Painswick Hotel Wedding Photographer

A Real Wedding at Painswick Hotel

Katy and Jess chose to get married at the beautiful Painswick Hotel in the Cotswolds, and theirs was one of the most intimate weddings I’ve ever photographed. A true micro wedding — just the two of them, their 18-month-old son, and three guests — quietly and meaningfully celebrated in January, before welcoming their new baby later this year.

Initially, they weren’t even sure they would book a photographer. Their plan was to keep everything incredibly low-key: no big guest list, no fuss, barely any expectations at all. But as the day came closer, they realised they did want to mark it properly — to wear wedding dresses, to pause time for a moment, and to have the story of their day captured in a way that felt natural and unforced. That’s when they got in touch with me, looking for relaxed, informal Painswick Hotel wedding photography that wouldn’t intrude on the intimacy of their day.

I met Katy and Jess in the bridal suite at the Painswick Hotel while they were getting ready together. Hair and makeup were done by a close friend — one of their guests — which set the tone immediately: calm, familiar, and full of quiet excitement. Both brides wore their curly hair half-up, with delicate sprigs of gypsophila woven through. They each chose classic white gowns, with Katy’s dress fitting beautifully over her growing bump.

Their bouquets were homemade the day before with their guests, using eucalyptus, thistles, white roses and gypsophila. Nothing felt styled for the sake of it — everything was personal, intentional, and gently imperfect in the best way.

Before the ceremony, Katy and Jess helped each other into their dresses, sharing a private moment before meeting with their registrars. The ceremony itself took place in one of the smaller rooms at the Painswick Hotel. Three chairs were set out for guests, with their little boy perched on a lap — and proudly acting as ring bearer, which was just so sweet!

They walked into the room together, hand in hand, with their son in the middle. The ceremony was simple and deeply present: a registrar-led ceremony with handwritten vows that they read aloud to each other. When they were pronounced wife and wife, they kissed, signed the register, and we all laughed as their son grabbed the pen and attempted to sign it himself!

After the ceremony, we stepped outside into a cold, grey January afternoon. The Painswick Hotel looked stunning against the winter light — warm and glowing inside, with its honey-coloured Cotswold stone and twinkling lights creating the perfect backdrop for relaxed group photos. After that, the guests headed inside for drinks while we took a short walk through the village streets of Painswick for portraits of Katy and Jess. Just fifteen minutes, no pressure, lots of laughter — exactly how your portraits should be.

One of my favourite things about this wedding was how completely present they were with each other. The way they looked into each other’s eyes during the vows and ring exchange said everything. These are the moments I love most in Painswick Hotel wedding photography — small, honest, and full of feeling.

I said goodbye as they headed back inside for lunch and an overnight stay at the hotel. No big schedule, no traditions for the sake of it — just a simple, beautiful wedding that felt theirs.

Similar Venues to The Painswick Hotel

You might also be interested in other nearby Cotswolds and Gloucestershire Venues:

– Hilles House
– Owlpen Manor
– Hyde House
-Upcote Barn
–Lapstone Barn
-Old Gore
– Eastington Park
– Barn at Berkeley