Apart from choosing that dress, perhaps the most important decision of the whole wedding process is finding the right photographer to capture and record those perfect moments you’re going to be looking back at forever. But finding the right photographer is no easy feat, “Thanks Uncle Rob, it’s a lovely offer but we’re not sure Polaroids is what we’re looking for.”
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So once again, GoHen have run our expert eye over the best of the best to present the UK’s 50 Best Wedding Photographers. Book them if you can, follow them on Instagram for wedding inspiration if you can’t.
Adams Photography
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
Polish-born Adam Szczepanski has an incredible eye for movement. His images almost seem to lean out and touch you, they’re bursting with life and energy and rarely seem to linger on still moments, and we love him for it. Able to sum up a day in a single image, Adam is a real highlight on this year’s Top 50 and certainly one to follow on social media. If all weddings could look this good we might even get married ourselves!
Alan Law
Style: Documentary
Where: Cornwall
No stranger to our Top 50, Alan really is a leading light in the world of UK wedding photography. An artist behind the lens and thoroughly nice guy away from it, Alan is very adept at putting everyone at ease which allows him to shoot his brilliantly candid, documentary-style photos that perfectly sum up the drama, emotions and tenderness of your day. Never posed, always honest, the man’s a lens flashing genius!
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Alex Beckett
Style: Contemporary
Where: UK & abroad
It seems Alex doesn’t believe in ‘rules’, certainly not when it comes to wedding photography. It’s perhaps this disregard for the rules (he was once a computer hacker) that lead this maverick photo artist to have his work appear in Brides, The Telegraph, The Times, Elle and even Vogue. The fact that you can have this award-winning photographer’s work on your home is truly exciting for anyone lucky enough to secure his services.
Andy Li Photography
Style: Alternative
Where: UK
THIS is what a wedding looks like! They’re not posed, should never appear stuffy or uncomfortable, they’re happy, full of crazy/silly/unexpected moments and Andy Li has that amazing knack of being in the right place at the right time to record those “Yes, that was our day” moments that really do bring those special memories back to life. The fact that he manages to make those images look like something from a high-end fashion magazine is further proof of his talents and why he’s hit our Top 50 for the second consecutive year.
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Andy Turner Photography
Style: Alternative
Where: UK & abroad
Andy Turner is NOT you ‘average’ wedding photographer. Nothin’ about Andy’s style could ever be considered to sit neatly with ‘the norm’. He has a fantastic way of looking at things differently, finding perspectives that turn simple moments into small works of art. We’re huge fans and always excited to see what he does next. Definitely one to watch on social media and unquestionably one of the UK’s very best wedding snappers.
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Apricot Tree Weddings
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
We’ve become huge fans of Apricot Tree Weddings since we first discovered their photos which we’ve become a little bit Insta-obsessed with (Wedding stalkers? Us?). Their images turn a lot of contemporary wedding shots on their heads. Brilliantly original, they’re troubadours with cameras who capture your day from beginning to end. From the tenderest moments to the silliest laughs, as all good weddings are.
Boryczewski Photography
Style: Reportage
Where: UK & abroad
Luckily Ldzislaw Boryczewski is known as ‘Zee’ for short. As well as the impressive moniker, he has a rather full award shelf having won a number of wedding awards. In his 20 years as a professional snapper, he has worked at every type of venue with so many different couples and has a great understanding of what makes your day unique for you, enabling him to really record the best of your special day.
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Bridgwood Wedding Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: UK & abroad
Our favourite colour master Steve is returning to our Top 50 again as he continues to redefine wedding photography. His undeniable talent lies in getting those really big moments as well as those almost hidden special ones. How he manages to cover the entire wedding and never seem to miss a moment is a testament to his skill, the finished results really do speak for themselves and will totally sum up your special day.
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Charlotte Marie Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: South & South West
Based in the wild, wild west of Somerset, Charlotte Marie is all about those timeless shots that capture your day forever. Using a contemporary style and with a great knowledge of the areas, she works and takes time exploring venues to get find those one-in-a-million shots every bride wants. All about the romance, her shots reflect the couple and their enduring love. Yeah, we are suckers for it!
