“I don’t desire to change anything in England except the weather.”
― Oscar Wilde
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Introduction to Seasonal Wedding Photography
Are you planning a wedding in the UK? It’s so exciting, isn’t it, booking your venue, planning a theme maybe, deciding what food to have and how many guests to invite. Unfortunately, however, there is one thing you cannot book, the weather! It’s a sad fact that the weather in the UK is very unpredictable, but whilst you cannot book a day of glorious sunshine in, you can select the season you get married. You’d be surprised at the impact seasonal wedding photography can have on your final images. Every season in Britain has its own unique charm, and with a little planning, whatever the weather, you can guarantee stunning wedding photos.
From dreamy cherry blossoms in the spring, to golden sunsets in the summer, or the vibrant colours of autumn to frosty winter wonderlands. This guide is packed with seasonal wedding photography tips to help you get the best out of your day, ensuring you have wedding photos to cherish together for a lifetime.
Spring Weddings
Ah, Springtime! The daffodils are dancing, the trees are heavy with blossoms, and the world feels full of promise. Of course, it can also mean April showers and chillier days, too. So, what Spring seasonal wedding photography tips do I have for you?
Well, Spring weddings often have a feel of romance about them. It’s all the new life surrounding us, the zesty lime colours of new leaves on the trees and lambs bouncing in the fields. The lighting at this time of year can be beautiful and soft because we still haven’t reached the full summer solstice. So, when you are choosing your venue, if you are planning a Spring wedding, consider the grounds and the gardens. Visit during Springtime. Are the gorgeous flower beds packed with daffodils and tulips? Do they have an orchard, abundant with blossoms?
If it’s a wet day, is there plenty of opportunity for photographs to be taken indoors, that still reflect the time of year? Perhaps decorate with cherry blossom trees or theme your wedding flowers to reflect the seasons.
Here are a few more pieces of advice I can give you for your Spring seasonal wedding photography:
- Plan around golden hour – daylight starts to stretch out, and early evening light is beautifully soft.
- Embrace the florals – cherry blossom, tulips, and magnolia make magical backgrounds for portraits.
- Be prepared for showers – a cute clear umbrella can actually add a fun, romantic touch to your photos.
- Layer up – light shawls or jackets that complement your outfit are great for keeping warm between shots.
Summer Weddings
Summer is the peak wedding season in the UK, and with good reason! It gives you so much flexibility when it comes to light and timings. Of course, everything is lush and green, with flower borders buzzing with bees and butterflies!
Naturally, the hope for a Summer wedding is that your chances of a dry day are higher. Colour is abundant in hanging baskets, pots and flower borders, and you can just imagine everyone sipping their Pimms on a freshly cut lawn. Longer days mean even late weddings benefit from beautiful lighting, and the sunsets can be absolutely gorgeous.
Summer seasonal wedding photography can be tricky, however. Harsh, strong sunlight can create unflattering shadows and gathering everyone for family photos is a nightmare when everyone is seeking shade on a boiling hot day! Therefore, when selecting your venue, ensure there are pretty spots that offer shade, handy for your guests and for romantic portraits!
More tips for your Summer seasonal wedding photography:
- Avoid midday sun – it can be particularly harsh and unflattering. Plan key portraits for early morning or late afternoon.
- Hydrate and blot – If you are blessed with a glorious hot day, keep a small fan, tissues for blotting and a handy face powder to keep the sweat and shine at bay! You’ll be photo-ready and look amazing.
- Find some shade – consider tree-lined pathways, gazebos adorned in sweet-smelling roses, barns or archways. The lighting will be gentle and diffused.
- Use the ‘golden hour’ – the hour before sunset, the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for dreamy, relaxed, romantic couple poses. Be prepared to slip away for 30 minutes to capture this magical time.
Autumn Weddings
I honestly believe that Autumn might be the UK’s best-kept secret when it comes to seasonal wedding photography. With its rich colour palette, softer light and crispness in the air, it’s the perfect backdrop for romance.
Does the venue you want to use have a host of deciduous trees that are set alight when Autumn comes? Reds, burnt oranges and bright yellows can truly add a fantasy element to your special day. The nights are starting to draw in, too, so make sure there is enough time between your wedding ceremony and your wedding reception to capture some gorgeous photos before the darkness falls. As with Spring, the days can be a little chillier, so ensure you have something cosy to throw over your outfit to keep warm in between photo set ups.
Consider these Autumn seasonal wedding photography tips too:
- Go with the colour – embrace the changing leaves, from rusty reds to amber tones in the theme of your wedding. Look out for breathtakingly beautiful scenery that would make the perfect backdrop to some stunning poses.
- Add texture – Think rich velvet jackets for the men, wool throws or rustic florals to match the vibe of the season.
- Plan for earlier light – as I said earlier, daylight fades fast in the Autumn, so adjust your timeline to factor this in. A 3 pm wedding may not leave enough time for portraits before it gets too dim.
- Embrace the weather – misty mornings or light breezes can add some stunning drama to your shots. Remember the clear umbrella tip from Spring? Keep it in mind.
Winter Weddings
Winter weddings in the UK can be absolutely magical—think candlelight, rich colours, and even a dusting of snow (if you’re lucky!). With shorter days and lower light, it’s all about creating atmosphere.
Inevitably, you will not wish to spend too long outside having photographs taken, even on a dry day in Winter. The air is likely to be very cold, and the daylight hours are short. Therefore, when planning your Winter seasonal wedding photography, ensure you have a venue filled with character in every room that you can utilise. Wooden beams, spiralling staircases and banqueting halls filled with fairy lights, all idyllic!
Winter seasonal wedding photography tips to consider:
- Start early – natural light is limited, so make the most of it by scheduling key shots around midday.
- Embrace artificial lighting – fairy lights, candles, and sparklers all create a warm, romantic glow for evening portraits.
- Bundle up – faux fur wraps or chic coats can keep you warm and stylish.
- Go moody – low light isn’t the enemy. It can add depth and richness, giving your images a luxurious, editorial feel.
Final Thoughts About Seasonal Wedding Photography
Whatever season you choose for your special day, there’s beauty to be found everywhere. We are blessed in Britain to have wedding venues and churches steeped in history, with grounds that add a magical touch to every wedding day. The key is working with a wedding photographer who is familiar with your setting and knows how to make the most of the UK’s ever-changing weather and seasonal wedding photography light. Professional wedding photographers know how to get the very best out of your surroundings, whether outside or inside, producing beautiful images that reflect your day.
Seasonal wedding photography in the UK is all about embracing what makes each season special. So whether you’re planning a sun-drenched June ceremony or a cosy December celebration, your photos will shine with style, soul, and seasonal charm.
Planning your big day and want stunning photos that make the most of your season? Drop me a message today —I’d love to hear all about your plans and help you bring your wedding vision to life.
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