HALEY + JAKE’S RUDDING PARK WEDDING
One of the things I adore about shooting at Rudding Park as a Yorkshire wedding photographer is the sheer potential for ultra-stylish, elegant, and timeless imagery, hello, Vogue. The stately architecture, sprawling grounds, and golden-hour light create the perfect backdrop for wildly expressive, all-encompassing photography. Whether it’s a cinematic portrait framed by the chapel’s arched windows or a windswept stroll through the walled gardens, the setting effortlessly lends itself to documentary-style moments that wouldn’t look out of place in a fashion editorial. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just capture memories, you create artistic, show-stopping frames that will still feel stylish and iconic decades from now.
Rudding Park Wedding Photographer
Jake & Haley
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue that blends classic elegance with contemporary luxury, let me introduce you to Rudding Park Hotel. Nestled in the rolling countryside of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, this place is the stuff of wedding day dreams. Think manicured gardens, Grade I listed architecture, and a swanky modern spa thrown in for good measure. It’s the perfect setting for couples who want their day to feel both timeless and effortlessly stylish. And when Jake and Haley chose Rudding Park for their big day, they made it their own with a celebration packed with personality, laughter, and cinematic moments.
Before we dive into the magic of Jake and Haley’s day, let me set the scene. Rudding Park Hotel isn’t just your average wedding venue, it’s a whole experience. The Georgian manor house is surrounded by 300 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, making it a playground for photography. The historic chapel on the grounds, with its intricate stained glass and intimate atmosphere, is a stunner for ceremonies. And let’s not forget the award-winning spa, because who doesn’t want to sneak in a pre-wedding facial or post-reception soak in the rooftop infinity pool?
The hotel itself is a perfect blend of old-world charm and sleek modern design, with rooms that overlook the lush grounds. And for guests, Harrogate’s charming town centre is just a short drive away, filled with quirky boutiques, traditional tea rooms (hello, Bettys), and scenic walking trails.
Morning Prep – The Calm Before the Party
From the moment I arrived, Jake and Haley’s wedding day had a buzz about it, the kind you get when the people are relaxed, the playlist is banging, and the champagne is flowing.
Haley got ready in one of Rudding Park’s beautiful suites with her closest crew. The space was filled with that perfect pre-wedding chaos, makeup brushes flying, champagne glasses clinking, and last-minute playlist debates. Meanwhile, Jake and his groomsmen were in full-on “lads on tour” mode. Suited up in sharp Hollywood black tie, they somehow pulled off looking both dapper and mischievous (always a winning combo).
I love these early hours, candid, unfiltered moments of nerves and excitement. Haley’s dress was a showstopper: elegant satin with just the right amount of drama, catwalk swagger incoming!! Paired with a elegant and romantic bouquet, she looked every bit the cinematic bride.
The Ceremony + Blessing – Intimate & Heartfelt
Their ceremony took place in Rudding Park’s Radcliffe Room, an architectural beauty that somehow manages to feel both grand and deeply personal. As Jake caught sight of Haley walking down the aisle, you could see him take a deep breath, the kind that says, “Yep, that’s my person.” And just like that, the room softened. There were tears, grins, and the kind of vows that make you believe in forever. The over to the Chapel for the blessing, with soft natural light pouring through the stained-glass windows, it created a dreamy atmosphere, perfect for those emotive, documentary-style shots.
Confetti, Strolls + Those All-Important Group Shots
As Jake and Haley stepped out of Rudding Park’s chapel, they were met with a full-blown confetti storm, the kind where petals catch the wind and hang in the air like a scene from a cinematic daydream. Guests lined the path, launching clouds of colour and biodegradable paper with wild abandon. The result? Epicness!!
From there, they took a slow, elegant walk back to the reception, hand in hand, letting the just-married magic settle in. This is where I love to step back and let the moments breathe, snapping the subtle glances, the shared smiles, and all the giggles. Once they arrived, we dived into a few all-important group shots, capturing the VIPs without the faff. Quick, stylish, and stress-free, because no one wants to be stuck posing when there’s champagne calling.
Want group shots that feel stylish and effortless? Click here for my article on how to have stress-free group shots.
Portraits Right Out Of Vogue Magazine
After the “I do’s,” we whisked away for some portraits with a twist. With Rudding Park’s sprawling grounds and stately architecture, the options were endless. We captured them strolling through the walled gardens, laughter spilling out.
But the real magic happened as the light dipped. The Yorkshire sky turned into that golden-hour haze, giving us the perfect backdrop for some cinematic, wildly expressive frames. I always encourage my couples to just be themselves during portraits, no stiff posing, no forced smiles. Jake and Haley nailed it. See how I approach portraits that just look like you. Click here.
Reception Dance Floors, Speeches & Champagne Chaos
Now, onto the real fun, the reception. Rudding Park’s event suite was transformed into a chic but relaxed party hub. Think candlelit tables, floral runners, and twinkling fairy lights. The speeches were a perfect blend of tears and belly laughs, with just the right amount of gentle roasting (standard best man duties). And the dance floor? Utter chaos, in the best way.
Why Rudding Park Is The Ultimate Yorkshire Wedding Venue
II know this sounds like a sergeant major, but working backwards from when you need to be ready and creating a timeline for the morning will, in the long run, help it run more smoothly.
It’s easy to lose track of time. Knowing who is scheduled for hair and makeup at any time can help you stay organised and on schedule during the wedding day. I highly recommend delegating this task to a trusted bridesmaid so that you can have some time to relax and enjoy the special day.” Remember to allow extra time. I promise you, it will be a lifesaver.
Plan to put your dress on at least 30 minutes before you leave or when the registers have given you the time to speak to them. This is all for the dress to be put on correctly. Fastening them up takes longer than you think!! People who do it daily show you in the shop, and by the time you get to your wedding, mums and bridesmaids have forgotten. Long, manicured nails are often tricky for mums/bridesmaids to fasten the wedding dress. A particular dress or crochet hook helps with small fiddley fastenings over the buttons. Once your dress is on, it’s time for the last flurries, makeup touch-ups, a glass of bubbles, a few deep breaths and giggles with your besties. And, if you are ready with plenty of time, we can get some stunning bridal and finely images. Trust me, it is better to be prepared and dress d. It is a much calmer, more relaxed experience for you.
Final Thoughts Let’s Make Magic
Jake and Haley’s Rudding Park wedding was everything you’d want, a blend of timeless elegance and free-spirited celebration, with a hefty dose of Yorkshire charm. If you’re planning your own Yorkshire wedding and want all-encompassing, wildly expressive photography that captures the raw, unfiltered magic of your day, then let’s chat. I’ll be there with my cameras (and questionable dance moves), ready to document it all, the laughter, the tears, and the unexpected dance-offs.
Thinking of tying the knot at Rudding Park? Hit the button below and let’s create some seriously epic memories together.
Venue – Rudding Park
Photographer – Sarah Bruce Photography
Decor – Create A look Decor
Florist – Flowers By Colette
Cake – Where the Ribbons End
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