Selecting a wedding photographer to capture your big day is no easy feat. Do you want traditionally posed pictures, or more of a curated, magazine-spread type feel? Do you prefer soft, naturally-lit images, or darker, moodier ones with higher contrast?
Whatever style you’re after, there are hundreds of talented wedding photographers out there ready to document your special day. But choosing a wedding photographer isn’t simply about deciding on a style that resonates with you, it’s about investing in someone who makes you feel at ease and will contribute to the energy of your wedding day.
From heartwarming speeches to embarrassing dance numbers, exchanging those all-important vows to kissing under a tunnel of confetti, these are the moments you’ll look back on, reminisce about and want to relive for years to come. So you want a wedding photographer who can seamlessly become a part of your wedding and capture all those tiny details for you to remember forever – even, if you’re camera shy.
As Henri Cartier-Bresson once said, ‘Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again’.
Whether you’re tying the knot at a country wedding in the South of France or a formal city wedding in London, you’re looking for candid, documentary-style pictures that capture the moment as it unfolds or formal, staged portraits, the most important thing is to choose a photographer whose work you love and someone who feels like a friend.
After all, these are the photos that will hang on the walls of your home forever.
Here, then, are our favourite, highly recommended, wedding photographers to book for your big day…
Andrew Leo
Fun, Genuine, Striking
After a brief stint in investment banking Andrew Leo picked up a camera and hasn’t looked back since. He learnt photography shooting friends’ bands and assisting in the fashion world. ‘I loved the blend of the two disciplines – the joy and energy of live music performances, and
in fashion the style and drama of great outfits and interesting characters,’ he says.
When Andrew started to shoot weddings, it was mostly as a favour for friends – since he was technically still a guest, he acted like one and stayed at the party until the later hours. The result? Candid, natural, emotional, funny, and at times chaotic, photos. ‘I felt like I had a knack for capturing genuine emotions, this allowed people to be themselves,’ he adds.
Word spread and wedding photography stopped being just a hobby and started giving Andrew an income. So despite his growing success in the fashion world – his pictures were on billboards for Austin Reed and Miss Selfridge and in editorials for The Independent – it was weddings, and the people at them, that he really enjoyed capturing.
Since then, he’s shot weddings in beautiful destinations across Africa, the US, Europe, and the UK. From traditional Indian ceremonies to same-sex unions, intimate venues and seaside resorts to country mansions. His work has been featured in publications like Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Brides, Rock n Roll Bride and, of course, The Wedding Edition.
His aim? ‘When you look back at my photos, they will remind you of how it felt to be there’.
Location: 50% London, 50% UK/Europe.
Price: Available on request
Website: leoweddings.com
Socials: @leowedphoto
Holly Clark
Timeless, Stylish, Graceful
Based in London, Holly Clark is known for discreetly capturing some of life’s most interesting people, with clients varying from Royalty to Hollywood movie stars. Holly is a go-to photographer for leading planners around the world and prides herself on her dedication for her craft.
Fuelled by her passion for travel, and inspired by the people and places she encounters along the way, Holly strives to craft timeless, graceful and authentic images that weave narratives around once-in-a-lifetime moments and stories.
Described as ‘calm, professional and a total perfectionist’, Holly’s keen eye for detail, appreciation for beautiful aesthetics and unwavering commitment to quality are evident in her imagery. Her composed and professional approach instils a sense of ease in those around her, resulting in fresh and honest images, that tell a story and capture real emotion. There is true magic to the way Holly works.
Location: Based in London, travels worldwide
Price: Available on request
Website: hollyclarkphotography.co.uk
Socials: @hollyclarkphotography
Benjamin Wheeler
Artistic, Relaxed, Honest
Benjamin Wheeler shot his very first wedding when he was still in college, but it wasn’t until he was working shooting for luxury fashion house Net-A-Porter that he discovered he could make something of all the weddings he had the opportunity to shoot. ‘My first destination wedding came in 2014 when I flew to the Gili Islands, Bali, to photograph an incredible week-long adventure for a dear school friend,’ he remembers. ‘I started my company later that year.’
