The River Mill Wedding Photography
An Industrial Heritage Wedding Venue
Nestled next to its sister, The West Mill on the banks of the river Derwent, The River Mill is a relaxed, intimate wedding venue which gives you piles and piles of natural daylight. I love photographing weddings here due it’s it’s laid back vibe and the awesome wedding couples it attracts.
Planning your special day at The River Mill?
The River Mill is such a beautiful place which I have photographed so many times. I love returning time and time again so why not drop me message and find out a little more?
Behind the Scenes at The River Mill
Through the magic of a 360 camera, I’m able to capture behind-the-scenes content on my wedding days to show my current and future couples exactly what it would like for them to have me along at their River Mill wedding day
All of these videos and more are captured in the most subtle way making sure to not disrupt the wedding day at all. I feel the connection between a couple and their photographer is a really important factor hence why I wanted to show this part of my work as well. I’m not like every wedding photographer and showing you these behind-the-scenes videos from The River MIll hopefully helps me to reinforce that statement.
@adamlowndesphotography Simple aisle walk. Photographed at Jade & Tim wedding day at The River Mill, Derbyshire using an Insta360 X4 to record the behind the scenes footage. My full BTS setup is pinned to the top of my profile and you can view all of my equipment on the link in my bio. #TheRiverMill #TheRiverMillWedding #Derby #Derbyshire #Derbyshirewedding4 ♬ original sound - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 Lowndes - Photography
@adamlowndesphotography Lovely first look with Jade & her dad. Photographed at Jade & Tim wedding day at The River Mill, Derbyshire using an Insta360 X4 to record the behind the scenes footage. My full BTS setup is pinned to the top of my profile and you can view all of my equipment on the link in my bio. #TheRiverMill #TheRiverMillWedding #Derby #Derbyshire ♬ original sound - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 Lowndes - Photography
@adamlowndesphotography This is one of those moments where afterwards I’m like, was that safe? Was that needed? Got the photograph now though so move on and give it as good for thought. Photographed at Jade & Tim wedding day at The River Mill, Derbyshire using an Insta360 X4 to record the behind the scenes footage. My full BTS setup is pinned to the top of my profile and you can view all of my equipment on the link in my bio. #TheRiverMill #TheRiverMillWedding #Derby #Derbyshire #Derbyshirewedding ♬ original sound - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 Lowndes - Photography
If you are still looking at wedding photographers’ websites and have come to Adam’s website, look no further, you’ve found your photographer!
From our initial meeting with Adam right the way through to our wedding he was approachable, helpful and always happy to offer advice when we weren’t sure about things.We initially met over Zoom and after spending 2 hours chatting we knew he was the best person for the job. Closer to the wedding he came over to our house and we discussed the photos we wanted and the logistics of the day
We couldn’t be more pleased with our photographs, they completely encapsulated the joy of the day.
Jade & Tim
The Rivermill, 2025
The History of The River Mill
Sitting in the heart of Darley Abbey’s historic mill district on the edge of the river Derwent, The River Mill is one of those venues where the story of the building plays just as big a part in the day as the wedding itself. The whole area forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the moment you arrive you’re surrounded by centuries of industrial character — old brickwork, iron windows, cobbled paths and the sound of the river running beside the building.
The River Mill itself is a beautifully restored part of this former industrial complex, once home to the cotton mills that shaped Derby’s heritage. The restoration has kept all the charm that makes these mills so unique: original beams, exposed brick, textured walls and that unmistakable sense of history woven into every room.
I’ve photographed weddings here several times, and every visit reminds me how special the location is — the perfect blend of heritage and modern styling. It’s raw, authentic, and full of details that tell a story before the day even begins. The venue also shares this historic setting with its sister venue, The West Mill, another stunning mill wedding location just a short walk along the river.
Weddings at The River Mill
What I love most about weddings at The River Mill is how relaxed the whole day feels. It’s designed for couples who want something stylish and atmospheric without the stiffness or fuss that sometimes comes with more traditional venues. Everything about it encourages a laid-back celebration: warm lighting, characterful spaces and a natural flow from room to room.
Ceremonies usually take place in one of the gorgeously restored mill rooms, filled with exposed brick, huge industrial windows and tons of natural light. The setting feels intimate and meaningful — like stepping into a perfect balance of old and new.
After the ceremony, guests spill out into the riverside courtyard or onto the surrounding mill lanes for drinks, fresh air and the kind of relaxed conversations that happen effortlessly in a setting like this. As a photographer, these are some of my favourite moments — laughter bouncing off brick walls, the soft river light, and all the tiny interactions that make the day feel real.
For the reception, the mill transforms into a warm, inviting space for food, speeches and dancing as the evening rolls in. The building’s industrial charm means you hardly need to add anything; it already has enough character to carry the atmosphere beautifully. The combination of candles, textured walls and that cosy mill glow creates a perfect setting for a chilled celebration.
And for couples who fall in love with this area, it’s always worth noting that The River Mill shares the estate with The West Mill, its larger sister venue. Both are part of the same historic story, and both offer that iconic Darley Abbey mill experience in their own way.
Photographing Amongst a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Photographing weddings at The River Mill is an absolute joy because the venue gives you everything — atmosphere, texture, light and location. The industrial heritage of the place adds so much depth to the images; every backdrop feels like it has a story carved into it.
The big mill windows give the rooms this soft, directional light that photographs beautifully, especially during ceremonies and speeches. Outside, the river and the old mill buildings create endless opportunities for relaxed portraits. I love taking couples for a short wander along the water’s edge or through the historic mill village — the combination of greenery and weathered brick is unbeatable.
Because The River Mill weddings tend to be small, warm and relaxed, the photography naturally follows suit. I blend into the day, capturing candid moments, tiny details and natural portraits without interrupting the flow. It’s the kind of venue where nothing feels forced — the environment does so much of the work for you.
If you’re planning a laid-back wedding at The River Mill or considering its sister venue The West Mill, I’d love to capture your day. These mill locations are some of my absolute favourites to photograph, and each wedding here always ends up feeling authentic, atmospheric and full of personality.
Meet Adam Lowndes
A River Mill Wedding photographer
No matter your race, colour, creed, or sexuality, you are everything to me. I wouldn’t live this incredible photography dream job without you. I can’t help but be your absolute wedding hero.
My couples are usually super down to earth and are planning a relaxed fun wedding day surrounded by all those people they love. I love a party! So when it comes to weddings I can’t help but get wrapped up in the magic of your day. Getting so stuck in with your wedding allows me to translate so much more feeling into my photographs. At some point, you’ll want a few awesome photographs of the two of you. These photographs will take minutes and not hours so we can get straight back to the party. Oh and those family formal portraits, don’t worry about them, they’ll be zero hassle.
With my super extraverted personality I’ll be one of the most excited guests from the moment I arrive. It won’t take your wedding party long to assume we are lifelong friends.