The Grove Hotel, Watford, Hertfordshire

History of The Grove Hotel, Watford

I have recently photographed a stunning wedding at The Grove Hotel in Watford, Hertfordshire. The 18th Century Grove Hotel sits in 300 acres of lush, green landscape comprised of fabulous water features, rolling hills, woodlands and immaculate flower borders.

The colourful history of the Grove goes back many centuries, full of tales of ghosts and lavish royal parties. Prime ministers such as Palmerston and Walpole regularly visited The Grove. In fact, it’s where a young Queen Victoria started the fashion for “the weekend break.”

In the 1770s, Captain Cook presented the 2nd Earl with a sapling of the just-discovered Black Walnut Tree. This magnificent tree now towers over the terrace.

From 1760-1790 George Stubbs regularly cycled to the stables at The Grove and painted his famous horses here. Many of his paintings featured The Earl of Clarendon’s horses, and the mansion house itself.

In 1920 the aristocratic family left The Grove. The Times published a letter mourning the passing of ‘One of the greatest political houses of the 19th century’.

Now, The Grove is a stylish country house hotel that combines five star luxury, impeccable service, a luxurious spa, championship golf course, and three amazing restaurants. Not only that, but it is just a 40 minutes drive from central London.

Photographing weddings at The Grove Hotel, Watford

You can expect opulent interiors with lots of lush curtains and marble fireplaces. The rooms feature many sculptures and wonderfully eccentric artworks, and the interiors certainly have the absolute wow factor!

I love how the designers have mixed the traditional features of the mansion house with these contemporary interior design touches everywhere. These often hidden gems make for a surprise at almost every turn as you explore this grand property.

So, if you’re getting married at The Grove and are interested in wedding photography, I’d love to hear from you.