Leeds Castle Wedding Photographer | An American Celebration

Jan 7, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Jul 29

When an American couple from Texas decides to tie the knot in one of the most iconic venues in Kent, the result is nothing short of magical. As a Leeds Castle wedding photographer, it’s one of those venues that always feels just as impressive every time I arrive. Driving through the grounds, catching your first glimpse of the castle surrounded by water and beautiful Kent countryside, you can completely understand why couples travel from all over the world to get married here.

When Eryn and Cody travelled all the way from the US to celebrate their wedding at Leeds Castle, I couldn’t wait to capture it for them. Bringing together family and friends from across the Atlantic, their day was filled with so much love, laughter and excitement. It was the perfect mix of American charm and a classic English castle wedding, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been there to photograph it all.

A Texas Love Story in the Heart of Kent

Although they now call Texas home, Eryn and Cody chose to celebrate their wedding day in one of the most iconic venues England has to offer.

Destination weddings always have such a lovely atmosphere. Guests have travelled a long way to be there, so everyone is excited from the moment they arrive. There always seems to be that little bit of extra emotion throughout the day because everyone has made such an effort to celebrate together.

One of my favourite parts of being a wedding photographer is meeting people from all over the world. Every wedding introduces me to different families, traditions and stories, and Eryn and Cody’s wedding was no different. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was lovely hearing guests talking about their trip to England while enjoying such a beautiful setting.

Wedding menu card shot by Kent wedding photographer

Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle has been welcoming guests for hundreds of years, and you really feel that history as soon as you arrive. Set amongst acres of beautiful Kent countryside just outside Maidstone, it’s unlike anywhere else in the county. Surrounded by its famous moat, gardens and parkland, it feels peaceful while still being incredibly grand.

What I love most as a Leeds Castle wedding photographer is how many different backdrops you can use throughout the day. Every part of the venue feels different, meaning your gallery has so much variety without ever leaving the grounds.

The castle itself is stunning, but it’s the little areas that I always find myself coming back to. The stone walls, winding pathways, quiet gardens and beautiful views across the water all create photographs that feel timeless. You never have to force anything here because the venue does so much of the work for you.

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration, Leeds Castle somehow manages to feel both grand and welcoming at the same time. It’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular choice for couples looking for a romantic wedding venue in Kent.

Leeds castle in Kent shot by luxury wedding photographer

Bridal Preparations Inside Leeds Castle

Eryn looked absolutely stunning.

She chose a timeless wedding dress with delicate lace detailing and a flowing A-line skirt that suited Leeds Castle perfectly. It had such an elegant feel without being over the top, and it moved beautifully as she walked through the castle.

The bridal suite at Leeds Castle is one of my favourite places to photograph the morning preparations. The natural light pouring through the windows is gorgeous, making it perfect for those quiet moments while the finishing touches come together.

I always love photographing this part of the day because everything still feels calm. The dress is hanging ready, the flowers have just arrived and there’s a mixture of excitement and nerves in the room. Those little moments often become some of my favourites in the final gallery.

Her bridesmaids wore soft pink dresses, each slightly different in style and fabric, which added so much interest to the photographs while still feeling beautifully coordinated.

The Groom’s Morning

Meanwhile, Cody was getting ready with his groomsmen before making his way to the ceremony.

Dressed in a classic black tuxedo with a patterned bow tie, he looked incredibly smart while still adding his own personality to the day. I always enjoy photographing the groom preparations too. They’re usually much more relaxed, full of laughs and plenty of jokes before the emotions of the ceremony begin.

From fastening cufflinks to helping each other with jackets, these moments all become part of the story, and I always make sure they’re included in the gallery.

Photographing the Ceremony

One of the loveliest parts of Eryn and Cody’s wedding was how personal their ceremony felt.

Instead of a traditional celebrant, they had a close friend lead the ceremony, making every word feel even more meaningful. You could see just how much it meant to everyone there.

As a Leeds Castle wedding photographer, these are the moments I love capturing most. The smiles between the couple, parents wiping away tears, guests laughing together and those little glances that happen when nobody thinks they’re being photographed.

Those are the photographs that take you straight back to how the day felt.

Couple Portraits Around Leeds Castle

Once the ceremony was over, we headed outside to explore the grounds.

This is always my favourite part of photographing a wedding at Leeds Castle. There are so many incredible places to use, but I never want couples to spend hours away from their guests.

We took a relaxed walk through the grounds, stopping whenever the light looked beautiful or a backdrop caught my eye. The views across the moat are always stunning, and I love using the castle in the background without it completely taking over the photograph.

Another favourite spot of mine is the courtyard. The stone walls give such a classic feel, while the open space allows couples to simply walk together and enjoy a few quiet moments.

Rather than lots of posing, I always encourage couples to chat, laugh and enjoy being together. Those natural interactions create photographs that feel genuine, and they never go out of style.

Why Leeds Castle is Perfect for Wedding Photography

Every venue photographs differently, and Leeds Castle is one that offers something beautiful in every season.

The gardens are stunning throughout the year, the castle provides an incredible backdrop from almost every angle and there are so many locations if the weather changes. Whether we’re photographing inside the castle or outside overlooking the lake, there’s always somewhere beautiful to create timeless photographs.

It’s also one of those venues where the history adds so much character without feeling dark or formal. It still feels warm, welcoming and full of life, which is exactly how wedding photography should feel.

Capturing a Day They’ll Never Forget

Looking back through Eryn and Cody’s gallery, what stands out most isn’t just the beautiful castle.

It’s the people.

The hugs after the ceremony. The excitement on everyone’s faces. Friends and family travelling across the world to celebrate together. Those are the moments that matter, and they’re the photographs I love delivering the most.

As a Leeds Castle wedding photographer, my aim is always to tell the story of your day naturally. Of course I’ll capture those beautiful portraits with the castle behind you, but I’ll also be looking for the moments in between that you might not even realise happened.

Those are the memories that become even more valuable with time.

Eryn and Cody’s wedding was such a joy to photograph and a wonderful reminder that love really does bring people together from every corner of the world.

If you’re planning your own wedding and looking for a Leeds Castle wedding photographer who captures natural moments, true-to-life colours and relaxed, timeless images, I’d love to hear all about your plans.