Since then, Benjamin has photographed lots of amazing weddings across the world, from wild parties in an ancient Sicilian fishing village to beautiful intimate celebrations on the hilltop of Portofino. He describes his work as ‘a relaxed approach to creating editorial images for style-conscious couples, built around collaboration and trust’.
Based in London, some of the most special days he’s photographed have been in the capital. But his career highlight? ‘I was honoured to photograph the wedding of HRH Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in the summer of 2020, certainly a career highlight and every bit as special as the last.’
Location: Based in London, travels worldwide
Price: Available on request
Website: benjaminthomaswheeler.com
Socials: @benjaminwheeler
Matt Porteous
Storytelling, Genuine, Fearless
Matt Porteous’ journey into the world of photography began in the quiet corners of his childhood home, flipping through his parents’ photo albums. It was these early years, around the age of seven, when Matt first discovered the magic of capturing moments through a camera lens. This fascination only grew and as a shy, underconfident teen, photography became Matt’s voice, a means to express and share his unique perspective of the world.
Matt’s initial foray into wedding photography began in his mid-20s – he describes his first wedding as ‘not just a job but the opening of a new chapter’. Matt’s talent in capturing the essence of these special moments was evident from the start and his exceptional ability spread rapidly.
Now, Matt is an acclaimed photographer, renowned for capturing weddings and also for chronicling significant Royal events. His portfolio includes Prince George’s third birthday and Prince Louis’ Christening, the Royal Jubilee tour of the Caribbean and the King’s Coronation. His work also features high-profile weddings like those of Pippa Middleton and Ellie Goulding, solidifying his status as a photographer of both romance and royalty. Matt’s approach to each wedding is as unique as the couples he photographs, focusing on telling their story with authenticity and beauty. His work has gained international acclaim, earning him spots on prestigious lists like Harper’s Bazaar’s “Top Wedding Photographers in the World” and placing him on the celebrity shortlist.
Choosing Matt Porteous for your wedding day means entrusting your memories to a photographer whose life’s work is not just about capturing moments but about making a difference in the world. His journey from a young, introspective child to an internationally renowned photographer is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and using it to illuminate the lives of others.
Location: Available for worldwide commissions
Price: Available on request
Website: weddingsm.com
Socials: @m_weddings
Louise Adby
Elegant, Natural, Heartfelt
Louise Adby studied graphic design and photography at university, and it was two friends who, despite having only seen her university work, first trusted Louise to capture their special day over 15 years ago. ‘I accepted the challenge, armed with just one camera, one lens, and an on-camera flash,’ she remembers.
After university, Louise initially delved into the world of video editing and production. But her heart remained in photography. ‘While working on. various sets, I found myself capturing behind-the-scenes moments,’ she says. She eventually transitioned into full-time photography after spending four years in the commercial world, where she was lucky enough to work on some amazing commissions, including assignments in the Caribbean and the US.
Recently relocating from Surrey to Wiltshire, Louise tends to cover weddings across Surrey, London, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and the Cotswolds. She also photographs a select number of international weddings each year.
Her style? Clean, fresh and classic. ‘My primary goal is to capture authentic emotion and connection, seamlessly weaving in elements of elegance and romance,’ she says. ‘I approach each shot with thoughtful consideration of composition, always on the lookout for captivating light and backdrops. In my editing process, I strive for a bright and fresh style, ensuring that colours remain true to the day, creating timeless images.’
Louise understands just how important it is for couples to feel comfortable and natural, and aims to make her couples feel at ease, rather than on a photoshoot. While she provides gentle direction during portraits, she’s all about capturing genuine moments between the couple. And all her collections include something tangible, as Louise believes the way you view your images is just as important as how they were captured.
Location: Based in Wiltshire, covers Surrey, London, Hampshire, Dorset and the Cotswolds.
