Peak District Wedding Photography | Katy & Joe

Love Brings Hope in the Peaks

It’s no secret weddings and most celebrations have suffered during this strange unprecedented time in our world’s history. Everyone I know has been clinging to the smallest resemblance of hope and happiness so when Katy & Joe became my first couple to walk down the aisle following the covid-19 lockdown I couldn’t have been more excitable to be a Peak District Wedding Photographer! To top it off they chose the most picturesque of days amongst the beauty of the Peak District.

After previously planning a full-day affair with over 100 friends and family they settled for a rather unusual day. It involved getting married in the morning at Newcastle-Under-Lyme Registry Office before heading back to Katy’s parents for a spot of afternoon tea in the garden before once again separating ways again to meet for a blessing at Little Longstone Chapel at Monsal Head in the Peak District. Their original church wouldn’t marry them so this was the best way they could keep some form of Christian ceremony within their day. Following their service, we took portraits amongst the beautiful landscape at Monsal Valley and Curbar Edge. Even with Boris’ last-minute announcement to try and scupper their plans they still managed to make the most of their Peak District wedding day and had an absolute riot.

Back in the Peak District Photographing a Wedding

Living just under an hour away from this most beautiful part of central England I take any chance I can get to walk up there or shoot and engagement shoots and every so often I’m lucky enough to shoot a wedding here. I loved being a part of Katy & Joe’s intimate wedding plans and would love to do it again. I often venture further afield to photograph weddings and I don’t charge for the pleasure. I find it incredibly exciting actually and really relish the opportunity to shoot within a new space and a new wedding adventure.

My style of wedding photography is built on a great relationship with my couples. All of my weddings are different and unique; even if I was to shoot again within the Peak District. Time on your wedding day is really important to me as I’m sure it is for you too? So if I can help it I don’t really want you to miss a thing and would love you to remember as much as possible. This caring and relaxed approach to my wedding photography is the reason why so many couples recommend me. They always say it feels like a friend is taking their photographs and not a photographer.

Planning your special day in the Peak District

I love being photographing a Peak District wedding and would love to return. Why not give me a shout?

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The History of the Peaks

The Peak District National Park is one of the great parks of England and in my opinion only narrowly beaten by its nearby sister The Lake District National Park. It’s rolling protected countryside, challenging mountains, deep valleys and misty moors make this an unforgettable place to spend time.

Take a walk along Bamford Edge and overlook the expansive view of Lady Bower Reservoir. Hop, skip and jump your way across the River Dove in Dovedale, Ashbourne. Visit one of the most lavish English Country Homes at Chatsworth House whilst taking in the formal gardens and impressive private art collection. Travel the Monsal Trail and wander along the Monsal Dale Headstone Viaduct whilst crossing the River Wye. Grab yourself a fresh Bakewell tart and taste history in Bakewell. Take in the highest views at the top of the incredible Kinder Scout in High Peak. See the Howden Reservoir overflow Derwent Dam and then subsequently overflow again into Lady Bower. There are just so many incredible wonders to the Peak District.

In 1951 The Peak District boasted being their first as it was award the first National Park status. This all came about as in the first half of the 20th century the public demanded an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy the countryside air and breathtaking views. During these times there was a mass conflict with landowners as the public trod their own paths through whichever field or nature reserve they wanted to. Following the end of the Second World War, the then Labour Government put the push to continue the post-war enthusiasm to give the public access to the countryside.

There are now 15 different National Parks throughout the UK which boast beautiful mountains, moorlands, meadows, woods and wetlands which are there to be enjoyed by all.

A Wedding in The Peak District

Getting married in the Peak District adds a whole new natural beauty to your wedding day. Most, if not all of the wedding venues within this beautiful natural landscape harness their position to attract couples interested in the relaxed slow life of the Peak District.

Its centralised position means you can have family from all over the country all meet in an easy to get to the location for your big day whilst also meaning you’re not too far away from big cities like Manchester and Sheffield should you need some city amenities.

The incredible unique wedding venue options are endless within the Peak District. You can stay the whole weekend at the incredible history-rich Upper House Hayfield. With loads of notable famous individuals staying in its stone walls through the years including Agatha Christie you’ll be sure to feel the history in this stunning venue. Or maybe you want something a little bit more airy and modern, well if that’s the case Losehill House Hotel & Spa in Hope Valley boasts the views with a luxury stay. Based just outside Buxton is the family-run Hargate Hall which is a small country home ideal for your private wedding party and family stay. Maybe animals are your thing though, well in which case you can have your wedding day amongst the Alpacas at Lower Damage Farm Cottages in Dovedale.

Most of my Brides and/or Grooms looking to get married in the Peak District National Park are the keen outdoorsy types who enjoy being surrounded by nature. A wedding here means they can make a weekend out of it often hosting walks, bike rides or meetups in small village pubs on the days surrounding their wedding.

When it comes to the end of your wedding day there are also lots of incredible honeymoon locations right on your doorstep within the Peak District. Stay in traditional luxury at The Peacock at Rowsley. Or maybe you want something a little bit more natural and in keeping with the landscape. In this case, you can stay in one of the luxury tipis at Scaldersitch Farm.

Photographing Amongst Outstanding Natural Beauty

It’s not hard to capture great photographs of my wedding couples in such an incredible place as the Peak District. I actually find it the most timeless wedding portraits one can create. The natural landscape never goes out of trend nor does it look old fashioned so you know your wedding portraits will last the test of time when shot in the Peak District.

I love the landscape as it gives me a chance to use my favourite wider angled Nikon lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED to its full capability. Capturing all those gorgeous blue skies and mountains in my frame in one go.

As well as stunning landscapes The Peak District also brings its signature wedding climate with it. From mist across moors to stunning blue-skied valleys it has a real depth to its look and can make your wedding day look as though it was photographed across several different days.

I absolutely adore working within the Peak District and will always be oh so excited to talk to new couples looking to get married in such a beautiful surrounding.

Peak District Wedding Photographer