Cotswolds Wedding Photography – Relaxed, Natural & Beautifully You

Cotswolds Wedding Photography – Your Story Starts Here (with reall good light)

If you’re planning a wedding in the Cotswolds (excellent choice, by the way), you’re probably already dreaming of golden fields, winding village lanes, honey-hued stone cottages and candlelit barns buzzing with laughter. It’s like stepping into a storybook – only with better shoes and outrageously good cake.

We’re Marta and Artur – wedding photographers, storytelling duo, and professional lovers of light. We’ve photographed hundreds of weddings all over this magical region, from epic manor house celebrations to wild dancefloors under fairy-lit barn beams. And one thing’s for sure – Cotswolds wedding photography has a kind of timeless magic that just hits different.

So if you’re looking for photos that feel effortless, emotional, and 100% you, and photographers who’ll keep you calm, get you laughing, and maybe even bring snacks… you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the why, the where, and the wow-factor of getting married in one of the UK’s dreamiest locations.

Why the Cotswolds is Wedding Magic

Tucked away in south-central England, the Cotswolds is like something out of a storybook. And we’re not just saying that – this place actually inspired Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and Laurie Lee’s “Cider with Rosie”. So yeah… if you’re after natural beauty meets pure romance, this region basically wrote the book on it.

Think honey-hued stone villages, rolling green hills, winding rivers, and the kind of soft light that makes everyone look like they belong in a film.

As Cotswolds wedding photographers, we’ve wandered the lanes of Bourton-on-the-Water (aka the Venice of the Cotswolds), snapped magical golden-hour portraits by Bibury’s iconic Arlington Row, and climbed to the top of Broadway Tower for views that genuinely take your breath away (and not just because it’s uphill).

And that’s just the start! Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, the Slaughters, Lacock Abbey (hello, Harry Potter vibes), and Blenheim Palace – all packed with charm, character, and the most stunning backdrops for your big day.

No matter where you tie the knot here, the Cotswolds adds that soft, timeless feel to your wedding photos that you just can’t fake. It’s laid-back but elegant, wild yet refined, rustic with a touch of regal. Basically: a total dream.

What It’s Like to Work with Us (aka The Mays)

We’re Marta and Artur – life partners, creative co-pilots, and your behind-the-lens dream team. Think of us as your unofficial extra bridesmaid and bonus best man, but with cameras and way more snacks.

Working with us is like having two calm, fun, slightly camera-obsessed friends by your side. We’re all about capturing your day as it actually felt – from the pre-ceremony butterflies to the wild dance floor chaos. We’re quick to spot the emotional moments, slow to interrupt them, and low-key experts at blending in like guests (but with ninja reflexes and fast lenses).

Artur (yep, just like R2-D2) and I have been documenting weddings together for over a decade – we finish each other’s sentences and can communicate entire shooting plans with a single raised eyebrow. That kind of connection means you get double the creativity, double the angles, and zero stress.

Most of our couples are a little camera shy – and honestly? That’s our favourite. Because when you’re having a blast and feeling relaxed, the best, most genuine moments just happen. That’s when the magic clicks.

Top Cotswolds Wedding Venues We Love (and Photograph All the Time)

The Cotswolds isn’t just pretty – it’s pure magic. From sweeping views to fairytale vibes, it’s packed with venues that’ll make your jaw drop (and your guests a little envious too).

Here are some of our absolute faves:

• Cripps Barn & Stone Barn
  Rustic charm? Check. Fire pits? Check. Dancing under the beams? Always. Cripps venues are a photographer’s dream – moody candlelight, warm textures, and epic couple photo backdrops just a few steps away.

• The Great Tythe Barn
  Big party energy meets timeless country style. This place is ideal if you want space for all your people and golden-hour portraits in dreamy fields.

• Kingscote Barn
  Elegant, peaceful and surrounded by 360° views of the Cotswold hills. The vibe here is all about intimacy, style and a rolling countryside backdrop. Chef’s kiss.

• Clearwell Castle
  Want the royal treatment? Say “I do” in a castle, surrounded by turrets, chandeliers and some seriously photogenic grounds. A storybook wedding if there ever was one.

• Manor by the Lake
  Quirky, colourful, and full of character – this Cheltenham gem offers everything from Italian gardens to lakeside romance. Basically, a Pinterest board IRL.

• Bonus gems
  From regal Sudeley Castle to spa-luxe Barnsley House and the countryside class of Ellenborough Park – each venue brings its own flavour of magic. Trust us, we’ve photographed them all (and know the best spots for sneaky sunset portraits too).

