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.
Tammy & Piero | Bamburgh Castle Wedding, Northumberland
Highland cows, horses on the dunes, one very unbothered spaniel, and a castle straight out of a fairytale. Tammy & Piero's Bamburgh wedding had it all — including winds that tried their absolute best to ruin the day and didn't stand a chance.
Chelsea & Michael | Holy Trinity Church & Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington
A stunning church ceremony, a horse-drawn carriage through Darlington town centre, and singing waiters who got absolutely everyone on the dance floor. Chelsea and Michael's wedding day had it all — and I may have had to sprint a little to keep up.
Rachel & Lewis | Mainsgill Farm Wedding, Richmond, North Yorkshire
A beautiful church ceremony at Kirkby Hill, a tractor and trailer through the North Yorkshire countryside and the most joyful couple I've photographed in years. Rachel and Lewis's Mainsgill Farm wedding had everything.
Phoebe & Nathan | The Manor House Hotel and Spa, West Auckland
Record-breaking heat, an outdoor ceremony at The Manor House Hotel, two bow-tied cockapoos who absolutely owned the day, and a bride who looked completely luminous throughout all of it. Phoebe and Nathan's wedding was everything.
Poppy & Charlie | Pre-Wedding Shoot
Countryside lanes, golden retrievers underfoot, and a couple who didn't need a single bit of posing direction. Poppy and Charlie's pre-wedding shoot ahead of their big day next week.
Sean & Jess | The Saddle Room Wedding, Leyburn
A 100% chance of rain, a black tie dress code, and somehow not a drop falling during confetti, family shots, or portraits. Sean and Jess's wedding at The Saddle Room was proof that some couples are just plain lucky.
Paige & Jordan | The Saddle Room Wedding, Leyburn
Outdoor vows, rolling Dales views, four bridesmaids in forest green, a fox red Labrador in a bow tie, and the most photogenic baby you've ever seen. Paige and Jordan's wedding at The Saddle Room was an absolute dream.
Hayden & Charlotte | Runa Farm Wedding, North Yorkshire
Botanical green, baby's breath, passion fruit martinis, and two dogs in matching harnesses. Hayden and Charlotte's Runa Farm wedding was everything.
Kate & Drew | The Hidden Oak Wedding Photography | North Yorkshire
Insane winds, all day. Not a single care given. Kate and Drew's wedding at The Hidden Oak was a whirlwind in every sense — and honestly one of the most joyful days I've had behind the camera this year.
Alice & Andrew | Healey Barn Wedding Photography | Northumberland
It had been years since I last photographed at Healey Barn — and Alice and Andrew's wedding reminded me exactly why it holds such a special place.
Rebecca & Andrew | Redworth Hall Hotel Wedding Photography | Newton Aycliffe
Black tie, sage green, and a bride who completely understood why your photographer matters. Rebecca and Andrew's wedding at Redworth Hall Hotel was an absolute dream from start to finish.
Why I Include a Pre-Wedding Shoot with Every Wedding | Claire Hirst Photography
Every wedding package includes a complimentary pre-wedding shoot — and it's not really about the photographs. Here's why it makes all the difference on the day itself.
Rachel & Phil | Ramside Hall Hotel Wedding Photography | Durham
They sat in the same classroom for years and never once spoke. Decades later, they found each other — and got married at the stunning Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham, with tuxedo-wearing chihuahuas in tow. Some love stories are worth the wait.
Katie & William | Rushpool Hall Wedding Photography | Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Some weddings stay with you long after you've driven home. Katie and Will's was one of those — a spring wedding at Rushpool Hall, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, full of wildflower details, genuine emotion, and a dress that honestly deserves its own blog post.
A Final Goodbye, Sunny | Equine Photography, Witton Castle, County Durham
To have followed this pair for so long, to have shared even a small piece of their journey, and then to be the person chosen to document their final chapter together that is not something I take lightly. It is one of the greatest honours my work has ever given me.
Alex & Stephen | Middleton Lodge Wedding Photography
There are weddings that unfold with quiet grace — where every detail feels considered, every moment unhurried, and the love between two people fills the air before a single word is spoken. Alex and Stephen’s wedding day at Middleton Lodge was exactly that.
Amy & Dan | Walworth Castle Wedding Photography, County Durham
A military groom in full dress uniform. A bride in a stunning gown with a tiara and flowing veil. Navy bridesmaids. An outdoor ceremony in the castle grounds. If you are looking for a wedding day with drama, romance and atmosphere in equal measure, this was it.
Samantha & Luke | Walworth Castle Wedding Photography, County Durham
Stunning summer wedding photography at Walworth Castle, County Durham. A Manchester couple, living in Shanghai, who chose the North East for their perfect day.
A Final Goodbye — Figgy | Equine Photography, North Yorkshire & North East England
There are sessions that stay with you long after the camera is put away. Sessions that remind you why you do what you do, why capturing a moment in time is so much more than just taking a photograph. Figgy's final goodbye shoot was one of those sessions.
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.