There is something truly timeless about a summer wedding at Clearwell Castle. Tucked away in the heart of the Forest of Dean, this grand Gothic mansion offers a spectacular backdrop that manages to be both regal and incredibly welcoming.
As a Gloucestershire wedding photographer who thrives on natural light and vibrant colours, shooting here is always a highlight. Last summer, I had the absolute joy of capturing Ellie and Alex’s celebration. Their goal was simple: no stiff posing, no awkward “mannequin” moments—just a day filled with laughter, family, and beautiful, candid moments.
The energy of a summer wedding at Clearwell is hard to beat. We started the morning in the light-filled bridal suites, where the atmosphere was buzzing. Because the Castle is so spacious, it allows for those quiet, relaxed “getting ready” shots that feel completely unposed.
The ceremony took place in the iconic Ballroom. With its 75-foot aisle and massive leaded windows, the natural light poured in, perfectly highlighting the vibrant florals and the genuine emotions on everyone’s faces. This is exactly why I love natural wedding photography; when you have a setting this beautiful, you don’t need to force the “magic”—it’s already there.
After the ceremony, guests spilled out onto the terrace for drinks and garden games. This is my favourite time to wander with my camera, capturing the colourful details and the real interactions between guests.
One of the highlights of a summer date at Clearwell is the “Golden Hour.” We slipped away from the party for just fifteen minutes to head down the tree-lined driveway. The low summer sun hitting the stone of the castle created that warm, dreamy glow that every couple hopes for. It was the perfect opportunity for some relaxed portraits of Ellie and Alex just soaking in their first moments as a married couple.
“To anyone looking for a photographer, this is your lady! Kathryn photographed our wedding last month and we cannot fault her. From the first coffee we had with her prior to us booking right up until she said goodbye on our wedding night she made us feel so comfortable. Her work is faultless and the photos that we have received are absolutely perfect. On the day, nothing was too much for her. From buttoning up my dress, to re-piercing my ears and herding rowdy bridesmaids, she brought a irreplaceable sense of calm to the day. From start to finish, she made us laugh and was always there when we needed her. Kathryn, thank you so much for being part of our special day!”
The day ended with an epic party in the vaulted cellar bar—a fantastic contrast to the airy elegance of the afternoon.
If you are planning your own Clearwell Castle wedding and are looking for a photographer who will capture the day as it happens—without the “cheese”—I would love to chat! My 2027 calendar is filling up fast, so do get in touch to see if your date is available.
If you’d like more info, want to arrange coffee and a chat, or you’re ready to book your shoot, use this handy form to get in touch. I’d absolutely love to hear from you. Just pop a few words and your contact details in the boxes and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
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