And let’s not forget the villages:
Bibury, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, The Slaughters, and Chipping Campden – all rich in charm and ridiculously photogenic. Like, you-couldn’t-take-a-bad-photo-here-if-you-tried levels of pretty.

So whether you’re after timeless elegance, rustic charm or total boho freedom – the Cotswolds has it all. And we’ve got the experience (and photos) to prove it.

Why Cotswolds Couples Choose Us

Let’s be real – there are loads of talented photographers out there. But here’s why couples tell us we were the best decision they made (besides marrying each other, of course):

We’re not just photographers – we’re storytellers
You won’t find stiff poses or fake smiles here. We’re all about natural moments, genuine emotion, and capturing the day as it truly felt. Think hugs, tears, belly laughs and nan dancing to ABBA.

Two brains, four eyes, double the fun
We’re The Mays – an award-winning photography duo who just so happen to also be married. That means we totally get the pressure, the joy, and the whirlwind that is your wedding day. With two of us, you’ll get every angle and none of the stress.

Local knowledge, global flair
We live just outside the Cotswolds, which means we know the golden-hour light, the secret portrait spots, and how to navigate those charming-but-wiggly roads like pros. Whether your wedding is at a castle, a barn, or a tucked-away manor, we’ve likely been there (and know where the best photos happen).

We blend in (but bring the energy)
Couples often say we felt more like friends than vendors. That’s because we don’t hide in corners – we join the dance floor (camera in hand), chat with your gran, and put even the most camera-shy guests at ease.

No cookie-cutter editing here
Our style is timeless, creative and true-to-life – beautifully edited photos that will still feel like you when you’re showing them to your grandkids.

Oh – and we’ll deliver sneak peeks within 48 hours because we know you’ll be dying to relive it all.

Real Love Stories: Featured Weddings in the Cotswolds (with links!)

Now that we’ve painted the scene, let’s dive into the magic that actually happened here – because we’ve seen it all first-hand. From Cotswolds wedding venues like Cripps Barn and Merriscourt to stunning spots in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and beyond — your backdrop options are as dreamy as they come.

Want a peek into the kind of stories we capture?

• Cripps Barn – moody light, big energy, and a couple who redefined cool rustic. Take a look →
• Lapstone Barn – where timeless elegance meets relaxed party vibes. We LOVED every second. See it here →
• Merriscourt – airy, chic and full of character, just like the gorgeous couple we photographed there. Have a scroll →
• Clearwell Castle – YES, you can have your fairytale and dance on its stone floors too. Watch the magic →
• Blackwell Grange – pure countryside bliss, with a couple who brought the fire (and the tears). Relive the love →
• Deer Park Hall – sweeping views, joyful humans and a dog who may or may not have stolen the show. Take a peek →

Each one of these weddings brought something new and completely them – and that’s what we’re all about: your story, told beautifully, without fuss.

What We Offer as Cotswolds Wedding Photography

We’re Marta & Artur – a.k.a. The Mays – and we’ve been photographing weddings together for over a decade (yep, that’s a lot of love stories and even more confetti). We’re not just camera-wielding ninjas though – we’re part cheerleaders, part storytellers, and 100% invested in making sure you have the best time ever.

Here’s how we work with couples in the Cotswolds:

• Natural, creative photography – no awkward posing, no stiff smiles. Just real moments, great light and joy, bottled up forever.
• Documentary meets fine art – we let your day unfold naturally and capture it beautifully – with a good eye for detail and great timing.
• Tailored coverage – whether you’re planning an epic celebration at a stately manor or a relaxed countryside barn bash, we fit around you.
• Flexible packages – from The Basic Package for simple magic, to The Whole Shebang with film and album – and everything in between.

We know how to move quietly when needed, rally guests for group shots without chaos, and find the best light even in a rainstorm. You just focus on soaking up every second – we’ll do the rest.

Ready to Capture Your Cotswolds Wedding Story?

Whether you’re looking for a Cotswold wedding photographer, planning your celebration in Gloucestershire, or need a relaxed and professional wedding photographer in Cheltenham, we’d love to help tell your story. We’d love to be there, cameras in hand and big smiles on our faces. Every couple’s story is different, and that’s what makes this job so magical.

We’re not just here to take pretty pictures (though you’ll get plenty of those!). We’re here to make you feel relaxed, help you have fun, and quietly document the beautiful chaos of your day in a way that’s honest, heartfelt, and unmistakably you.

So – fancy a chat? 🥂

👉 Get in touch here to check our availability, ask questions, or tell us all about your dream day in the Cotswolds. Let’s make some magic together.