A colourful Matara spring wedding by Cotswolds Wedding Photographer
I am delighted to share a few of my favourite photos from this stunning and fun wedding at The Matara centre wedding venue in The Cotswolds! April at Matara is just spectacular with lots of cherry blossom and spring blooms. The ceremony was in the Cloistered courtyard followed by some formal photos in from of the Kingscote house and the Hilarium wedding breakfast. The Hilarium ceiling floral rain was by Silver Birch Flowers.The Mariachi band was a great hit!
It was a pleasure to photograph this stunning micro wedding in the Cotswolds! The ceremony was at the Old Victorian School Stroud Registry Office followed by a party in a holiday barn in Painswick. Here is a small selection of my favourite photos of the day.
Planning a wedding in Stroud? My Stroud wedding photographer page covers local venues, countryside photo locations, some tips and local supplier recommendations.
It was a pleasure to photograph this surprise proposal in the Cotswolds followed by a surprise engagement party! Minster Mill hotel in Oxfordshire was absolutely gorgeous with spring blooms, perfect for a proposal and an engagement photo shoot.
Birtsmorton court wedding photography: A Relaxed and Colourful Spring Wedding
How stunning is this medieval moated manor house wedding venue? It was an absolute pleasure to photograph this stunning colourful spring wedding at Birtsmorton Court in Worcestershire!
I’d love to hear about your wedding plans, please get in touch!
St Mary’s church Painswick wedding and a private garden marquee reception: Cotswolds natural wedding photographer
I am delighted to share a few highlights of this beautiful and fun wedding in Painswick in the Cotswolds. It was a pleasure to shoot at St Mary’s church in Painswick again, one of my favourite churches where I’ve photographers a few weddings and baptisms before, followed by a stunning countryside marquee wedding reception with the view of the church. How stunning is this place? What the bride and groom did with the help of family and friends and local wedding suppliers was just incredible. Flowers The Unwalled Garden, Bisley Marquees, Make Up Taz Edwards, Pinned with Love hair, Dress Rosa Clara
If you are looking for a Cotswolds natural wedding photographer, please get in touch!
A colourful Indian fusion wedding at Kingston Maurward , Dorset Cotswold Wedding Photographer
This colourful Indian – British fusion wedding was such a delight to photograph! Set in the stunning Kingston Maurward in Dorset it was a fun and relaxed celebration of two cultures coming together. I really enjoyed capturing the story of the day in a natural inobtrusive way. I#d love to hear about your wedding, please get in touch!
A relaxed and fun summer Old Gore wedding in the Cotswolds
How fun is this relaxed and dog friendly wedding at The Old Gore Barn by Yard Space Events? It was a pleasure to capture so many candid and informal shots, here are just a few of my favourites.
Cotswolds Wedding Photographer at Matara centre Gloucestershire
How beautiful is this Matara centre wedding? I really enjoyed capturing all the fun of this autumn wedding at my favourite unique and wonderful local wedding venue.
The Old Lodge Wedding in Stroud and Marquee Reception
Right on my doorstep, this The Old Lodge wedding on Minchinhampton common near Stroud was a perfect summer wedding! The Old Lodge was ideal for an outdoor summer wedding ceremony, followed by a private garden marquee reception near Stroud in the Cotswolds. Being a local photographer, I really enjoyed taking the bride and groom to some of my favourite local beauty spots for some atmospheric romantic photos. So many gorgeous shots! Here are a small selections of my favourites. <3
Planning a wedding in Stroud? My Stroud wedding photographer page covers local venues, countryside photo locations, some tips and local supplier recommendations.
A Colourful Summer Symondsbury Estate Natural Wedding Photography Dorset
I am delighted to share a few highlights on Amy and Ross’s stunning Symondsbury Estate wedding set in the beautiful Dorset countryside with the views of Colmer’s Hill. We had great fun shooting dramatic bride and groom photos by the sea, at nearby West Bay in Bridport.
A fun and Lively Old Gore Barn Cotswolds Wedding with Colourful Autumn Florals.
I am delighted to share Gwen and Felton’s colourful Old Gore Barn Cotswolds wedding! Beautifully styled, perfectly organised and bursting with great energy, it was a pleasure to shoot! The couple wanted natural relaxed photos capturing their guests having fun, and the atmosphere of the day. A special thanks to the couple and the amazing team at the Old Gore for making the day such a success. Here is just a small selection of images, I really struggled to select just a few! If you’d like to see more Old Gore Barn Cotswolds weddings please have a look at my Old Gore venue page.
A Multicultural Colourful Old Gore Barn Wedding in the Cotswolds.
It was a pleasure to photograph this bright and colourful autumn wedding at the Old Gore Barn by Yard Space Events! Set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside the Old Gore Barn was cosy and warm and just perfect for a rainy day wedding with a candle lit ceremony and outdoor fires for keeping warm and toasting marshmallows.
There was so much to love about Shriya and Andy’s Old Gore Barn wedding: the sumptuous and rich colours, incredible henna tattoos, cosy fires, delicious food, live music, s’mores and mulled cider, sparklers, fireworks and a lot more! I especially loved Shriya’s henna tattoo of their cat who couldn’t make the wedding and paw prints on their wedding cake! The food was just incredible and the amazing Old Gore team was efficient and very helpful.
The stunning bride was wearing am open back satin dress by Allure Bridals and traditional Indian wedding jewellery complete with her grandmother’s gold bangle bracelet. A special Hindu bridal necklace, called a Mangalsutra was tied around Shriya’s neck by her new husband during the wedding ceremony as a symbol that the couple is bound in matrimony, and as an indication of the bride’s new status as of a married woman.
A Cotswolds Barn Wedding at The Old Gore by Yard Space.
I am delighted to share this Cotswolds barn wedding at The Old Gore Barn, can’t wait to be back! It was pleasure to meet this lovely couple and photograph their St Andrews church, Chedworth wedding followed by the reception at The Old Gore Barn in the Gloucestershire countryside. If you’d like to see more Old Gore wedding please check my venue page.
A relaxed wedding at Milton End Wedding Barn Gloucestershire by Cotswolds Wedding Photographer.
I am delighted to share this summery and beautiful Cotswold countryside wedding at Milton End Farm in Gloucestershire . I’d love to hear your wedding plans, please get in touch!
Two Grooms Wedding Photography: A Colourful and Joyful Wedding.
How gorgeous is this wedding at Inverness Cathedral and Ness walk Hotel in Scotland? It was a real pleasure to travel to Scotland to capture this special day!
