CASWELL 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
Make your big day unforgettable with a Cotswolds wedding at Caswell House
Are you looking for the perfect wedding venue? Look no further than Caswell House in the heart of the Cotswolds. This elegant country house provides the perfect backdrop for your fairytale wedding. Here are 5 reasons why you should choose Caswell House to host your nuptials:
- They have a variety of beautiful ceremony and reception spaces that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
- Award-winning chefs will create a delicious menu tailored to your tastes.
- An experienced team will take care of every detail, ensuring that your day is perfect from beginning to end.
- Located in one of the most picturesque parts of England, surrounded by rolling hills and stunning countryside.
- They offer an extensive range of services to make your day memorable, from exclusive use packages to wedding planning and more.
A short history of Caswell House – Cotswolds Wedding Venue
Boasting an illustrious history that dates back to 1485, the Matthews family now resides in Caswell House and its surrounding grounds. What was once a deserted medieval settlement known as Caswell is today part of Witney Parish and Curbridge Township – a testament to time’s transformation of this spectacular estate.
The Caswell House and the barns are all that remains of the medieval settlement, but various traces – such as hollow ways and possible house platforms – have been identified in the southern region of the estate.
The settlement and the Caswell House both got their names from a nearby stream referred to as ‘cress-stream’, which is thought to be the origin of its name ‘Caswell’. To date, Caswell House has been blessed with its natural spring water that serves as an irrefutable source of nourishment for many years.
Caswell House Wedding Photography
My driving force on your wedding journey is to document your story, your friends and your family in a creative yet authentic way. From the time you book with me to the final delivery of your images, I am there for you and your story. Throughout the wedding day, I document beautiful moments in a very natural and unposed manner whilst adding creativity to deliver images that are unique to you and your story.
I love the feeling of leaving a wedding and feeling part of the family – there’s nothing better. It’s been said numerous times “it was like having a friend capture our day” – that’s the way it should be.
You will find me right in the action, at close quarters, you won’t see me skirting the wall with a long lens. I believe in documenting your story from within. I can usually be found laughing with your guests, often I’m the one making people laugh. Being close really helps your friends and family feel comfortable with me and allows me to document moments that I wouldn’t otherwise capture if they were uneasy.
Looking to host a Caswell House Wedding?
As I provide Caswell House Wedding Photography – If you love my work and style and value an authentic and natural approach, please get in touch asap. I work throughout the UK and internationally for destination weddings so no matter the location please get in touch.
Caswell House in the 21st Century
Currently, Caswell House is comprised of two main wings running in a south and northeast direction. The southern range – the earliest part of the house with its 15th Century beginnings – is built from rubble and rendered stone, while its roof and windows are 16th-century additions. One cannot miss an impressive arched doorway that leads into this historical abode!
With awe-inspiring views of the sprawling lawn and bridge, The South Range offers a delightful panorama. Meanwhile, in the North East corner of Caswell House, you will find 16th and 17th-century enhancements; including an exquisite main entrance flanked by Keeper’s Retreat.
It is assumed that during the 18th century, Caswell House was redesigned and turned into a farmhouse. At around the same time, Orchard End was constructed to be used for agricultural purposes such as creating cheese. The Granary and Coach House were also likely built in this era to store grain which was later modernized in the 19th Century, eventually preserving their current condition until the present day.
Caswell House stands today as a renowned and beloved wedding venue in the Cotswolds, making memories of joyous occasions with its beautiful historic grounds. If you’re searching for an idyllic setting to celebrate your special day, look no further than Caswell House.
The Caswell House Wedding Experience
Nestled away in the charming Oxfordshire countryside, Caswell House is yours alone. The idyllic walled gardens and picturesque moat serve as a perfect backdrop to your special day – both ceremony and reception are welcome!
Make your vows in the stunning barns, with exquisite flagstone floors and traditional oak beams that create a breathtakingly romantic atmosphere. If you choose to marry during the summer months, an elegant outdoor ceremony awaits – exchange rings beneath the historic Loggia archway for an unforgettable experience! You will also have exclusive use of three medieval barns for dining and dancing, accommodating up to 200 guests in the evening. And don’t forget about picturesque landscaped courtyards for drinks receptions as well as lovingly cared-for gardens providing the perfect backdrop for your photos.
" 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!!