An Intimate Stratford-upon-Avon Wedding - Sarah & Craig

Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its timeless charm, historic streets, and a sense of romance that hangs in the air. Has anyone heard of Romeo and Juliet? As a documentary wedding photographer, it’s one of my favourite places to shoot, especially when a couple like Sarah and Craig make the day so unforgettable.

Their wedding was the very definition of intimate: just the two of them, Sarah’s best friend, and myself as their wedding photographer AND second witness. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Stratford-upon-Avon on a busy bank holiday in May, this was a day full of spontaneity, laughter, and genuine connection. As someone who typically shoots in a natural, documentary style, their day gave me the chance to flex my creative muscles and lean into a more stylised approach, while still capturing authentic moments as they unfolded in front of me.

One of my absolute highlights of the day, was the couple’s playful decision to exchange Ring Pops instead of traditional rings. This is the sort of unexpected and personal touch that perfectly reflects their sense of humour and love for fun. Before the ceremony, we even stopped off so Sarah could pick up her flowers from the lovely team at Pink Sage Florists, another moment that added to the relaxed, untraditional vibe of the day. Picking out her flowers for her bouquet and having it made there and then was such a unique moment, and one which I've never captured before.

With just the four of us, there was plenty of freedom to explore the beauty of Stratford-upon-Avon and use the town itself as a creative playground for portraits. From timber framed buildings to cobbled alleyways and bustling public spaces, the town has plenty to offer, even for a documentary wedding photographer like myself. I loved embracing the flow of the day and letting the natural movement of people in town become part of the photos. Letting the general public walk through a few key shots helped me frame Sarah and Craig beautifully while giving a real sense of place and time.

For anyone considering a small wedding in Stratford-upon-Avon, I can’t recommend it enough. There’s something incredibly powerful about stripping everything back and focusing solely on the connection between two people. Whether you’re planning a micro wedding or an elopement, the town offers endless backdrops for stunning wedding photography, from the River Avon to Shakespearean architecture.

Being part of Sarah and Craig’s day was wonderful. I’m so grateful they trusted me not only to document their love story but also to witness it, and I can honestly say this was one of my favourite weddings I’ve ever photographed. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

If you’re planning your own Stratford-upon-Avon wedding and love the idea of relaxed, documentary wedding photography mixed with a creative twist, I’d love to hear from you.