Durham Cathedral Wedding Photography | Rachel & Rick
Durham Cathedral wedding photography doesn't come about very often so when Rachel & Rick got in touch it was such an honour to capture their special day.
After confirming my availability in an email and discussing a few details the date was firmly stamped in my diary. More often than not these days the first opportunity I get to meet the couple is at their eshoot. So wisely, Rachel opted for Durham city to meet, drink coffee and talk over the finer details of their wedding.
I have to admit to being pretty nervous prior to meeting them. Not everyone is granted the rights to be married at Durham Cathedral, and so me being me, I had to ask her the question how their wedding came about taking place at Durham Cathedral. "I'm a Princess" was her reply. My jaw dropped, almost hitting the table. She quickly realised that she'd got me hook, line and sinker so quickly went on to explain. Turns out her mum is a reverend in the local community and with that came the opportunity for Rachel to be married there.
A little history on Durham Cathedral
Located in the city of Durham, England, Durham Cathedral is a magnificent example of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was founded in 1093 by William of St. Calais, the Bishop of Durham, following the canonization of St. Cuthbert.
Construction of the cathedral took place over several decades, with the final touches completed in the early 12th century. The cathedral's design is characterized by its massive pillars, rounded arches, and ribbed vaults, which are typical of Norman Romanesque architecture. One of the most notable features of Durham Cathedral is its stunning facade, adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting biblical scenes and figures. The cathedral also houses the shrine of St. Cuthbert, a revered 7th-century saint, which has made Durham a significant pilgrimage site throughout the centuries.
Over the years, Durham Cathedral has faced various challenges, including fires, attacks, and periods of neglect. However, thanks to numerous restoration efforts, the cathedral retains much of its original grandeur and continues to be a place of worship, pilgrimage, and cultural significance. Today, Durham Cathedral stands as a testament to the skill and vision of its medieval builders and remains a symbol of faith and heritage for the people of Durham and visitors from around the world.
Wedding Photography at Durham Cathedral
On the morning of the wedding I met Rachel at Whitworth Hall - Estate and Deer Park to photograph her bridal preparations with her family. From there we made the journey to Durham in an old retro VW camper van which would drop us behind the Cathedral and away from the busy main entrance. I was lucky enough to be up front with the driver to document the journey!
Since the Cathedral is open to the public the wedding remained a fairly low key affair. We arrived at the rear entrance and walked through The Cloister, a beautiful structure in it’s own right. It wasn’t until we walked through into the main Cathedral itself that the general public were alerted to the fact a wedding was about to take place. Sadly due to the very strict protocols surrounding photography I was unable to get too close to the ceremony itself so I photographed what I could from a distance. The reverend conducting the service was extremely helpful and allowed me to photograph the register signing followed by 5 minutes or so of portraits with Rachel & Rick. Once the ceremony was complete it was back to Whitworth Hall for their reception. The whole day was so enjoyable and especially so as it was topped off with some lovely speeches, some stand up comedy and a few songs from Rachel throughout the evening which was a lovely surprise for Rick.
For enquiries about your own wedding photography, feel free to get in touch.
