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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Claire & Jack's Farm Marquee Wedding | South Cleatlam, County Durham | North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer
If you've been searching for marquee farm wedding inspiration in North Yorkshire and County Durham, let me introduce you to Claire and Jack's stunning celebration at South Cleatlam — and prepare to fall completely in love.