Price: Available on request
Website: louiseadbyphoto.com
Socials: @louiseadbyphoto
Roberta Facchini
Editorial, Elegant, Soft
Roberta Facchini is an internationally celebrated destination wedding photographer and a go-to choice among Londoners, celebrities, high-end international clientele and luxury wedding planners. Her photography style captures romance with the ethereal use of light, creating timeless elegance and editorial photographs with her signature natural approach.
Roberta’s affair with photography began as a six-year-old girl growing up in Italy when she picked up a rather heavy SLR camera during a photography class at school – she never put it down.
Since then, her attachment to her camera has blossomed into a glittering global career photographing weddings in England’s most regal venues and iconic destinations throughout Europe and around the world. Roberta’s photography is regularly published in leading editorial publications, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings, Hello! Magazine, OK! Magazine and beyond.
From engagement to the altar (no matter where in the world), Roberta creates a uniquely bespoke and intimate photography experience, capturing each love story in grand and sophisticated detail. She only takes on a limited number of new clients each year, ensuring a devoted presence throughout the wedding planning process and commitment to delivering precious family heirlooms at exceptional standards.
Weddings of note include; football player Jermain Defoe’s extravagant wedding at Cliveden House, Made in Chelsea stars Maeva D’Ascanio and James Taylor and Binky Felstead, content creators Jeremy Lynch & Shauna Louise, YouTuber Ali-A and Clare Siobhan, cake artist The Pink Cooker and professional boxer Joshua Kelly.
Location: Based in South West London, available for weddings worldwide – with a particular love for Italy, the South of France and Greece.
Price: Available on request
Website: robertafacchini.com
Socials: @robertafacchiniphotography
Lauren Juliette
Vibrant, Energetic, Authentic
Lauren Juliette is not just a wedding photographer; she is a storyteller who has been professionally documenting weddings for over 15 years. Her journey started with a work experience placement at the age of 15 at a wedding photography company in the Roman City of Bath, and it was at this moment that Lauren fell in love with photographing weddings. She hasn’t looked back since.
Fast forward through 300 weddings, Lauren’s expertise and knowledge has developed and grown with the ever-evolving wedding industry. A natural light photographer, Lauren believes the best images are created when you are truly being yourselves.
In her own words: ‘Every wedding day is wonderfully unique, yet my approach is the same to every wedding; to document the two of you with your family and friends having the best day imaginable. To capture authentic emotion and create beautiful images that will take you right back to those moments in years to come’.
Lauren is dedicated to creating timeless photographs that reflect the intimate connections between you as a couple and the love shared with your nearest and dearest. Her focus is for you to experience the most incredible day possible, whilst ensuring the photography process seamlessly integrates with the vibrant atmosphere of your day.
What sets Lauren apart is her knack for capturing authentic moments brimming with energy and life. Her images are not just photos; they’re vibrant snapshots of the genuine joy that makes your wedding day uniquely yours.
Location: Based in Bristol, specialises in weddings in the Cotswolds and South West, but is available for weddings across the UK and internationally.
Prices: Starting from £2,500. Bespoke quotes on request.
Website: laurenjuliette.com
Socials: @laurenjuliettephoto
Midnight Sol
Candid, Destination, Organic
Run by husband and wife duo, Aaron and Samantha Salinas, Midnight Sol Photography started as an idea of telling common love stories while travelling all around the world.
Inspired by their own wedding – which symbolised a new beginning after nurturing a long-distance relationship – Aaron and Samantha took a risk on the dream of becoming destination photographers, fueled by their love and a desire to share this feeling with others.
They decided upon the name ‘Midnight Sol’ – which is a play on ‘Midnight Sun’, another name for a solar eclipse, or the union of the sun and moon. This symbolises a man and a woman being separated by time and space, and eventually coming together in marriage. This soulful image, alongside the message of 1 Corinthians 16:14 laid the blueprint for their company’s ethos, which is at the centre of all their creative decisions.
