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.
The Brooks Family | Family Photoshoot in Arkengarthdale
Windswept heather, upside-down toddlers and a family who laughed their way through the whole evening. Being asked back by a wedding couple to photograph their family is one of the best compliments there is.
Lee & Ashlea | Hetland Hall Hotel Wedding, Dumfries and Galloway
A kilted crew, a vintage blue Triumph and the beauty of Scotland. Lee & Ashlea's wedding at Hetland Hall Hotel was well worth the drive north.
Robert & Hannah | St Andrew's Church Wedding, Aysgarth
Sunflowers, a beautiful Dales church, and a reception in an enormous tipi on the farm. Robert & Hannah's wedding at St Andrew's Church in Aysgarth was one of those days where everything just felt right.
Polly & Pip | Equine Photoshoot at Clifton Castle, North Yorkshire
A gift voucher, a stunning chestnut mare and the gorgeous backdrop of Clifton Castle Estate. Polly and Pip's equine shoot was everything I love about these sessions, and this is just the first look.
Micha & Michael | Runa Farm Wedding, Barnard Castle
Two spaniels, a cathedral-length veil on a candlelit staircase, confetti falling under glass chandeliers, and a couple who had everyone in stitches from the moment they met. Micha & Michael's wedding at Runa Farm was an absolute giggle from start to finish.
Charlotte & Jordan | St John's Church & Wood House, Snods Edge
A church ceremony at St John's, bridesmaids in the deepest red, a horse-drawn carriage, and the most golden evening light in the fields. Charlotte and Jordan's marquee wedding at Wood House, was one of those days I'll carry with me for a long time.
Poppy & Charlie | The Tithe Barn Wedding, Bolton Abbey
Pheasant feathers, dusky pink ties, a wobble Charlie insists didn't happen, and two black dogs who stole the show. Poppy and Charlie's wedding at The Tithe Barn, Bolton Abbey, was an absolute joy.
Rebecca & Jonathan | Pudding Poke Farm, Elwick
A church ceremony, a farm wedding marquee, a tractor portrait session, and one very unexpected arrival. Rebecca & Jonathan's day at Pudding Poke Farm was one I will never, ever forget.
Rachel & Lewis | Pre-Wedding Shoot at Mainsgill Farm, Richmond
Three days to go, wild winds, and two people completely ready for their big day. Rachel and Lewis's pre-wedding shoot at Mainsgill Farm was exactly what it should be — relaxed, laughing, and utterly them.
Emma & Lewis — Dalton Old Pump House Wedding, Seaham
Over 4,000 photos, a venue Claire's already calling one of her new favourites, and a room full of people who clearly know how to throw a party. Emma & Lewis's wedding at Dalton Old Pump House had it all — and honestly, we ran out of hours before we ran out of moments to capture.
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.