Id love to hear about you wedding, please get in touch!
A St Marys Church Ceremony and Painswick Marquee Reception by Cotswolds Photographer
It was such an amazing day documenting all the fun of Harriet and Rob’s Painswick wedding in the Cotswolds! The ceremony was held at the beautiful St Mary’s church followed by a marquee reception in a private garden. I’d love to hear your wedding plans, please get in touch!
A slightly wet but such a beautiful and fun summer wedding at Cripps Barn in the Cotswolds! If you are looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer to capture your wedding in a relaxed and inobtrusive way, please get in touch!
Cripps Barn in the Cotswolds was perfect as always for this romantic and elegant summer wedding. The lovely couple asked me to capture their wedding in the most natural and documentary style possible, which I was very happy to do as it’s my favourite way to capture your special day! If you are looking for a Cotswolds documentary wedding photographer, please get in touch!
Colourful Kingscote Barn Tetbury Wedding in Gloucestershire Countryside
I am delighted to share a preview of Charlotte’s and Jonathan’s beautiful wedding at Christ Church in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire followed by the reception at The Kingscote Barn in the Cotswolds. Id love to hear your wedding plans, please get in touch!
I wish more weddings had the first look/ dress reveal photo shoot! Here are some of my favourite photos from a recent wedding taken at the Matara centre in the Cotswolds.
A surprise proposal photo shoot in England UK by Cotswolds wedding photographer
It was fun to photograph this surprise proposal and witness such a special moment with this lovely couple! She said yes! What a beautiful and romantic location for a natural and relaxed engagement photo shoot. Pleas get in touch to book your proposal photo shoot.
This is by no means an exhaustive list but some of the tips I have for better bridal prep photos
1) Remove clutter. Plastic bags, suitcases, boxes, etc. I often start shooting with asking to move things around and a bit of tidying up.
2) Prepare some nice dress hangers, they look so much better than cheap plastic hangers! Personalised bridesmaids’ hangers add a lovely finishing touch and make great keepsake gifts.
3) Have some matching robes or dressing gowns for the bridal party.
4) Allow enough time for hair and make up. A long and relaxed morning is better than stressing about being late.
5) Don’t forget to have fun!
6) Remember to eat and drink water, it a long day!
7) Make sure plenty of detail shots are taken, especially of items of personal significance.
8) Allow plenty of time to get dressed. Some dresses take ages to do up. A crochet hook really helps with button back wedding gowns.
9) Include your children. A little child under a veil or playing with bridal shoes makes cute photos. Small children will probably not remember your wedding day, have a good record to show them later.
10) Be ready in good time to allow enough time for photos. The rest of the day will go in flash, now it’s a good time to do some bridal portraits while your hair, make up and flowers are still fresh.
A fun and colourful pre wedding shoot at Matara, Tetbury Gloucestershire by Cotswolds Wedding Photographer
How gorgeous is this engagement pre wedding photo shoot at Matara centre in the Cotswolds? It was a fun session with a fun couple and the autumn backdrops were just stunning! Please check my Matara weddings page.
A colourful micro wedding Cotswolds at Matara, Tetbury
It was such a privilege to photograph the micro wedding of this lovely couple in the rain in the stunning grounds of The Matara centre, while the bride’s and groom’s families in different countries watched the ceremony on Zoom. Please check my Matara venue page.
I am delighted to share a few favourite photos from a recent family photo shoot in the Cotswolds. It was a pleasure to work with this lovely couple again and their dogs!
I am delighted to share a few of my favourite photos from a beautiful pregnancy photo shoot in the Cotswolds. Congratulations to this gorgeous couple on a lovely baby boy! <3
A church & marquee wedding in South Gloucestershire: Bristol Wedding Photographer
It was a pleasure to photograph this stunning and fun wedding at St Mary’s church Olveston followed by a marquee reception near Bristol, here are a few highlights of the day <3 Gingermagic
I am delighted to share Francesca and Tom’s beautiful and fun Matara centre wedding in the Cotswolds. So many lovely photos, so hard to pick just a few! Flowers Wild & Co Flowers
A Dreamy Combe Manor Barn wedding in Berkshire: Natural wedding photographer
I am delighted to share Rebecca and Jack’s beautiful wedding at St Mary’s church in Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, followed by the reception at Combe Manor Barn in Berkshire. So many beautiful photos, was really hard to select just a few! <3
I am delighted to share Ashleigh & Chris’s beautiful Matara centre wedding in the Cotswolds. Matara is one of the most beautiful and unique UK weddings venues and it’s always to pleasure to be back! Here are a few of my favourites photos of the day.
I am delighted to share some highlights of Kerry and George’s Cripps Barn wedding in the Cotswolds. It was a pleasure to be their wedding photographer!
I am delighted to share a preview of Holly & Steve’s beautiful wedding at The Manor House Hotel in Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds. Can’t wait to edit the rest of the photos! <3
Gemma and Phil’s beautiful and colourful wedding at The Matara Centre was a delight to photograph! So many photos I love, it’s hard to pick just a few <3
I am delighted to share Clare and Shaun’s gorgeous and fun wedding at Milton End Farm, Gloucestershire. It was hard to choose just a few photos to share as there are so many shots I love!
I am delighted to share Jess & George’s stunning summer wedding at St Mary’s church Barnsley and Barnsley House hotel in the Cotswolds. Here are just some of my favourites photos of this amazing day.
Clearwell Castle Wedding Photographer in Forest of Dean Gloucestershire
There are venues you photograph for the building, and venues you photograph for the setting. Clearwell Castle gives you both! It was a pleasure to photograph this April with a lovely couple who genuinely love the outdoors the woods and the gardens feature as well as the castle itself.
This was my first wedding as a Clearwell Castle wedding photographer, and I now see why wedding couples describe their day here as magical. Tucked into the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, the castle rises at the end of a sweeping, tree-lined drive — one of the earliest neo-gothic mansions in England with parts dating back to the early 1600s. It’s grand without being cold; the kind of place that genuinely earns the word fairytale. It still feels personal though because for the day it’s entirely yours.
This couple had one clear request: capture the beauty of the venue, the nature around it, and the woods. That’s a brief I love — it’s exactly the dreamy, atmospheric look I’m always chasing with light — and Clearwell is built for it.
A Castle That’s Entirely Yours
The thing couples rave about most after a Clearwell Castle wedding is the feeling that the whole place belongs to them as it’s exclusive use for the day.
