Alternative Wedding Photographer in Bristol

for the Wild, the Weird & the Wonderful

If you’re here, chances are you’re not planning the kind of wedding that looks like everyone else’s.

Maybe you’ve always known your day would be a little different and also cookie-cutter photos, fake laughter, and endless “smile at the camera” poses just aren’t your thing. Instead, what you want is a wedding that feels free, wild, and bursting with emotion, photos that tell your story honestly and beautifully.

As an alternative wedding photographer in Bristol, I specialise in capturing weddings that are unique, unapologetic, and bursting with emotion.

(Not ready yet? Why don’t you download my wedding planning guide?)

A bohemian couple sharing an intimate moment illuminated by soft candlelight at The Radnor Rooms, Bristol.

What “Alternative Wedding Photography” Really Means

Two guests are doing their wedding speeches during an evening wedding reception.

First of all it’s not about being different for the sake of it. It’s about being you, unapologetically, imperfectly, and joyfully. Whether you’re saying vows under candlelight at The Mount Without, dancing at Paintworks Bristol, or running barefoot through the woods outside Bath, your photos always should reflect your spirit raw, artful, and true to your story.

However, when people hear the word “alternative,” they sometimes think “moody” or “dark.” But alternative wedding photography isn’t a style, it’s a mindset.

At its heart, It’s built on freedom, honesty, and creative storytelling without a script. These are the kind of photos that stay with you, the ones that make you feel something long after the day has passed.

It’s About Storytelling, Not Staging

Two brides holding hands as guests throw confetti outside Berkeley Square Hotel after their alternative wedding ceremony.

Here’s the thing: There’s no need to pretend or pose, live your day, and let the story unfold on its own. Your photos will capture the moments you didn’t even notice: trembling hands during vows, your best friend wiping away tears, your parents laughing over cake. After all, it’s those tiny, fleeting details that turn into the memories you’ll cherish most.

This approach is known as documentary wedding photography, capturing truth, not performance. It’s about storytelling through genuine emotion, not stiff poses.

And if you’re curious, Wikipedia provides an excellent overview of how storytelling photography evolved from the photojournalistic tradition.

A grandmother dancing in oversized purple glasses during a lively and fun wedding reception at an alternative wedding.

It’s About Vibes, Not Rules

There’s no “right” way to have a wedding.

Maybe your ceremony takes place in an old Bristol warehouse strung with fairy lights, or you’re saying “I do” barefoot in a forest clearing. Maybe you’re wearing sequins instead of lace, or a colourful suit instead of black.

Whatever your vision looks like, alternative wedding photography embraces it. The aim isn’t to fit into a box it’s to celebrate what makes you different.

Venues like The Square Club, Arnos Vale Cemetery, or a tucked-away Bristol garden all make stunning backdrops for unique celebrations..

A guest with a full-leg floral tattoo leaning on the bar during an alternative wedding celebration at The Square Club, Bristol.

It’s About You Being Seen, Exactly As You Are

You deserve photos that show your love honestly not a performance, not perfection, but truth.

Because when you’re relaxed, laughing, and fully living in the moment, that’s when the real magic happens. No forced smiles, no awkward pauses, just genuine emotion captured in all its beauty.

Ultimately, alternative wedding photography is truly about embracing the unique aspects of your love story. It recognises that every couple has its own special moments to celebrate. In other words, it’s an art form that captures not only the joyful chaos and tender softness but also the vibrant energy that defines your relationship.

It honours all of these elements, weaving them together into something timeless that reflects your journey together.

Who It’s For

This is for the couples who never quite fit the mould, the ones who care more about connection than convention. They’re the kind of people who follow their hearts, not the rulebook, and want their photos to reflect precisely that.

The Free Spirits & Creative Souls

Tattooed newlyweds embracing tightly, their colourful ink and rings with an alternative background.

You don’t follow trends; you make your own. Tattoos, pastel hair, vintage outfits, they’re all part of your story. Maybe your playlist jumps from Arctic Monkeys to Fleetwood Mac, or maybe it’s something totally unexpected. Whatever it is, your day should feel alive, not picture-perfect, but perfectly you.

The Quiet Romantics & The Wild-at-Heart

Perhaps you dream of a sunset elopement on the cliffs of Cornwall or maybe an intimate micro-wedding in a candlelit restaurant. Or on the other hand you’re planning a big Bristol bash filled with glitter, laughter, and chaos.

Either way, you want photos that feel like the moment. The kind you look back on and think, “That’s exactly how it felt.”

The ‘We Don’t Do Traditions’ Crew

No speeches? Great. No first dance? Even better. Want to get ready together, have pizza instead of canapés, or wear trainers with your dress? Do it.

Alternative weddings are built on personality, not pressure, and your photos should celebrate that.

A wedding guest holding a personalised bank note with the groom's silly face during a joyful multicultural wedding celebration.

