Groom kisses bride whilst thier two dogs sit either side of them

The Blues Dawg Micro Wedding

Claire and Ralph planned a super laid back day of celebrating with just a few of their closest friends and family, relaxing in the park with an intimate reception at The Blues Dawg.

  • bride and groom embrace shes wearing a pink gown theyre stood infront of a grey wedding car in an park surrounded by fallen leaves

The Details

Arnot Hill Registry

Arnot Hill House is a striking Grade II listed property overlooking Arnot Hill Park in Arnold, Nottingham.

A Micro Wedding at Arnot Hill House with Autumn Vibes and a Micro Pub Reception

If you think a micro wedding means “small and simple”, Claire and Ralph would like a word. This was an autumn wedding filled with colour, personality, dogs, a Cher cardboard cutout and a micro pub reception that honestly could not have suited them more. Claire and Ralph planned a laid back day at Arnot Hill House with just 20 of their favourite people.

Capturing their micro wedding as their Nottinghamshire wedding photographer was such a full circle moment for me. I first met Ralph at another Nottingham city wedding I photographed years ago, so being there for his own day felt pretty special.
And after two cancelled wedding plans including a Vegas date tied to Aerosmith’s final show, this one was well earned.

  • nottingham city center street
  • Pink-haired bride poses on purple stairwell in star-embellished gown and fur stole at micro wedding in Nottingham City.
  • Bride and groom smiling at their happy golden dog wearing a bow tie at Arnot Hill Park in autumn.
  • A grey car is parked on a leaf‑covered path in Arno Vale Park beside benches and autumn trees.
  • Close-up of a bride's flowing tulle skirt embellished with gold and silver stars, trailing on the ground.

Why They Chose a Micro Wedding

When your original wedding plans get cancelled twice, you start to rethink what actually matters. Vegas was booked. Covid hit. Rearranged. Cancelled again. So third time lucky, they stripped it right back and planned something that really felt like them.By the time they got to plan C, they stripped it back and chose a micro wedding at Arnot Hill House instead.

Twenty guests their immediate family and a handful of close friends this ment there was no huge audience, no drawn-out reception line and most importantly for them, no being on display all day. For couples who don’t love the spotlight, that kind of setup just makes sense. The ceremony was relaxed and personal, with heartfelt readings and a playlist that they loved.

  • A group of people in formal wear gather around a table as someone shows a pewter tankard.
  • Three people sit at a wooden table, chatting as one shows his wedding ring during a celebration.
  • Bride and groom walk through a confetti tunnel of guests under a stone arch at Arnot Hill Park wedding.
  • Person in a leather jacket hugs a small brown dog in a warm, busy indoor setting.

Getting Ready at The Mercure Boutique Hotel

The morning started at the Mercure boutique hotel in Nottingham. Calm, easy, with a little bit of chaos. From there we grabbed a taxi up to Arnot Hill Park, which looked lovely in full autumn colour. If you are planning an autumn wedding, this place absolutely shows off in October. Golden leaves. Crisp air. Soft light. It does half the work for you.

  • delicate hand sewn sequin star detail
  • golden converse trainers laid on the bed infront of the pink wedding gown
  • woman stood smiling holding two glasses of champagne, passing one to another woman
  • pink wedding gown hanging on the wall from a set of golden antlers, the dresses train is spread over the bed
  • maid of honour helps bride put on her necklace whist she is sitting on a bed
  • two women hold hands wearing matching lucky hourseshoe bracelets

Arnot Hill House Micro Wedding Ceremony

Arnot Hill Registration Office is ideal for couples who want something intimate without it feeling cramped. With just 20 guests, the ceremony felt warm and relaxed. If you are considering a micro wedding at Arnot Hill House, it works beautifully for smaller numbers. After the ceremony, we headed into Arnot Hill Park for confetti and couple portraits. This is why I rate this venue for people who love a bit of the outdoors. You get registry convenience with a taste of nature on your doorstep.

Portraits and Confetti in Arnot Hill Park

Claire and Ralph are not the “pose for hours” type. They care more about guest experience than a photoshoot marathon. So we kept it relaxed and efficient. A wander through the trees with thier dog “Bear” just a few quiet minutes away from everyone. Nothing forced. For couples who feel awkward in front of the camera, this outdoor setting makes it so much easier.

  • Bride with pink hair and groom laughing as guests throw confetti at Arnot Hill Park during their wedding.
  • Groom in a plaid suit crouching to pet a golden dog wearing a bow tie at a wedding.
  • Bride and groom petting their golden dog by the stone arch at Arnot Hill Park amid autumn leaves.

The Dress, The Dogs and The Details

Claire wore an Aurora Borealis Chotronette dress and honestly, it was unreal. Bold, a bit dramatic, still fun. Completely her. And yes, we need to talk about the Cher cardboard cutout.
She made a guest appearance at the ceremony and then turned up again at The Blues Dawg. There is photographic evidence, and it’s very good. This is exactly what I mean when I say your wedding doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s formula. If it matters to you, it belongs there. Their dog being part of the day was never up for debate. And honestly? Dogs at weddings are always a solid decision if you can make it work.