Aaron and Samantha understand that the secret to incredible photography is genuine authenticity. This is why they take time to create a relationship with the couples they shoot and establish a comfortable atmosphere to create art. None of the couples they’ve shot are models and often express an understandable nervousness around the camera. This is what makes their style so special, since Aaron and Samantha understand how to prompt and guide organic interaction, resulting in documentary photographs full of a lifetime of memory.
Midnight Sol is proud to have put the love stories of couples in multiple publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Tatler and Glamour. Their goal is to continue to grow in their craft and spread the message of love to all the world.
Location: Destination weddings
Price: Available on request
Website: midnightsolphotography.com
Social: @midnightsolphotography
Lucy Davenport
Elegant, Romantic, Authentic
For wedding photographer Lucy Davenport, photography was always her chosen career path and studied for a degree in Advertising and Editorial photography. Like so many other photographers, she was interested in the fashion world and during her second year, worked for Mario Testino. ‘I continued to study alongside working for him throughout my third year, and once I graduated too,’ she says.
The skills she learned and the insight she gained into the world of photography, publications, exhibitions and storytelling is something that’s stayed with her for the rest of her career. But it wasn’t until she was asked by chance to photograph a wedding in 2010 that she fell into the wedding world. ‘I quickly realised when photographing my first season that my editorial and fashion background stood me apart,’ she says.
Based in Oxfordshire, she covers a lot of gorgeous venues locally in the Cotswolds but travels the length of the UK and abroad as well. The majority of her clients tend to live in London and host their marquee wedding either at their family home or a venue that offers weekend stays, so the celebrations can span over several days.
Lucy’s approach to wedding photography is to blend in as a guest, capturing the story, emotion and beauty unfolding. ‘I want to create lasting memories of authentic moments and beautiful portraiture for you to treasure,’ she says. Her editorial background shines through in the couple photographs, and her love of candid photography really helps to capture the essence of guests and the atmosphere of your wedding day.
Location: Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and anywhere a home marquee wedding takes me.
Price: Pricing starts from £3,770
Website: lucydavenport.co.uk
Social: @lucy_davenport
Timmy Berne
Lively, Heartfelt and Dramatic
Timmy Berne Photography stands as a paragon of excellence among the elite echelons of wedding photographers, distinguishing himself with a remarkable fusion of artistic finesse and an intimate understanding of matrimonial narratives. Revered as a preeminent figure in the UK wedding photography scene, Timmy Berne’s portfolio resonates with the sophistication and discerning taste befitting a total Wedding Edition team endorsement.
His discerning eye for detail and the ability to seamlessly interweave traditional and contemporary styles set Timmy Berne apart as a luminary in capturing the ephemeral beauty of weddings. Renowned for his documentary storytelling approach, he elevates the photographic narrative to an art form, encapsulating the essence of love with a timeless allure.
Timmy’s artistry extends beyond the mere documentation of events; it encapsulates a visual symphony that resonates with the idiosyncratic love story of each couple. With a discreet and unobtrusive presence, Timmy Berne effortlessly immortalizes those intimate moments that often slip through the cracks, leaving behind a gallery of images that narrate the profound emotions of the day.
Clients laud Timmy Berne not only for his consummate skill but also for his affable and accommodating demeanor. His ability to forge a genuine connection with couples ensures a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, a testament to his commitment to translating personal narratives into visually captivating stories.
Timmy Berne Photography epitomises the epitome of refined artistry in the wedding photography sphere. His work is a symphony of elegance, narrating tales of love with the subtlety and sophistication that graces the pages of The Wedding Edition. Choosing Timmy Berne ensures not just a photographer but a maestro who orchestrates an opulent visual tapestry, crafting timeless memories that endure the test of time in the most exquisite manner conceivable.
Location: South-West London based but shoots weddings across UK and beyond
Price: Pricing starts from £2,500
Website: timmyberne.com
Social: Instagram
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