From a photography point of view, that’s a gift. We can explore the grounds, the grand entrance, the staircase and the quieter corners without ever feeling rushed or in anyone’s way.
Getting Ready
The morning began in the castle’s bridal suite, where big windows pour soft natural light across the room — a dream for getting-ready photographs. The grand staircase, flooded with side light, is one of those Clearwell spots that photographs beautifully without anyone having to do a thing.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in Clearwell Castle’s Ballroom, transformed for the day by a breathtaking cherry blossom installation arching over the aisle. With its leaded windows, high domed ceiling and that church-like quality, the room is both grand & atmospheric and warm & romantic. That light is a gift to photograph — it wraps around everyone and gives the whole ceremony the dreamy glow that drew this couple to the castle in the first place. My couple had a blessing and a totally personalised ceremony as they legally married in a simple and intimate registry office ceremony the day before.
I worked quietly through the heart of it: the walk down the aisle, the held breath before the vows, the first kiss, the reactions of guests catching every moment. In a space this beautiful, the atmosphere does so much of the work; my job is to stay out of the way and let the emotion and the light tell the story.
Confetti on the Steps
Outside, the grand stone steps became the perfect confetti tunnel — guests cheering, petals flying, the couple laughing in the middle of it all. These are the joyful, full-energy shots couples always love.
Group & Couple Portraits
I never want portraits to feel like a photoshoot pulled out of the middle of someone’s wedding day. With this couple it was more like a short walk and a breather — just ten minutes away from the celebration, just the two of them, while I worked quietly around them. That approach suits Clearwell, because the backdrops do so much on their own. The grand entrance, the balustrade steps, the carved interiors and the gardens each give a completely different feel, so a short wander produces real variety without anyone having to pose for long.
The Wedding Breakfast
Inside, the wedding breakfast room is bright and airy, with the blossom carried through and another chandelier overhead. There’s a lovely calm to this part of the day — the grand entrance to applause, the speeches with their laughter and happy tears, candid photos of people enjoying the day. I love photographing this room when it’s empty for a moment too, just the couple and the light, because it shows the venue at its most magical.
Nature, Woodland and the Grounds Photos
My couple really wanted some atmospheric evening woodland shots so we took our time in the grounds. Couples describe Clearwell’s setting as breathtaking and its grounds as immaculate, and on the day you understand why — you get grand architecture and wild, natural texture in the same few frames. Stone and turrets one moment, dappled light through trees the next. Being in the Forest of Dean, the location does a lot of the work: there’s a quiet, storybook quality to the woodland, and a meadow of wild garlic in bloom under the trees that looked like something straight out of a fairytale.
Your Bride and Groom Photos— Without Missing the Party
If you’re worried about being whisked away from your guests for too long, let me put your mind at rest. Firstly, I only take you away for as long as you’d like. We discuss your photography in detail at your pre-wedding meeting — which photos matter most to you, and the feel and atmosphere you want to capture. On the day, I’ll let you know whenever an amazing opportunity arises: some of the best light and most atmospheric shots happen because I’m always watching for it on your behalf. But it’s completely up to you whether to take the moment or stay with your guests.
I know a lot of couples worry that bride and groom photos will take too long and eat into time with everyone else. In practice, this little bit of time away is often much-needed — a chance to catch your breath as a couple and have a quiet moment together, just the two of you, without being pulled in a dozen directions. It’s time to share a few words with your new husband or wife, a kiss and a cuddle, away from the crowd. I promise I won’t be in your face with the camera; I’ll gently encourage you to relax into each other and enjoy it while I capture beautiful, natural photos, lightly directed for the best result. That way you get the best of both — stunning photographs and genuine quality time together, in a setting you chose for your special day.
Golden Hour and Sunset
As the afternoon softened into evening, the light turned warm and golden, and we stepped out again — just for fifteen minutes — for the dreamy, backlit portraits that are always worth it. The tree-lined driveway, the great oaks, the Gothic gatehouse arch: every one a different backdrop, all of them glowing. And as the sky turned pink and the castle lit up from within, we caught it at sunset — that magical time when Clearwell looks every inch the fairytale castle.
The Party — Clearwell’s Cellar Bar
Then the day shifts gear. Everyone heads downstairs to Clearwell’s legendary cellar bar, where vaulted stone, a chequerboard floor and disco lights turn the evening into a proper party. The contrast between the calm of the grounds and the buzz of the cellar is part of what makes the place so good to photograph — the full arc of a wedding day, from still and natural to joyful and loud, all under one roof. The first dance, the dip and kiss, the dance floor filling up: this is where the most honest, unscripted joy of the day shows up.
Thinking of a Clearwell Castle Wedding?
If you’re planning your own wedding at Clearwell Castle and you want photographs that capture the venue, the woodland and the genuine feeling of the day — natural, colourful and full of that dreamy, fairytale atmosphere — I’d love to hear from you. As a Gloucestershire and Forest of Dean wedding photographer I adore this venue, and I’d love to shoot here again. Please get in touch to check your date, and we can start planning your wedding!
Stroud Registry Office Wedding Tips: What to Expect (+ Advice From a Cotswolds Photographer)
Looking for Stroud Registry Office weddingtips and not quite sure what actually happens on the day? You’re not alone! Here is some practical info: what to expect, when to arrive, where to park, the confetti, the photos… Inspired by this gorgeous real micro wedding— a lovely intimate ceremony at Stroud Registry Office followed by a celebration and dinner at The Painswick hotel.
I’m a Cotswolds wedding photographer and I’ve photographed multiple weddings at Stroud Registry Office over the years —a lovely local venue I really enjoy.
What happens on the day at Stroud Registry Office
Stroud Registry Office is housed in The Old Victorian School on Parliament Street — a charming former Victorian school built of Cotswold stone, standing at the top of the town with views across the valleys. The building was renovated and redecorated in 2025, so the ceremony room is light, spacious and clean, decorated with lovely artwork exhibiting the local countryside.
Here’s how the day actually unfolds:
Arrival and parking. Stroud Register Office has its own car park at the front of the building, and there’s some street parking in the area too. As you arrive, the registrars come out to greet you in the car park and invite you in for your interviews.
eparate interviews. Your ceremony begins with separate interviews — the groom first, then the bride. Because of this, the groom should arrive 20–30 minutes before the ceremony time, and the bride 10–20 minutes before. The interview is where the registrars confirm the details for your legal record — names, spellings, occupations, parents’ details and discus any personal touches for your ceremony. Nothing to stress about.
