Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Winchester Registry Office wedding photography. The most perfect, super sunny day for the most beautifully loved-up of couples; I don’t think either the bride or groom stopped grinning from ear to ear at any point through the day. And they had every reason to be happy – what a gorgeous family these guys make! The sun was shining, the day was absolutely rammed with music from start to finish… everything was just spot on.


The hotel was very much at the centre of the day’s activities, with bride and groom both getting ready in the annex building (separate suites, so they still managed to avoid bumping into each other before that walk down the aisle) and guests congregating their through the morning ready for a big old bus ride through the New Forest and up to Winchester where the marriage itself was to take place.

A dramatic black and white photo shows a person in a white robe standing in a beam of light while holding a gun.
A black and white diptych showing a reflection in a mirror and a white dress hanging near a window.
A series of minimalist photographs showing white high heel shoes arranged against white backgrounds in different angles.
A series of black and white and color photos showing tender moments between people in intimate settings.
A series of black and white photographs showing hands measuring and adjusting a dress during a fitting session.
A collection of wedding photos showing romantic moments, dancing, and celebrations in white dresses and formal attire.
A collection of wedding photos showing rings, flowers, and hands in romantic poses with soft lighting and delicate details.
Black and white panoramic sequence showing a child in white dress playing outdoors.
Series of black and white photos showing a dental examination and cleaning procedure in a clinic.
A person in a gray vest and white shirt getting dressed and preparing formal attire.
Two side-by-side photos show someone in a gray vest examining papers and pouring drinks at an indoor event.
A sequence of photos showing a person in business attire making exaggerated expressions and gestures against a gray wall.

At the Winchester end the good old Westgate Hotel once again provided a handy stopping post for everyone to gather themselves and perhaps rehydrate – very important on such a hot and sunny day! – before nipping across the road to Castle Hill and the Registry Office. As Lee, best men and his father took up their posts by the steps up into the building to meet and greet, everyone made their way upstairs to the Castle Room. This is the larger of the two main ceremony rooms in the building. It needed to be; Marina and Lee are clearly popular people!

A collection of buildings and storefronts along a historic town street with white facades and traditional architecture.
A group of people celebrating and socializing in a cozy restaurant setting with warm lighting and festive atmosphere.
A person in a dark suit embraces a black dog in a series of heartwarming photos inside a home.
Historic stone buildings with Gothic architecture line a cobblestone street under cloudy skies at Oxford University.
A black and white photo montage shows candid moments from what appears to be a wedding celebration or party.
Groomsmen in navy blue suits share a candid moment of laughter during a wedding celebration.
Musician in beige suit plays acoustic guitar by window with soft natural lighting and brown curtains in background.
A series of black and white candid moments at a formal event showing people interacting and laughing together.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together on a dimly lit dance floor during an evening reception celebration.
Wedding guests mingle and socialize during a reception in an elegant indoor venue with dark walls.
A series of black and white wedding celebration photos showing joyful moments between couples and guests at a reception.
A wedding celebration sequence showing joyful moments during the reception and ceremony.
A collage of professional business event photos showing people speaking and interacting at a corporate conference.
Wedding ceremony taking place in a bright room with arched windows and gold curtains as guests watch from blue chairs.
Wedding couple and guests share joyful moments during reception in an elegant venue with warm lighting.
A couple exchanges vows during an indoor wedding ceremony with an officiant standing between them.
Wedding guests celebrate and dance together in an elegant venue with warm lighting and golden curtains.
Couple sharing an intimate dance moment in a formal venue while guests look on during a celebration.
A collage of wedding photos showing romantic moments and details from an elegant celebration.
Wedding guests seated in rows watch and react emotionally during an indoor ceremony.
Musicians perform together on stage during an energetic live concert performance.
A series of black and white wedding photographs capturing candid moments during a formal ceremony.
Wedding celebration scene with guests mingling and dancing in a sunlit room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Black and white wedding reception photos show guests dancing and celebrating at an elegant indoor venue.
A series of black and white candid photographs showing people interacting at what appears to be a wedding celebration.

I really love photographing in this room. The colours are so rich and warm and the light is usually wonderful too, with that huge bay window which looks out across the courtyard to the Great Hall. But let’s be honest, that’s all just scenery really – it’s the couple which makes a wedding and honestly, have you ever seen two people so happy to say their ‘I do’s’? (that’s a tricky one to punctuate, any grammar pedants are very welcome to correct me there). A really lovely ceremony and after a quick sign of the register (still paper-based for now – I wonder who is going to be the last couple I ever photograph signing one when they finally get phased out?) they were zipping back down the aisle and into the sunshine to be showered with confetti and kick off the rest of their day’s celebrations.


As I understand it there wasn’t really any particular Winchester connection; Marina and Lee simply chose Winchester Registry Office because it’s such a beautiful building and with such fab ceremony rooms (I have to concur) and to really take advantage of this we stayed back while the rest of the guests made the way to the bus for the return journey to the hotel. The whole Castle Hill area is a dream for wedding photography – the beautiful building as a backdrop; arches and tunnels, steps and staircases inside and out – perfect for a portrait session before the real partying begins. And most happily Marina’s daughter Sophie could be with us for this part too, so that we could get a whole bunch of family photos with the three of them as well. These guys are gooood in front of a camera, that’s for sure!

