JESMOND DENE HOUSE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. RELAXED PORTRAITS. NO STAGING. NO SHOT LISTS. NO CHEESY POSING.
NATURAL STORYTELLING WITH A MODERN EDGE
Modern documentary photography for people who hate fuss!
No staging, no shot lists, no cheesy posing
getting married at jesmond dene house in newcastle
Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle is a beautiful wedding venue because of its history and charm. In 1871, Captain (later, Sir) Andrew Noble, a partner in Lord William Armstrong’s powerful shipping and armaments company, purchased this Grade II-listed Arts and Crafts structure, previously one of Newcastle’s most prominent houses. As Noble’s fortune and notoriety grew, so did his mansion, where he hosted lavish parties for the likes of royals and Hollywood A-listers.
The home had a tumultuous existence following Noble’s widow’s death, serving among other things as a World War II Civil Defence establishment (tunnels still remain under the house) before becoming the first privately managed boutique hotel in Newcastle in 2005.
The location of Jesmond Dene House is ideal, as it is close to the countryside while still being close to the heart of the city. The hotel staff appreciates the hotel’s tranquilly and does not take it for granted. All of this fuels the staff’s dedication to making you, the visitors, feel welcome and cared for. Because it is privately owned, Jesmond Dene House can cater to your specific needs and whims. When you make a request, the staff will do what they can to fulfil it.
They care deeply about the finer points because they recognise the importance of the details. The employees at Jesmond Dene House will treat you with the same level of care whether you’re there for a quick coffee with a friend or a relaxing weekend getaway. The staff at the hotel cares about your comfort because you are their guests.
Jesmond Dene House, located in the posh Jesmond neighbourhood just outside of Newcastle’s downtown, offers a taste of the country without the hassle of a long trip. The hotel is located in Jesmond Dene, a wooded valley with a waterfall and some wooden bridges, and is a Grade II listed, independently owned boutique hotel with 40 elegant bedrooms.
As an Award winning wedding photographer with over 150 awards and experience of over 350+ weddings – documenting your day at Jesmond Dene House would be an honour. My authentic and relaxed approach means documenting moments and emotions is my number one priority; no posing, no staging and allows you to have a wedding day and not a photoshoot.
the beautiful spaces at jesmond dene house Newcastle
As a Jesmond Dene wedding photographer, I highly recommend considering their Secret Garden and Great Hall for your ceremony and reception.
Imagine exchanging your vows in the Secret Garden, surrounded by the enchanting forest and the calming sound of the waterfall. After the ceremony, continue the celebration with a garden party under magical festoon lighting and a Jesmond Dene House-style BBQ. The Secret Garden can also be hired for your wedding ceremony, aperitif, and evening turnaround, or just for the evening turnaround with the use of the Garden Bar.
For larger wedding ceremonies of up to 114 guests, The Great Hall is the perfect choice. This double-height room with oak panelling, minstrels’ gallery, vast fireplace, and lofty windows creates a grand and elegant atmosphere for your special day. For an evening wedding party with entertainment, the Hall can accommodate up to 130 guests for drinks and dancing. If you prefer a more intimate arrangement, smaller rooms are also available to accommodate six to 30 guests.
After the festivities, you and your guests can retire to one of the hotel’s 40 individually designed bedrooms, each with its own unique size and character. Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 11:00 am. If you need to store your luggage at reception before check-in, the staff will be happy to assist you. For a stress-free experience, I recommend staying the night before and making it a relaxing getaway. Don’t forget to book the honeymoon suite, the ‘Apartment Suite,’ located above the Great Hall with its own private entrance, lounge, bedroom, double bathroom, and a private terrace perfect for a quiet moment as newlyweds.
At Jesmond Dene House, your dream wedding becomes a reality. Contact them today to learn more about their services and book your special day. I can’t wait to capture your beautiful memories at this stunning venue.
packages at jesmond dene house
Jesmond Dene House has you covered when it comes to wedding packages, whether you’re planning a midweek wedding or the more popular weekend option. The Elegance Package is ideal for wedding couples who desire a fuss-free special occasion, as it includes a wine and beer reception, a three-course set meal, two glasses of house wine per person with the meal, and a glass of Prosecco for the toasts. Prices begin at £100 per adult during off-season. (all prices correct at time of writing – March 2023)
If you want to add a touch of opulence to your special day, the Opulence Package is for you. This package includes a Prosecco welcome drink, four canapés per person, a three-course set meal, two glasses of selected wine per person, and a Prosecco toast. Prices begin at £120 per adult during off-season. (all prices correct at time of writing – March 2023)
The Indulgence Package is the way to go for the most luxurious wedding experience. This package includes a Champagne welcome drink, six canapés per person, a three-course meal, two glasses of wine per person with the meal, a glass of Champagne for toasts, and chair decorations. Prices begin at £140 per adult during off-season. (all prices correct at time of writing – March 2023)
And if you’re concerned about the cost of your dream wedding, Jesmond Dene House has some fantastic special offers. You can save more money if you plan early and are flexible with dates. Get in touch with them for options!
how to make the most of your time in newcastle during your stay
Newcastle is home to many wonderful sights, sounds, and flavors that are worth exploring. During your stay in the city, be sure to visit iconic landmarks like Grey’s Monument and Newcastle Castle. You can also find out more about the history of the city by visiting its renowned museums.
Don’t forget to take in some of Newcastle’s amazing architecture, from the St Nicholas’ Cathedral to Stephenson’s Rocket! Take a stroll along pedestrian-friendly lanes like Dean Street or Bigg Market during which you can do some shopping and grab a bite at one of the wonderful eateries. Or if you would rather be outdoors, relax in one of the city’s many picturesque parks—you may even come across an event or two while you’re there! With all this and more on offer, you are sure to make your time in Newcastle unforgettable!
