Chiddingstone Castle Wedding

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Photography; I recently had the privilege of documenting an exquisite celebration at Chiddingstone Castle back in August. This enchanting venue provided the perfect backdrop for a timeless love story that unfolded amidst the historic charm, vibrant florals, and the joyous atmosphere of a summer wedding. Chiddingstone Castle wedding celebrations are clearly amazing come rain or shine, and although we had a bit of rain during the day, we were able to take some fantastic photos in the rain (you can view my portfolio of wet weather weddings here) and then get some great shots whenever the sun peaked out from behind the clouds!

We shot some bridal prep photographs at the castle, where Charlotte put on her wedding dress which she had made herself. The Bridesmaids were adorned in light blue and the groom’s party wore timeless morning dress, and met at the pub next to the church for a quick drink before the ceremony.

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding – Ceremony at Chiddingstone Church

Charlotte arrived accompanied by their father in a classic red Jaguar, and under the guidance of Vicar Lindsey at St Mary’s Chiddingstone, the couple exchanged vows in a traditional Church of England marriage service. I discreetly captured these intimate moments with the help of my second shooter, Joe, who shot from the back of the church whilst I was able to capture the exchange of vows and rings from near the altar.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds, accompanied by their immediate family, strolled directly from the Church, across the castle grounds and through the English gardens, to the Castle for the drinks reception. We stopped for a couple of shots as they traversed the bridge to the castle on foot. This timeless moment, captured against the backdrop of the historic venue, epitomised the romance of the day. The rain also offered a great camaraderie as guests shared umbrellas, creating a magical ambiance as we documented this picturesque procession.

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding – an Afternoon Tea Themed Reception:

The celebration continued with an afternoon tea-themed drinks reception, where the couple cut their cake surrounded by loved ones. Against the backdrop of Chiddingstone Castle’s sprawling grounds, I seized the opportunity to capture candid moments that reflected the genuine joy of the occasion. We also grabbed group photographs between the summer showers, using the grand Castle gates as a backdrop and strategic shelter from some of the rain.

The August wedding embraced an English garden party vibe, with a floral palette of whites, blues, and hints of pink, curated by the talented team at Willow and Maw.

Wedding Breakfast & Evening Festivities

Chiddingstone Castle itself became a muse, with flowers gracing the great hall, and fairy lights strung across the hall’s ceiling created a romantic setting. The wedding speeches were wonderful, and the background of wood panelling complimented the floral arrangements and decor of the dining room.

A special mention goes to Tandem Catering, whose culinary artistry elevated the dining experience, creating a perfect blend of taste and visual appeal. We were certainly grateful when they bought us our plates during dinner!

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we got some dramatic shots using the castle and clouds as a backdrop. The Pop Goes Jazz band took the stage, infusing the evening with soulful melodies for the couples elegant first dance.

As the wedding photographer, I always feel privileged to have been part of a wedding, and this Chiddingstone Castle wedding was no different. Each photograph tells a story of love, tradition, and the magical atmosphere that permeated the air on that unforgettable day. To explore the visual journey of this charming wedding, dive into the gallery and immerse yourself in the beauty that unfolded at this Chiddingstone Castle wedding.

View the full wedding gallery here: https://philipbedford.zenfolio.com/p183432244