding Film
When viewed from above, St Giles House is nothing short of spectacular. Drone footage captures the estate’s sprawling 5,500-acre grounds, including the serpentine lake, beech avenue, and wild meadows, creating a cinematic sense of scale and grandeur. The house itself, with its Georgian symmetry and warm stone facade, looks like something out of a period drama when shot from the air. The surrounding Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire National Landscape adds to the breathtaking vistas, making aerial shots a must for any wedding film. These sweeping perspectives not only highlight the venue’s beauty but also give couples a unique, bird’s-eye view of their special day, adding a wow factor to their wedding video.
7. Exceptional Staff Who Make Every Moment Seamless
The events team at St Giles House is nothing short of extraordinary. Their passion, professionalism, and attention to detail ensure that every wedding runs smoothly, which is a huge asset for a filmmaker. From coordinating with suppliers to assisting guests (like making a special effort for a 102-year-old grandmother!), the staff’s dedication creates a relaxed atmosphere that allows me to focus on capturing authentic moments. Couples consistently praise the team for their warmth and efficiency, with reviews highlighting how they make the day feel “seamless” and “perfect.” This behind-the-scenes support translates into stress-free filming, allowing me to craft a polished, cohesive wedding video that reflects the joy of the day.
Additional Reasons Couples Will Love St Giles House
Beyond its cinematic appeal, St Giles House offers practical and luxurious features that make it a top choice for weddings:
• Versatile Ceremony Options: The estate is licensed for ceremonies in any of its principal rooms (up to 120 guests), the Lake Lawn with its stunning views, or the intimate shell grotto for smaller gatherings (up to 20 guests). For traditionalists, St Giles Church, restored by Gothic revival architect Sir Ninian Comper, is just steps away, offering a dignified setting for religious ceremonies.
• Luxury Accommodations: The Riding House, with its bold, sumptuous interiors, and the Pepperpot Lodges provide stylish accommodations for up to 30 guests, complete with a two-course breakfast each morning. This makes St Giles ideal for a weekend wedding, where loved ones can stay together and enjoy the estate’s amenities.
• Bespoke Personalization: The team works closely with couples to tailor every detail, from unique touches like parking a classic car on the terrace to arranging an acrobatic air display or a marching band to escort guests from the church. This flexibility ensures your wedding reflects your personality, which translates beautifully into a personalized wedding film.
• Sustainable Ethos: The estate’s commitment to sustainability, championed by the Earl of Shaftesbury, includes low-maintenance gardens that support local wildlife like butterflies and owls. This eco-conscious approach resonates with couples who value environmental stewardship, adding depth to their wedding story.
• Signature Scent: A unique touch is the True Grace candle, a signature scent offered to couples, which evokes memories of their special day long after the event. This small detail adds a sensory layer to the experience, perfect for weaving into a narrative-driven wedding film.
some of my films from St Giles House
Laura & Matt
Georgie & ray
EMMA & MARK
natasha & Ollie
Final Thoughts
Filming weddings at St Giles House is an absolute joy, thanks to its stunning house and gardens, exclusive hire, unparalleled golden hour light, underground nightclub, and endless opportunities for romantic couple shots. The estate’s historic charm, coupled with its modern amenities and exceptional staff, creates a seamless, magical experience that translates into breathtaking wedding films. From aerial views that capture the grandeur of the Dorset countryside to intimate moments in the shell grotto or by the stone bridge, every frame tells a story of love and celebration. For couples dreaming of a luxury wedding venue that feels both timeless and unique, St Giles House is the perfect choice. I can’t wait to return and capture more love stories in this extraordinary setting.
Ready to make your wedding day unforgettable at St Giles House? Visit stgileshouse.com to explore their wedding packages and start planning your dream day in Dorset