Jewish wedding photographer UK – where luxury meets legendary celebrations – if you’re planning a day full of tradition, family and proper joy, you’re in the right place.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). We photograph Jewish weddings in a DOCU-ART way: real, unposed moments, plus cinematic portraits that still feel like you (not like a staged photoshoot).
QUICK ANSWER
If you want a Jewish wedding photographer in the UK who understands the rhythm of the day – from ketubah signing and chuppah to breaking the glass and the hora – we’ve got you. As a husband-and-wife team (Marta + Artur), we can cover moments happening in parallel, work discreetly with your Rabbi/venue guidance, and deliver a gallery that feels like your wedding: emotional, elegant, and alive.
For clarity (because it matters): you might recognise our name from TWIA – we won as “The Mays” in 2023 and we now serve as TWIA judges. In other words, you’re not hiring “someone with a camera”, you’re choosing trusted storytellers with a proven track record.
Whether you’re getting married in London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, the Cotswolds, or anywhere else in the UK, we’ll capture the emotion of the chuppah, the people who matter most, and the blink-and-you-miss-it energy of the hora – calmly, respectfully, and with heart.
KEY FACTS
Chuppah to hora: We understand the flow and the key moments.
Respect first: We follow your Rabbi/synagogue/venue guidance and work discreetly.
Fast moments covered: We’re ready for quick transitions and split-second reactions.
Two-photographer coverage: Helpful when moments happen in parallel or in separate spaces.
DOCU-ART style: Real, unposed storytelling plus cinematic portraits that feel natural.
Privacy options: Discreet sharing and private gallery options are available.
From the intimate beauty of a Brinsop Court ceremony under the chuppah to the full-throttle hora at Dewsall Court (yes, we lifted the bride and groom high into the air!), our Docu-Art style blends authentic storytelling with cinematic elegance. Whether your guests are flying in from New York or mingling with royalty on the terrace, we’re there to tell your story exactly as it deserves to be told – with all the colour, life, and soul intact.
What matters most in Jewish wedding photography
Jewish weddings move fast, and they’re full of meaning. So for us, it’s not only about “pretty pictures”. Instead, it’s about telling the story properly, with respect, and without getting in the way.
That means capturing the emotion (parents’ faces, grandparents’ reactions, those tiny in-between moments), staying ready for the big beats (glass smash, mazel tov hugs, chair lifts), being calm and discreet in sacred spaces, and making sure your gallery shows the people and the community – not just the decor.
The moments we’re ready for (and why couples choose us)
Every Jewish wedding is different. However, these are the moments couples often tell us they care about most – and the ones that can be missed if your photographer doesn’t know the flow.
Ketubah signing
Often intimate and emotional. We watch for hands, reactions, and the people who matter most in the room.
Tisch + bedeken (if part of your day)
These can be fast, busy, and sometimes happen close together, which is where having two of us helps.
Chuppah
We focus on real expressions, subtle glances, and the feeling of the moment – while keeping our approach respectful and unobtrusive.
Breaking the glass + “Mazel tov!”
It’s a split-second moment. We’re positioned and ready, so you get the moment and the reaction.
Yichud / quiet pause (if included)
If you’re taking that breather, we keep it gentle and unobtrusive – because it’s your moment.
Hora + chair lifts
This is pure joy and pure chaos. We shoot it so it feels like you’re back in the room – faces, movement, energy, and the story.
Working with your Rabbi / synagogue / venue
We’re very happy to work within any guidance – movement, positioning, flash, and what’s appropriate during key parts of the ceremony.
Before the day, we’ll ask a few simple questions (or speak to your planner/venue if you prefer), so everything feels smooth: what’s allowed during the ceremony, whether there are any restrictions on flash or movement, and whether there are any moments that need extra discretion.
On the day, we keep it calm: we don’t make the ceremony about us, and we won’t add stress. We’re there to document it beautifully – and respectfully.
Why two photographers helps
Why being a husband-and-wife team helps Jewish weddings
Jewish weddings often have moments happening at the same time. So having two photographers isn’t “extra” – it’s practical.
With The Mays (Marta + Artur), you get better coverage of parallel moments (so nothing important is missed), more angles during fast moments (glass smash, hugs, chair lifts), smoother storytelling (your gallery feels complete, not patchy), and a calmer guest experience (two of us can blend in more easily than a big crew).
Most importantly, it means you can stay present – and we’ll handle the memory-keeping.