Chris Barber Photography
Style: Alternative
Where: London
If photography for you is all about smiles, then adventurous and alternative wedding snapper Chris Barber is the perfect man for the job. His unflinching, unconventional style might not suit everyone but that’s what makes him such a hot property in the world of wedding photography. Creative, daring, genius, he really does bring the smiles.
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Chris Giles
Style: Reportage
Where: UK & abroad
A real master at finding the colour and collating those big moments, Chris Giles happily describes himself as “a family historian” who records the most important moments on the first day of your new family. He’s shot more wedding photos than we’ve had wedding cake (and we eat a LOT of cake). His fun style and friendly, happy attitude has won him a growing number of fans on social media plus an army of happy couples in his library of family histories that he’s captured.
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Christian Michael
Style: Reportage
Where: Cornwall
Christian is a highly acclaimed, award-winning photographer based in the South West but whose talents are called upon across the UK and Europe. Christian’s real passion is slightly magical though, he loves ‘making time stand still’. Finding the perfect moments within your wedding day and making sure you can enjoy them forever. If that isn’t the very essence of wedding photography, then we’ll eat our bouquet! A true digital wedding master.
David Pullum Photography
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
Hands up, we’re guilty, we’ve been huge fans of David’s for quite some time which made him an obvious choice for this year’s Top 50. He simply IS one of the UK’s very best, a true artist who uses photography to create incredible memories of your special day. And David really does manage to get it all, from amazing, dramatic statement shots of the bride and groom to those little moments and wedding laughs. Because no two weddings are the same.
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Dale Weeks Photography
Style: Rock Star
Where: UK & abroad
Ok, we’re not entirely sure that ‘Rock Star’ is a style of wedding photography but if anyone can pull it off and give you the rock and roll wedding of your NME dreams then it’s Dale Weeks. And the genius is that his couples aren’t made to feel like they’re performing. Dale doesn’t take photos of people ‘at weddings’, he takes photos of people in love on a very special day. And he makes those photos look sensational!
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Ella Parkinson
Style: Contemporary
Where: The Cotswolds
A self-confessed romantic with a penchant for a good rom-com, Ella brings her love of all things romance to her work. There is just something of a ‘happily ever after’ feel about her photos that are imbued with love. Without doubt our favourite romantic photographer of the year, she brings a unique vision to the day and yet can still sum it all up in one shot. That’s impressive.
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Emma-Jane Photography
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
With a wall virtually covered in awards, Emma-Jane has photographed weddings at some of the UK’s most incredible venues including Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens, Gosford Park, Park Lane, The Gherkin… the list really does go on. But with such incredible results, it’s very easy to see why she continues to be in such high demand. Definitely, someone to add to your Insta feed.
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Enchanted Brides
Style: Contemporary
Where: Cornwall
Of course, you’re going to get magical photos when you live in Cornwall… Wrong! It actually takes real artistry and knowledge of the area to capture Cornwall at its best, but when it’s done well the results really are hard to beat. Thank goodness for Jo at Enchanted Brides who somehow manages to tame the countryside while creating jaw-dropping images. True statement photos and that statement is ‘Love’.
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Eric-Rene Penoy
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & Abroad
Not just cool, this is ‘movie star’ cool. There’s something about the indie-kid in Eric-Rene’s photography, that arthouse movie you’ve always loved so much? Imagine that take being used to capture the most important day of your life. The end results are stylish, sexy and very romantic. We believe this is the forefront of wedding photography and hopefully, a taste of things to come as more photographers adapt to this style.
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Evolve Photography
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
The good thing about becoming obsessed with a particular wedding photographer is that they don’t know about your obsession. Unless you write about them in a list of the UK’s Top 50 Photographers. The Work of Mark at Evolve is a little bit different and we think he’s at his best when using space as well as light. If you’re looking to create a mood board for your special day then Evolve is certainly a great place to start. Check out their Insta-feed.