Wedding guests shower newlyweds with confetti as they exit a church building in celebration.
Joyful wedding party exits church while guests toss confetti in celebration of the happy occasion.
Wedding party members pose on the steps of a grand stone church entrance with Gothic architectural details.
Elegant wedding couple shares intimate moments in a historic building with ornate staircases and classic architecture.
A wedding dress flows elegantly across a grand staircase with ornate black wrought iron railings in a bright white interior.
A bride in a white lace gown with long sleeves poses on cobblestone steps in front of a historic stone church.
A bride in a white lace long-sleeved wedding gown holds a bouquet of cream roses against a blurred background.
A couple shares a joyful moment together on their wedding day in front of a historic church entrance.
A black and white wedding photo series showing a couple walking together on a cobblestone street.
A bride in a flowing white gown poses gracefully on grand stone steps in a black and white photograph.
A bride and groom pose for romantic black and white wedding photos on stone steps and archways.
Wedding party members sit together on grand stone steps at a historic venue.
A black and white wedding photo captures a couple in a dramatic backlit tunnel with textured walls.

Back at Christchurch Harbour Hotel the party was in full swing – literally, with the band kicking out the jazz in the sunshine as everyone soaked up the rays and the sounds. As the afternoon wound through into the evening we were inside for the meal, speeches and more music – loads more music; I totally lost count of how many different people performed or sang through the course of the day – and then out again into that magical golden light for a few more couple photos at dusk. And then downstairs to the function suite for the rest of the party. More music, more dancing, more drinks… and too right, this wedding most definitely needed to be celebrated in style.

A panoramic sequence showing a school campus with white buildings, green lawns, and trees under a blue sky.
A group enjoys outdoor activities and adventures including hiking, skateboarding, and exploring scenic landscapes.
People gather outdoors in casual attire sharing joyful moments during a social celebration.
Guests enjoying drinks and conversation at an outdoor social gathering during a sunny afternoon.
A panoramic sequence of images showing people enjoying an outdoor deck area with scenic mountain views in the background.
A collection of black and white wedding photos showing intimate moments and celebrations at a reception.
A series of black and white photographs showing people gathered at a formal event or celebration.
A series of black and white candid photographs showing people interacting at what appears to be a wedding celebration.
A couple in wedding attire share intimate moments by the water in a series of romantic photographs.
A couple in wedding attire shares a tender moment outdoors in a scenic natural setting during their special day.
A bride in a long sleeve lace dress embraces her groom in a navy suit during an outdoor coastal wedding.
A collection of black and white wedding photographs showing romantic moments and celebrations at an outdoor venue.
A couple in wedding attire stands at a wooden fence overlooking a scenic coastal landscape at sunset.
A series of outdoor photos showing someone in a white dress lounging and reading on blankets under trees.
A couple enjoys a romantic boat ride along a scenic waterway during a sunset engagement photo session.
A series of black and white photos showing couples embracing and dancing during a romantic wedding celebration.
Three women pose together outdoors wearing matching royal blue lace dresses and a white wedding gown in a garden setting.
Elegant table setting with blue glassware, sunflower centerpieces, and crystal chandeliers in a banquet hall.
Wedding party gathered on a lush green lawn during golden hour with sunlight streaming through trees in the background.
A collection of elegant wedding reception photos showing table settings, champagne toasts and decorative details.
Elegant table settings with blue glassware and white linens in an upscale restaurant dining room.
Business professionals network and engage in conversation during a corporate event in a bright modern office space.
Wedding reception guests celebrate and dance together on the dance floor during an indoor evening celebration.
A series of black and white photos showing various candid moments of people working, eating and interacting together.
A black and white photo of a formal dining table setup with guests gathered around during a celebration event.
A collection of candid lifestyle photos showing people enjoying meals and social gatherings at dining tables.
A panoramic sequence of seven photos showing a peaceful waterfront park with benches, trees, and ocean views at sunset.
A romantic couple embraces on a beach at sunset while sharing intimate moments during their coastal photoshoot.
Panoramic coastal landscape at sunset shows calm waters and small islands dotting the tranquil horizon.
Romantic wedding couple poses at sunset on a pier overlooking the ocean in multiple scenic shots.
A romantic black and white wedding photo series showing tender moments between newlyweds by the ocean.
Wedding reception guests dancing and celebrating together in an indoor venue with white decor.
Wedding guests enjoy a lively reception celebration with dining, laughter and conversation at decorated tables.
Guests enjoy a lively celebration with dancing, laughter and socializing at an elegant indoor reception venue.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a wooden dance floor under elegant crystal chandeliers at an indoor reception.
A series of black and white photographs showing people gathered around tables in what appears to be a dining setting.
A series of black and white wedding photographs showing candid moments of laughter and joy during a celebration.
A group of people celebrate at a wedding reception with dining tables and festive decorations.
A series of wedding photos showing a couple dancing and celebrating with their strawberry-decorated wedding cake.
Professional studio lighting equipment setup with dance floor and white backdrop for wedding photography session.
A black and white wedding reception photo showing dancing guests on a dark dance floor with dramatic lighting.
A romantic first dance sequence between newlyweds at an indoor wedding reception with soft lighting and guests watching.

What an absolutely magnificent wedding, Marina & Lee, and what a totally gorgeous couple you make! Wishing you many happy years together, and thanks so much for letting me play my part in your wonderful day.


–     –     –


I hope you’ve enjoyed this snapshot of Marina & Lee’s stunning day. Friends and family can view the rest of the photos and an extended slideshow in their , but you’ll need to ask them for the password first.


If you are currently planning your Deans Court wedding and would like to know more about my wedding photography services, packages and prices, please do get in touch to check availability and ask me any questions you might have. I’m only too happy to help however I can.