A Guide to Wedding Photography in Kent & Surrounding Areas
December 3, 2024
Kent, born and raised. To be precise, born in Margate, raised in Deal. This county is a dream location for couples planning their wedding. Rolling countryside to the best coastlines, Kent offers an abundance of options in terms of venues for you to host a truly unforgettable wedding day. However, if Kent isn’t the ideal county for you, I can totally recommend some places in Cambridge and even a specific place in London. The question is, how do you make the choice in who can capture these moments in a way that does justice to your story? In this “A Guide to Wedding Photography in Kent & Surrounding Areas” post, dive into everything you need to know about wedding photography in Kent and surrounding areas. Including must-visit locations like Canterbury, scenic wedding venues, and why investing whole-heartedly in professional photography is one of the best decisions you’ll make.
Why Choose Kent for Your Relaxed Wedding Location?
I mean, Ramsgate Kent is where I live! But enough about me for now, Kent’s versatility makes it an ideal wedding destination. You can be drawn to elegant stately homes, rustic barns, or even Cathedrals, the region has something for every taste. Its unique charm offers photographers endless opportunities to create timeless and authentic wedding imagery.
A Handful of Top Wedding Venues in Kent
Kent is home to some of the UK’s most iconic wedding venues. Here are a few favourites in that provide the best experience for wedding photography:
1. The Old Kent Barn
The Old Kent Barn are just so expert with their weddings. They get through hundreds every single year, but they make each experience deeply personal. I’ve been a recommended photographer there since they started recommending suppliers, and they have always been so good to me. There are amazing grounds, easy parking, and beautiful accommodation to stay at if required. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the barn itself or under the glass topped shelter outside, every corner is a photographer’s dream.
2. Winters Barns
This venue is super close to Canterbury town yet feels like it’s in it’s own little village. Perfect for couples seeking a barn setting with cute features as the reception venue, as it’s so close to town it’s a great venue to pair with a church ceremony.
3. Chapel House Estate
Chapel House Estate is a stunning exclusive-use luxury wedding venue nestled in the Kent countryside. With its beautifully restored barns, tranquil gardens maintained by experts, it offers endless opportunities for creating timeless wedding photography. While I haven’t had the chance to photograph a wedding there yet (emphasis on the yet!), I’m excited about the possibility of capturing its unique character on my doorstep.
4. Marleybrook House
Marleybrook House is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue in Kent, effortlessly combining the charm of a 17th-century cottage with the excitement of a vintage fairground. With its enchanting gardens and unique fairground attractions, it offers a magical setting for weddings in any season (though summer is ideal). Renowned for its quirky and distinctive details, Marleybrook House provides an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests, whether you’re envisioning a relaxed garden party or a chic evening celebration.
Also check out my top 10 wedding venues in Kent!
The Pure Coastal Charm of Kent
The coast calls me. My time in Cambridge was wonderful, but the Kent coastline offers couples a uniquely stunning backdrop for wedding photography—something Cambridge simply can’t replicate. From dramatic cliffs to quaint seaside towns, the coast adds a touch of natural beauty and romance to your wedding album. In particular, consider having your wedding in Thanet for coastal seaside vibes.
Botany Bay
With its striking chalk cliffs and serene sandy beach, Botany Bay is a favourite for pre-wedding shoots or intimate ceremonies. The coastal hues and open skies create a soft, ethereal quality in photos. Just remember to check your tide times when planning your shoot.
Whitstable
Known for its colourful beach huts and oyster heritage (not for me thanks #vegan), Whitstable is a vibrant and quirky location. It’s a wonderful choice for couples who want their photos to have a playful and relaxed seaside vibe – East Quay specialises in traditional fish and chips, so if this is a venue for you make sure you consider your catering options.
Deal
My childhood beach. Pebbles all over the show, but full of great venues and stop off points for your couple shoot. You’ve got Deal Pier (which can be hired out!), the Royal Hotel (on the waters edge) and even little pubs in Kingsdown up the road.
If Kent’s Scenic Locations Just Aren’t For You
The City, London!
