Selwyn College Wedding in Cambridge
April 9, 2025
When Hannah and Hamish asked me to photograph their winter wedding at Selwyn College in Cambridge, I had a feeling it would be one of those days that stayed with me. I knew it would be a cold one in December, but the blend of tradition and lovely family made this winter wedding one to remember.
It was a big one too: they had over 200 guests join them for the ceremony and evening party, and 150 sat down to dinner. It was a big, joyful, wild yet posh celebration that had everybody feeling festive. The light faded early (as it does in December), the rooms were what you would expect from a working college, and it was absolutely freezing—but it was the soul of the day that mattered. It was real, it was full of love, and it was brilliant to photograph. Let’s get into it.
Getting Ready at the College
Hannah chose to get ready at the university itself, in one of the on-site rooms. Now, I love the idea of keeping everything in one place, trust me it makes it so much easier for me. But if you’re reading this and planning your own Selwyn wedding—ask for the nicest room available, or even consider booking a nearby Airbnb for your prep.
The space Hannah had was small and tricky to house a decent sized bridal party with hair and makeup teams. Though the grounds outside were incredible, the room didn’t offer much in the way of atmosphere, but we worked around it by focusing on the connections: the way her mum helped with suggestions for necklaces, the laughter between her and her bridesmaids, the moment she put her dress on. These are the kinds of things I’ll always capture, regardless of the space. Check it out and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Sometimes a not-so-beautiful room forces you to look harder for the beauty that’s actually happening in front of you, which in my eyes is the people and their connections with one-another.
The Ceremony in Selwyn Chapel
Selwyn’s chapel is a showstopper in its own right—stunning woodwork, a vaulted ceiling, and a long aisle that creates a real sense of occasion. There was even the organ right at the top, rear end of the church. But Hannah and Hamish took it a step further by decorating it with ivy, thanks to help from a local florist and the family. The greenery climbing the pews and columns added a soft, romantic edge that suited the season perfectly.
With 200 guests filling the space, the atmosphere was intimate and grand at the same time. You could feel the history in the walls, but the love in the room cut through any formality.
I usually recommend booking a second photographer for an occasion this large, but Hannah & Hamish were so confident in my ability they preferred to invest their money into albums.
From a photography perspective, the chapel’s lighting can be quite dim, especially in winter, but that’s totally fine if you know what you’re doing. Knowing how to work with low-light interiors is a must at these older venues. My goal is always to let the space shine, while still capturing every key moment as it unfolds—unobtrusively and honestly. We love a bit of grain in photographs anyway!
Confetti, Cold Air, and Running Out of Light
We came out of the chapel into that cold, crisp kind of winter light that’s gone before you know it, which is tough when it comes to portraits. However, the confetti moment was golden—literally and metaphorically. The couple were wrapped in petals, smiles, and breath visible in the air. Everyone cheering. It’s one of those moments where it’s all about timing and instinct. I even caught Hannah’s Nan in her wheelchair celebrating behind her!
After that, we had limited time before the sun dipped completely, so we made the most of the Selwyn College grounds. Although we weren’t given full access by the groundskeeper (you’re always a little at the mercy of what’s open on the day), but we had just enough.
Whilst photographing, we wandered past archways and red-brick walls, slipping into pockets of light. It was unlikely open, but we finished by going over to their old halls of residence to try to access the flat where they first met—but it was locked. Still, we managed to get some great portraits outside that felt editorial and personal, without needing to go inside. That’s one of my favourite things about photographing weddings in Cambridge: you’re surrounded by classy locations!
On to Childerley Hall for the Reception
After portraits, everyone headed to Childerley Hall for the reception. It’s a venue I always enjoy shooting at—and not just because I’m on their recommended supplier list (although that is pretty sweet to say!).
The main barn is huge, warm, and packed with character. I would be surprised if you’ve ever been in a bigger, longer barn! It’s perfect for winter weddings, especially large ones like this. The couple added their own touches—barrels of beer from a family friend, a cheese “cake” instead of a traditional one, and a very memorable rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” where each section of the long tables had their own part to sing.
It was chaotic in the best possible way, with everyone getting louder and more animated as the song went on – if you’ve been at a wedding like this you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!
Vegan Food (and Cheese Towers)
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t eat the cheese layers. I’m vegan (but I don’t hate on those that aren’t which is worth noting). But I can say that it looked great and made for a fun centrepiece.
And more importantly: the vegan meal Childerley provided for me was genuinely excellent. Thoughtfully put together, full of flavour, and properly plated. It sounds like a small detail, but I really notice when venues go the extra mile. It speaks to how they treat all their guests and suppliers, and Childerley always gets it right.
Group Portraits in the Dark
Because of the time of year, the sun had fully set before we could even think about doing group portraits. This is where knowing your gear and lighting techniques really pays off. I used off-camera flash to create clean, flattering group photos in pitch darkness. No awkward shadows, no blinding people with continuous light.
It’s one of those things you might not think about when planning your wedding—but if your photographer isn’t comfortable with artificial light, things can get tricky fast. I’ve spent years developing this side of my skillset, especially thanks to my background in studio photography and fashion. It means I can handle any lighting situation without missing a beat.
The Evening Party – Powered by Brass
The dance floor kicked off with Colonel Spankey’s Love Ensemble—a full brass band that turned the whole evening into something wildly fun and just a bit surreal. They brought energy, silliness, and serious musical expertise.
I love photographing bands like this—so much movement, so many expressions, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to put your camera down and join in (don’t worry, I didn’t).
Lighting the evening part of the day is something I approach differently depending on the venue – is off camera flash needed? Is there enough ambient light? I used two off camera flash on this occasion as it there was pretty minimal lighting. See, I want the wedding photographs to feel alive, vibrant, and full of contrast—but never harsh or overdone. It’s a balance between being present and invisible, between directing and documenting.
Honest, Thoughtful Wedding Photography That Reflects You
What made this wedding so memorable wasn’t just the college chapel or the barn at Childerley—it was the way Hannah and Hamish made it their own. They wove in their personalities by their speeches and their presence. Family mattered to them, and didn’t worry too much about anything superficial, despite the luxury details of the day.
That’s the kind of energy I always try to reflect in my work. It’s not about creating a fantasy version of your day—it’s about telling the truth, beautifully. Letting the light in where it’s available, creating it where it’s not. Helping you feel relaxed enough to be yourselves, and then capturing that for you in a way that feels timeless.
Here’s my pitch: if you’re getting married in Cambridge—especially in one of the University colleges—I’d love to hear about your plans. There’s so much history in those spaces, but there’s also a chance to create something new. Something that’s entirely yours.
Planning a University Wedding in Cambridge?
If you’re thinking about a wedding at Selwyn, King’s, Jesus, or any other Cambridge college, and want images that blend natural storytelling with refined portraiture, I’d love to chat.
You can also take a look at this recent wedding I photographed at King’s College Cambridge:
👉 Click here to view the gallery
Let’s create something real, something beautiful, and something that feels just like you.
