THE WEST MILL 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 the beautifully chic 19th Century; The West Mill in Derby
Are you looking for the perfect wedding venue that can offer you a unique and memorable experience? The West Mill Wedding Venue in Derby is the ideal place to tie the knot! Located in a stunning 19th-century mill, this venue offers a truly romantic atmosphere with its lush grounds and beautiful architecture.
After spending years in ruins, The West Mill was painstakingly restored to its former glory in 2015. The team maintained the building’s original industrial architecture from the 1800s while modernising it for today, creating a stunning venue with sun-filled Georgian windows and grand barrel vaulted ceilings – perfect to make your wedding day truly unforgettable!
From the moment you step through its doors, you will be surrounded by an unforgettable ambience of elegance and sophistication. Whether it’s your big day or just a special celebration, this venue has everything needed to make your event one to remember.
With its experienced staff, professional catering services and stylish décor options, this is sure to be an occasion that both you and your guests will never forget. Read on to learn more about why getting married at the West Mill Wedding Venue in Derby should be at the top of your list!
5 Reasons to choose The West Mill – Derbyshire Wedding Photography
Unforgettable Ambience: From the moment you step through its doors, you will be surrounded by an unforgettable ambience of elegance and sophistication. The 19th-century mill is beautiful and romantic with lush grounds that provide a picturesque backdrop for your special day.
You can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the venue’s terraces and lawns. With its elegant interior featuring grand chandeliers and antiques, your wedding celebration will be one to remember!
- Experienced Staff: The staff at The West Mill Wedding Venue are all experienced professionals who are dedicated to making sure your special day goes off without a hitch. They pay attention to every detail so that nothing is overlooked, ensuring that your guests have an enjoyable experience and that all of their needs are met throughout the event.
- Professional Catering Services: This venue offers top-notch catering services that can accommodate any dietary requirements or preferences. When you book The West Mill Venue, their team of experienced chefs, passionate catering managers and friendly booking staff will be with you every step of the way.
- With menus starting from £48 per person, they offer an extensive selection to design your ideal menu from – traditional dishes or vegan treats? Relaxed dining options or sharing-style platters? Whatever it may be, the West Mill Kitchen is committed to creating a mouthwatering Wedding Breakfast that will wow all your guests!
- Stylish Décor Options: The West Mill Wedding Venue has a wide selection of stylish décor options available to make your event unique and memorable. From tableware and furniture rentals to gorgeous floral arrangements, they have everything you need to create the perfect look for your wedding celebration!
- Flexible Space: Spanning four floors, the building offers distinct and individual spaces to host anything from your civil ceremony and wedding breakfast to a drinks reception and dancing for up to 160 guests.
- The West Mill’s outside area showcases an attractive south-facing courtyard garden along with a picturesque walkway that follows the River Derwent – providing you with a magical location for hosting your wedding celebration or utilising the beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos.
- No Corkage Charge: At The West Mill, you can bring your own daytime drinks, from Pimms for the reception to wine and fizz for the toast – without worrying about corkage charges. That way, it’s easier than ever to add a personal touch to your wedding!
After dinner concludes and guests move onto evening activities in the first-floor bar, the no corkage policy ends. Any leftover beverages will be safely stored away until they can be collected the following day.
On-Site Accommodations
Located just steps away from The West Mill Venue, The Grade II-listed Mill House stands as a beautiful boutique home that is sure to fulfil your every desire.
Constructed in 1799 and recently restored with utmost care and attention to detail, the house boasts eight luxurious double bedrooms each designed in signature West Mill style – all of which are en suite for added ease! So you can end the perfect day of your wedding celebration surrounded by those closest to you in unparalleled comfort.
The Mill Cottage has arrived in 2022! Situated just opposite the venue, this brand-new self-catering cottage features three spacious double bedrooms and one delightful twin room that accommodates up to 10 adults.
Not only is it filled with natural light but also boasts two separate family bathrooms as well as an en suite master bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and an enclosed garden & courtyard to enjoy pre-wedding day drinks or an evening nightcap after the wedding.
Looking to host a wedding at The West Mill?
As I provide West Mill 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.
The West Mill Derby is an Exclusive Use wedding venue.
The West Mill will be solely yours from 11:00 am on your wedding day to 12:00 pm at night. Your guests and you will have absolute authority over the venue and its grounds, with a guarantee that no strangers or third parties are present.
The only two exceptions are your Event Manager as well as the Catering team who’ll be available throughout the whole duration of your special day to ensure everything runs smoothly according to plan!
" 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!!