Rustic Outdoor Wedding

A Rustic Outdoor Wedding in Edale, Derbyshire

Vic and John were married back in June. After finding my site they decided the storytelling, natural photography that I offer was just what they were looking for. So they asked me to be the photographer for their rustic outdoor wedding in Edale. Set in the beautiful Hope Valley in Derbyshire. They had a small ceremony at the New Mills Council house, before driving over to Edale and the Dalehead Bunkhouse. Driving in to the Hope Valley from this side of the Peak District is stunning! It honestly took my breath away for a second.

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We arrived at the Bunkhouse, I received a tour of the grounds that were to play host for this rather special outdoor wedding! The Bunkhouse is usually a hostel for walkers and people enjoying the peace and quiet of the Peak District. But today it was being used as a staging ground for the food prep and just outside, a meeting place for guests as they arrived. We took a stroll up out of the valley onto the top of what was once a railway tunnel. It’s now been reclaimed by the countryside, and stands like a promontory out into the Hope Valley. A perfect setting for their rustic wedding ceremony.

An Earth-Spirited Ceremony at the Dalehead Bunkhouse

Meanwhile, I could tell the guests were making the most of the sunshine and the gorgeous scenery surrounding them by the sound of champagne corks popping. And the odd bottle of coke for the kids. Then it was time for everyone to make the walk to the ceremony area. As weddings go, there was a fair bit of walking, but it was totally worth it for 360 degree views like this! With the civil ceremony over, Vic and John chose to have an earth-spirited ceremony in the afternoon for all of their friends and family. The ceremony was such a beautiful and unique occasion, with Vic & John planting a tree together on the hillside, as well as having their family bind their hands together. Something so meaningful to the couple, and I’m sure they’ll treasure the memories forever.

As they turned and faced their families as husband and wife, they were, of course, showered with confetti as they walked back down the hillside to the Bunkhouse. The whole day was relaxed and didn’t follow any of the usual wedding timeline elements. This was their special day, and they were just enjoying seeing where it went. The marquee where the food would be served later, stood at the top of a field with possibly some of the best views I’ve seen at a wedding. The Hope Valley spread out in front of us. So naturally, drinks in hand, people kicked off their shoes and found a comfortable spot on the grass.

Speeches in a Countryside Marquee

After some quality lounging, it was time for some speeches. So people found room in the marquee, topped up their glasses and settled in. It was lovely to see Vic and John give their speech together. Definitely something I hope becomes a new tradition. Following the speeches, the food was served, which was a mouth-watering spread, served canteen-style (along with some self-serve barrels of ale!). The rest of the afternoon stretched into evening, and people enjoyed the space and being outdoors as much as possible, before poking their head back into the tent to watch a number of the couple’s friends perform on stage. A great way for their friends to get involved in the day.

It was a pretty magical day, and I felt privileged to be a small part of it. Outdoor weddings can be a challenge in this country thanks to our weather, but thankfully it all paid off for Vic and John.