DORFOLD HALL 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 DORFOLD HALL, CHESHIRE
Nestled within 800 acres of stunning Cheshire countryside, Dorfold Hall is a wedding venue that perfectly blends Jacobean grandeur with modern elegance. This 17th-century stately home has been lovingly restored and is one of those places that instantly captivates you. From the moment you make your way down the tree-lined drive, you’re welcomed by the beauty and warmth of this family-run estate, making it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding day.
Charles and Candice, who have been behind the transformation of Dorfold Hall since 2017, have done an incredible job of breathing new life into this historic venue. By combining traditional charm with contemporary design, they’ve created a place where history and modernity seamlessly come together. It’s no surprise that Dorfold Hall has quickly become one of Cheshire’s most sought-after wedding venues.
YOUR DORFOLD HALL WEDDING CEREMONY
Whether you’re planning to exchange vows in the stunning Coach House or surrounded by the lush greenery of the gardens, Dorfold Hall offers a range of beautiful settings for your ceremony. The estate’s tranquil atmosphere creates a romantic, intimate vibe, and with exclusive use of the grounds, you and your guests can enjoy every moment of your special day in complete privacy.
For those wanting a more traditional ceremony, there are also several picturesque churches nearby, giving you plenty of options for how you want your day to unfold.
YOUR DORFOLD HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographing weddings at Dorfold Hall is always a treat. The sweeping lawns, grand interiors, and unique architectural details provide the perfect setting for capturing those real, unposed moments that tell the story of your day. From the golden light streaming through the windows of L’Écurie to the timeless beauty of the gardens, Dorfold Hall offers endless opportunities for authentic and creative wedding photography.
With over 150 wedding industry awards to my name, including being named one of the Top 100 UK Wedding Photographers by SLR Lounge, I bring a decade of experience to every wedding I photograph. My approach is all about blending in with your guests and capturing the day as it happens. You won’t find me directing or staging shots—I’ll be right in the mix, documenting those genuine moments of laughter, love, and connection.
THE MAGIC OF DORFOLD HALL
What makes Dorfold Hall stand out is its ability to offer something truly unique. From the elegant interiors of L’Écurie, with its original brickwork and large windows, to the enchanting walled gardens, every corner of this venue feels magical. Whether it’s an outdoor reception on the lawn, an intimate dinner in the Hall, or dancing the night away in The Coach House, Dorfold Hall gives you the freedom to design your day exactly as you’ve imagined it.
The venue’s exclusive use policy ensures that you can fully relax and enjoy your wedding with just your closest friends and family by your side. Whether you’re looking for a one-day event or a longer celebration, Dorfold Hall provides a range of options to make your day truly special.
LOOKING TO HOST A WEDDING AT DORFOLD HALL?
If you’re planning your dream wedding at Dorfold Hall and love the idea of having your day documented in a relaxed, authentic style, I’d love to chat. I work across the UK and internationally, so whether you’re getting married at Dorfold Hall or somewhere further afield, get in touch, and let’s create something unforgettable.
" 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!!