If Kent’s countryside feels a bit too far or doesn’t quite meet your needs, London offers hundreds of stunning venues that could be perfect for your wedding. However, keep in mind the potential challenges with travel, parking, and occasional public transport strikes. One venue I highly recommend is the iconic Trafalgar Tavern. Situated right on the edge of the River Thames, it’s an exceptional choice for a reception following a registry office or church ceremony. With its views of the London skyline, nearby train station, and several decent-sized car parks, it combines convenience with authentic charm.
Two Hours Drive Away
If heading south isn’t ideal for you or your family, consider Cambridge as a wedding destination. With its impressive array of historic colleges—many of which are available for weddings if you have the right connections—it offers a truly unique setting. Additionally, Cambridge boasts plenty of charming churches that are both welcoming and visually stunning, often conveniently located near beautiful reception venues.
The Importance of Investing in Authentic Wedding Photography
A Guide to Wedding Photography in Kent & Surrounding Areas shows you the thing to remember is that your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. While it’s tempting to save money on photography, remember that your photos will be the lasting keepsakes of this special day.
Capturing Authentic Moments
A skilled wedding photographer doesn’t just take pictures; they are there with you on the entirety of your wedding day. From the joyful tears during the ceremony to the laughter on the dance floor, these candid moments are captured with an eye for detail and emotion and it really does matter how you feel about the person taking the photographs.
Expertise in Lighting and Composition
The unpredictable British weather and diverse lighting conditions of Kent can be challenging. A professional photographer with a background in fashion or portraiture (like those trained in editorial techniques) will know how to adapt quickly, ensuring your photos are flawless, whether it’s a bright sunny day or an overcast afternoon.
Knowledgable Time Management
One of my strengths is helping to create a seamless timeline for your wedding day, ensuring that everything flows smoothly from start to finish. When I can, I enjoy collaborating with your wedding planner to bring your vision to life, making sure every detail is taken care of so that your day unfolds exactly as you’ve imagined, without any needless stress. My goal is always to create a fun, lovely experience for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment with the ones you love.
Creating a Legacy
Your wedding photos will become cherished heirlooms. High-quality imagery ensures that your love story can be shared with generations to come. I have always worked with top quality suppliers to create the best albums and wall art to remember after your wedding day.
Why Spending More Is Worth It
When it comes to photography shown in this post “A Guide to Wedding Photography in Kent & Surrounding Areas”, you truly get what you pay for. Investing in an experienced professional means peace of mind, reliability, and a gallery of images that you’ll treasure forever.
Incorporating Your Personality into Your Photos
One of the best ways to ensure your photos feel truly “you” is to incorporate personal touches. Whether it’s a pre-wedding shoot in your favourite Kent spot or a dramatic portrait at the cliffs, these elements add depth to your story. Discuss your vision with your photographer to make your wedding photos as unique as your love.
Tips for Working with Your Luxury Wedding Photographer
- Communicate Details: There will be ample time between booking and your wedding to tell them the intricacies of your day and at the pre-wedding consultation. However, if your photographer likes to get in contact via WhatsApp, message them on there when you think of something important.
- Schedule a Consultation for all: It might seem obvious to you, but it’s best if both bride and groom can attend the consultation – it takes both of you to make the day happen!
- Trust The Photographer’s Expertise: Allow them the creative freedom to work their magic—you’ll be amazed by the results. Check out their portfolio beforehand to give you the confidence.
- Make Time for Portraits: Set aside a chunk of time during the day for couple’s portraits. These are often the most intimate images of the two of you, although for candids, just make sure you stick close to your love and I’ll catch them!
Final Thoughts from Tom
Your wedding day is more than just a celebration; it’s the start of a lifelong adventure. As a Christian wedding photographer there is a spiritual significance to you getting married, and it means a lot. Whether you choose Kent, London or Cambridge, make sure it has meaning to you. And as you make that choice, investing in professional photography, you’ll have a stunning collection of images that reflect every emotion and detail of your big day.
If you’re planning your wedding day and looking for a photographer, get in touch with me today.