Guests take their seats. While the interviews are happening in a separate room, your guests head in and take their seats. It’s worth nominating one guest in advance to be in charge of the music — they’ll connect to and use the registry office’s speakers, so it helps to have one person responsible for it.
The registrars. Stroud Registry Office has the loveliest registrars. They’re not just there to legally marry you — they’re warm, friendly people who genuinely make you feel special on the day. Two registrars are present for the ceremony itself: one conducts the ceremony, and the other is responsible for the legal records.
Witnesses. You’ll need at least two witnesses, aged 16 or over, who can understand English well enough to follow the ceremony. Let them know in advance that they’ll be signing, as they have an official role on the day.
The ceremony. It’s usually short and sweet — unless you opt for a longer ceremony with readings and extra promises, which you absolutely can. The room comfortably holds a small or medium gathering, so you don’t have to keep numbers tiny. The order is straightforward: the registrar welcomes everyone, then come any readings you’ve chosen (these need to be non-religious), followed by your vows. The legal vows have set wording but can be lightly personalised, and you can add an optional ring exchange — lovely to include, though not legally required — before the signing.
The signing and photos. A quick note that surprises some couples: there are no photographs allowed of the legal signing itself. However, the registrars have a dummy schedule so I can capture lovely “signing” photos for you afterwards — you’ll get the shot, just staged a moment later.
Confetti. Stroud Registry Office allows biodegradable confetti (dried petals) outside the main porch — a perfect spot for that joyful exit shot against the Cotswold stone.
Photos afterwards. When time and space allow, we’ll do some natural photos, portraits and group shots with the stone building as a backdrop — or, if you’d prefer, head straight to your reception venue. One thing to be aware of: Stroud Registry Office can be very busy at peak times, with the next wedding arriving soon after yours, so the time outside isn’t unlimited.
Stroud Registry Office wedding tips
The quick, practical version — everything I’d want a couple to know before the day:
Groom arrives 20–30 minutes early; bride 10–20 minutes early. Interviews are always held separately.
Use the on-site car park at the front, with street parking nearby as a backup. The building sits up a hill, so allow extra time if any guests are arriving on foot.
Nominate a guest to manage the music and your speakers before the day.
Bring at least two witnesses, aged 16 or over, who can understand English — they’ll have an official role and will sign.
No photos of the legal signing — but you’ll get lovely staged signing shots using the dummy schedule.
Biodegradable petal confetti only, thrown outside the main porch.
Plan your portraits. Decide in advance whether you want photos at the registry office or to head straight to your reception — peak-time slots can be tight.
Lean into the building. The Cotswold stone exterior and valley views are a genuine asset — far more characterful than many people expect from a register office.
Why Stroud Registry Office and The Painswick work so well for a Cotswold micro wedding
Stroud Registry Office is a great choice for a micro or medium-size wedding, accommodating up to 56 guests. As a combination, Stroud Registry Office and The Painswick work beautifully together for a small wedding when booking exclusive hotel use isn’t practical. This way you get your perfect Cotswold wedding, with quintessential Cotswold backdrops, for a fraction of the price of many Cotswold wedding venues.
Painswick village is wonderful for wedding shoots and offers lots of beautiful photo backdrops, all a short walk from The Painswick hotel. And The Painswick itself is an elegant boutique hotel with stunning countryside views and a private dining room — ideal for micro weddings and intimate celebrations.
A micro wedding at Stroud Registry Office and The Painswick
It was a pleasure to photograph this lovely micro wedding at Stroud Registry Office, followed by an intimate celebration and dinner at The Painswick hotel. After the ceremony and confetti, we wandered through Painswick village for a relaxed photo session — beautiful Cotswold backdrops at every turn, from the honey-stone lanes with their valley views to the famous yew trees at St Mary’s churchyard.
Then it was back to The Painswick hotel, where the couple and their guests gathered in the private dining room for the celebration — an elegant, intimate space that’s ideal for a micro wedding of this size.
Planning a Stroud Registry Office wedding?
If you’re planning a Stroud Registry Office wedding — or a relaxed Cotswold micro wedding anywhere across Gloucestershire and beyond— I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and tell me about your day. You can also see more of my work at The Painswick , Stroud and across the Cotswolds.
Milton End Barn wedding on a working farm by Cotswolds Wedding Photographer
I’m delighted to share this joyful and relaxed Milton End Barn wedding, a beautifully unique venue set on a working dairy farm in rural Gloucestershire. With its perfect blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, Milton End Farm offers an array of stunning backdrops that make it a dream location for wedding photography. The couple envisioned their day being captured in a way that felt natural and authentic—focusing on candid moments, genuine emotion, soft lighting, and atmospheric, dreamy imagery. With its cosy barns, textured interiors, and gorgeous countryside views, Milton End provided the perfect setting for their relaxed and heartfelt celebration. From golden-hour portraits in the paddocks to dance floor energy late into the evening, every part of the day unfolded beautifully. It was a true pleasure to document the atmosphere and emotion of such a special occasion and to preserve the memories in a way that reflects the warmth, personality, and love shared by the couple. Love this venue and cannot wait to be back! If you are looking for a natural wedding phot0grapher, please get in touch!
Church Wedding Photography Guide by Cotswolds Wedding Photographer
As a Cotswolds wedding photographer, I shoot church ceremonies throughout the year — from intimate village parishes to grand historic churches. Church weddings are some of my favourite ceremonies to photograph, and with a little preparation, you can make sure your photos are everything you hoped for. Here’s what I always discuss with my couples during our pre – wedding pmeetings, illustrated by a stunning wedding at St Etheldreda’s Church, in London with a reception at the Honourable Artillery Company.
Make The Best Of The Rehearsal
One of the biggest advantages a church wedding has over a registrar ceremony is the rehearsal — usually held the evening before the wedding. This is your golden opportunity to walk through the entire ceremony, iron out any queries with your vicar, and make adjustments to suit your preferences where the church allows it.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I want to capture the real, unscripted moments of your ceremony. A rehearsal, with the bride and groom and the wedding party all walking through their roles, means everyone knows what they’re doing on the day. That translates directly into more relaxed expressions, smoother moments, and better photographs. Even if I’m not at the rehearsal myself, I’ll always brief my couples on what to discuss with the vicar beforehand — because the decisions you make at the rehearsal have a direct impact on the images you’ll get.
