The Lygon Arms Wedding Photographer | Documentary Style & Creative Night Portraits

A bride and groom share an intimate moment under blossoming trees at a scenic wedding venue in Worcestershire. The bride's elegant lace gown and long veil add a touch of timeless beauty to the serene outdoor setting.

The Lygon Arms stands as a historic hotel in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, offering a truly stunning backdrop for your wedding day. With its origins dating back to the 16th century, this venue is renowned for its timeless elegance and rich history, making it a dream setting for couples seeking both charm and luxury. Lygon Arms wedding photography is all about capturing the perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury that the hotel offers.

As a wedding photographer, I am continually inspired by the hotel’s intimate rooms, grand spaces, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Each corner of the Lygon Arms provides a unique setting—whether it’s the soft light filtering through period windows or the dramatic architecture that frames every moment. The hotel’s blend of old-world glamour and contemporary comfort ensures that every image reflects the essence of your special day.

From candid moments in the Drawing Room to romantic portraits in the gardens, Lygon Arms wedding photography is designed to preserve the most critical moments of your celebration. The venue’s stunning architecture and luxurious interiors create a canvas for breathtaking images, ensuring your wedding day memories are as timeless as the hotel itself.

The bride and groom share a joyful moment as they walk hand-in-hand through a lush garden, surrounded by greenery, on their wedding day.

Your Lygon Arms Wedding Photography Expert

Award-winning wedding photography combining natural storytelling with creative evening magic at the Lygon Arms, Broadway.

Documentary wedding photography and creative night portraits for couples wanting natural moments and something magical. Your Lygon Arms wedding story is beautifully told, with genuine moments, elegant details, and stunning evening portraits.

✓ Multiple Weddison Award Winner
✓ Flashmaster Gold Award 2023
✓ 100+ Weddings Captured
✓ Experienced with Historic Hotel Venues

Bride and groom smiling at each other in a lush garden setting, with the bride in a strapless white wedding dress and the groom in a dark suit.

I'm Paul Hickey, an award-winning Worcestershire wedding photographer with extensive experience capturing weddings at the Lygon Arms hotel. This historic hotel, licensed for civil ceremonies under Worcestershire County Council, combines timeless elegance with modern luxury, providing a stunning backdrop for wedding photography.

Located in the heart of Broadway in the picturesque Cotswolds, the Lygon Arms offers multiple ceremony spaces for your special day. Having photographed numerous weddings at this venue, I understand how to maximise every location—from the intimate Cromwell Room to the grand Great Hall.

My approach blends unobtrusive documentary coverage throughout your wedding day with signature creative night portraits using expert off-camera flash techniques. Whether you're planning an intimate setting for small gatherings or a grand celebration for guests, I ensure your complete wedding story is beautifully preserved.

A bride and groom share an intimate moment in the enchanting Italian Garden at Arley Arboretum. The couple stands in front of a charming stone archway, surrounded by lush greenery

Why Choose Me as Your Lygon Arms Wedding Photographer

Proven Track Record at This Historic Hotel

With over 7 years of experience capturing weddings across Worcestershire and the Cotswolds, I bring both technical expertise and venue-specific knowledge to your Lygon Arms celebration.

Award-Winning Excellence:

  • Multiple international Weddison Awards (2022-2025)

  • Prestigious Flashmasters Gold Award

  • 100+ weddings photographed

  • Recommended supplier at premium wedding venues

Lygon Arms Venue Expertise:

The Lygon Arms Hotel dates back to the 16th century, and this venue, steeped in rich history, requires specific photographic expertise. I understand the unique lighting challenges of wood-panelled rooms, honeyed stone architecture, and period features like the original fireplace in the Oliver Cromwell Room.

Having worked extensively at this historic hotel, I know:

  • Optimal timing for natural light in each ceremony space

  • How to photograph the Edinburgh Room's intimate atmosphere

  • Creative opportunities in the Drawing Room and Great Hall

  • Coordination with the hotel's events team

  • Best locations in the hotel's three acres of grounds

Complete Coverage Approach:

My documentary style captures genuine emotions and candid moments, while my creative vision produces stunning evening portraits. Professional Canon equipment, backed by backup systems, ensures the highest standards of reliability for your big day.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle under a beautiful floral arch, holding hands and smiling, as guests look on during their wedding ceremony.

