Back in August last year, I was the photographer for a very special elopement at Bamburgh Castle. Keith and Debs had messaged me a few months before, saying they were looking to elope secretly, to marry each other for a second time. The only guests that would be joining them would be their gorgeous four dogs. Now of course, I always jump at the chance to do wedding photography at Bamburgh Castle as it’s just the most incredible Northumberland wedding venue. But add in dogs, I’m immediately there!
Admittedly, I was nervous before the day. They say never to work with animals, but I do always love it when couples brings their dogs to weddings. But, you never know quite what you’re going to get. With 4 dogs as well, I knew things could be hard.
Bamburgh Castle elopements
It may often surprise people that you can get legally married at Bamburgh Castle. It’s a place of fairytales, and an icon of Northumberland. It takes my breath away every time I’m there. The castle itself, but the views over the sea and that incredibly sandy beach with the dunes. I can really see why couples would fall in love with it immediately. Last time I was on the beach there, we saw the best sunrise of my whole life. Whenever I get booked for a wedding here, I jump for joy. Anyway, back to Keith and Debs!
Intimate elopement ceremony in the King’s Hall
When you get married at Bamburgh Castle, you can have the ceremony down on the beach, the terrace, or you can use the King’s Hall. These ceremonies are slightly later in the day as they need to wait for visitors to leave the Castle. The hall was where Keith & Debs were having their ceremony.
I was chatting to the registrars as the couple were finishing getting ready, and we were all really excited about the ceremony with 4 dogs. It really felt like it was going to be a special one, with just us there to witness it. Keith and Debs had been married before, so wanted to keep it low key. They had specifically told me ‘they just wanted some nice photos with the dogs’. Bill and Ben, the westies were old boys, and they had just rescued Romeo & Juliet, the golden retriever pups. PS: The Northumberland registrars are so lovely, you’re in for a treat if you get married in the county.
4 dogs and a wedding
Technically, you’re not really supposed to have the dogs in the King’s Hall, but with a mat down on the floor they were allowed in. They were all very good as well. The ceremony was short, and sweet. It felt slightly surreal in such a huge space, but with such a small number of us there. It was truly lovely! I really do treasure my job.
After signing the papers, we headed outside and now would be the truly hard part for me. Trying to get 4 dogs to play along with me trying to get some nice couples photos!
Dog friendly wedding photography at Bamburgh Castle
The castle has some beautiful places on the grounds and walls for photos. The views from the turrets are unbelievable! You’re allowed a short amount of time after the ceremony within the grounds to take photos, before having to leave so the castle can shut it’s gates.
This shoot really is a beautiful momento of just how much dogs really are a part of the family. We treat my own dog as if she is a full blown daughter of ours, and she was at our own wedding. We wouldn’t have considered leaving her out of of it! I love this photo of Debs with Romeo.
Bamburgh Castle, dogs and the Starsky and Hutch car
Now as if the dogs weren’t enough to make me love this day, Keith had driven his pride and joy to Northumberland for their wedding. It’s the Starsky and Hutch car. Of course we had to get some photos with it!
We ended by quickly strolling down to the beach for some photos, but by this point the doggos just wanted to fun free and be having fun. Still, I love that we managed to get some with the castle behind! This is such a great angle to get if you’re getting married at Bamburgh, and well worth the walk down.
Bamburgh Castle Elopement Photography
If you have booked an elopement at Bamburgh Castle, with or without dogs, I would love to be your photographer! I am super relaxed, calm and creative and love to be part of intimate ceremonies like this one. Head to my contact form to get in touch, or check out Marta & Barry’s wedding I photographed at Bamburgh.