Talk to Your Vicar About Photography Rules — Early
Every church is different. They vary enormously in size, in how much natural light they get, and crucially in their rules about photography during the service. Some vicars are very relaxed and allow photographers to move freely during the ceremony while others not. The key is to find out your church’s specific rules before your wedding and let me know. I always try to speak to the vicar myself before your wedding, and if possible I’ll visit the church to scout the light, the angles, and any potential challenges. Getting the best photos I can for you is always my priority, but so is being respectful, quiet and unobtrusive — I never skip on preparation. The more I know in advance, the better I can plan how to capture the service from different angles — from close-up candid moments to wide, immersive shots that show the full grandeur of the church.
The advice in this post applies whether your ceremony is Church of England, Catholic, or another Christian denomination. The terminology changes — your vicar, priest or minister — but the core principles around rehearsals, photography rules and ceremony planning are the same.
Decide on the Order of Your Processional
Here’s a practical tip that makes a real difference to your photos: talk to your vicar about whether your bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys can walk down the aisle first, before the bride.
When the bridal party walks first, I can photograph each bridesmaid, each flower girl, each little page boy as they make their way down the aisle — and then the aisle is clear for the bride to make her grand entrance. This way, every member of the wedding party gets their own moment captured beautifully, and the bride gets a clear, unobstructed aisle for that iconic walk.
The alternative — bridesmaids walking behind the bride — means my full attention will be on the first look between the bride and groom as she arrives at the front, which is as it should be. Do check with your vicar, as some churches insist on the traditional order with bridesmaids following the bride. Finding this out early avoids any disappointment.
Ask Your Guests to Put Their Phones Away – Unplugged Ceremony
When the bride walks down the aisle, you want to look out and see the beaming, tearful faces of the people you love most — not a wall of phone screens. Guests leaning into the aisle with their phones can physically block my view and my shot of the bride. But beyond the practical photography issue, there’s a deeper reason.
During the key moments of the ceremony — the vows, the readings, the first kiss — I’m not only capturing what’s happening between the bride and groom. I’m also capturing the candid reactions of your nearest and dearest. These documentary shots are some of the most treasured images in every wedding gallery, because they show moments the bride and groom simply cannot see themselves as it’s happening behind them. If your guests have their phones up, those reactions are hidden. And the guests themselves are experiencing the moment through a screen rather than being fully present.
You don’t need to go “unplugged” for the entire day —just for the ceremony. A simple note in your order of service, a small sign at the church entrance, or an announcement from the vicar before the ceremony begins all work well.
Assign Someone to Look After the Dress
A small detail that’s easy to overlook: nominate one person — usually a bridesmaid — to adjust the bride’s dress train and veil during the ceremony. When the bride turns, sits, kneels or stands, having someone discreetly arrange the train so it falls beautifully makes a noticeable difference in the photographs. It also means the bride doesn’t have to think about it herself during some of the most emotional moments of the day.
Consider a Second Shooter for Larger Churches or Multiple Angles
If your church has a gallery, balcony, or is large enough to offer genuinely different vantage points, it can be worth hiring a second photographer. A second shooter can capture the ceremony from above while I work at ground level, the bride’s dress and veil from the back as she walks down the aisle and the groom’s reaction from the back as he turns to see the bride Two angles on the same moment gives you a much richer set of images.
That said, I’m usually very good at covering multiple angles myself if the vicar allows some movement during the ceremony. I’ll work the space as discreetly as I can to give you a variety of perspectives — wide establishing shots showing the full architecture, mid-range candids of guests and the wedding party, and close-up emotional moments.
Hold That First Kiss
This is a small thing that sometimes makes a big difference: when you’re pronounced husband and wife, hold the kiss for a moment longer than feels natural. I know it sounds odd, but there’s a practical reason beyond giving me time to get both a wide shot and a close-up. Also, churches are often dimly lit, and in low light the camera’s autofocus takes a fraction longer to lock on.
Plan Your Recessional — The Walk Back Down the Aisle
The walk back down the aisle as a married couple is one of the most joyful moments of the day, and it’s worth giving it a moment’s thought rather than just dashing for the door. This is your first walk together as husband and wife, with every person you love watching and cheering — it deserves to be savoured.
Walk at a relaxed pace, look at each other, look at your guests, smile, laugh — this is the moment where the relief and happiness hits and I can capture that pure, unfiltered joy. If you take your time, I can get a range of shots — the wide aisle perspective with the church behind you, the close-up of your faces, the reactions of your guests as you pass.
When you reach the church door, pause. Don’t walk straight through and keep going — stop in the doorway for a moment (and share a kiss!). The transition from the dimly lit interior to the bright daylight outside creates a beautiful natural frame.
Make the Most of Your Confetti Moment
If you’re planning confetti, the exit from the church is worth coordinating properly so you get the best possible photographs. Some churches do not allow any confetti on the grounds.
First, choose your confetti wisely — many churches only allow biodegradable confetti or only petals. Second, find out where confetti is allowed at your church (sometimes its outside the church grounds). Third, brief your ushers to organise people into two lines either side of the path before you come out. Fourth, walk through slowly. I know the instinct is to duck and run through the confetti laughing — and that can look great too — but a slower walk gives me more frames to work with and means the confetti hangs in the air around you for longer. Stopping for a kiss mid confetti aisle or even a dip-and-kiss shot looks great too!
The Light, the Architecture, the Atmosphere
Church ceremonies have a quality of light and atmosphere that’s very hard to replicate anywhere else. The way natural light falls through stained glass, the warmth of candlelight against ancient stone, the sheer scale of a Gothic nave — these elements become part of your photographs in a way that’s completely unique to each church.
Some churches are flooded with beautiful natural light. Others are atmospheric but dark, requiring a photographer who’s confident working in low light without flash. This is another reason why I need to arrive at the church early before the bride (the first one is to speak to your vicar) — I need to know what I’m walking into so I can plan my approach and make sure I have the right lenses ready and decide on and test my camera setting ready to photograph your ceremony.
A Wedding at St Etheldreda’s Roman Catholic Church, London
The wedding that inspired this blog post took place at one of the most extraordinary churches I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing. St Etheldreda’s Farrington is a hidden gem tucked away on Ely Place, a quiet gated lane off Holborn in central London. Built around 1290 as the private chapel of the Bishops of Ely, it is one of only two surviving buildings in London from the reign of Edward I and one of the oldest Catholic churches in England. It even survived the Great Fire of London due to a last minute miraculous change in the wind direction!
Stepping inside, you’d never know you were moments from the bustle of central London. The church is intimate but breathtaking — the lit stained glass, warm stone walls, a stunning east window by Joseph Nuttgens installed in the 1950s after the originals were destroyed in the Blitz, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely ancient and sacred.