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Fraser Stewart
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
Knowing that the key to good wedding photography (much like marriage) is filling it with smiles, Fraser Stewart focuses very much on the ‘happiest day of your life’ stuff and never on the ‘let’s all stand in an uncomfortable line’ stuff. He wants your grandkids to be wowed by your wedding photos and you really do feel his funky, documentary-style will still feel fresh all those years from now.
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Freckle Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: South West
Is it not cheating being brilliant at photography when you come from such a beautiful part of the country? Whatever it is that sets Emma apart we’d love to be able to bottle it. One of the biggest things you take away from Emma’s photography is humour. Weddings are such a happy, joyful and often laughter-filled day and her work captures all those smiles without missing those smaller, quieter moments. Pure, heartfelt, class.
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Image-i-Nation Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: North East
Image-i-Nation Photography like to do things differently. Their belief that wedding photography should be ‘creative, fun and natural’ is at the core of all their work. And impressive work it is too. But it’s the way they bring a smile to their craft, helping put couples and guests at ease in front of the camera. If you’re fortunate enough to live in the stunning North East of the UK, in particular, Yorkshire, then it really is worth checking these guys out for yourself.
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Jackson & Co
Style: Documentary
Where: Kent & London
One of the great things to love about Michael and Hannah of Jackson and Co is how they just blend into the day like wedding guests. While they’re ‘undercover’ they manage to get the most relaxed, candid and utterly beautiful images. Fun, intimate, honest portrayals of the day that are simply outstanding, making them easy entrants to our Top 50 (again). We absolutely love them and just want to live in the Instagram world they’ve created.
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Jay Rowden
Style: Documentary
Where: London
Good photographers create moments, great photographers tell stories and Jay Rowden is definitely in the ‘great’ category. A highly accomplished and award-winning photographic storyteller, his skill is in finding the moments and rhythm of your big day and letting you relive them again and again. Leaving you free to enjoy the day, he’ll quietly go about distilling the best bits into frames packed with smiles, laughs and tenderness.
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Jessica Raphael
Style: Contemporary
Where: UK & abroad
“Ooooooh!” Yes, Jessica is one of those photographers. You know the ones, you look at a wedding photo and you go, “Yes, that’s it, that’s what love looks like.” But it’s not just Mr and Mrs, stars of the show they might be, it’s the love of family. The love of friends. The love parents have when seeing a child make the final grown-up step. It’s also a love of art, light and happiness. And we love it!
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Joanna Cleeve Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: South East & abroad
Above all, weddings are about love. That is certainly at the heart (pardon the pun) of Joanna Cleeve’s photography. Honest, fun, often revealing, Joanna is an exciting new talent and great new inclusion into our Top 50. Hailing from the South Downs her services can be employed in the South East and for destination weddings. She even offers special discounts for the armed services (and now we all like her even more!).
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Jonny Draper
Style: Contemporary
Where: Manchester & nationwide
Not all photographers are created equally and that’s how we feel about the work of Jonny Draper. An absolute wizard with a zoom lens, he captures those moments that everyone looks at and says, “That’s what I want my wedding to be like!” It’s not staging, it’s simply telling the story of the day and letting the images show the personality of his couples and their guests. A true talent and one to add to your Instagram feed.
Katie Dervin
Style: Documentary
Where: North West
One of the many reasons we love Katie’s work is her constant challenging of perceived traditional wedding photography. Mixing the very best documentary-style with a slightly punk attitude, to sticking to the rules means her work is totally different and all about people. Her ability to make everyone feel relaxed allows her to capture totally unguarded moments shared between friends, guests and newlyweds.
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Kerry Woods Photography
Style: Documentary
Where: North West, UK & abroad
With a camera bag full of awards, Kerry Woods comes hugely recommended from all those brides and grooms lucky enough to have enjoyed her work. Just as at home in her native North West or capturing an Ibizan beach wedding she adds versatility to her documentary-style to work with you and ensure you get the photos you want. Take a gander at her Instagram for a face-full of fantastic!
