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Elmley Nature reserve wedding photography is something I could do every weekend. There is something so magical about this wedding venue that just feels so special every time I visit. Maybe it comes from being an inner city Londoner (I’ve been here seven years so I think I can officially now say that!). When I’m surrounded by just that much nature, it really sets my heart alive. And with the drive only being an hour away, it’s truly a gem of a wedding venue. For miles around the venue, all you can see is beautiful untouched fields and trees. And due to the conservation of the land, the flora and fauna are very much in abundance. It’s a truly special sight.
As a wedding photographer, I get really excited when I’m capturing love stories in settings like this. I can feel the energy that you, your friends and family are feeling and my aim is to freeze it in time with my camera.
Keep scrolling to view some of the magic that happened on this amazing day. If you like a golden hour, this is definitely for you!
Elmley Nature Reserve – Location
Elmley National Nature Reserve covers 3,300 acres of wilderness and breathtaking beauty on the Isle of Sheppey in North Kent, just 40 miles from London and they have a generous amount of amazing on site accommodation for you and your guests too.
Bridal Prep
One of the best features of Elmley Nature Reserve is the beautiful giant cottage situated on the lawn. With breathtaking views surrounding it and an open plan design, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxed morning before your ceremony. The interior design has been done to an amazing standard too with a feel of rustic luxe.
The Ceremony
Elmley Nature Reserve offers a number of different options for where you can have your wedding ceremony. C and R opted for the lawn with the endless views as their backdrop. They added an extra personal touch to their day and chose their close friend to lead the ceremony which you could see was so meaningful.
A highlight was when the guests broke into a rendition of ‘Here comes the sun’ by The Beatles whilst the local resident chickens clucked their way in between them. You couldn’t deny the love filled energy. And the photos of the couple and their guests were filled with SO much joy on this fun and sunny day. The ceremony ended with my favourite tradition which is of course – confetti! How else will you confirm that you’re officially married?!
Drinks Reception
This was one of those British summer days that made the weather news and Elmley Nature Reserve was prepared with a host of super cute sun umbrellas to go around. The outdoor bar was also packed with a whole array of delicious flavoured water to keep the guests hydrated.
This wedding had a real boutique festival feel. Whilst everyone mingled, there was a roaming sax player providing the music, which really set the tone for the reception. And whilst I was capturing documentary photos of the brides and their guests, I spotted some guests I’d met at a wedding previously that summer. This happens a lot to me and it’s always so nice to see familiar faces!
Barn Wedding Venue
Another of my favourite features of Elmley Nature Reserve is the Kingshill Barn and where the brides opted to have their wedding breakfast. The barn can seat up to two hundred guests, so if you’re planning a large wedding, this is a great option and certainly has the wow factor.
A sharing feast was on the menu including jerk chicken and the banquet style tables were decorated thoughtfully with personalised details throughout. The florist had carefully placed beautiful flowers in alternating sizes and coloured vases across the tables which really added to the rustic luxe feel. As a documentary wedding photographer, I am always looking for emotion and feeling to capture but I also love to photograph the personal touches and style you’ve added to your wedding day.
Elmley Nature Reserve – Golden Hour Photos
When you can see so far into the distance that the horizon is visible, there is always a chance of a beautiful golden hour at sunset. If you haven’t heard of golden hour, it’s that one hour just before the sun sets that makes every thing look all glowy and magical. If you haven’t set your wedding schedule yet, I recommend really making sure you leave fifteen minutes free for this. As a wedding photographer, this is up there with one of my favourite times of a wedding day and Elmley Nature Reserve is the dream location for your golden hour photographs.
The brides wanted lots of pictures to include their brides-people, so we headed to this amazing backdrop to capture some epic candid images for them.
You’ll see some of Elmley nature reserve accommodation options just peeking in the background here. A well as the beautiful cottage and other luxe glamp options, you also have access to their idyllic yurt field to house your guests for the evening too – dreamy! Did I mention before that Elmley Nature Reserve wedding photography is my jam!?
Elmley Nature Reserve Wedding – Your Evening Reception and Party
The Kingshill barn is a wonderful place to have your first dance on your wedding day. There is so much space to allow your guests to get down and shimmy whilst your band plays on and sets the tone for the party. And these guys were so ready to party! It so happened that there were quite a few musically talented souls at the wedding who took it in turns to sing with the band. Not only was it meaningful but it was so much fun and a total joy to capture!
Get in Touch
Are you planning on having a dreamy summer wedding? Could you imagine your Elmley Nature Reserve Wedding photography in my style? I’d love to find out more about your day and chat about how I can give you your dream wedding photos.
Just head to my contact form to see if I’m available on your date and to receive my full pricing guide. If I’m free on your date, we’ll book in a video chat to get to know each other a little better before getting it all booked in!
I also keep my instagram up to date with all my wedding goings on – you can follow along here: @tashbustaphotography
Check My Availability
To see if I’m available for your wedding day, just head to my contact form here
