How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
Planning a wedding in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire comes with many exciting decisions like choosing your dress, venue, flowers, and, of course, your wedding photographer. Your wedding photos are one of the few things that last long after the day is over, so finding the right person to capture your story is a decision that truly matters.
Relaxed wedding photography Peak District by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
But how do you know who’s the right fit? Whether you’re looking for classic, posed portraits or relaxed, natural images that tell the real story of your day, here’s how to choose a wedding photographer in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire who aligns with your vision.
1. Know Your Style: Formal or Candid?
Start by thinking about what kind of wedding photography makes your heart sing. Do you love traditional, posed portraits with a timeless elegance? Or are you drawn to relaxed, documentary-style images that capture real emotions, spontaneous laughter, and unposed moments?
In Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, you’ll find a wide range of wedding photographers, from those who excel in editorial style, fine art imagery to those (like me) who specialise in capturing genuine, unscripted moments. Neither approach is better than the other, but choosing a photographer whose style reflects your personality is key.
If you’re dreaming of:
Natural, candid wedding photography
Quiet moments filled with emotion
Laughs during speeches and tears during vows
Dances with parents
Grandparents overwhelmed with pride
The little details that you spent months planning
…then a relaxed, documentary-style wedding photographer could be the perfect match for you.
2. Browse Local Portfolios
When searching for Nottinghamshire wedding photographers or Derbyshire wedding photographers, take time to look through their full galleries. Instagram is great for quick impressions, but a website portfolio or full wedding gallery will show you how a photographer handles the flow of a full day.
Look for consistency, not just hero shots. Do their images tell a story from start to finish? Do they capture the atmosphere of the day? Are the photos full of genuine smiles, teary eyes, and real connections?
At Marley & The Wildlings Photography, I focus on capturing the day exactly as it unfolds, no strict poses, no pressure to “perform,” just the real magic of your wedding, preserved in a way that feels completely true to you.
3. Meet (or Chat With) Your Photographer
Connection is everything. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your wedding photographer, from morning preparations to the dance floor. Make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with whoever you choose.
Ask yourself:
Do they put you at ease?
Do they understand what matters most to you?
Are they happy to blend into the background when needed, while still capturing every moment?
As a Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire based wedding photographer, I always make time to connect with my couples beforehand. Whether it’s a Zoom call or a walk around your venue, I want you to feel completely comfortable and confident that I’ll be there to tell your story in the most genuine way possible.
4. Consider Experience and Local Knowledge
Hiring a wedding photographer who knows the local venues, lighting conditions, and best locations for portraits can make a big difference. From the rolling hills of the Peak District to the rustic barns and stately homes across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, this area is full of beautiful backdrops, and a seasoned local photographer will know how to make the most of them.
Whether you’re getting married at Hazel Gap Barn, Swancar Farm, The West Mill, or a quiet countryside church, I bring a love of the local landscape to every wedding I photograph.
5. Trust Your Instincts
When it comes down to it, choosing the right wedding photographer in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire is about trust. You want someone who will respect your day, connect with your guests, and quietly capture all the things you didn’t even notice happening.
That’s the beauty of documentary style wedding photography, it’s about preserving the feeling of the day, not just how it looked. The laughter during morning prep. The way your partner looked at you at the top of the aisle. The squeeze of a hand. The tears. The joy. The chaos. The calm.
These are the moments that matter, and I’m here to make sure you never forget them.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire?
If you’re searching for relaxed, candid, and heartfelt wedding photography in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, or beyond, I’d love to hear from you.
At Marley & The Wildlings Photography, I specialise in natural, documentary style wedding photography for couples who want real memories captured beautifully and honestly.
Let’s create something magical together.
Lauren x
Contact me or follow along on Instagram to see more of my work.