If you’ve followed my work for a while, you’ll know I photograph weddings all over Adelaide — but if there’s one venue that always feels like home, it’s The Manor Basket Range.

I’ve shot more weddings here than anywhere else, and I still get goosebumps every time I pull up the driveway.

Why The Manor Is So Special

From the moment you arrive down the winding driveway, The Manor Basket Range feels like stepping into a storybook. The castle itself is a showstopper that bounces light wonderfully, dappling the courtyard in golden light that shifts with the sun—perfect for those soft, intimate portraits. As a photographer, I’ve learned every nook and cranny: the way the limestone walls glow at dusk, the hidden alcove that catches the breeze just right for veil-in-motion shots, and the sprawling grounds that make for idyllic family groupings a breeze. It’s a venue that isn’t just beautiful in photos—it feels alive under your feet.

Logistically, it’s a dream. The ceremony spaces are just a stone’s throw from the reception spaces, so there’s no frantic dash between spots—and no lost time for your guests (or your gear!). The Manor’s staff are consummate professionals: they quietly coordinate vendors, keep the bridal party on schedule, and even have umbrellas on hand in case of surprise showers. That seamless orchestration means I can focus entirely on capturing those unguarded moments—Grandma’s tears during the vows, the best friend’s impromptu speech, the ring bearer’s mischievous grin—without worrying about whether we’re running behind.

But beyond the aesthetics and the logistics, what truly sets The Manor apart is its atmosphere of genuine warmth. There’s a genuine sense of celebration that radiates from every corner: the cozy cellar where laughter echoes off the stone, the terrace and ballroom that beg for heartfelt toasts, and the courtyard lit by the spaces inside that guide your final dance under the stars. It’s more than a venue—it’s a canvas for memories that feel as authentic as the love you’re celebrating. That’s why, after every wedding there, I find myself counting down until the next time I get to be part of its magic.

Some of My Favourite Memories

I’ve photographed countless weddings at The Manor, but there are a few moments that still give me chills when I think about them — and one that I’ll never forget happened just recently.

Karen, the bride, had a close connection to her husband’s African heritage. As the ceremony began, a group of African women — vibrant, powerful, proud — gathered together in song and movement. With rhythm in their hands and joy in their voices, they formed a ceremonial escort and guided Karen down the winding garden path toward her groom.

It wasn’t a quiet entrance. It was alive. Full of music, celebration, ancestral energy. The whole scene pulsed with meaning — not just for the couple, but for every single guest who stood witnessing something much bigger than a walk down the aisle.

As a photographer, these are the moments you don’t plan for. You feel them as much as you shoot them. The expressions, the colours, the sound, the emotion — it was all there. The Manor held that moment perfectly. It wasn’t just a beautiful space. It became a stage for something sacred.

Another that stands out was Regan and Nathan’s winter wedding — one of those classically moody Adelaide days where the rain just wouldn’t let up. We’d planned for outdoor portraits, but the skies had other ideas. By mid-afternoon, we’d adapted the whole timeline.

Most of our photos were taken indoors — which, thankfully, The Manor absolutely holds with grace — but we were all still quietly hoping we’d get a moment outside.

Then, right after the ceremony, there was a break. Not clear skies, but the rain softened — and that was enough. Regan looked at me and said, “Let’s do it.” So we ran.

We had five minutes. No umbrellas. No cover. Just the three of us, soaked and laughing, shooting like mad through the rain. I snapped one of my favourite portraits I’ve ever taken — full of movement, texture, and this wild, stormy romance.

My camera didn’t survive unscathed — I actually fried the LCD screen from the water damage. But you know what? Totally worth it.

That’s what I love most about weddings like this — it’s not about the perfect plan, it’s about the couple who trust the moment.

If You’re Planning a Wedding at The Manor…

Firstly — excellent choice. There’s something incredibly special about this venue, and if you’ve already locked it in (or you’re seriously considering it), you’re setting yourself up for a day that feels both intimate and grand at the same time.

Whether your wedding ends up being drenched in golden light or dramatic rainclouds, The Manor has this beautiful way of holding space for real moments. It’s not just about the location — it’s the feeling that builds there when your people arrive, when the music starts, and when the emotion of it all starts to unfold.

If you’re dreaming up a wedding day that feels deeply personal, cinematic, and full of honest, unposed connection — that’s exactly the kind of story I love to tell. I’ve photographed more weddings at The Manor than anywhere else, and I know all the best little corners, timing sweet spots, and contingency plans if the weather doesn’t behave (because let’s be honest… Adelaide).

And if you’d like to talk more about what you’re planning, or see some full galleries and wedding films from The Manor, I’d love to share them with you.

Just reach out here, or come say hi at the upcoming Open Day — I’ll be there with albums, films, and probably a few stories that didn’t make it into this post.
The Manor’s upcoming Open Day is on Saturday, September 14.
Book your tickets here!