If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic place to get married, Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle is the perfect venue for you. With its stunning grounds and views of the river, it’s no wonder this hidden gem is fast becoming one of the most popular wedding venues in the city. And with Newcastle being such a romantic city, it’s the perfect place to spend your honeymoon too! So if you’re planning on getting married soon, be sure to check out Jesmond Dene House – you won’t be disappointed.
jesmond dene house wedding photography
Just a few minutes walk from Jesmond Dene House is the stunning grounds of Jesmond Dene, a nature reserve boasting beautiful views and a variety of walks. The area is full of lush trees, meandering pathways and even a babbling brook with its own waterfall – perfect for a 5 minute stroll for some couple portraits during the wedding.
I’m a strong believer in the following statement… ’It’s a wedding, not a photoshoot’ – I want my Images and creativity to tell your story as honestly as I can without posing and staging. On your wedding day I aim to become a guest at the wedding but with expensive gear and a good eye. Talking, laughing and having a good time with your friends and family is very important, the more relaxed they are the more authentic the Images. I want your Images to appear honest, genuine to the moment and completely relaxed.
let the party begin!
One of the main aspects that sets me apart is the fact I stay late. I won’t be in the car 4 seconds after the first dance. I’ll be with you to 10pm to capture the crazy moments. I’m able to stay late due to offering my collection exclusively to just 30 couples per year – meaning I have no back-to-back weddings and I can give 100% effort on your wedding day. It’s impossible to stay late if there’s a wedding the next day but with me that will never happen.
With a large majority of weddings the evening guests arrive around 7pm and aren’t quite ready to let their hair down at 8pm when most photographers leave, so having me there to 10pm allows them to unwind and I capture their dad dancing or half-naked shoulder carries as below.
Staying late is also advantageous for summer weddings when the sunsets aren’t until 9:30pm – 10pm. If you want some sunset portraits – I got you covered.
" Ray was absolutely incredible and I would 100% recommend. On the day, he brought all the laughs and positive vibes, effortlessly putting all our guests at ease. The photos are absolutely incredible. Ray also created a highlight film for us which was amazing! He recorded so many great moments and it meant we didn’t need to book a videographer/content creator too. He really is amazing and we would definitely recommend. "
— Emma + Callum, Woodlands Hotel
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Right, let’s start by saying you’re not just buying ‘nice photos’ – we live in a world with so many nice instagram feeds, but it’s not just aesthetics. I’ve seen loads of photographers who have a large majority of their instagram feeds/website from content days, workshops etc. (no pressure, no time constraints, models, perfect setups)
A nice instagram grid or website doesn’t tell you if they can handle chaos, keep you from shitting your pants before you go down the aisle, read the room, move portraits later in the timeline as you booked a live singer for the reception and you actually want to listen to them. That stuff doesn’t live on pretty feeds – It lives in experience. (350+ weddings over 10 years, I got you covered)
The real risk isn’t just bad photos, it’s a bad fit. Feeling awkward, being dragged around, missing the good bits because someone was too busy staging ‘the perfect shot’. So here’s the meat and bones of it: don’t ask yourself ‘do we like their photos?’ – instead ask yourself ‘do we trust this person to show up on the day and smash it out the park’ (read my reviews).
Once you realise that, you stop scrolling for the prettiest grid and start looking for the person, the vibe, the energy you want to spend your entire day with, someone who will sing along to the fresh prince of bel air during bride prep, someone who will knock out some body popping on the dance floor before capturing the bridesmaid whacking out the perfect worm – and if that ends up being me – happy bloody days!!
I don’t direct the day, I document it!
Real moments over fake poses
My goal on your wedding day is simple, to tell your story creatively and authentically. From the moment you book until your gallery is delivered, I’m there for you, documenting every moment in a natural, unposed way while adding a touch of creativity to make the images truly yours.
I love leaving a wedding feeling like part of the family. Couples often say, “It felt like having a friend capture our day,” and that’s exactly how it should be. You’ll usually find me right in the action, laughing with guests and capturing moments from up close. I believe the best photos come from being fully immersed in the day, not hiding at the back with a long lens. When your friends and family feel comfortable with me, that’s when I can document the most genuine moments.
That’s why connection matters so much. I want to capture your wedding from within, like a friend who just happens to have some very expensive cameras.
" The BEST photographer and person ever. Ray really knows his stuff and his expertise and skills made for a seamless day. Ray provided hybrid coverage (photo + film), we are honestly both speechless. We knew the pictures would be good but they really were like something out of a magazine. How he had time to also capture the day via video. I’ll never know! Everyone at the wedding commented on how special Ray was and how he felt like part of the family! There wasn’t a person he didn’t make smile, he’s a true legend "
— Jasmine + Tom, Newton Hall
I also offer KICK-ASS highlight films. have a watch of this one.
FEATURED WEDDINGS
WHY NOT TAKE A GOOSEY GANDER
RAW, UN-STAGED, AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR. IT'S A WEDDING DAY, NOT A PHOTOSHOOT!
Work with me
I’d absolutely love to work with you, I love working with couples who understand my approach, love my work and just want to have a relaxed and fun wedding day. I work with about 20-25 couples per year and I’d love for you to become one of the few, so please fill out the contact form to get the ball rolling and we can jump on ZOOM, have a chat and go from there.
I’m eternally grateful for your time checking out my work etc. I understand there are thousands of photographers and if you do want to work with me… thanks so much you bloody legends!!