Amber and Chris closed out my 2025 season in serious style. As a Charlton Hall wedding photographer, this was one of the most unique weddings I’ve photographed there—an entire celebration lit by fairy lights, sparklers and the glow of a Northumberland winter evening.
Charlton Hall wedding venue
Charlton Hall is a gem in the countryside. You may have preconceptions of a country estate wedding venue, but throw them all out for this place. The decor is super modern and quirky and completely unique compared to a traditional mansion venue. If you want something a bit different, but with the space and elegance of a rural estate, you got it! I love the chequered floor in the ceremony room, the iconic giraffe on the staircase, the furniture. Everything, really!
As well as their full day weddings, they offer a more budget friendly twilight option.
Twilight wedding photography at Charlton Hall
I’ve shot at Charlton Hall before, including twilight packages, but this was my first time for an after dark wedding! It’s an odd thing when I arrive at a wedding as the sun is starting to set in the sky. It also happened to be a night where there was a full blown storm raging outside. All in all, it’s actually everything that would panic a wedding photographer normally. When I started, 10 years ago I would have been so nervous. But with my experience now, you can only work with what you’re given, and I actually love embracing dark venues now. As for a storm which means we couldn’t get outside.. I’m prepared!
When I arrived, Amber was just finishing getting ready, and guests were starting to head towards the ceremony room. I captured her Dad seeing her for the first time (this one was a real tearjerker), and then we were ready to go!
Romantic fairy-light lit wedding ceremony at Charlton Hall
Charlton Hall has one of my favourite ceremony spaces of all the Northumberland wedding venues I’ve shot in. It’s a little dark, but oh so romantic! The fairy lights are gorgeous, and I love the flooring. Again, it’s what makes Charlton Hall special – a barn space, but with a totally unique feel.
Chris was ready and waiting at the top of the aisle, with his best man and their little son close by. There was a lovely excited feeling in the air.
Amber walked in with a very proud Dad on her arm and you could tell the nerves immediately vanished from Chris as he saw her.
Look how cosy the space looks! So gorgeous. I love how the colour palette they chose of deep reds also brought out the seasonal, festive feel without being too obvious. By this point, it was completely dark outside and you could hear the wind blowing outside.
The ceremony was short and sweet and the room full of happiness for the newly weds. But for now, it was party time!
Winter wedding reception in Charlton Hall
My usual plan straight after a ceremony is to do confetti, but with it raining and blowing an absolute gale outside, we decided to abandon it for now before guests got soaked and cold. Keep reading though.. we managed it later and it was stunning. Instead we grabbed some quick portraits in the bar and Amber and Chris greeted all their guests.
If you’re having a winter wedding, particularly a twilight one, you need to be ready to embrace flash. If you want a light, airy wedding, a winter wedding is not for you! However, I love how good flash can look, and it works really well if you want that more editorial, party look.
Confetti and sparkler moments after dark
I was keeping an eye on the weather constantly before the speeches, to see if we could grab 5 minutes for confetti. Amber and Chris also really wanted to do sparklers, so I was looking for the ideal moment. Luckily, the rain stopped and we managed to get out in the courtyard area. The front of the building was so dark, there was no way it would have worked out there. I absolutely love how all these shots turn out! Maybe I’ll start saving some confetti for after dark at weddings! We also had a confetti cannon at the ready which turned out so good.
Cosy, winter wedding portraits indoors at Charlton Hall
Now for the hardest bit of the day. Group shots! Charlton Hall is a fairly compact venue indoors, compared to there being so much space outdoors for group photos. Obviously we didn’t have that luxury this time around! The ceremony room would be a great back up, but we had quite a few family members who weren’t that mobile, and needed to keep close by. Luckily, there’s plenty of sofas and some nice spaces in the main house. I loved this red room, and we managed to clear some chairs to make more space. The wall went so well with the colour theme of the day I definitely wanted to use it as a backdrop. We also did some lovely portraits of Amber and Chris here.
A conga to the cake, sax soloist and speeches to celebrate
After food, everyone was ready for a whole load of party fun! Amber and Chris walked in and did a entrance dance which set the room going, then her Dad took the floor to kick off speeches.
Amber and Chris also did something I’d not seen before but I think more couples should definitely do! A conga to the cake. Everyone got involved and it got the energy going just before their first dance so the dancefloor was packed! Always what I love to see.
All in all, considering this was a shorter bespoke package, we crammed an awful lot into a few hours. I almost didn’t want to leave as the party was jumping. It was a really fun evening, despite what could be stressful conditions for a wedding photographer!
Charlton Hall wedding photographer
If you’re getting married at Charlton Hall and are looking for a wedding photographer who’s super relaxed, can handle any conditions and focus on you all having the most fun, get in touch!
