A Northumberland Wedding at a Castle - Emma & Nick
A Dream Wedding in Northumberland
I’m always so amazed and honoured at the places my job takes me as a Northumberland wedding photographer, and Emma & Nick’s celebrations at Chillingham Castle, Alnwick, were no exception.
Sadly, Chillingham Castle are no longer hosting weddings but there are many other incredible stately homes and stunning venues for a Northumberland celebration, if you’re on the lookout! I loved the way Emma & Nick utilised the grounds for their portraits, and matched the juxtaposition perfectly between historical and modern perfectly in their clear marquee.
Scroll on to see what I mean…
Prep at The Percy Arms, Chatton
Emma chose to have her hair and make-up done at the Percy Arms in Chatton, which was also where Nick had his ushers lunch. This is such a gorgeous pub with rooms, and well suited to the vibe of their day.
Putting The Wedding Dress On And Final Touches
As Emma & Nick chose to be married in The Church of The Holy Cross at Chatton, as it was a very short walk from Emma’s Father’s house! What a beautiful memory to be able to put your wedding dress on in familiar, homely surroundings.
My favourite moment is Emma and her Dad (plus bridesmaids!) being piped down to the church - beautiful.
Top Tip: Getting ready (or doing the finishing bridal prep touches!) at home can really help to calm any anxieties, and you forever have those photographs of your first home together! I would just recommend hiring a cleaner to help with the tidy up…
Rime Arodaky Wedding Dress
Can we also just take a moment to appreciate Emma’s stunningly simple, but elegant Rime Arodaky wedding dress! It fits her like a glove.
The Church Ceremony
Sadly, the Reverend didn’t allow me (as their wedding photographer), to be close to the couple during their ceremony - not that I ever get particularly close! - but it was a super awkward angle and some churches can be very particular about photography. For me the key moments are the entrance of the bride, first looks, the ring exchange, first kiss and coming back down the aisle as married partners.
I love Nick’s expression when he first sees her, and his reaction coming back down the aisle!
Top Tip - Make sure you check with your Church whether they have any restrictions ahead of time! Plan with your photographer where they can stand and what viewpoint that allows. Often it can be better for them to be stood at the back with a long lens on, rather than to the side and have a viewpoint disrupted. Some churches say no to any photography!
Chillingham Castle Grounds
Emma & Nick chose to have a large marquee on the lawn outside this stunning Northumberland Castle, the perfect blend of old and new. They kept their table decor simple and elegant and enjoyed a drinks reception and photographs in the grounds of the castle.
Top Wedding Tip: Ensure you get tablecloths that cover the ends of your table ‘rows’ as well — always order extras! For marquee weddings it’s well worth having a coordinator or at least a wedding stylist to have your decor looking it’s absolute best.
Bride & Groom Portraits
I love this part of the day! As a wedding photographer, I’m so flexible with your portraits. My number one rule is not to keep you away from your guests for any long length of time - you want to enjoy your wedding!
I usually break it up so we do 5-10 minutes during the drinks reception and another 5-10 minutes later in the day; often in that down time between the end of dinner and beginning of the party. For Summer weddings that’s the sweet spot for golden light too.
Top Wedding Tip: Make sure you discuss your expectations of your portraits / group shots with your photographer - there are so many stunning photographers who you will book for their work, but without knowing it means you’ll be away from your guests for over an hour. I’m all about the experience as well as the photographs.
The Wedding Speeches
I’m always striving for the most emotive photographs during the wedding speeches (and usually I cry a bit too!). Emma & Nick’s speeches were brilliant, and I think I captured these reactions well.
Top Wedding Tip: If you need to read a speech from it being written down, print it out! Paper always looks way more beautiful in the photographs than holding a phone.
The Wedding Party / First Dance
I have to do a huge shoutout here to New York Brass Band - who are INCREDIBLE. If you’re looking for a band to get the party started - and keep it going - these guys are truly wizard at what they do.
So, that’s it from me for this stunning Northumberland wedding! Hope you enjoyed these images.
If you’re looking for similar weddings, check out some of the suggestions below.
If you’d like to check my availability for your own wedding, you can request my pricing and a complimentary Zoom consultation by getting in touch here. My pricing is £1,500 for a full days coverage, with discounts available for week-days (pricing accurate as May 2025).
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