DURHAM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Documentary wedding photography for creative couples in Durham and beyond
Documentary Wedding Photography in County Durham
I’m Emily and you’re very welcome here.
I’m a documentary wedding photographer based in Durham City, and I have a confession. I’ve never asked anyone to say cheese in my life.
Before Silverbird I spent fifteen years as a press photographer on national newspapers, chasing moments for a living. That instinct is hardwired now. While you’re dancing, crying, laughing and sneaking off for a quiet drink with your best mate, I’ll be right there, camera in hand, completely in my element.
No stiff poses. No awkward lineups. Just your day, exactly as it happened.
So what is documentary wedding photography?
Documentary wedding photography is about telling the story of your day as it unfolds, not recreating it for the camera. I capture the real moments as they happen. The nervous giggle before the ceremony. The look between you two that nobody else caught. The dancing that got completely out of hand.
Call it documentary, reportage, unobtrusive or just really good wedding photography. It all means the same thing. You get on with your day, I get on with photographing it.
TESTIMONIAL
THEY SAID IT BETTER THAN I COULD
“Emily’s knowledge of the venue, The Story in Durham, meant she was able to capture some amazing shots. Lots of communication in advance gave us confidence that all was in hand and we could focus our energies on other things. We’re absolutely delighted with our pictures that truly captured a wonderful day, especially the natural shots of us and our guests.”
Wedding at The Story, Durham
A High Force Waterfall Elopement
A High Force Waterfall Wedding Elopement MAISIE + LEE High Force Waterfall Elopement – Maisie &…
St Chad’s College Durham Wedding Guide
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Blackton Grange Estate Wedding – Hannah & James
A Blackton Grange Estate Wedding North Pennines HANNAH + JAMES Remote, Romantic & Full of Joy…
EXPERIENCE
Behind the scenes
HOW I WORK
I shoot the beautiful parts and the out-takes. The happy tears and the disco feet. The sneaky drink at the bar and the dancing that got completely out of hand.
I want you to spend your day with your people, not worrying about where to stand. We’ll make time for a relaxed set of portraits and a few group shots, kept short and unpressured. The rest of the day is yours.
My days are 90% documentary, 10% directed. That’s how it should be.
KIND WORDS
“I couldn’t have asked for anyone more perfect to capture our big day. From the moment we booked Silverbird Photography we felt at ease. Regular conversations, emails with updates, even hints and tips for the big day which was super helpful. I’d highly recommend Silverbird Photography to everyone!”
Durham Wedding Photographer
I’m based in Durham City and I shoot weddings right across the county. From the medieval streets of Durham City to the wild North Pennines, County Durham has some of the most photographically exciting wedding locations in the North East. Take a look at some of my recent work below.
THE BLOG
Latest Durham Shoots
Dear Emily…
Venues I’ve Photographed in County Durham
Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of shooting weddings at some of Durham’s most characterful venues. Here’s a selection of places I know well, and some that are still on my bucket list:
The Story, Durham
Durham’s register office reimagined. A Georgian gem in the heart of the city, perfect for intimate civil ceremonies.
A hidden gem on the banks of the Wear, with grounds that were made for documentary photography.
Runa Farm, Durham
A rustic, boho wedding venue in the Durham countryside. Relaxed, beautiful and completely off the beaten track.
Blackton Grange, Barnard Castle
A remote North Pennines estate with sweeping moorland views. One of Durham’s most dramatic wedding backdrops.
High Force Waterfall, Teesdale
England’s most powerful waterfall as your wedding backdrop. Perfect for elopements and adventurous couples.
Lartington Hall
A grand country house near Barnard Castle, set in private parkland in the heart of Teesdale.
A characterful hotel with a distinctly non-corporate feel. Relaxed, colourful and full of personality.
Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor
A Georgian country house hotel set in 72 acres of deer park.
Bradbury Glade
A tipi wedding venue tucked inside 60 acres of County Durham woodland. Festival vibes, fairy lights and total seclusion.
The Byirs, Edmundbyers
A remote rural retreat in the Durham Dales
Dalton Old Pump House, Seaham
A restored Victorian pumping station near Seaham with industrial bones and seriously glamorous interiors.
Durham Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Durham City. Civil ceremonies in a medieval castle doesn’t get more iconic than this.
DURHAM
Based in Durham and photographing weddings across County Durham, Newcastle, and the North East