Carlton Towers Wedding Photography.
When Kaya first got in touch about her Carlton Towers Wedding, I knew straight away it was going to be something special. As a UK-based documentary and editorial wedding photographer, venues like Carlton Towers are a dream. With its Victorian Gothic architecture, grand interiors and castle-like presence, it offers endless opportunities for creative, story-driven wedding photography.
Kaya and Gabriel live in Los Angeles and were planning a UK destination wedding with an international guest list. Around six months before the big day, they made a trip across the pond to see the venue – which gave us the perfect opportunity to meet and shoot a relaxed pre-wedding session in London. Pre-wedding shoots are a brilliant way to break the ice and get comfortable in front of the camera, especially when working in a more natural, documentary-style approach. And these two? Total naturals.
Once I delivered their pre-wedding gallery and received their lovely feedback, the countdown was officially on. As the wedding date approached, I felt the same excitement I used to feel as a kid before Christmas. The anticipation was real – and Carlton Towers did not disappoint.
I arrived on the morning of the wedding to the sound of laughter and the hum of conversations in various accents. With many guests flying in from the US and beyond, the atmosphere was full of warmth and excitement. Even though the rain was persistent, the mood was electric. As a documentary wedding photographer in the UK, I’m no stranger to wet weather – but when you have a venue like Carlton Towers as your backdrop, it honestly doesn’t matter. There’s so much texture and atmosphere indoors that it only enhances the editorial quality of the images.
The venue is packed with rich details – sweeping staircases, antique-filled drawing rooms, and dramatic lighting that gives everything a cinematic feel. I headed upstairs to document the bridal preparations, capturing the quiet, in-between moments that often end up being favourites in a gallery. When my second photographer arrived, we explored more of the venue, then dropped into groom prep – a completely relaxed space where the party had clearly already begun.
One of the highlights of the day for me was the first look. Kaya and Gabriel met on the venue’s grand central staircase for a private moment before the ceremony. As a UK editorial wedding photographer, I live for these kinds of scenes – natural light, emotional reactions, and beautiful surroundings all coming together. Afterward, we photographed the bridal and groom parties indoors, capturing a mix of refined editorial portraits and relaxed, candid moments.
The ceremony itself was held in one of the most ornate rooms in Carlton Towers. The light, the energy, the personal vows – it was full of emotion. These are the moments where my documentary photography style really shines, capturing real expressions and connections as they unfold.
The rest of the day followed with incredible food, emotional speeches, and an atmosphere full of love and laughter. Despite the rain, the entire celebration took place indoors – and honestly, no one even noticed. With editorial-style wedding photography, sometimes all you need is a beautiful room, interesting light, and people who are fully present in the moment.
Just as we thought the day would end without stepping outside, the skies cleared in time for a firework-filled exit. It was the perfect, cinematic ending to a day full of meaning, joy, and elegance.
This wedding at Carlton Towers reminded me why I love being a documentary wedding photographer in the UK. It wasn’t just the beauty of the venue – it was the trust, emotion, and realness of the day. Even without outdoor portraits, I knew I was delivering one of my strongest galleries to date, full of authentic moments and timeless editorial imagery.
It was also a joy to work alongside an incredible team of suppliers who brought Kaya and Gabriel’s vision to life. The décor was nothing short of perfection – every detail thoughtfully styled, every space transformed. A special shoutout to Blonde and the Blooms, whose floral designs added so much texture, colour, and elegance to the day.
I also had the pleasure of working alongside James Tracey Films – a total pro behind the lens. I can’t wait to see the finished video and relive the magic all over again. And as always, a huge thank you to my trusted second shooter, Kas , for capturing the day so seamlessly and bringing their calm, creative energy to the team.
To Kaya and Gabriel – thank you for your trust and for allowing me to tell your story honestly, creatively, and with full freedom.
If you’re planning a Carlton Towers wedding, or looking for a UK-based editorial and documentary wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you. Whether your day is sun-soaked or rain-soaked, I’ll capture it with emotion, creativity, and care – just as it deserves.