What Makes My Lygon Arms Wedding Photography Different

The Perfect Blend: Documentary Heart, Creative Soul

Unlike wedding photographers who focus solely on traditional poses, I offer comprehensive coverage tailored to the Lygon Arms’ noble past and modern comforts.

Documentary Coverage:

  • Unobtrusive presence during the ceremony and speeches

  • Natural candid moments with family and guests

  • Storytelling approach capturing genuine celebrations

  • Minimal disruption to your wedding breakfast

  • Real emotions preserved authentically

  • My portfolio features real weddings at The Lygon Arms, so you can see authentic moments and true-to-life celebrations captured as they happened.

Creative Evening Magic:

As daylight fades, the Lygon Arms transforms into a photographer’s dream. Using off-camera flash, colored gels, and smoke effects, I create dramatic portraits that become conversation pieces. The venue’s honeyed stone walls and historic charm provide the perfect backdrop for these show-stopping images.

Who This Is For: ✓ Couples wanting both natural moments AND artistic portraits ✓ Those appreciating award-winning creative techniques ✓ Brides and grooms valuing unobtrusive documentation ✓ Couples celebrating at this licensed venue

Venue-Specific Advantages:

The Lygon Arms offers a variety of ceremony spaces—from intimate rooms perfect for small gatherings to the grand Great Hall, which accommodates larger wedding parties. Each space in this historic hotel offers unique photographic opportunities that I’ve mastered through experience. The Lygon Arms is renowned for providing absolute privacy for intimate ceremonies, ensuring your celebration remains exclusive and confidential. Guests have enjoyed the luxurious atmosphere and historic charm of The Lygon Arms during weddings, making every event truly memorable.

A bride with elegantly styled hair gets the finishing touches with a mist of hairspray. The scene captures the intimate moment of bridal preparation against a backdrop of floral wallpaper,

Lygon Arms Wedding Photography Services

Comprehensive Coverage for Your Special Day

Full-Day Wedding Photography (Most Popular)
Perfect for couples wanting complete documentation from preparation through evening celebration.

What’s Included:

  • 8+ hours coverage from bridal preparations to reception

  • Second photographer throughout the day

  • Documentary-style coverage of all essential moments

  • Efficiently coordinated group photos

  • Multiple creative sessions utilising natural light

  • Signature creative night portraits

  • 700+ professionally edited high-resolution images

  • Private online gallery with unlimited downloads

  • Musical slideshow

Coverage Timeline:

  • Preparation coverage in the hotel’s 86 rooms and suites

  • Full ceremony documentation in your chosen space

  • Drinks reception in the stunning backdrop of the gardens

  • Wedding breakfast and dining experience: The Lygon Arms provides gourmet catering with menus crafted from high-quality ingredients. The dishes reflect local and seasonal produce, emphasising tradition and authenticity. The dining experience at The Lygon Arms is designed to be relaxed and authentic, mirroring the tone of your celebration.

  • Speeches and first dance

  • Creative evening portraits

Intimate Wedding Packages:

For smaller celebrations or civil ceremonies at this licensed venue:

  • Registry Office Package: £395 (3 hours)

  • Enhanced Coverage: £595 (5 hours)

  • 100-300+ edited images included

Add-On Services:

  • Social media content creation: £600

  • Fixed ceremony camera: +£295

  • Additional hours: £100-£150 per hour

  • Wedding albums available

Bride and groom share a romantic moment in a dimly lit forest setting, with the groom kissing the bride's hand as she smiles in her lace gown.

Photo Opportunities at The Lygon Arms

Maximising This Historic Hotel's Photographic Potential

Historic Interior Spaces:

Cromwell Room:
Where Oliver Cromwell stayed before the Battle of Worcester, this room's period features and original fireplace create atmospheric portraits rich in history.

Edinburgh Room:
Perfect for intimate bride preparation photos with its elegant furnishings and natural light.

Drawing Room & Great Hall:
Versatile spaces offering both intimate settings and grand backdrops for your beautiful wedding.

