Lizzie & Liam

As a documentary wedding photographer working in film, I’m always drawn to weddings that strip things back to what actually matters. Lizzie and Liam’s wedding in Glossop did exactly that—no formalities, no rigid timeline, no performance. Just two people getting married in an old chapel, followed by pie, mash, and stout in a local pub.

This was a wedding that felt lived-in, honest, and deeply personal.

The day began in a small, historic chapel tucked away in Glossop, on the edge of the Peak District. The building itself carried years of character—soft stone, worn wooden pews, light falling in gently through old windows. It didn’t need styling. It already knew how to hold a moment.

Lizzie and Liam arrived without fuss. No grand entrance, no staged anticipation. Guests settled in, coats still on, conversations trailing off naturally as the ceremony began. The feeling was intimate in the truest sense—everyone present felt involved rather than watching from the outside.

From a documentary film photography perspective, this kind of ceremony is a gift. Nothing felt forced. Small gestures, exchanged glances, hands finding each other without thinking—these are the moments that matter, and they unfold best when no one is directing them.

Photographing Weddings Without Formalities

There were no strict traditions being followed and no pressure to perform a “perfect” wedding. That absence of formalities created space—for emotion, for humour, for real interaction.

This is exactly why I photograph weddings in a documentary style and why I shoot on film. Film slows things down. It asks you to pay attention. Instead of chasing a checklist of shots, I was able to focus on what was actually happening: laughter bubbling up unexpectedly, quiet pauses, the way people leaned into each other during the vows.

For couples like Lizzie and Liam, photography isn’t about how things look—it’s about how they felt.

Pie, Mash, and Stout: A Pub Reception Done Right

After the ceremony, everyone made their way to a local pub for the reception. No seating plan. No speeches on a schedule. Just plates of pie and mash arriving at the table, pints of stout being passed around, and conversations stretching long into the afternoon.

The pub was warm and loud in the best way. Glasses clinked, chairs scraped, people drifted between tables. Kids, grandparents, friends—all mixed together without hierarchy. It felt more like a gathering than an event.

From a documentary wedding photographer’s point of view, this is where the story really opens up. Pub receptions are full of unguarded moments: someone laughing mid-mouthful, arms slung around shoulders, heads thrown back in genuine joy. Nothing posed, nothing repeated “for the camera.”

Why This Kind of Wedding Matters

Weddings like this are a reminder that there’s no single way to get married. You don’t need a grand venue or a tightly controlled timeline to create something meaningful. Lizzie and Liam’s day was small, relaxed, and unmistakably theirs.

For couples considering a similar approach—whether that’s a chapel wedding in the Peak District, a pub reception, or simply a day without traditions that don’t resonate—this is where documentary film photography really shines. It honours the day as it actually happens, not as it’s expected to look.

Documentary Film Wedding Photography in Glossop & the Peak District

Glossop and the surrounding Peak District offer a perfect backdrop for couples who value atmosphere over spectacle. Old chapels, stone buildings, and lived-in pubs all lend themselves beautifully to a documentary approach—especially when shot on film, which adds depth, texture, and a timeless quality that suits these spaces.

Lizzie and Liam’s wedding wasn’t about impressing anyone. It was about being present, feeding people well, and celebrating in a way that felt natural. Photographing it was a privilege.

If you’re planning a wedding that’s more about connection than convention, and you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer working with film, these are exactly the kinds of stories I love to tell.