Old Ely Hall

A luxury wedding venue in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Old Ely Hall is a dreamy Jacobian country-house wedding venue in the heart of Cambridgeshire. If you’re looking for a romantic, timeless setting and a photographer who truly knows how to make the most of it, you’ve come to the right place. As a Cambridgeshire wedding photographer I’m always inspired by the richness of history, the beautiful grounds and emotion that unfolds here.

A Family Run Venue with Rich History

  • The Old Hall Ely is a stunning Jacobean manor house, set in a beautiful countryside estate overlooking three lakes with views across to Ely Cathedral — a perfect backdrop for dreamy wedding photos.

  • The estate’s story goes back centuries — legend even links it to the family of Oliver Cromwell: it is said that his mother once lived there in the 1500s, and there’s a rumoured secret tunnel to the Cathedral (though that remains part of the house’s mystery).

  • In 1830, the house and estate were purchased by the Morbey family. It was a derelict building for years, which many locals remember. The late Mr Morbey transformed the venue into the incredible building it is today. After he sadly passed away, his wife and daughter opened it as a wedding venue, in his memory. The work they have done and continue to do here is phenomenal. They are two lovely, powerful women who go above and beyond to create each couples wedding dreams come true.

Weddings at The Old Hall Ely – What’s included

When you choose The Old Hall Ely for your wedding, you’re booking more than just a venue — you’re booking a full experience. Their wedding packages are all-encompassing and designed to make your day effortless. Here’s what you get:

  • Exclusive use of the entire manor house, gardens and grounds — for the night (or more) surrounding your wedding day.

  • Ceremony locations: You can say your vows inside (e.g. in the historic Main Hall or the atmospheric Orangery) or outdoors — the beautiful garden pavilion or lakeside terrace make for stunning settings with views across to Ely Cathedral.

  • Reception & dining: Use of garden terraces, marquee terrace or the Orangery and marquee for your wedding breakfast and evening reception. The marquee is a permanent, fully structured, heated/cooled space — ideal whatever time of year.

  • Accommodation: Luxurious bedrooms for you and your guests — the manor offers multiple rooms so friends and family can stay on-site, making the whole event feel like a house party rather than a hotel stay.

  • Food, drink, service & extras: They provide in-house catering, professional bar, crockery/glassware/linen, tables & chairs, catering and waitstaff, PA/sound systems for speeches or music, plus extras like cake-stand & knife, evening entertainment space (dance floor/starlit marquee, live music stage if desired).

  • Planning support: A dedicated events team, private consultations and meetings, and help from start to finish so you can relax and enjoy the day.

Guest capacity & types of weddings

  • For intimate weddings (ideal if you want a cosy, close-family feel) — there’s a special “Intimate Wedding” package. This is aimed at from 20 adults up to 80 ceremony guests, with additional capacity for up to 40 evening guests. Perfect if you want an intimate but still elegant celebration.

  • For larger celebrations, The Old Hall can accommodate weddings of up to about 160 guests in total (this number excludes the couple, registration staff and photographer) — making it flexible for both smaller and more grand weddings.

Why you’ll love a Cambridgeshire wedding photographer at The Old Hall Ely

Because of the manor’s history, variety of dramatic architecture (from oak-beamed halls to glass-walled orangery), the lakes and gardens, and views of Ely Cathedral — every corner is magic for photos. Whether it’s capturing your intimate ceremony by the lake, a family group in the courtyard, or a golden-hour portrait with the Cathedral in the background — this place offers so much. And as a Cambridgeshire wedding photographer, I know how to use the light and ambience in every season so you get timeless memories.