Liberty Pearl Photo Collective
Style: Reportage
Where: Devon & Cornwall
No two weddings are the same, no two couples are the same and Liberty Pearl’s Amber treats no two wedding shots the same. Inventive, creative and occasionally ‘audacious’ she sets the scene and then paints the pictures of your special day using her lens and knack of popping up at the right place at just the right moment (just how do photographers do that?). Definitely one to watch for 2019 and beyond.
Lilith In Bloom
Style: Alternative
Where: UK
Swansea based Sarah, the artistic maestro behind Lilith In Bloom, originally hails from a modelling background. This is evident in a lot of her photography that has a certain touch of drama and presence, as if the wedding is being viewed in the pages of a glossy magazine. However, she still manages to capture the personal nature of the day. Another one to watch over the coming 12 months.
Lisa Devlin
Style: Alternative
Where: Brighton & UK
We thought we’d seen every type of wedding photography there was and then Lisa Devlin came along. As she says it herself, her work is all about “The love, the life and the little stories,” the fact she does it in such a unique and captivating way is what makes her stand out and an obvious choice for our Top 50. A fantastic photographer we shall continue to watch with excitement on social media over the next 12 months.
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Luis Holden
Style: Documentary
Where: UK
It’s not the moment everyone lines up, it’s the moment you didn’t know the camera was there that makes a true wedding artist, and Luis Holden is one of the best. He loves to be different, yes there are the ‘perfect’ moments, but often it’s the imperfect moments that most sum up the day. When you’re less guarded, more natural, that’s when Luis strikes, like a camera-wielding, story-telling, wedding ninja!
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Mark Anderson Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: Midlands
If wedding photos were all about making you smile, then Mark Anderson is definitely on the winning team. Not only does he capture the fun moments, but his complete wedding service also helps create them, with a photo booth available and his own contemporary wedding photos. With a great eye for staging those special shots as well as capturing moments as they happen, he’s an accomplished and very safe pair of photographic hands.
Martin Hill
Style: Reportage
Where: UK & abroad
When your celebrity clients include none other than Sean ‘hard-as-nails’ Bean and you’ve still managed to create soft, romantic images with both drama and humour, then you’re clearly a photographer at the top of their game. It’s why his skills have been hired and flown to India, America and South Africa as well as across the UK. A real master craftsman, he has a particular eye for the dramatic which has seen him make our Top 50. Again!
Matthew Rycraft
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
It’s all gone a bit ‘Hollywood”! You know those jaw-dropping photos you see A-listers post onto Instagram or in the pages of your favourite magazines? Amazingly that’s what Matthew Rycraft does… for real people. At weddings! He creates those kinds of incredible moments which sum up the majesty of your day. When he’s not doing that, he’s busy recording all the little moments and giving you a great, photographic retelling of your perfect day.
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Oobaloos Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: South West & UK
An absolute whiz at documentary-style wedding photography, Sheryl (the magician with the lens) is amazing at capturing not simply moments but the story of your day. That includes making sure she features all the most important characters and most important moments, the silliest moments, the LOL moments and those tender moments between the bride and groom. Photography with emotion and humour done beautifully.
Page Creations
Style: Contemporary
Where: UK & abroad
Rich Page comes with some very impressive credentials having had his work featured in some of the world’s most revered publications including Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Tatler, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Brides and more. If we were to sum up his work in one word, it would be ‘grand!’. He takes those incredible, statement shots that look fantastic on any wall. It’s the kind of photo every bride-to-be wants to remember her day with.
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Reality Photography
Style: Reality
Where: UK & abroad
Reality photography brings something a little bit different to the world of weddings. “Messy dance floor shots, wedding reception antics and less-than-sober guests,” this award-winning team really do capture your special day in a true retelling you can treasure forever. Packed with personality, fun and all those special moments, they create wedding moments we all wish we were a part of.
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Rebecca Douglas
Style: Contemporary
Where: Kent & UK
Self-confessed photography obsessive Rebecca brings a sense of fun and wonder to all her work. It’s this compulsive nature that leads her to constantly be pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with her wedding photography. Having recently added drones to her arsenal of tools the sky is the limit (literally) for this amazingly forward thinking and inventive photographer. She even has eco-friendly credentials to make us love her even more.