For this wedding, the bridesmaids walked first in their gorgeous mix of pinks and reds, each one getting her moment walking down the aisle with the west window and gallery visible behind them. Then the bride made her entrance with her father, the veil catching the light, the full length of the aisle ahead of her leading to that magnificent east window.
One of my favourite shots from the day was taken in the ancient stone stairwell of the church — the bride ascending the steps, her cathedral-length veil cascading down behind her, framed by a pointed Gothic archway and lit by a single lantern.
The Honourable Artillery Company: A London Reception With Serious Wow Factor
After the ceremony, guests piled onto a vintage red Routemaster bus — the destination board reading “Happy Wedding Day” — for the short journey through London’s streets to the Honourable Artillery Company. There’s something wonderfully joyful about a bride and groom hanging off the back of a double-decker bus, grinning and waving, still buzzing from the ceremony. The journey itself became part of the story, with a quick stop for a couple portrait on a London street crossing that gave a lovely contrast to the ancient church setting.
The HAC, as it’s known, is one of London’s best-kept secrets as a wedding venue. Established by royal charter from Henry VIII in 1537, it’s the oldest regiment in the British Army, and its headquarters — Armoury House — has been on this site since 1735. But what makes it extraordinary as a wedding venue is the combination of a grand Georgian manor house and five acres of private gardens, right in the heart of the City. You’re minutes from Old Street and Moorgate tube stations, yet standing on acres of manicured lawn surrounded by mature trees with the city skyline rising behind you.
The couple held their drinks reception on the Artillery Garden, which gave a beautiful outdoor setting for group photographs on the sweeping stone steps with Armoury House as the backdrop.
For the wedding breakfast, guests moved inside to the Long Room — a grand, oak-panelled Georgian room with a striking red ceiling, ornate chandeliers, and walls lined with military portraits and regimental colours. Two long tables stretched the length of the room, set with red and pink florals that echoed the bridesmaids’ dresses beautifully. It’s one of those rooms where you walk in and the scale just takes your breath away, and yet with everyone seated and the candles lit, it felt warm and celebratory rather than formal.
The staircase at Armoury House also deserves a mention — a sweeping wooden staircase with ornate banisters, patterned carpet and a chandelier above — perfect for a dramatic bridal portrait.
As evening fell, the Long Room transformed for the first dance and party. The tables cleared, a dance floor laid beneath the chandeliers, and the couple had their first dance in front of the royal coat of arms and those magnificent oil portraits.
I loved this venue! As a fan of historic houses— the HAC has a history that reads like a novel. It was originally chartered by Henry VIII in 1537 as the “Fraternity of Artillery of Longbows, Crossbows and Handguns,” and the word “artillery” didn’t mean cannons back then — it meant any projectile, including arrows. Members of the HAC went on to help form both the Royal Marines and the Grenadier Guards, and the Artillery Garden where our couple had their drinks reception has been in the Company’s possession since 1641. It’s the largest private garden in the City of London at five acres — a genuinely extraordinary hidden green space surrounded by skyscrapers. The HAC still fires gun salutes at the Tower of London for royal birthdays and state occasions, so this couple got married at a venue that’s been at the heart of British ceremony for nearly five centuries.
Cotswolds Churches and London Churches: A Photographer’s Perspective
I’m primarily a Cotswolds wedding photographer, and the vast majority of my church weddings are in beautiful Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire parishes. But occasionally a wedding comes along that takes me further afield (thanks to all your lovely recommendations!), and this London wedding reminded me how much the setting shapes the story of the day.
A Cotswolds church wedding has a different rhythm — honey-coloured stone, ancient yew trees in the churchyard, the sound of bells rolling across fields. A London wedding has energy and scale, with the city itself becoming a character in the photographs. What stays the same, regardless of the setting, is the emotion. The ceremony advice in this post applies whether you’re getting married in a tiny Norman chapel in the Cotswolds or a medieval gem like St Etheldreda’s — talk to your vicar and let’s plan your photography, I can’t wait! If you are looking for a Cotswold photographer to cover one of the Cotswold venues or plan a wedding further afield, please get in touch.
Cripps Barn Wedding Photographer: A Relaxed Spring Gloucestershire Wedding
There is something special about a late March wedding at Cripps Barn. The Cotswold countryside is just waking up — the first green shoots are pushing through, the trees are still bare enough to see the rolling hills for miles, and the light has that soft, clean quality that only early spring in Gloucestershire delivers. This couple’s wedding made the most of every bit of it.
Cripps Barn is an 18th-century Cotswold stone barn near Bibury in the Coln Valley, and it is one of the original venues in the Cripps & Co family (which also includes Stone Barn nearby and other wedding barns). With its flagstone floors, rustic beams, and huge stone fireplace, it feels warm and intimate no matter the season and its especially atmospheric in early spring, when the fire is lit and candlelight fills the space.
The Bride and Bridesmaids
The couple had booked a shorter wedding photography package. The bride looked beautiful in a leaf-embroidered dress with flutter sleeves, paired with a pearl necklace and a spring bouquet of lilacs, eucalyptus, and white roses. We grabbed a few portraits before the ceremony, using the soft spring greenery as a backdrop. Even in those few moments, the images feel natural and at ease — which is exactly how this couple wanted their photography to be.
The bridesmaids wore lilac — a gorgeous choice against the honey-coloured Cotswold stone of Cripps Barn’s arched entrance. This is one of my favourite spots at the venue for group shots: the huge glass-and-timber doors frame the bridal party perfectly, and the stone walls give everything a sense of scale and history.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place inside the main barn, and this is where Cripps Barn really comes into its own. The Cotswold stone walls, lit by warm uplighters, give the space an ethereal glow and the greenery wheel framed the bride and bridesmaids as they walked down the aisle.
The couple exchanged their vows in front of the iconic stone fireplace, which was dressed with a stunning floral display of roses, eucalyptus, and trailing greenery. Candles lined the mantelpiece and the aisle, and lanterns flickered on the flagstone floor. It is the kind of ceremony setting that needs very little added — the barn does the work for you.
I can’t help mentioning that gorgeous fireplace floral display — roses in white, pink, and lilac mixed with eucalyptus and trailing greenery, with pillar candles tucked between the blooms. Against the warm Cotswold stone, it looked stunning. If you are planning your own Cripps Barn wedding, the fireplace is the natural focal point of the ceremony and well worth investing in with your florist.
The couple’s genuine expression during the ring exchange says everything. These are the moments I am always watching for as a wedding photographer: the unguarded, emotional fleeting moments that happen between the big set pieces.