Outdoor Settings:

The venue's three acres of private gardens provide stunning outdoor locations. Traditional Cotswolds landscaping, combined with the hotel's historic architecture, creates the perfect blend of natural beauty and timeless elegance.

Creative Night Photography:

Using the honey coloured buildings and period architecture as backdrops, I create dramatic evening portraits. Expert lighting techniques highlight the venue's stunning features while showcasing you as a couple.

A bride and groom share an intimate embrace under the night sky, framed by tall trees and an open gate. The black and white photo captures the romantic atmosphere of their wedding day, highlighting their love in a serene and private moment.

The Lygon Arms Wedding Experience

What Makes This Venue Special

This historic hotel combines origins dating back to the 16th century with modern luxury. The venue, steeped in history, has hosted King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell, adding many significant moments to its rich history.

Hotel Amenities:

  • 86 rooms and suites for wedding guests

  • Range from cosy guest rooms to historic Master Suites

  • Dog-friendly policy with amenities for pets

  • Lygon Spa with a 13-meter heated indoor pool

  • James Martin's dining experience

  • Licensed for civil ceremonies

The hotel reflects both old-world glamour and modern comforts, creating an exclusive atmosphere for your dream wedding. Located in the heart of Broadway, guests enjoy the picturesque Cotswolds setting, with its honey-coloured buildings and historic charm.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand with bridesmaids in vibrant pink dresses, celebrating with colorful smoke bombs in a scenic outdoor setting.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

The Lygon Arms is a licensed venue for civil ceremonies under the Worcestershire County Council, making it an exceptional choice for your wedding ceremony and reception. This venue, steeped in history, offers a range of intimate rooms, each with its own character and story. The Edinburgh Room, Drawing Room, and Cromwell Room provide elegant, historic settings for smaller gatherings, while the magnificent Great Hall is ideal for grand celebrations.

Every wedding at the Lygon Arms benefits from the expertise of the incredible events co-ordinator, who ensures your day runs seamlessly. The hotel’s wedding breakfast, crafted by renowned chef James Martin, delivers an absolutely delicious dining experience tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate ceremony or a lavish reception, the Lygon Arms offers the highest standards of service, comfort, and gastronomy.

With its noble past and origins dating back to the 16th century, the Lygon Arms is a venue where many significant moments have unfolded. The hotel reflects a perfect blend of tradition and modern luxury, providing a setting where your dream wedding can become a reality. Surrounded by the picturesque Cotswolds and honey coloured buildings, your celebration at this historic hotel will be remembered for its elegance, exclusivity, and heartfelt hospitality.

drone wedding photo of bride and groom on bridge above the River Severn

Investment & Wedding Packages

Transparent Pricing for Your Cotswolds Celebration

Package

Coverage

Investment 2026

Investment 2027

Registry Office

3 hours

£395

£395

Enhanced Registry

5 hours

£595

£595

Signature Full-Day

8+ hours

£1,295

£1,395

Complete Collection (+Album)

8+ hours

£1,695

£1,795

Premium Hybrid (+Video)

8+ hours

£1,695

£1,795

Ultimate Experience

8+ hours

£2,095

£2,195

Value of Award-Winning Quality:

You're hiring a Flashmaster Gold Award winner with venue-specific expertise at this historic hotel. My creative vision and technical excellence ensure your most important moments are captured to the highest standards.

Unlike separate photo and video teams costing £2,200-£3,500+, my hybrid packages offer both services with seamless coordination at significant savings.

Black and white photo of the groom being joyfully tossed into the air by his groomsmen during the wedding celebration, capturing the excitement and camaraderie of the moment.

Planning Your Lygon Arms Wedding Photography

Timeline & Booking Recommendations

Booking Timeline:

  • 12-18 months ahead: Ideal for peak season dates

  • 6-12 months ahead: Good availability

  • 3-6 months ahead: Limited availability

  • Last minute: Contact me for options

Recommended Photography Schedule:

For a 3 pm ceremony at this licensed venue:

  • 12:00 PM: Photographer arrives for preparation

  • 1:00 PM: Bridal party ready photos in suites

  • 2:00 PM: Optional first look in gardens

  • 2:30 PM: Family group photos

  • 3:00 PM: Ceremony begins

  • 4:00 PM: Confetti and drinks reception

  • 5:30 PM: Wedding breakfast

  • 7:00 PM: Speeches

  • 8:00 PM: First dance

  • 8:30 PM: Creative night portraits

  • 9:00 PM: Evening coverage concludes

Silhouette of a bride and groom dancing under dramatic blue lighting in a wooden-beamed hall, creating an elegant and captivating atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book for the Lygon Arms?

