Different types of weddings – which one is right for you?

There are a million different types of weddings… which one is the best for you?

This is likely to be a lengthy blog post, similar to the ‘Timing Your Day’ post; no matter how I tried to work on it, I couldn’t get the word count down. There are too many variables; there are (as you are about to discover) too many options. Don’t be too surprised if you make it all the way to ‘the end’ only to find a link to part two… let’s see how we get on.

We are ENGAGED… Now what?

Well, first off, congratulations! You may have picked up a wedding magazine, you may have already become addicted to scrolling through impossibly glamorous-looking affairs on Pinterest or Instagram. You may even have a folder that you’ve had stored under your bed since you were little, like they do in the movies (does anyone do this, though?)

For most of us mere mortals, wedding planning can promise adventure and excitement, but the reality can be much more daunting. There are just too many good things to choose from! Some of them might have you re-mortgaging the house or bankrupting your family if you’re not careful, but an amazing wedding can be achieved on almost any budget (I promise).

Here is a brief (ish) look at some of the main options

A do-it-yourself wedding can be fabulous without breaking the bank. You can be imaginative with your choice of venue, and you could secure something ‘basic’ for such great value that you can then use your imagination or a venue dresser to make it both personal and spectacular. Venues you should consider if you’re thinking of going DIY

Some of the marquees and venues offer a ‘Dry Hire’ option. This allows you to hire your dream venue, and then you can save pennies elsewhere. However, be warned that some venues may still impose corkage charges or fees for bringing in outside catering. Unless you consider clever alternatives for food, in reality, this can end up costing even more than a full hire.

Village Hall hire. There are some lovely village halls around, some of which have double-height ceilings and are situated in gorgeous, picturesque villages. The prices can be staggeringly cheap, usually allowing room in the budget to decorate to your heart’s content and treat yourself in other ways too! It is essential to check that the hall has adequate parking, toilet and kitchen facilities before you commit.

A farm or a big garden. If you or someone in the family owns a farm or large property and you are in their (very) good graces, it may well be worth an ask. You may well have to pay for things like power and water, but that might be all you have to pay. If you don’t know anyone, it can still be worth approaching local farmers to see if they will hire a barn or field for you. Bear in mind that they will likely want to be reassured and compensated for their property use.

A word of warning: DIY weddings can be very labour-intensive, and you will likely be relying on family and friends to help with all the crafting and creation. Also, if you are choosing a DIY wedding because of budget, be careful you don’t get carried away with all the exciting ‘extras’ and neglect the basics. Basics for a DIY wedding can include anything from a parking attendant to a generator to providing toilets for your guests.

Barn venues are becoming increasingly popular. You can find gorgeous barns that have been refurbished into luxury venues, or you can choose a more genuinely rustic option, as working farms are diversifying into other ventures.  The options throughout the country are extensive, but locally, I love Farmhouse at Redcoats and The Milling Barn for their gorgeous, upmarket barns (both are located in Hertfordshire).

Barns can provide a gorgeous and photogenic option at any time of the year. In winter, they can give a lovely, cosy feel like Coltsfoot Retreat. Or they can provide the perfect base for a wedding on a glorious summer’s day, with hay bales outside and champagne being sipped, while the younger guests can run about and burn off their energy. Below are some images from Coltsfoot in November and a gorgeous April wedding at Priory Barns.

A truly classic option, and the one most often seen in films and on TV. This is probably what springs to mind for most people when they even hear the word ‘wedding’. They can be breathtaking venues, offering fantastic architecture, sprawling lawns and great practical benefits. For example, most venues allow you to have your wedding ceremony and reception in the exact location, and often, all your guests can stay on-site. This makes their lives easier, encourages them to remain on the dance floor a little longer, and saves you the hassle of worrying about a wedding car. Not always country houses, these weddings are similar across Country Clubs and golf clubs as well.

These classic venues are suitable for use at all times of the year. Often, the architecture allows me to create fabulous shots using the internal grandeur and decadence without even needing to step outside. Of course, I would always advise it, the grounds are usually stunning too! I have so many favourite Country Houses, they lend themselves very well to the directed side of my style. I enjoy using these buildings to create drama in my wedding images and have several favourite venues. My personal favourite is the truly stunning Luton Hoo, and I also love Down Hall, Longstowe Hall and Gosfield Hall (to name a mere few!). These weddings tend to be more classic, but there’s no reason why you can’t have a relaxed wedding in a formal setting if that’s what you want.

