2024: What a Year! The Top 10 Venues I Photographed.

My Favourite Wedding Venues

As a UK Wedding Photographer, 2024 has been an unforgettable year filled with incredible couples, stunning locations, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. I’ve been so fortunate to capture love stories in some truly amazing venues, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a few of my favourites.

Welcome to the first of my Best of the Best series—a celebration of my most memorable weddings from the past year. Today, I’m focusing on venues, sharing a roundup of the incredible places I was lucky enough to shoot at in 2024.

Whether you’re planning your wedding or just browsing for inspiration, these venues offer everything from rustic charm to modern elegance. Here are some of my favourites, each bringing its own unique atmosphere to the weddings I captured: These are the top 10 venues i photographed this past year.

The River Mill, Derby A hidden gem nestled by the water, The River Mill in Derby is a dream for wedding photography. Its stunning views and charming ambiance made every moment picture-perfect.

Winchester House, London Located on the banks of the Thames, Winchester House exudes timeless elegance. Its historic architecture and riverside setting provided the perfect backdrop for sophisticated wedding portraits.

Fabric Studios, Liverpool This brand-new, studio-style venue in Liverpool is a fantastic choice for couples looking for something modern and unique. The light-filled space and industrial-chic vibe made for some seriously creative shots.

Cornerstone, Sheffield As someone who loves grabbing food here, photographing a wedding at Cornerstone felt extra special! This versatile venue blends great design with incredible hospitality—what more could you want?

Alveston Pastures Farm, Stratford upon Avon. Rustic, romantic, and surrounded by open countryside, Alveston Pastures Farm is perfect for couples dreaming of a barn wedding. It’s an idyllic location with plenty of natural light and charm, making every frame look magical.

The Workstation, Sheffield This contemporary events space is a stylish option for urban weddings. I loved the creative vibe and versatility of The Workstation, which worked beautifully for the couple’s modern celebration.

Winchester Cathedral Where do I even start? Photographing a wedding at Winchester Cathedral was truly a career highlight. With its rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and the longest nave in Europe, every corner of this iconic venue was breathtaking to shoot.

Hall Barns, Loughborough Nestled in the heart of the countryside, Hall Barns is a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern luxury. The picturesque setting and beautifully restored barn made this venue a joy to work at.

Whitley Hall Hotel, Sheffield Whitley Hall holds a special place in my heart—it’s where I shot my first-ever wedding! Returning here felt so nostalgic, and the venue’s stunning gardens and historic charm never disappoint.

10. Aston Hill Barns, Peak District Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking countryside, Aston Hill Barns is a wedding photographer’s dream. This venue offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rustic elegance.

I can’t wait to share more highlights from 2024 in this series, so keep an eye out for my favourite portraits, details, and moments from the year.

If you’re planning your own wedding and searching for a photographer to capture your story, let’s chat! I’d love to hear more about your plans and help create unforgettable memories of your special day.

Dan x

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A Cinematic Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in London

When Kaya & Gabriel booked me for their wedding next year at the stunning Carlton Towers, I knew we’d need to make the most of any opportunity to meet up beforehand. Living in Los Angeles, they’re not often in the UK, so while they were here on holiday, we planned a pre-wedding shoot in London to capture some unforgettable moments and get to know each other better.

Pre-wedding shoots are such a great way to connect before the big day, and this one didn’t disappoint. We chose some of the most iconic spots in London and aimed for a cinematic vibe with a retro edge, keeping everything natural and relaxed.

Starting Underground: Capturing a Bucket List Shot

We kicked things off on the London Underground, where I finally ticked off a long-time bucket list photo. Using a slow shutter speed, I captured a shot of Kaya & Gabriel sharing a kiss while a train sped past in the background. The movement, the lighting, and their connection all came together perfectly to create something truly special.

The underground has such a unique energy, and I wanted to reflect that in the photos. It’s gritty yet romantic, which suited Kaya & Gabriel’s style down to the ground. A Cinematic Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in London

Exploring the South Bank: Iconic London Views

After the underground, we headed across the bridge at Embankment to the South Bank of the Thames. This area is packed with some of London’s most famous landmarks, so it was the perfect backdrop for our shoot.

One shot I’d envisioned for a while was them sitting on a wall with Big Ben in the background, framed by one of those classic South Bank lampposts. I’ve been here so many times when it’s teeming with tourists, but this time, everything felt calm and unhurried. Whether it was luck or just being caught up in the moment, it gave us the perfect setting to create something timeless.

Why Have a Pre-Wedding Shoot?

If you’re on the fence about a pre-wedding shoot, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just about the photos (though they’re a big bonus); it’s about getting comfortable in front of the camera and building a connection with your photographer. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel relaxed and confident, which makes such a difference to your photos.

For Kaya & Gabriel, it was also a chance to bring a bit of their LA cool to the streets of London, blending their style with the city’s iconic landmarks. I love how the shoot turned out—cinematic, personal, and unmistakably London.

Looking Ahead to Their Big Day

With their wedding at Carlton Towers on the horizon, I’m already excited to capture their big day next year. If this pre-wedding shoot is anything to go by, it’s going to be an incredible celebration filled with style, emotion, and some unforgettable moments.

Thinking of a pre-wedding shoot for yourself? Let’s chat about how we can make it uniquely yours. Whether it’s iconic cityscapes like London or a location close to your heart, I’d love to help tell your story.

Vote for My Images in the Wedissimo Wedding Photography Competition!

Hello everyone!

I’m thrilled to share that some of my images have been entered into this year’s Wedissimo Wedding Photography Competition, a prestigious platform showcasing incredible wedding photography talent from around the world. This is my first full year as a full-time wedding photographer, and having my work recognized like this feels like such an honor!

I’ve been so lucky to capture unforgettable moments at incredible locations, from the historic Winchester Cathedral’s stunning nave to the peaceful beauty of Sheffield's botanical gardens and intimate ceremonies at Nottingham’s Arnot Hill Park. Each wedding has been a unique experience, and I pour my heart into every shot to capture the love and emotion that make each couple’s day truly special. Now, I’d love your support to help these moments get the recognition they deserve!

How to Vote

Voting is open to the public, and every vote truly makes a difference. Here’s how you can help:

1. Visit the Wedissimo Website: Head over to the Wedissimo competition page HERE

2. Click the links below to vote on these images. : You’ll find my photos in various categories, each capturing moments I hope make you feel as if you were right there with the couples.

3. Cast Your Vote: You can vote for each image by following the prompts on the site. Every vote counts!

4. Judging by Millie Pickerton: Renowned wedding photographer Millie Pickerton will also be reviewing the images, so each vote helps boost my work’s visibility to an industry icon.

Thank you so much for being a part of my journey this year, from supporting me as I went full-time to cheering on these images. Every bit of encouragement from you means the world as I work towards capturing even more beautiful stories next year.

Let’s see how far we can go—thank you for your vote and all your support!

Warmly,

Dan x