Bamburgh Castle Wedding Photography | Sophie & Abe

Sophie & Abe's Bamburgh Castle Wedding Extravaganza

Sophie & Abe's Bamburgh Castle wedding photography was a scorcher, in more ways than one. Think green fields, blue skies, sandy beaches and iconic castles. Then, add a crowd that were warm, welcoming and up for a party and you’ve got the making of an epic day. Sophie and Abe's wedding at the stunning Bamburgh Castle was nothing short of magical.

I’ve seen a growing trend over the years where couples are taking more control of the format of their day and really making it their own. This trend is so refreshing and exciting to see (and photograph!). Of course the traditional elements are still ever present, the ceremony, the confetti and speeches for example, but to throw in a drinks reception attended by everyone before the ceremony was a lovely twist to the day.

Wedding marquee at Bamburgh Castle

We started with the bridal preparations in a strategically chosen holiday cottage just off the cricket field, overlooking both the marquee and castle itself. The cottage was easy walking distance from everything which played a huge part in making the day go seamlessly smooth. The wedding party slowly got ready, and Sophie was in outfit number one, the cocktail suit.

First up it was drinks on the lawn. The wedding marquee at Bamburgh Castle looked breathtaking with the castle behind. It was such a swelteringly hot day, everyone basking in the sun and the colours were vibrant! Soon the wedding party headed up to the castle where Sophie changed into her dress in the Philippa Tower within the castle walls. The guests made their way up via the various footpaths and Abe and his groomsmen positioned themselves in the King’s Hall waiting for Sophie and her father to arrive.

King’s Hall wedding ceremony at Bamburgh Castle

The King’s Hall is built on the site of the old medieval Great Hall and is a Victorian masterpiece. When you first walk into the hall it’ll take your breath away for sure. The ceremony was beautiful, and family and friends spoke beautiful words about the lovely couple. One speaker delivered a lovely poem which was kind, loving and hilarious at the same time. After the ceremony I spent a few moments photographing the families before we all headed down to the Battery Terrace for drinks.

A drinks reception on the Battery Terrace

Quite possibly the best views of any wedding venue in the UK, the Battery Terrace was the venue for drinks reception number 2 of the day. About those views out to sea, north towards Holy Island and south past the newly reopened Farne Islands, simply wonderful. Feeling the sea breeze against already sun kissed skin couldn’t have come sooner as I think we were all feeling the heat of the day by this point. Pay particular attention to the veil shot that I’ve included in my photo summary of the day. A sudden gust of wind took hold of Sophie’s veil and rocketed it off skywards. If it wasn’t for an eagle eyed guest with lightning fast reactions then the veil could quite easily have landed somewhere on the Farne Islands! After all the excitement it was time for the guests to make their way back down to the marquee, whilst Sophie, Abe and I dashed down to the beach.

Wedding photos on Bamburgh Beach

Of all the weddings I’ve had the privilege of photographing at Bamburgh Castle I think most have gone to the beach at some point in the day. If anything, it gives the couple a small window of time together to relax, kick off their shoes and feel the sand between their toes. Wedding days fly by but it’s important to grab a moment together and soak it all up. So when the guests walked down to the marquee the timing for the beach trip was perfect as it didn’t eat into their day. As a documentary wedding photographer I prefer not to get too involved with the couple at this point. I want authentic images of real people so me jumping in and saying do this or do that just doesn’t work. Sophie & Abe spent the time together in a way that made the photography effortless. They were enjoying each others company like no one was watching and that to me is gold dust.

Save the last dance for me

I’m wrapping this story up right here as I really think it’s time to let the images do the talking. Back at the marquee there were speeches, the wedding breakfast and then we kicked off into the evening celebrations. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better it really did. Abe is a musician, and a mighty good one at that. so when the band got to the end of their first set, Abe and a few of his friends (also mighty fine musicians) proceeded to hop on stage and tear the roof down. What a finale! If Carlsberg did weddings, Sophie & Abe just raised the bar. Beautiful humans, inside and out. Thank you guys.

Your Bamburgh Castle Wedding Photography

I was born about 10 miles north of Bamburgh Castle and grew up on this coastline. In 2009 I proposed to my wife on the beach below Bamburgh Castle as the sun came up. A Northumbrian inside and out I could never have imagined as a kid that I’d be working here photographing weddings. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your own bash, and like my style, feel free to get in touch.