Choosing a wedding photographer to shoot your big day is no walk in the park. Believe me - as a recent newlywed who planned a wedding in 18 months, I know the endless lists of wedding photographer names like the back of my hand.
After you’ve decided on a wedding venue, florist, caterers, stationery, transport and a honeymoon destination, many brides and grooms will have the tricky task of choosing a photographer to document their most intimate moments at their nuptials. For example, do you go for soft, honey-hued lighting, a dark and moody tone, or brightly-coloured shades? Failing that, do you book a photographer who will stay with you from dawn to dusk, or someone to capture the highlights of the day for a handful of hours?
When there’s so much excitement, people-greeting and booze at a wedding, you certainly need someone documenting all the special moments – from tear-jerking speeches to laugh-out-loud dance numbers – that you might miss, forget or want to relive again in years to come.
From destination weddings abroad to the likes of Ibiza and South Africa, to closer to home shindigs in the likes of Cheshire, London and Margate, there are plenty of wedding photographers in the UK to choose from to be there every step of the way on the day.
Here is a list of the best wedding photographers to book for your big day in 2024 and beyond.
1
Harry Michael
We must admit, we’ve been obsessed with Harry’s photography for quite some time. He has the unique ability of getting to know a couple before their wedding day and letting their interests shine through their photos, whether it’s a love of dogs or vintage cars. Far from being an outsider looking in on a couple’s big day, Harry seamlessly becomes part of a wedding and captures the tiniest details without your guests really knowing he’s around.
Editorial yet intimate, Michael’s photos are the kind that deserve to be hung up on the walls of your home for a lifetime. If you don’t book him, we will.
Prices: On request
Find Harry Michael on Instagram here.
2
Lynn Shapiro Photography
Romantic, fashion-focussed and crisp, Shapiro’s photos are truly a work of art. The London-based photographer is focussed on capturing beautiful moments between a couple and letting the energy of their romance come through.
Whether it’s black and white images of brides walking through the streets of West London, or moody and darkly-lit wilderness snaps of a couple in the mountains, Shapiro has an eye for making the couple, bride, groom and party the focus.
Prices: On request
Find Lynn Shapiro Photography here.
3
Shelby Ellis Photography
It's a rare moment when you see a stranger's wedding photos and immediately feel emotional on viewing such a happy and joyful moment as a bystander. But that's the unique power Kent-based Shelby Ellis wields with her work. Warm, natural, with the perfect blend of documentary and editorial, Ellis approach is anything but forced, and focusses on making brides and grooms feel relaxed on their big day. The aim? To not only capture how happy you look, but how happy you feel on your wedding day.
Prices: Packages start from £2,250 for a full day
Find Shelby Ellis Photography here.
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4
McGivern Photography
Olli McGivern captures the heart of a wedding like no other. It's all about people, relationships and connection when McGivern is on hand, capturing natural photos which are relaxed, positive and fun. Working with McGivern is like working with a friend – albeit one with an astute eye for aesthetics and beautiful atmospheric lighting.
'When it comes to the aesthetic of the images I've always loved the look and feel of film photography,' he tells ELLE UK. 'So I look to get close to that whilst still making use of the unbelievable technology we have at our disposal. Which means capturing so many more wonderful moments, being able to pull the most flattering images from a wider set, incredible low light abilities, security of a second memory card back up, the list goes on, and will only continue to do so.'
Prices: On request
Find McGivern Photography here.
5
Laura Dean Photography
Magical. That’s how we’d describe Dean’s creativity when it comes to her incomparable photography. She promises to go above and beyond for her clients – no mountain is too high for this visionary. Lighting is a huge factor when it comes to her creative eye – expect a warm, soft glow to your pictures and a true understanding of how to create a natural yet intimate moment.
A fan of skiing, Dean loves the outdoors, and this really shines through her photos. Whether you and your bridesmaids want to stand outside in an English meadow or you want to be swung around in the arms of your husband by a pool in the south of France, Dean will be on hand to ensure that your surroundings perfectly complement your special moments.
Prices: On request
Find Laura Dean Photography on Instagram here.
6
Agnes Black
Agnes' photos are the kind you could stare at for hours, such is the intimate, relaxed and beauty that oozes out from them. Having documented weddings for several years in the UK and around the world, her style incorporates her experience of working in editorial with contemporary art and fashion to increate a laid-back, informal and fun collection of images.
One of our favourite things about her work is the way she uses soft lighting to highlight certain aspects of a photo, whether it’s the honey-hued tone of a bunch of flowers and brickwork of a building, or the small details on a bride’s gown and her accessories. If you’re on the search for a wedding photographer who creates chic, simple and oh so beautiful images then Agnes is your woman.
Prices: On request
Find Agnes Black on Instagram here.