Castles are in a similar vein to Country Houses, offering something a bit extra-special. I like them for all the same reasons I enjoy shooting the mansion houses, however Castles have the added ‘wow factor’, the drama of turrets and grand halls! I can’t say I have ever photographed a castle venue that I didn’t utterly love, but two favourites to get you started are Berkeley Castle and Clearwell Castle!

These are usually DIY in nature, but not always. Picture teepees on the lawn, food trucks offering a fantastic array of wares and garden games. Not to mention, if you want THE MUSIC, for me, it is the music offerings that make a festival-style wedding, including pop-ups, a little stage area, and opportunities to speak with local bands and buskers, as well as the usual wedding bands. Your entire day will have its own very unique-to-you soundtrack, and your guests will feel like dancing and swaying all day.

These weddings tend to have a very relaxed vibe, with lots of fun and chatter, and plenty of dancing. I must admit, it makes them an absolute joy to photograph. My couples who choose this style of wedding tend also to like the very natural and relaxed style of my photography, or a featured festival style wedding.

They can offer unique venues with fantastic city backdrops, and if you already live in a small town or village, they also provide something utterly different and unique. Museums, libraries, city halls, city gardens, the list is inexhaustible.

Great for your international guests and those from farther away, your guests can make a mini break of it as well as enjoy your wedding. It is the city backdrops which I cannot help but fall in love with each time I visit a new urban area, the graffiti, landmarks, street performers and even the ‘random strangers’ bustling in the background can all come together to create some breathtaking memories and photographs.

This is a personal decision, entirely up to you. You may wish to have a ceremony at your chosen place of worship or church and then head to a reception to celebrate. Other couples may not choose to have a whole religious ceremony and instead might opt for a legal ceremony, followed by a spiritual blessing. However, it is essential to determine what matters to each of you on this, especially if you come from two different faiths or cultures. In this case, please don’t feel disheartened; the ‘fusion weddings’ that I have been privileged to work at are all amongst my favourites ever. The unique mix of cultures and traditions can combine to create something truly special.

Not quite the same as eloping, these are more like downscaled versions of a traditional wedding format, but held at some exotic destination. Usually, several friends and family will come over and combine your wedding with their holiday. There are some staggering options available around the world, but bear in mind that there may be legal complications to overcome in terms of being legally married abroad (in some countries, it is simply not possible). This is a big topic and a big decision.

If wedding planning is stressing you out, causing family rifts or budget concerns, and you’re a bit adventurous, why not consider eloping? Sometimes, just the two of you (with a celebrant and, of course, a good photographer!) and sometimes a small family or friend group, an elopement can be a freeing way to get married. If you fancy this option, there are still plenty of alternatives; you could opt for one of the more obvious locations, such as Gretna Green or Las Vegas. Or you might be way more adventurous and fancy a 2-day hike to an isolated Norwegian waterfall… the world is quite literally your oyster.

Bear in mind that there may be some “family political fallout” for this; consider whether it will be right for you. Alternatively, keep everyone happy by having a relaxed celebratory reception with would-be guests once you return from your elopement.

FYI, I love adventures, hiking, and exploring, so I’m thrilled to discreetly join your elopement to capture those stunning locations and moments on camera.

No, anything. It may not always be possible to get legally wed anywhere in the world, but you can celebrate your wedding almost anywhere that you can imagine. You’ve likely seen the news articles about receptions at McDonald’s (please, no), but I utterly applaud these couples for doing what is right and what means something to them. If you’re thinking of doing something a little different, you may want to consider a celebrant-led ceremony instead of a traditional legal one, as this can open up numerous opportunities for them.

If you love books, find an excellent library; if you share a love of Sci-fi, incorporate as many Dalek centrepieces as you like; if you want a beach wedding, have one. This is your wedding; don’t rule out unconventional wedding venues just because you feel you should. The first rule of weddings is – your wedding, your way!