  • Newlyweds pose beside a decorated car on a leaf‑covered path surrounded by autumn colours.
  • Couple in formal outfits stand before a ribbon‑decorated car on a leaf‑covered path in Arno Vale Park.
  • Pink‑haired person hugs someone tightly in Arno Vale Park, sharing an emotional moment on the grass.
  • Bride and groom smiling at their happy golden dog wearing a bow tie at Arnot Hill Park in autumn.
  • A light blue car with an “HQ” decal is parked on a leaf‑covered path in Arno Vale Park near benches and autumn trees.
  • A suited man stands by an open car door, drinking as he faces a grand brick mansion surrounded by autumn leaves.

Why a Micro Pub Works for a Micro Wedding


A micro pub and a micro wedding are basically best mates. You get atmosphere without needing 100 guests to create it. It feels full, lively and intimate all at once. No echoey function room or sad dancefloor waiting to be filled. It felt like a proper celebration, just scaled to fit them. The Blues Dawg reception vibes are cosy and laid back with everyone chatting, good drinks and zero pressure. If you are planning a pub wedding or looking at The Blues Dawg for a reception after Arnot Hill House, it is such a solid option for smaller guest lists.

  • Two people in formal outfits pose outside with a life‑size Cher cardboard cutout.
  • People gather in a warm, rustic bar, chatting and drinking under soft hanging lights.
  • A group of people sit around a wooden table enjoying drinks in a cozy, warmly lit room.
  • Man in a suit playfully holds a beer to a cardboard cutout of Cher's mouth.
  • A brown dog sits on a wooden bench beside a table with drinks in a cozy indoor setting.
  • A close-up of sheet music showing notes, lyrics, and guitar chord diagrams.
  • Person in a star-covered dress stands indoors wearing gold glitter Converse sneakers.

Third Time Lucky and Doing It Their Way

Originally, they were meant to get married in Vegas and see Aerosmith’s final show at MGM Grand. Covid had other ideas. So instead, they created a two part celebration. An intimate Friday micro wedding with family at Arnot Hill House and The Blues Dawg, followed by a bigger Halloween style party with friends at Beartown Brewery a couple of days later.

No rules. No expectations. Just doing what worked for them.
And honestly, that is what more couples should be doing.

  • Two people share a warm hug in a cozy bar The Blues Dawg.
  • A chalkboard outside a shop reads “Closed for private soirée” beside a door with stickers.
  • Groom kisses bride whilst thier two dogs sit either side of them
  • A group of people sit around a wooden table clapping and enjoying drinks in a warm, rustic room.
  • A joyful wedding party poses outside a Te Blues Dawg with two dogs at the front.

CLAIRE, RALPH AND YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST THANKS FOR TRUSTING ME TO CAPTURE THESE MEMORIES!

I ADORED EVERY MOMENT X

“I couldn’t imagine anyone else could have made it more perfect. BOTH DAYS.”

– CLAIRE + RALPH

faqS

for planning an embankment pub wedding

01

How many guests can you have?

Arnot Hill House is ideal for smaller to medium sized weddings. It works especially well for a micro wedding with around 20 guests, the main room has a capacity of 80.

02

Where can you have a reception after a ceremony at Arnot Hill House?

Local options in Sherwood and Mapperley include some great restaurants and pubs like The Blues Dawg. It’s also really close to Notts city centre, so a bus or a taxi ride to have all the choices.

03

Is there parking for guests?

Yes, public parking is available at the entrance to Arnot Hill Park, and only a short walk up the hill to the house. There are also some paid parking spaces at the back of the house. The W3W for this entrance is ///cotton.lifted.spell

04

Are pets allowed?

You will need to check specific permissions for ceremony rules, but dogs can absolutely be included in portraits in the park itself. If you need a local Dog chaperone, I highly recommend Expawditions with Amy

05

Where is Arnot Hill House in Nottingham?

Arnot Hill House is located within Arnot Hill Park, just north of Nottingham city centre. The W3W for the park entrance is ///asserts.park.epic

06

Can we have readings, music, or write our own vows?

Yes, if you book the Enhanced Ceremony you write your own vows/promises and you can have a reading by the person of your choice. You can pick your own music, regardless of the type of ceremony you book.

Planning Your Own Micro Wedding?

If you are planning a micro wedding in Nottinghamshire and want something relaxed, guest focused and a bit different, Arnot Hill House is a brilliant option. Especially if you would rather enjoy your day than perform it.

If you love the outdoors, care about your guests having a good time and do not fancy being the centre of attention for 12 hours straight, we will probably get on very well.

Get in touch and let’s chat about your plans.

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