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7
Steve Bridgwood Photography
Fun isn’t a strong enough word to describe the kind of photos Bridgwood captures. The UK-based photographer’s love for film comes across in his eclectic imagery – it’s full of colour and emotion - and it’s clear he loves to tell a story with each and every photo.
Far from posed, his vision is all about capturing those special candid moments, whether it’s someone getting low on the dancefloor to their favourite tune, or the groomsmen downing shots of tequila at the bar following the speeches. If you’re all about parties, laughter and dancing, you need look no further.
Prices: On request
Find Steve Bridgwood Photography on Instagram here.
8
Natalie J Weddings
Natalie has been a wedding photographer for several years and had her images celebrated in the pages of ELLE and Brides. What makes Natalie’s images so special is the effortless and natural way she captures the smiles and laughter on a couple’s day. Just one scroll through her portfolio and you get goosebumps, seriously.
Having shot around the world, Natalie has developed a modern and unique take on weddings inspired from her travels to the likes of Hawaii, Paris and Venice. One thing’s for certain – you can rest assured that Natalie will produce the most exquisite wedding photos for you come your wedding day. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Prices: On request
Find Natalie J Weddings on Instagram here.
9
Eloise & Mitch
We’ll just say it: Eloise and Mitch might just be the coolest wedding photographers/filmmakers in the UK right now. Based in Essex, the couple are crazy about the outdoors (they have a camper van named ‘Odyssey’, FYI) and are on a mission to capture heartfelt, soulful moments with newlyweds. And boy, do they do it well.
Whether you love having your photo taken or are pretty camera shy, Eloise and Mitch help couples ease into the photography. What makes us love this pair so much is the true joy they get form taking photos of couples, be it dreamy dinner scenes in the hills of Tuscany or co*cktails with guests in the centre of London.
Prices: On request
Find Eloise and Match on Instagram here.
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10
Luke Bell
If cinematic but seriously modern wedding photography is what you're looking for then Luke Bell is your man. Whether he's shooting an intimate ceremony overlooking the sea, or in the thick of things shooting the bride and groom getting down on the dancefloor, Bell's images are always energetic, emotional, and evocative.
Having started his photography career in the scenic surroundings of New Zealand, Bell landed back in the UK and found himself moving into the world of wedding photography. Named one of Rangefinder Magazine's '30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography' in 2019, Bell is the kind of photographer you can trust to get the job done, make it look effortless and amazing, all while you make the most of your big day. We also love that he's obsessed with his wife and daughters but that's just us...
Prices: On request
Find Luke Bell on Instagram here.
11
The Curries
When you peruse through photography duo The Curries' portfolio you can't help but think, 'God they're cool.' And they are. With an editorial eye and innate sense for understated but impactful images, The Curries, aka Chris and Gillian, are the fashion forward bride's photographers of choice.
Describing themselves as photographers who 'get our kicks from creating honest, modern photographs that tell stories,' Chris and Gillian have spent a decade perfecting their craft, with over 350 weddings in the bag. They're so good, they even shot their own wedding.
Prices: On request
Find The Curries on Instagram here.
12
Matt Horan
One for all the outdoor weddings out there, photographer Matt Horan's work shows just how much he loves nature and wedding photography. Think dusky, sepia tone images with a blurry energy shot everywhere from the middle of a wheat field, to on top of a mountain, or simply in front of an outstanding rose bush.
Based in Nottingham, Horan aims to provide 'beautifully creative, honest wedding photography and storytelling.' Expect totally unique, personal images that transport you back to the most memorable parts of your big day (and a few you don't remember as well...).
Prices: On request
Find Matt Horan on Instagram here.
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13
Rosie Kelly
It's often hard to find a wedding photographer that's not London-based, but your regional prayers have been answered by Rosie May Kelly. Based in the Midlands, Kelly runs her own photography business, specialising in beautifully shot weddings.
Having grown up with a photographer mum, Kelly followed in her footsteps, swiftly winning awards and exhibiting her work in galleries. Now, Kelly's attention to detail, focus on the small but powerful moments of a wedding, and easy charm mean she captures joyfully candid images that are a world away from stale family lineups.
Prices: From £750
Find Rosie Kelly on Instagram here.
14
Leah Marie Photography
You know those wedding photos you see on Instagram you can't help but swoon over, so stylish, chic, and simple the photos appear that you instantly have to bookmark them to your 'Wedding Inspo' folder on Instagram? Well, prepare to see Leah Marie Photography's account filling that folder a lot over the next year.
A destination wedding photographer, shooting newlyweds in the likes of Portugal, Barbados, and France, Leah Marie combines magazine-worthy, editorial-style weddings with a relaxed, personal and artful twist. If your aim is to have fashionable and elegant photos, then Leah Marie Photography is a must.
Prices: On request
Find Leah Marie Photography on Instagram here.