My Alternative Wedding Photography Style

Your wedding deserves more than a checklist of “pretty shots.” It deserves storytelling that captures the heartbeat of your day, the laughter, the emotion, and all those in-between moments you didn’t even realise were happening.

After all, it’s not just about how your wedding looked; it’s about how it felt. The warmth in a glance, the squeeze of a hand, the quiet moments between the chaos, that’s where the real story lives.

Candid & Documentary Approach

A tattooed bride laughing during a playful wedding shoe game surrounded by cheering guests.

You’ll never be told to “act natural” because you already are. I photograph the story as it unfolds, blending into the background while you savour every moment.

This relaxed, documentary style keeps your day stress-free. You won’t spend hours posing or worrying about the camera; you’ll spend it living.

Artful, Moody, and Romantic Tones

Every photo I deliver is crafted to feel like a memory: warm, emotional, and cinematic.


I love playing with light and shadow, because it creates depth that truly draws you in. Think of moody corners, then glowing sunsets, followed by soft candlelight all leading to those quiet moments that hold all the power.

Two brides clinking champagne glasses and holding rustic bouquets during a relaxed Bristol wedding celebration.

Emotive Storytelling with Editorial Edge

Your photos should feel both spontaneous and artful, a blend of emotion and elegance. With an editorial twist, they’ll look timeless while still feeling raw and honest.

This is where photojournalism meets art. The result? A gallery that feels like your favourite film real, emotional, and beautiful to look at forever.

If you love creative wedding ideas, check out Unconventional Wedding or Till Death Alternative Wedding Collective, both of which are full of inspiration for unique celebrations.

Real Weddings, Real Stories

No two love stories are the same, and that’s what makes them worth photographing.

Explore the Gallery

Take a peek at full wedding stories, the emotional, the messy, the magical.
Here, you’ll see laughter, quiet glances, and then wild dance floors along with all the tiny moments that, together, make your day yours.

A couple is almost kissing with an artistic backlit at an alternative wedding venue, Silk Mill Studios, Frome.

Alternative wedding

at Silk Mill Studios

Pricing & Packages

Every couple’s story is unique. That’s why I offer collections that adapt to you from intimate elopements to full-day adventures across Bristol, Somerset, and beyond.

Newlyweds are sharing a candid kiss at an alternative wedding venue in a skateboard park.

Wedding photography collections start from £1,350.

Ready to dive in? Download My Pricing Guide to view detailed options, add-ons, and recommendations tailored to your celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s all about celebrating what’s different. I photograph alternative couples, alternative weddings, and alternative dresses basically, anything that breaks the mould.

If you’re the kind of couple who’d rather wear Docs than heels, swap traditions for tattoos, or say “I do” in a forest, warehouse, or tattoo studio, you’re my people.

My photography is for those who don’t want cookie-cutter photos or forced poses. It’s raw, creative, and full of personality, just like the people in front of my camera.

Yes, absolutely! 🌈

I love photographing LGBTQ+ and multicultural weddings; they’re some of the most beautiful, fun, and joy-filled celebrations I’ve been part of.

You’ll actually find some of these amazing weddings featured in my gallery, too, full of colour, culture, emotion, and connection.

Yes, I do, but only during the portrait session.

This is the part of the day when I’ll give you a bit of gentle direction, so you feel comfortable and know what to do with your hands (we’ve all been there!). I might guide you into the best light, or suggest a little movement that brings out genuine connection, like walking together, sharing a funny moment, or simply taking a deep breath and being close.

But for the rest of the day? I stay hands-off. I blend in, let moments unfold naturally, and capture everything as it really happens.

My editing style is artful, a little moody, and full of colours.

I love rich tones, lights and shadows, and colours that evoke a cinematic feel. You’ll see warmth, depth, and texture, not those overexposed, washed-out filters. The galleries always feature a mix of colour and black-and-white photos.

You’ll get a little sneak peek within a week, because I know how annoying it is to wait!

Your full gallery will be ready in about 4–6 weeks, depending on the season. I carefully go through every single image, hand-edit them, and make sure they tell your story beautifully from start to finish.

So yes, it takes a bit of time, but I promise, it’s 100% worth the wait.

Absolutely, I actually love them!

Whether you’re doing things totally your way (a morning ceremony, a late-night party, or no first dance at all), I’m all in. Non-traditional timelines make the day feel more you, and that’s exactly what I want to capture.

We’ll review your plans beforehand so I can ensure everything flows smoothly and nothing special gets missed, regardless of how you’ve structured your day.

Tattooed newlyweds holding hands, showing their matching black wedding rings and colourful ink.

Let’s chat!

Pop in your details below, hit send, and I’ll be in your inbox within 12 hours. Can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming of: whether it’s big or a small intimate wedding.

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