Real Wedding Blog | North Yorkshire & North East Wedding Photographer
Claire Hirst Photography
Welcome to my real wedding blog, home to genuine love stories, beautiful venues, and heartfelt moments from across North Yorkshire, County Durham, and the wider North East.
From grand country houses like Wynyard Hall and Middleton Lodge, to farm marquees in the Yorkshire Dales, historic castles, and intimate countryside venues, if you're planning a wedding in Darlington, Richmond, Northallerton, Whitby, or anywhere across the North East, you're in the right place.
Hannah & Will's North Yorkshire Farm Marquee Wedding | Holy Cross Church Swainby | Northallerton
Hannah and Will said their vows at the stunning Holy Cross Church in Swainby, a beautiful historic church nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside near Northallerton. Walking through the church gate with the bridesmaids in the most gorgeous dusty blue dresses, the scene was just magical.
Sophie & Lee's Farm Marquee Wedding | North Yorkshire | Highland Cows, Ponies & Tractors
If you've been dreaming of a relaxed, fun-filled farm wedding in North Yorkshire with a side of absolute chaos, adorable animals, and memories that'll last a lifetime — Sophie and Lee's incredible day is about to become your new favourite wedding inspiration.
Rachel & Matthew | A Stunning Autumn Wedding at Thief Hall
Stunning autumn wedding inspiration from Thief Hall in North Yorkshire. Burnt orange florals, golden hour portraits & a sparkler send-off to remember.
Keeley & James’ Bowburn Hall Hotel Wedding | Durham Wedding Venue
Bowburn Hall Hotel is a stunning Durham wedding venue for couples dreaming of relaxed outdoor ceremonies, beautiful gardens, and elegant celebrations. Its picturesque grounds make it a perfect choice for natural, timeless wedding photography in the North East.
Have you ever dreamed of having your horse at your wedding?
For couples whose love stories include horses, I bring both wedding expertise and deep equine knowledge to create images that are calm, safe, and deeply personal. Horses are never treated as props—each moment is planned with care for the animal, the couple, and the flow of the wedding day.
Annie & Jack Wedding Day, Grinton, Yorkshire Dales
From confetti kisses and countryside air, to emotional speeches, belly laughs and happy tears, this day had everything. A wedding rooted in family, farming life and generations of memories, with friends and loved ones celebrating right at the heart of it all.
Ashleigh & David Wedding Day, Lake Henry Alexander Weddings
Ash & David taking to Lake Henry in a rowing boat was pure magic , calm, romantic and such a special little pocket of time just for the two of them. A moment to breathe, laugh and soak it all in, with the most beautiful reflections and greenery all around.
Tashana & Matthew Wedding Day, Danby Castle, Whitby
Danby Castle Barn was the perfect base for this day, a venue full of character, history and warmth, tucked away in the most beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.
Explore Walworth Castle's new Woodland Ceremony Space
Outdoor ceremonies have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
A woodland setting offers something that traditional ceremony rooms sometimes can’t — a feeling of calm, connection with nature and a relaxed atmosphere.
For many couples, saying their vows surrounded by trees and natural scenery creates a deeply personal and meaningful experience. The woodland ceremony space at Walworth Castle Hotel captures that feeling perfectly.
Amy & Glen Wedding Day, The Manor House Hotel, Bishop Auckland
Amy and Glen celebrated their beautiful wedding day at the stunning Manor House Hotel & Spa, a historic wedding venue set in the countryside of County Durham. As a North Yorkshire and North East wedding photographer, it was an absolute joy to capture their day filled with emotion, laughter and unforgettable moments.
Sarah & Ross’s Colourful Wedding at Blackwell Grange, Darlington
Sarah and Ross’s wedding was the perfect example of a colourful wedding done beautifully. From the moment I arrived in the morning, colour was everywhere.
The bridal preparations were full of bright details, joyful laughter and those lovely quiet moments before the ceremony.
Abbie & Tom Wedding Day, The Saddleroom Leyburn
If you're searching for a wedding photographer at The Saddle Room, Leyburn, welcome. You're in exactly the right place. Abbie and Tom's wedding at The Saddle Room, Tupgill Park, Leyburn was one of those days that reminds you just how extraordinary this venue and this corner of the Yorkshire Dales truly is.
Hahley & Emma Wedding Day, Hardwick Hall
Emma’s black wedding dress was nothing short of iconic, elegant, powerful and completely unforgettable. Paired with dramatic florals in deep autumn tones, it brought a fashion-editorial feel to every portrait. The backdrop of Hardwick Hall meant this Wedding was setting quite the standard for a Halloween wedding.
Libby & Nathan Wedding Day, Bawtry Hall Doncaster
There are weddings that are beautiful. There are weddings that are emotional. And then there are weddings that are genuinely, completely extraordinary and Libby and Nathan's day at Bawtry Hall, Doncaster on Saturday 11th October 2025 was firmly in that last category. The fact that Libby is Bawtry Hall's own beloved Wedding Coordinator and Nathan their celebrated Head Chef made this one of the most special, most personal and most joyful days I have ever been part of.
Naomi & Daniel Wedding Day, Wynyard Hall Stockton On Tees
Naomi & Daniel chose to say “I do” at the breathtaking Wynyard Hall, just outside of Stockton, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect. From the moment you arrive, the venue delivers all kinds of Bridgerton vibes, a dramatic stately frontage, a serene private lake, and those endless tree-lined avenues that feel like they’ve been designed purely for romance
John & Dominika Wedding Day, Rushpool Hall
John and Dominika's wedding at this extraordinary North Yorkshire country house hotel was one of the most emotionally charged, visually stunning and deeply personal days I have ever had the privilege of witnessing. Tears were shed. Laughter echoed through those incredible Gothic halls. And at one point during the speeches, I got a thank you that had me reaching for a tissue. I am not ashamed.
Frances & Henry Wedding Day, Markington North Yorkshire
There are weddings, and then there are days like this. Frances and Henry's wedding in the village of Markington, North Yorkshire is the kind of day I will talk about for years and if you're a farming family dreaming of getting married on your own land, with wildflower meadows stretching to the horizon and a marquee that looks like something from a dream, then read every single word of this post. Because this is exactly what's possible.
Walworth Castle Wedding Venue, Darlington
Have you always dreamed of a wedding straight out of a storybook? Towering spires, elegant ballrooms, candlelit halls, and romantic gardens? At Walworth Castle, your fairytale wedding isn’t just a dream—it’s your reality.
Tucked away in the heart of County Durham near Darlington , a historic castle wedding venue is where timeless romance meets modern luxury. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, it’s the perfect place to begin your forever.
Hannah & Josh Wedding, Yorebridge House, Bainbridge
If you're looking for a luxury wedding venue in the Yorkshire Dales, Yorebridge House in Bainbridge is simply one of the finest. The reception room was dressed impeccably — individual wooden place name tokens, glassware catching the light, those incredible illustrated table names, and the most beautiful three-tier wedding cake decorated with seasonal florals and topped with a miniature cow. Because of course it was.
Fran & Dan Wedding Day, Pepper Arden Hall Northallerton
Fran and Dan’s beautiful wedding at Pepper Arden Hall was everything a countryside wedding should be – relaxed, joyful and full of laughter.
Located just outside Northallerton, Pepper Arden Hall is one of North Yorkshire’s most charming hidden wedding venues. Surrounded by rolling countryside, gardens and elegant architecture, it offers the perfect setting for couples wanting a romantic and relaxed wedding day.