Brinsop Court – Where Fairytale Meets Festivity
If ever a venue was made for a Jewish wedding, it’s Brinsop Court. Tucked away in the Herefordshire countryside, this 14th-century manor house wraps you in history while giving you all the space you need for a full-throttle celebration.
Our Brinsop Jewish wedding was the perfect example. The ceremony unfolded in the library – one of Brinsop’s grand spaces, filled with sunlight, love, and tradition. The chuppah stood elegantly at the front, draped in florals, while family and friends gathered close for every blessing, song, and heartfelt vow.
Then came the music. Not just background music – live trumpets that filled the air with a joyous, almost cinematic energy. Guests clapped, danced, and sang before the hora even began. Brinsop’s mix of formal elegance and open, flexible spaces meant we could flow effortlessly from the traditions to the wild celebrations, without losing a single ounce of atmosphere.
From champagne toasts on the terrace to candlelit laughter in the Great Hall, Brinsop Court was more than a backdrop, it was part of the story.
Dewsall Court – International Glam Meets Jewish Joy
Some weddings just have that extra sparkle, and this Dewsall Court celebration was pure gold. The ceremony itself was held in a charming English church, all soft light and timeless romance. But when it came to the reception, the couple turned the volume way up with one of the most joy-fuelled Jewish dance sets we’ve ever photographed.
The bride – English-Danish with family ties to Swedish royalty (yes, you read that right), and her American groom kicked off the festivities with the hora. Chairs were lifted high, skirts and suit jackets flying as the crowd spun and sang around them. It was chaos in the best possible way: laughter, music, and the kind of energy that makes you forget you’re holding a camera because you just want to join in.
Dewsall Court’s rustic-luxe vibe was the perfect backdrop. Think candlelit tables, sweeping countryside views, and space for everyone to let loose. Guests sipped champagne, danced to live music, and later drifted between the lively dance floor and cosy fireside chats. It was an international love story wrapped in Herefordshire charm, and we were there for every wild, wonderful second.
Jewish Wedding Traditions Through Our Lens
Jewish weddings are a photographer’s dream. They’re vibrant, heartfelt, and completely unpredictable (in the best way). From the energy of the hora to the tender moments under the chuppah, every tradition is steeped in meaning and emotion. Even if a couple doesn’t have the full religious ceremony, weaving in elements like Jewish dancing, live music, or blessings can transform a reception into a whirlwind of joy.
As photographers, we don’t just click the shutter, we anticipate the rhythm of the celebration. When the band switches tempo and the crowd forms a circle, we know something magical is about to happen. We position ourselves so we can catch the laughter, the flying hair, the champagne glasses sloshing mid-dance. And when the chairs are lifted, we make sure we’re ready for that split-second moment where exhilaration meets slight terror on the couple’s faces.
Photographing these traditions is about honouring the cultural heartbeat of the day. We blend documentary storytelling with a creative, fine-art touch so couples can relive not just what it looked like, but what it felt like. Whether it’s a full Jewish wedding or just a dance-floor cameo, we capture it with the same passion, precision, and joy.
Candid Moments: The Heartbeat of the Celebration
The best parts of a wedding? They’re never scripted. It’s the unguarded moments, the groom’s quiet exhale before seeing his bride, the grandmother clapping wildly during the hora, the flower girl spinning in circles on the lawn. These are the soul of your day, and they deserve more than stiff, posed photos.
Our Docu-Art style means we blend into the celebration while always staying right where the magic happens. You won’t see us waving you into awkward positions or breaking the flow. Instead, we read the room, anticipate the big bursts of joy, and move with the rhythm of your guests.
From champagne toasts gone rogue to stolen glances between dances, we capture every fleeting heartbeat. The kind of images that, years later, still make you feel the music, the laughter, and the warmth of everyone you love gathered in one place.
Because your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime story unfolding in real time, not just a photo-shoot. We’re just there to make sure no moment slips away.
Details & Décor: The Beauty in Every Corner
If the candid moments are the heartbeat, the details are the soul. And at these Jewish-inspired celebrations, the details told stories. Brinsop Court’s historic charm wrapped itself around the chuppah-like floral arches. At Dewsall Court, the tables were dressed in lush arrangements that looked like they’d stepped straight out of an editorial shoot.
We don’t just photograph the “big” things, the dress, the rings, the centrepieces, we see everything. The texture of the linen napkins. The soft flicker of candlelight against crystal glassware. The playful nods to heritage woven into the décor: from delicate Star of David motifs to rich, jewel-toned florals that hinted at tradition while feeling utterly modern.