Signing the register at Cripps Barn is always a must have shot. The couple sat at the rustic wooden table right in front of the roaring fireplace, with that incredible floral mantelpiece behind them. The warmth from the fire, the candlelight, the colours of the flowers against the stone — it all comes together in a way that feels effortlessly beautiful.
This wider shot captures the full scale of the barn — the height of the beams, the greenery wheel overhead, the stone walls on both sides, and the bride an groom framed at the far end beneath the flowers. If you are considering Cripps Barn for your wedding, this gives you a real sense of how the ceremony space looks and feels when it is full of guests and dressed for the day.
Just Married
After the ceremony, the newlyweds walked out through the barn’s stone entrance hand in hand — all smiles, the emotion of the ceremony still written on their faces.
Guests lined the terrace steps for a confetti moment under blue spring skies. Late March weather in the Cotswolds is always a gamble, but this day delivered — bright skies, soft light, and just enough warmth for everyone to be comfortable outside. Confetti shots are always candid, joyful images that I live for as a documentary wedding photographer.
Drinks Reception
The outdoor drinks reception is one of the best parts of any Cripps Barn wedding. The south-facing terrace looks out over the gardens and rolling countryside, and on a clear day the views stretch for miles. My lovely clients had asked for relaxed, natural photography with no stiff posing — and the drinks reception is where that approach really pays off. I was free to move through the guests, capturing genuine laughter, real conversations, and all those unplanned moments that make a wedding feel like a wedding.
This is the view that greets you from the terrace at Cripps Barn — the fire pit in the foreground, the Cotswold stone walls, and open countryside beyond. Even in late March, with the trees still bare and the gardens just starting to come to life, it is a stunning setting for a drinks reception. A happy boy running off across the fields into that huge landscape — moments like this are what make Cripps Barn feel so different from other venues.
Bride and Groom portraits
My lovely couple told me upfront that they were not comfortable in front of the camera and did not want too much posing. That is absolutely fine — and some of my favourite portraits come from couples who say exactly that. We kept it simple: a short walk through the grounds, no awkward instructions but plenty of easy directions, just the two of them together. The beech tunnel at Cripps Barn is a beautiful spot for portraits at any time of year, and in late March the copper leaves still clinging to the branches create a warm, textured frame.
The oak pavilion at Cripps Barn sits in the woodland gardens and is also licensed for outdoor ceremonies in warmer months. On this late March afternoon, it made for a beautiful portrait spot — the weathered oak frame and shingle roof giving the image structure and character.
Walking through the grounds with the barn behind them, stone walls either side, and that big Cotswold sky overhead. This is the shot that shows you what Cripps Barn actually looks and feels like from the gardens — the barn, the terrace, the countryside, all in one frame.
The arched entrance at Cripps Barn is one of the most photographed spots at the venue, and for good reason. The timber frame, the glass reflecting the sky, the stone steps, the box hedging — it gives you a portrait with real architectural presence without needing to leave the venue.
Late afternoon light by the fire pit, with the barn and its arched entrance behind.
Sometimes an image works best in black and white. This is the couple walking out into the Cotswold countryside — the drama of the clouds, the scale of the landscape, the two of them small against all of it. It is one of my favourite images from the day.
We walked a little further out into the grounds for this one — just the two of them against that enormous spring sky, newly planted trees either side. The openness of the Gloucestershire landscape at Cripps Barn is one of its greatest assets for photography. There is space to breathe, and that translates directly into the images. A favourite spot for any Cripps Barn wedding photographer!
This is what a late March wedding at Cripps Barn gives you that no other season can — daffodils carpeting the woodland floor, the first buds appearing on the trees, and that delicate early spring light filtering through the branches. The newlyweds walking through this scene felt like something out of a painting. If you are considering a spring wedding in the Cotswolds, this is the kind of moment that makes it worth it.
Group shots
These are many people’s least favourite part of the day but trust me with some prep and advice they can be quick and enjoyable! As an experienced Cripps barn wedding photographer I know a few tips how to make them fun, quick and efficient.
The Reception
The Oak Room at Cripps Barn is where the wedding breakfast takes place, and it looked beautiful for Victoria and Cameron’s reception. Rustic wooden tables, taper candles in coloured glass holders, wildflower-style table arrangements in mismatched bottles, and that gorgeous greenery wheel overhead with candles and fairy lights. The couple kept the styling simple and let the barn’s natural character do the heavy lifting — which is always the right call at Cripps Barn.
As a candid wedding photographer, I love capturing the story of your day as it unfolds and all the special moments. I love this wedding breakfast entrance shots, completely natural and perfect as it is!
A final look at the venue and its gardens — the fire pit, the manicured lawns, the Cotswold stone, and the barn itself. Even on a late March afternoon with the trees not yet in full leaf, Cripps Barn sits beautifully in its landscape. As a Cotswolds wedding photographer I visit a lot of wedding venues but this stunning wedding barn has always been one of my top venues!
Planning Your Own Cripps Barn Wedding?
Cripps Barn is one of the Cotswolds’ most sought-after wedding venues, and for good reason. Whether you are planning a full day or half day, the barn and its grounds offer everything you need — a stunning ceremony space, beautiful outdoor areas for your drinks reception, and endless spots for natural couple portraits.
When I received their feedback afterwards, the couple said: “Your energy was perfect, it made all the pictures seem easy!” That is exactly how it should feel. If you are nervous about having your photo taken on your wedding day, the right photographer will make it feel like nothing at all.
As a Gloucestershire wedding photographer based in the Cotswolds, I have photographed weddings at Cripps Barn and other Cripps & Co venues including Stone Barn. If you are looking for relaxed, natural wedding photography that captures how your day actually felt — not how it was staged — I would love to hear from you. Please check my Cripps Barn venue page for more real weddings and info.
An Elopement at the Greenway Hotel Wedding: Cheltenham Wedding Photography
Not every couple wants a room full of eyes on them. For this pair, the thought of a big wedding with all the attention felt overwhelming — so they chose to skip it entirely and elope to The Greenway Hotel near Cheltenham, tucked into the Cotswold countryside.
They said their vows in the hotel garden in a quiet, emotional ceremony that suited them perfectly — no performance, just the two of them meaning every word. Afterwards we spent time in the manor’s stunning summer gardens for portraits, keeping everything relaxed and natural with those rolling countryside views as a backdrop.