I recommend booking 8-12 months in advance for weekend dates at this historic hotel. The venue is popular, especially for summer and festive season celebrations in the picturesque Cotswolds.

Do you know the best photo spots at the Lygon Arms?

Yes, I have extensive experience with all ceremony spaces at this venue. From the Cromwell Room to the Great Hall, I know optimal lighting times and creative opportunities throughout the historic hotel.

What's included in full-day coverage?

Full-day packages include 8+ hours from preparation through reception, covering all critical moments of your special day. This includes ceremony documentation, wedding breakfast coverage, speeches, first dance, and signature creative night portraits.

Can you photograph both intimate and large weddings here?

Yes, the Lygon Arms accommodates both small gatherings and grand celebrations. I've photographed weddings ranging from intimate ceremonies in the Edinburgh Room to large receptions in the Great Hall.

Do you offer albums?

Yes, beautifully presented 30-page wedding albums with premium binding are available. The Complete Collection package includes an album, or they can be added to any package.

What if it rains on my wedding day?

The historic hotel offers stunning indoor spaces providing atmospheric alternatives. Wood-panelled rooms, the Drawing Room, and the Cromwell Room all offer beautiful settings. My creative night photography works in all weather conditions.

How many photos will we receive?

Full-day coverage includes 700+ professionally edited high-resolution images delivered through a private online gallery with unlimited downloads and full printing rights.

When will we receive our wedding photos?

Your complete gallery will be delivered within 8 weeks of your wedding day through a secure online platform with easy sharing for guests.

Bride and groom standing under a white umbrella in front of a beautifully lit wooden venue at night, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere.

Ready to Capture Your Lygon Arms Wedding Story?

Let's Create Something Magical Together

Your celebration at this historic hotel deserves photography that honours both the venue's timeless elegance and your unique love story. With award-winning expertise and proven experience at the Lygon Arms, I ensure every moment of your special day is beautifully preserved.

What Happens Next:

  1. Check availability for your date

  2. Schedule a complimentary consultation

  3. Review complete wedding galleries

  4. Receive a custom package recommendation

  5. Secure your date with a booking deposit

Contact Information:

📧 Email: onceinalifetimephotographyuk@gmail.com

📞 Phone: 01905 900911

Office Location:
Once in a Lifetime Photography
53 Peel Street, Kidderminster
Worcestershire DY11 6UQ

Response Time: I'll respond to all questions within 24 hours.

Bride and groom joyfully spraying champagne in celebration at Arley Arboretum's Italian Garden, with a backdrop of lush greenery and evening sky.

What Couples Say


"Paul captured both candid shots and artistic photos, including amazing night shots, after the first dance. Images are stunning!"

Bride and groom standing under a tree on a grassy field, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers.
Laura & Phil - Hogarths Stone Manor

"Made us feel comfortable! Professional service captured every moment and emotion. Easy to share with family via online gallery."

A bride and groom with six women, possibly bridesmaids, walking outdoors during a celebration. Some women are holding colourful smoke bombs, releasing pink and teal smoke at Redhouse Barn
Cris & Tom - Redhouse Barn

A newlywed couple sitting on a wooden swing under a large pink flowering tree at night, sharing a kiss at Arley House and Gardens.

"Captured every detail of our special day. Pictures are amazing. Would recommend to anyone. Great service!"

Stuart & Tracey - Hogarths Stone Manor

Lygon Arms

High St, Broadway WR12 7DU

www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk

documentary wedding photo of newly married couyple kissing under confetti  at a worcestershire wedding.

Award-winning wedding photographer Worcestershire couples trust for documentary coverage and creative portraits. Professional photographer based in Kidderminster, serving couples throughout Worcestershire, the West Midlands, and the UK, with beautiful photos capturing real moments and timeless images.

bride and groom and smoke bombs