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Sanshine Photography
Style: Contemporary
Where: London & UK
It really is all about light with the incredibly talented San, aka ‘Sanshine’. Storytelling at its photogenic best, these are the photos you’ll want all your friends and relatives to share in. San’s fame has risen, requiring trips around the world to capture destination weddings and for those lucky enough to secure her services, you’re in for a treat.
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Sarah Horton Photography
Style: Documentary
Where: Cheshire
This award-winning photographer is ‘full of love and light’, it’s no wonder that Sarah has made the Top 50 for a consecutive year. If you’re looking for something unique, captivating and deeply romantic then Sarah is the one for you. Having had her work in a host of publications including the Italian Vogue magazine, she’s the Love Actually of wedding snappers with an eye for timeless imagery.
Sarah-Jane Ethan
Style: Contemporary
Where: UK & abroad
“SJ” is slightly crazy in a wonderful way. Craziness is not a bad thing; it makes her see things from a different perspective. If you want someone to perfectly capture the romance and happiness of your day while making it look absolutely magic (because that’s how it is going to be), then SJ is the lady for you. With an eye for boho, feelgood moments she takes photos that make smiles. What could be better?
Shane Webber Photography
Style: Natural & Contemporary
Where: Manchester & Cheshire
Working with a relaxed, easy style, Shane is able to catch natural, organic moments as they happen. He is at the top of his game and goes the extra mile, arriving earlier and staying later than many photographers to ensure he doesn’t miss any of those special moments. It’s this dedication to provide not just the best photos but also the best service that has propelled Shane into this year’s Top 50.
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Stay Wild Images
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
If we were to love the work of Adrian O’Neill any more, we’d probably be given a restraining order! These are the photos you want to tell the story of your ‘forever more’. Sometimes moody, always romantic, incredibly intimate and often playful, they are hugely exciting and capture the views of your special day that other brides will look at with envy. We’re semi-addicted to Neil’s Instagram stream and you know what, we’re good with that.
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The Crawleys
Style: Reportage
Where: UK & abroad
The Crawleys are back! No strangers to our Top 50, they once again simply had to be included. The multi-award-winning photographers capture moments you really weren’t expecting. Forget neat rows of mildly bored-looking people in front of a church. The Crawleys capture moments full of energy, warmth, honesty and humour. That large wedding print you’ve already cleared the wall for? These are the guys for the job.
The Vedrines
Style: Documentary
Where: UK & abroad
Husband and wife team The Vedrines are in love with the idea of love. The Anglo-French couple bring their own passion for romance and happily-ever-after to their special style of photography. You know all those sexy wedding blogs you’ve been looking at online? That’s what The Vedrines make their weddings look like. Amazing talents who simply had to be included in this year’s Top 50.
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Through the Woods we Ran
Style: Documentary
Where: South West & UK
Sometimes it’s difficult looking out, to know what the wedding looked like for those looking in. That’s where a good photographer is vital, to retell the story of the day because no one manages to see it all. No one except Lauren and Glenn at Through the Woods we Run. As the name suggests, they are not your ‘standard’ wedding snappers, in fact, they deplore ‘standard’ and focus instead on capturing the extraordinary and they do it brilliantly.
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Tobiah Tayo
Style: Reportage
Where: UK & Europe
Is it wrong to say the thing we most love about the work of Laura and Tobiah is the sexiness? There, we’ve said it. Because, amongst all the fun, wedding photos can be sexy too. Yes, there is still all the fun, those moments on the dance floor, everyone having the time of their lives, as well as the quieter moments, but we think some of their best work is of the couples themselves. Approaching every job differently, we look forward to seeing more of their work.
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Umbrella Studio
Style: Contemporary reportage
Where: London & UK
It’s quite remarkable that we’re still singing the praises of Peter and Monika of Umbrella Studio. An ever-present on our previous Top 50’s they’ve made the cut yet again and the quality and artistry that goes into all the work show no sign of fading. They’re true storytellers, no pen, no words, just beautiful images and an eye for natural looking photos that perfectly capture your special day while keeping everything fresh and interesting.
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