Hay-on-Wye Celebration | Hereford Wedding Photographer

There are some couples you feel connected to from the moment you meet them, and Ellie & Rory are exactly that. As a Hereford wedding photographer, it’s always an honour to be invited to capture such a huge day in someone’s life – but capturing this day felt extra special.

Ellie and Rory had booked me over two years ago, after finding me through their friends’ wedding who I photographed. By the time their big day arrived, I’d already been able to photograph them twice, once on a windswept beach and again for a cosy date night shoot. So when they told me they’d chosen Haye Castle as their Hereford wedding venue, I knew it would be something truly memorable. Especially as they were one of the first weddings to be had there.

Bridal Preparations
Ellie began her day getting ready at her parents’ home, surrounded by close family and friends, laughter, and a few happy tears. Especially at the reveal! From there, we travelled to the stunning Haye Castle in Hay-on-Wye, a new venue for weddings. With it’s huge ceilings and gorgeous character – it was a gorgeous backdrop.

For groom Rory, Hay-on-Wye holds deep personal meaning. He grew up in the town, and nearly everyone we passed seemed to know him. His family runs local businesses there, so it felt like the entire village was celebrating alongside them.

Ceremony at Haye Castle
Their ceremony took place in the library space of Haye Castle, an intimate setting that perfectly fit their vision. The florals were utterly gorgeous and their personal vows to each other were so special. I always recommend couples bring a personal element to their ceremonies as it makes it that bit more special.

Afterwards, we made our way to the balcony for couple portraits with panoramic views across Hay-on-Wye. We carved out ten quiet minutes on the rooftop to capture a beautiful collection of portraits, the soft overcast skies lent a moody, timeless quality that matched the venue’s historic vibe.

Confetti, Family Portraits, and an epic exit
We made our descent (slowly!) down the old staircase leading to the market town for a confetti toss, always a favourite moment. The family portraits followed in the castle grounds, all pre-planned for efficiency so Ellie and Rory could relax and soak up every minute.

They then jumped into their classic wedding car and made their way to their reception venue in town, waving at familiar faces along the way.

Golden Hour Wanders Through the Village
After some heartfelt and hilarious speeches, we snuck away for round two of couple portraits. While golden hour never quite peeked through, the peaceful village lanes and quiet moments were more than enough. It gave Ellie and Rory a chance to breathe, have a quiet moment together, and just take it all in. Plus, extra couple photos! I stepped back and let them stroll hand-in-hand through the village streets as they made their way back to the venue before dancefloor kicked off.

A Dancefloor to Remember
The evening finished with a packed, joy-fuelled dancefloor – laughter, bare feet, and some epic dance moves. As I packed up my gear and drove home, I found myself smiling but a little sad. When you’ve known and worked with a couple for so long, it’s always sad to say goodbye.

If you’re looking for a Hereford wedding photographer who will take the time to really get to know you, I’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re tying the knot at a gorgeous manor house in Hereford, or you’re venturing further afield, I’d love to hear from you.