I met up with Rebecca & David at Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, for their engagement shoot in July ahead of their September wedding in 2020. Early evening is a great time to plan for your summer time engagement photography, when the sun is lower in the sky meaning it’s more flattering - and there’s a chance of a sunset. However, it had been raining on and off in true British summertime style with humid weather all day but as we started the walk along the trail, the weather cleared for our engagement shoot! Here’s a selection of their Hardcastle Crags Engagement photography.

Engagement Shoot Inspiration

Hardcastle Crags in West Yorkshire, is a walkers paradise, through the wooded valley to the 19th-century Gibson Mill at the heart. It was nice and quiet away from the weekend crowds - another benefit of an evening photography session. You can meander along the Hebden Beck river, or hike along the wooded valley trails. As a National Trust Property, it’s free to enter but you’ll need to pay for car parking if you’re not a member.

The valley had special meaning to Rebecca & David, as this is where David had proposed the year before, with hidden champagne and glasses in his jacket, along with the engagement ring, as they embarked on their walk – all unbeknown to Rebecca until they reached the river edge and found a quiet spot. It was so touching to be able to revisit the spot for their engagement photography and be able to capture some natural, relaxed moments between the pair.

Why have an engagement shoot?

An engagement shoot (or it can be called a pre-wedding shoot or couples shoot!) is a great opportunity in front of the camera if you’re shy or not used to the feeling of being photographed. It’s a relaxed session, so there’s no need to be nervous as we’ll be having fun in no time!  Find out more about pricing for a professional engagement shoot with me and what’s involved in my services.

Woodland Wedding Venue

Gibson Mill also makes for a great woodland wedding venue – the unique industrial mill venue set in the heart of the ancient woods is one of a kind for sure! There’s great opportunity for professional wedding photos with the reflections of the mill in the pond, the bridge over the river, or hopping over the stepping stones. The mill inside is a blank canvas for your own wedding day styling, and you can even have your ceremony outside if fits with your plans!

 Check out another Yorkshire woodland wedding venue here!

Sustainable Weddings

Gibson Mill is also a sustainable option for a venue – it has operated off-grid for over a decade, and is fully self-sufficient. The water supply comes direct from the natural spring water in Hardcastle Crags. If you’re planning a sustainable wedding, then check out my guest feature as a wedding photographer, over on Festival Brides for tips on how to plan an eco-conscious wedding.

Rebecca & David’s DIY Garden Marquee Wedding

Rebecca & David later got married in early September with a socially distanced village church wedding at Kirkburton, followed by a marquee reception at Rebecca’s parents’ home in Almondbury. We ventured up to windy local landmark, Castle Hill for their couple photos with their vintage wedding car too! Check out their wedding photos here!

Follow me on Instagram to see more engagement photography and wedding photography and to see what I’ve been up to recently. To find out about my availability for your wedding date, then please get in touch