Grangefields wedding, Derbyshire - Sarah & Martin
As a documentary wedding photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture wedding days in various stunning settings, but there’s something particularly magical about an autumn wedding. Not a shock if you know me. Last October, I had the pleasure of photographing Sarah & Martins wedding at Grangefields in Derbyshire, a venue that encapsulates rustic charm with a modern twist.
Grangefields is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Derbyshire’s rolling countryside. Surrounded by fields and woodlands, it offers a tranquil, picturesque setting that feels both intimate and grand. The venue combines the warmth of exposed brick and wooden beams with large, airy spaces that are flooded with natural light. The versatility of this venue made it perfect for an autumn celebration, as it allowed for both cosy indoor moments and stunning outdoor views of the golden foliage.
Set against the backdrop of Grangefields’ rustic barn, the ceremony was nothing short of magical. The light streaming in from the large barn doors added an ethereal quality to the scene. As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m always searching for those candid moments — the look exchanged between the couple during their vows, the tear in a parent’s eye, or the laughter of a child in the back row.
My style is completely relaxed during the day, including when it comes to couple portraits. I let Sarah & Martin enjoy their day with their guests for as much time as possible during the drinks reception, before taking them away for a walk around the grounds of the venue. I really want to allow couples to breathe, reflect and enjoy a moment alone together without feeling like they’re on a photoshoot. We simply took a walk through the venue and around the grounds outside in that beautiful autumn light.
As the night fell, the atmosphere shifted from serene to celebratory. The barn was transformed into a cosy space filled with flickering candles and laughter. The couple’s first dance was a beautiful blend of elegance and fun, setting the tone for the night’s celebrations. One of my favourite parts of the evening was the sparklers — a moment that never fails to deliver in terms of both excitement and photography. I love capturing the evening with a mixture of lighting techniques. Ambient lighting to capture the sparklers, some direct flash for that fashion editorial feel, and bouncing flash off the ceiling to make you feel like you’re there in the moment as you look back on the images.
Take a scroll for some autumn wedding inspiration…
