I was so excited when Ellen and Liam’s enquiry dropped into my inbox. A summer wedding in the iconic St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. A wedding photographer’s dream. Especially as I live only a 20 minute drive from the Lighthouse. Heavy July showers meant the weather was far from ideal – but this is a wedding goes to show that rain on a wedding day doesn’t ruin it.
Weddings at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay
Until Ellen emailed me, I didn’t even realise that you could legally get married in St Mary’s Lighthouse! Wedding ceremonies are held in the conference room above the gift shop, and can hold up to 46 guests. It’s a fantastic spot if you want a bit of a quirkier wedding, or are having a more intimate ceremony.
You can either just host your ceremony there, with an hour long drinks reception on the island, and then go elsewhere for celebrations, or you can have the whole reception there.
The only caveat of weddings at St Mary’s Lighthouse is you have to consider the tide! The registrars told me they don’t take many weddings at this venue because the timings have to be just right for the causeway to be accessible. But wow, if it’s available on your wedding date – what a venue. There’s few weddings venues where you can say you can see seals and the ocean right outside the window. You can find out more info about booking a wedding at the Lighthouse here.
An intimate wedding ceremony on St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay
You probably don’t remember much of the weather in July last year, but a wedding photographer never forgets. It was one of the wettest Julys I’ve known! As I pulled up at the Lighthouse carpark, the wind was howling and the rain had just started on the coast. I could see the registrars in the next car braving themselves for getting out, just like I was. Luckily I had my waterproof and to be honest, I was excited. What a gorgeous place to get married, even in the rain. And, if anything the weather was making it moody and atmospheric.
I ran to the island, and then captured Liam and his groomsmen arriving, and then waited outside for the bride. The rain was only light now, and I actually love these shots of Ellen arriving with her umbrella! She looks so cute and whimsy. I always recommend my couples to get these clear umbrellas, or plain white for your wedding.
Once Ellen was inside, it was time for the ceremony. The guests were gathered upstairs in the conference room. The room was decorated with blue bunting, and I adored the blue bridesmaids dresses and flowers that matched. A proper seaside wedding!
There was a lovely reading to guests, before Ellen and Liam exchange their wedding rings and vows. Straight after getting the paperwork signed, the champagne was popped and ready to pour!
Wedding portraits on St Mary’s island
While guests sipped their drinks and mingled, we took the opportunity to get outside for photos on the island while the weather played ball. It was looking incredibly moody outside, so I knew we probably had a very short window to give the photos a go.
How lush are these shots! The Lighthouse is such a perfect backdrop. The island doesn’t get closed off when you book it for a wedding, so you best believe I spent AGES photoshopping everyone else out of these photos. Totally worth it though.
It was at this point, our luck ran out and the rain came back. Luckily, Ellen and Liam were game for a few more shots outside. Thank you for trusting me!
I love a bridal jacket, and Ellen had hand painted this one herself so I made sure to get plenty of shots as they walked away from me.
As part of booking your wedding at St Mary’s, as the couple you can climb to the top of the Lighthouse. So, up we went! It was a bit of a tight squeeze up there – you wouldn’t want to do it in a long, trailing dress. It was also at this point I remembered how heavy my cameras are. I do love these shots though! Normally I guess you would get a view, but we were right in the middle of a rainy downpour so there was no visibility out.
St Mary’s Lighthouse Wedding Photographer
I absolutely loved photographing this wedding. I count myself super lucky to be so local to such a gorgeous and unique wedding venue. If you’re getting married at St Mary’s Lighthouse and are looking for a wedding photographer, fill in my contact form to tell me all about your plans 🙂 I offer full day packages, ceremony coverage, or a bespoke package (which is what Ellen and Liam booked).