In our Docu-Art style, these details aren’t filler shots; they’re part of the visual rhythm of your day. They set the tone, carry the personality of your celebration, and become the backdrop for all the joy to unfold. When you look back, you won’t just remember how your wedding looked, you’ll remember how it felt.
Epic Dance Floor Energy
If there’s one thing Jewish wedding celebrations do better than anyone, it’s turning the dance floor into an unstoppable force of joy. The hora doesn’t just start the party – it launches it into orbit.
At Brinsop Court and Dewsall Court, we saw it all: the laughter, the wide-eyed “are we really doing this?” moments as the chairs lifted, the whoops from friends and family circling in a whirl of colour and music. The live band kept the energy surging, with trumpets, drums, and voices blending into pure, unfiltered celebration.
Our cameras don’t just capture the action; we dive into it. In our Docu-Art style, you’ll see the blur of movement, the sparkle of lights on sequins, the hand gripping a chair leg mid-lift, the exhilarated faces of guests as the beat sweeps them away.
And here’s the magic – even if you’ve been on countless dance floors in your life, nothing compares to this. It’s not just dancing; it’s heritage, love, and community colliding in one glorious, unforgettable moment.
Portraits with Personality
Between the whirlwind of dancing, laughter, and champagne toasts, we love creating space for portraits that feel effortless yet editorial. These aren’t stiff, stand-and-smile shots, they’re little pockets of calm where you two get to breathe, laugh together, and just be.
At Brinsop Court and Dewsall Court, the settings were pure magic. Golden light streaming across ancient stone walls, manicured gardens framing the scene, and just enough texture and drama to make every frame look like it belongs in a magazine spread.
We guided our couples into moments rather than poses – a spin here, a whisper there, a walk hand-in-hand as the evening light dipped low. In our Docu-Art style, these portraits feel alive, full of connection, and completely true to you.
And yes, even if your dress is trailing through the grass or your veil catches the wind in unexpected ways – we lean into it. That’s where the magic happens.
Luxury Extras for Your Jewish Wedding
When your wedding is this full of life, it deserves more than just “standard coverage.” We offer an elevated experience, from museum-grade fine-art albums that become family heirlooms to cinematic highlight films that let you relive every champagne pop and chair-lift cheer. Our docu-art style blends the raw, unposed moments with magazine-worthy portraits, so you get both the feels and the wow. Want behind-the-scenes shots of the party prep? A private pre-wedding shoot in London, Paris, or wherever your story began? We’ve got you covered.
Why Choose Us for Your Jewish Wedding in the UK
We’ve spent years capturing weddings that blend deep tradition with modern, high-energy celebrations, and Jewish weddings are the perfect mix of both. From the lively energy of the Horah to the quiet, emotional moments that happen between family and friends, we know exactly where to be and when.
Our portfolio spans everything from intimate countryside gatherings to glamorous city soirées, and we understand how to honour your customs while keeping our coverage fresh, creative, and effortless. We’re there for the moments you see – and the ones you don’t – so your final gallery tells the whole story.
We blend in seamlessly with your guests, moving with the flow of the day so you can relax and enjoy every second. The result? Images and films that feel alive, rich in atmosphere, and as timeless as your traditions.
FAQs
Do you photograph Orthodox Jewish weddings?
Yes. We work respectfully and follow your Rabbi/venue guidance. If you have specific requirements, we’ll plan coverage around them.
Can you work with separate dancing?
Yes – if your day includes separate spaces or separate dancing, we’ll approach it with respect and plan coverage carefully.
Do you use flash during the ceremony?
Only if it’s appropriate and allowed. We’ll follow synagogue/Rabbi guidance, and we’re comfortable shooting in low light without making a fuss.
Do you travel UK-wide?
Yes. We’re based in Hereford/Cotswolds and photograph weddings across the UK (London, Manchester, and beyond).
We’re private people – can our gallery stay private?
Yes. Tell us what level of privacy you’d like, and we’ll set things up accordingly.
Can you help us plan the day so we get great photos without losing time with guests?
Absolutely. We’ll help you build a timeline that protects the moments that matter (chuppah flow, family photos, portraits, and the party), while still keeping everything relaxed. We’ve also written a practical guide you can use while planning: Wedding photography tips for couples.
Check your date with The Mays (Marta May Photography)
Our books for weddings fill up fast, and we only take a select number of celebrations each year to give every couple the attention they deserve. If you’re planning a wedding that’s rich in tradition, wild on the dance floor, and dripping with personality, let’s talk. Whether you’re marrying under the chuppah or just planning the best Horah in history, we’ll capture it with colour, heart, and style.