They’d booked me specifically for my laid-back approach, and the bride later messaged to say, “Thank you so much for today, you really helped us both to feel relaxed.” That’s always the goal — when people stop thinking about the camera, you get the real moments. They both absolutely loved their photos, and honestly, so did I. please get in touch if you’d like to chat about your wedding photography.
Cotswolds wedding photographer at The Matara Centre near Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This elegant summer wedding took place at St John the Baptist Church in Kingscote, followed by a beautiful wedding reception at the Matara Centre in the Cotswolds. The couple hosted an intimate celebration with a Pimm’s drinks reception in the Matara Centre’s summer gardens and dreamy parklands, before enjoying a traditional afternoon tea and wedding disco in the Hilarium, one of this unique Cotswolds wedding venue’s stunning indoor spaces.
Gloucestershire wedding photography at the Old Lodge hotel and restaurant, Minchinhampton
It was a joy to photograph this dreamy Cotswold wedding, beginning at St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Bussage and continuing with a relaxed reception at The Old Lodge Hotel and Restaurant on Minchinhampton Common. The couple wanted fun, natural images that captured the warmth and atmosphere of these beautiful rural locations. If you are looking for a natural wedding photographer, please get in touch.
Planning a wedding in Stroud? My Stroud wedding photographer page covers local venues, countryside photo locations, some tips and local supplier recommendations.
Surprise Proposal Photography Cotswolds: A romantic winter proposal on a bridge.
I’m delighted to share this beautiful Christmas surprise proposal set in the Cotswolds. Every detail came together perfectly. In the lead-up to the moment, the groom-to-be and I created a thoughtful scavenger hunt, guiding the couple through some of the Cotswolds’ most charming hidden gems. One final clue led them to a timeless old stone bridge, where the proposal happened.
She said yes — a moment filled with joy and emotion. We continued the celebration with a relaxed engagement photoshoot through the village, capturing the quiet magic of the day before the couple enjoyed a celebratory traditional afternoon tea and completed their Cotswolds adventure.
Please get in touch to book your surprise proposal photography and see a few tips below.
Surprise Proposal Photography Cotswolds Tips and Advice
Choose a location that suits your partner, not just the photos The Cotswolds has hundreds of beautiful spots, but the right one is the one that means something to them. A village they’ve always wanted to visit, a country hotel they’ve talked about, a woodland walk they love. Personal always beats generic.
Build a believable cover story The biggest risk with a surprise proposal is that your partner senses something’s off. A weekend away, a walk before lunch, a “spontaneous” drive — the proposal needs to feel like a natural extension of a normal day. The more rehearsed and plausible your cover story, the more genuinely surprised (and relaxed) they’ll be in photos. Please get in touch for some more ideas.
Think about how photo-ready your partner would want to be Some people would hate being photographed before they’d done their hair or chosen their outfit. If that’s your partner, plan a reason for them to make an effort — a nice dinner, a hotel stay — without giving the game away. The difference in how comfortable people look in photos is significant.
Time it for golden hour where possible Late afternoon light in the Cotswolds is extraordinary, especially in spring and autumn. If you have any flexibility on timing, aim for an hour or two before sunset. Midday light in summer is harsh and unflattering — morning or late afternoon is always better. Please get in touch – I will advise on best time for your location.
Tell your photographer the exact signal If you’re having a photographer present, agree on a precise signal beforehand. Ambiguity costs you the key shot. The proposal itself is often over in seconds. Plese get in touch to discuss what works best.
Don’t underestimate crowd timing Popular Cotswolds spots like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and the village greens get extremely busy, especially on weekends and in summer. Please get in touch to discuss what timings might work best for your proposal.
Plan what happens after the yes Most people forget this part. The immediate aftermath — the hugs, the laughter, the disbelief — is often where the best images come from. If you have a photographer, the half hour of portraits that follows is when your partner has settled into the moment. Don’t rush off straight away.
Consider the weather seriously The Cotswolds in January can be beautiful — frost, bare trees, mist over the valleys — but it can also be grey and wet. Have a backup location or timing in mind. Outdoor proposals in winter are worth the gamble but need a plan B and sometimes a C.
Keep the ring somewhere accessible This sounds obvious but people get nervous and forget. A jacket pocket is better than a bag, a waistband or anywhere that requires searching.
Consider the parking and poor mobile phone reception. Parking in the Cotswolds can be a nightmare and a phone reception very poor. Please get in touch for some specific advice and tips.
Cotswolds wedding photographer at The Painswick hotel
It was a pleasure to photograph this relaxed outdoor summer wedding at The Painswick hotel in Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds. The couple wanted natural, documentary-style images that captured the story and atmosphere of their day, along with the stunning surroundings of this manor hotel and its breathtaking countryside views. A truly perfect summer garden wedding!
I’d love to hear about your wedding, please get in touch!
Cotswolds Christmas: A Festive Wonderland by Cotswolds Photographer
Christmas in the Cotswolds is truly magical! There’s something about this part of England —its cute honey-coloured stone cottages, winding lanes, and picture-perfect scenes—that feels made for the festive season. I love living here and watching the villages and towns transform as December arrives, each one turning into its own little fairy-tale scene. Twinkling lights drape across old market halls, wreaths hang on centuries-old doors, and every shop window seems to glow with that cosy Christmas charm.
I couldn’t resist heading out with my camera on a damp December day to capture some of the beautiful decorations. From festive garlands wrapped around pub entrances to a Christmas tree in the middle of a river, the Cotswolds is overflowing with amazing backdrops—it’s impossible not to stop for a photo every few steps!
There’s truly no better place to soak up the festive spirit than the Cotswolds at Christmastime. If you’d like a stunning photo shoot in the Cotswolds- just let me know!
Birtsmorton Court wedding, Worcestershire: A Stunning Moated Castle Venue
Birtsmorton Court is a historic medieval manor house, complete with a picturesque moat, nestled in the Malverns of Worcestershire on the edge of the Cotswolds. It was such a joy to photograph this fun and relaxed summer wedding!
The couple exchanged their vows in the on-site church before enjoying a courtyard and Secret Garden reception, followed by a wedding breakfast in the Linney — the venue’s charming party barn.
With its endless photo opportunities — from the 12th-century Great Hall and Tudor manor to the moated gardens, romantic courtyards, dreamy sunset fields, and rustic barn — Birtsmorton Court is truly a gem, offering an incredible variety of beautiful backdrops. It was a pleasure to photograph this stunning wedding in a natural and inobtrusive way capturing the story and atmosphere of the day.
Id love to hear about your wedding, please get in touch.
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