A Relaxed Wedding at the Radnor Rooms, Bristol
Erin & Robin
Erin and Robin were already planning a wedding in Australia. But they wanted something separate for their UK family and friends. Something relaxed, something close, something that felt like them. So they put together a Bristol city centre wedding that moved between 3 venues, involved their son walking Erin down the aisle, and ended with pulled pork burgers and speeches under a chandelier. It was one of those days that just worked.
Getting Ready at Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
The morning started at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, with Erin’s lace boho dress hanging in the window and the kids spinning around the room in their outfits. There was music playing, hair being pinned, and that quiet buzz of a day about to begin. Before heading to the ceremony, we used the Marriott’s Palm Court for couple portraits. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a grand hall with Bath stone walls, classical statues, and a stained-glass ceiling. It gave us something completely different from the rest of the day, and Erin and Robin looked incredible in that space. If you’re curious about how to make the most of your morning, I’ve written a full guide to getting ready wedding photos.
Pre-Ceremony Drinks at The Christmas Steps
Before the ceremony, everyone gathered at The Christmas Steps for drinks. It’s a 17th-century pub just around the corner with stone walls and that kind of atmosphere you can’t manufacture. Champagne on a rustic table, candles lit, the couple laughing with their friends against the exposed brick. The “Use Yer Loaf” painted on the wall behind them became one of my favourite details of the day. A proper Bristol pub before a proper Bristol wedding.
The Ceremony and Reception at the Radnor Rooms
Erin walked down the aisle hand-in-hand with their son, grinning from ear to ear, and that set the tone for everything that followed. The Radnor Rooms is a hidden gem in Bristol’s Old City, with fairy lights strung across the ceiling, exposed brick walls, a chandelier, and big sash windows letting the light in. There were vows that made everyone laugh, a ring exchange surrounded by wildflowers, and a champagne toast that spilt straight into hugs. The whole ceremony felt warm, personal, and completely unforced. Exactly the kind of moment that makes for natural wedding photos.
Then came speeches with a slideshow, bridesmaids delivering absolute gold on the mic, and a buffet of pulled pork burgers and fresh salads. Robin wore a green suit, the groomsmen were in cream linen, and the kids wore Hawaiian shirts. It was colourful, loud, full of warmth, and completely unpretentious.
