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.
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.
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.