The Swan at Streatley

The Thames runs right along the front of the Swan at Streatley, on the Berkshire bank, and that’s the whole reason to be there. Ten minutes down by the water covers most of your portraits - open lawn, a bench, a riverside terrace, the tiled gables of the inn if you want the building in shot, and reeds tall enough to stand the two of you inside, which gives the pictures a texture a lawn never does. The function rooms are bright and modern with big windows over the water, so the reception shoots on daylight and the long banquet tables photograph well straight down their length. Couples often marry at the church nearby and come back for the party. The dancing stays indoors once it’s dark, and the terrace outside is where people end up when they want five minutes out of it.