15
Lyndsey Goddard
Ranked the number one UK wedding photojournalist of 2019 – and ninth in the world – by the Wedding Photojournalist Association, you can count Goddard as a big deal in the wedding industry.
Over the last 10 years, the photographer has taken some of the most stunning images, from Victoria Magrath's (otherwise known as influencer In The Frow) nuptials at Chateau du Bijou, France, to the backstreets of Florence, Italy and London locations such as The Curtain Hotel, the Clapton Country Hotel and Kensington Town Hall.
With a background in Fine Art, Goddard seeks to tell a story truthfully and without any intervention.
'I love featuring humour in my work,' she tells ELLE UK. 'I look for the unexpected moments and a different perspective on the familiar traditions. The story I want to tell of a couple’s day is the honest one, uncontrived and unpretentious. '
With more than 350 weddings under her belt, let’s just say Goddard is wizard with her camera come your big day.
Prices: On request
Find Lyndsey Goddard on Instagram here.
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16
Nigel John
As the founder of an online fashion brand, John is ideal for couples on the look out for editorial-standard wedding photography.
Having shot in Lake Como, Italy, the Loire Valley, France, Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire and The Bike Shed in Shoreditch, London, the photographer is well equipped to shoot a bride and/or groom’s most intimate public moment at whatever point it might occur, plus candid encounters with their loved ones and the bridal party, plus capture what goes down after a tipple or two on the dance floor.
‘Feedback from the couples and peers I’ve worked with continually centres on my use of light, my edit, how emotive my work is and how stealthy and unobtrusive I am on the day, but equally how at ease the wedding party, their families and guests feel with me…this is vital,' he tells ELLE UK.
Aiming to mix ‘modernity, timelessness and atmosphere’, the Northumberland photographer is all about capturing the fun, laughter and heartfelt moments on a big day.
Prices: On request
Find Nigel John on Instagram here.
17
Sunday Love - Photo & Film
Whether you're tying the knot in the UK or booking a wedding far far away, it's worth noting down Sunday Love - Photo & Film's name, because they're here to cater for all your nuptial needs. Soon-to-be-married photographer and videographer duo, Amy and Nick, are all about capturing the love, adventure, and fun on a wedding today (forget stiff poses and awkward hand holding).
The pair have their own bucket list on their website, detailing where they plan to be and when in 2024, meaning you might not only find your wedding date and their travel itinerary aligns, but you'll also get a sense of just how far they're willing to go - quite literally - to make your day extra special.
Prices: On request
Find Sunday Love - Photo & Film on Instagram here.
18
Alexa Penberthy
Penberthy hadn’t foreseen a career in wedding photography until a friend asked her husband Matt to shoot their wedding. ‘Matt was a designer and often would do fashion shoots so he had a knowledge of photography. Weddings are way different but we decided to give it a go,’ she tells us. Joining him on the wedding day, Penberthy found herself immediately captivated by documenting people’s big day.
Photographing couples in French vineyards, Napa Valley in California, the Scottish Highlands, Mayfair in London and New York’s Brooklyn, there isn’t a climate or terrain that stops Penberthy from getting the perfect photo.
‘I love telling your story through my lens in an artistic way, like it is a movie, so if you're into this aproach then I'm your girl!’
Prices: On request (all travel expenses and accommodation are included in the quoted price).
Find Alexa Penberthy on Instagram here.
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19
La Dichosa
María José and Xavi, otherwise known as wedding photographers La Dichosa, are one of the most in-demand duos in the industry.
Having shot weddings for the likes of singer Leona Lewis in Tuscany, Italy and fashion influencer Bettina Looney in Capetown, South Africa (yes, the epic one with the colourful maxi dress-clad bridesmaids), La Dichosa blend the worlds of fashion and weddings together seamlessly. The pair have been together as a romantic couple for over 11 years and currently reside in Barcelona, Spain with their dog Chancho.
'We are wedding photographers because it gathers everything we love: people, fashion, decoration, flowers, architecture and of course, love,' tells ELLE UK from Panama where, yes, they're are shooting a destination wedding.
'We adore traveling all over the world capturing the love stories with an editorial and fashion touch.'
Price: On Request
Find La Dichosa on Instagram here.
20
The Springles
'We have a passion for honest and candid wedding photography with a big emphasis on story telling,’ say Kat and Ash, aka wedding photographers The Springles. No matter what the lighting – sunset or dusk – this Cornwall-based duo is ready to take dewy, romantic and intimate photos, whether your big day is on the Devon coast, Berkshire, New Zealand or Zakinthos in Greece.
They add: ‘We photograph weddings in an honest, relaxed and unobtrusive way. We love great natural light and intimacy in our images. All of our work is achieved by finding a real connection with our coupes, making them feel comfortable and making sure they don’t feel awkward.’
Prices: On request
Find The Springles on Instagram here.
Katie O'Malley
Site Director
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
