Sarah & Carl’s Relaxed October Wedding at Hodsock Priory
Documentary Wedding Photography at Hodsock Priory
It was a total pleasure to be back at stunning Hodsock. Sarah and Carl got in touch with me over a year ago following a recommendation from Sarah’s bridesmaid, Anna. Over 75% of my enquiries arrive via recommendations, and I am so grateful for them; it’s the best compliment a documentary photographer can receive. If you love these vibes, check out my full guide to Hodsock Priory wedding photography for more venue tips
There is a specific kind of energy to an October wedding at Hodsock Priory. The air is crisper, the 800-acre estate starts to turn those deep shades of amber, and the light gets lower and softer. Sarah and Carl’s day was a perfect example of how to lean into that seasonal shift—keeping things relaxed, atmospheric, and completely unscripted.
Getting Ready at the Priory
The morning preparations took place inside the Priory’s elegant suites. Hodsock Priory is one of the most beautiful wedding venues I have had the pleasure to photograph, and Katie and her team always ensure that weddings are relaxed affairs. The day always runs like clockwork, and wedding guests—and suppliers such as myself—are always made to feel at home.
The large windows and soft natural light in the dressing rooms are a documentary photographer’s dream. I focused on capturing those quiet, "in-between" moments—the shared laughs and the final touches—without ever interrupting the flow of the morning.
The Ceremony in the Buchanan Hall
Sarah and Carl exchanged wedding vows in the beautiful Buchanan ceremony room, which featured amazing floral touches throughout.
In October, the light in the Buchanan Hall has a beautiful, soft quality. Sarah and Carl were such a fabulous bride and groom to photograph—they gave me carte blanche to cover their day in a documentary way. They said they wanted a photographer who would be like a guest, and I loved that they were so relaxed and laid back throughout their wedding day.
October Portraits: The Five-Minute Rule
After the ceremony, we spent some time exploring the grounds for a few relaxed portraits. With the beautiful Hodsock Wood right on its doorstep, the venue is a photographer's dream.
With group photographs taking literally five minutes to record, I was left to do what I love best: photographing the love, laughter, and emotion of the day. We didn't need to be away from the party for long—just a quick stroll toward the lake to catch the last of the autumn sun hitting the trees. These moments are about the two of you taking a breath together, rather than standing in stiff, forced poses.
The Drinks Reception and Pavilion Party
Party Vibes and the First Dance in the Pavilion
There’s a natural shift when the wedding moves from the historic main house into the Pavilion. It’s a space built for celebration. As the evening celebrations began, the atmosphere became lively with an 80s-themed disco! The transition from the historic house to the party energy of the Pavilion was the perfect end to a brilliant day at one of my favourite Nottinghamshire venues. For a documentary photographer, this is the best part of the night—getting right onto the dance floor to capture the real, unscripted chaos without getting in the way.
Planning a Wedding at Hodsock Priory?
If you’re looking for a Hodsock Priory wedding photographer and like the natural, unposed photos shown here, I'd love to hear from you. Whether you are planning a cosy indoor ceremony in the Panelled Hall or an outdoor exchange of vows in the secluded court garden, Hodsock is the perfect setting for a laid-back, beautiful wedding.
Check My Availability for Your Hodsock Wedding Here
Blyth,
Nottinghamshire,
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Wondering what happens if the British weather doesn't play ball for your autumn date? Have a look at Jess and Chad’s Hodsock Priory wedding, where we completely embraced the wind and rain for some brilliant, atmospheric portraits. Lyndsey & Berkely had an absolute blast during their winter wedding at Hodsock Priory!
You may also like to have a look at a beautiful wedding at The Normans wedding venue in the countryside outside York, the nearby Nottinghamshire wedding venue Hazel Gap Barn or a stunning wedding at Rise Hall near Beverley in East Yorkshire:-)