Wedding Videography UK – Real Moments, Real People, Real Fun
What It’s All About
Your wedding day is more than pretty shots and slow-motion kisses – it’s friends laughing too loud, unplanned dance-offs, hugs you didn’t see coming, and the random moments you’ll talk about for years.
At Perky Pug Films, I capture weddings across the UK and Europe with a mix of Super 8 film, handheld shots, and documentary-style filming that’s about energy, not posing. Every film is unique – no templates, no fake moments – just the real day, as it happened.
About Me & My Work
I’m not the guy who shouts directions or lines people up for hours. I’m the one blending into the crowd, chatting with your friends, catching your aunt’s crazy dance move, or your mate’s pint spill in the middle of a speech. I shoot like a guest with a camera – but a guest who knows how to tell the full story with style.
Super 8, time-lapses, random cutaways, cheeky looks between friends – all of it goes in. I’ll stick around from the morning coffee to the very last song, because the fun doesn’t stop after the first dance.
See My Portfolio
Weddings aren’t rehearsals – you get one shot at capturing the madness and the magic. Take a look at my portfolio and see the kind of chaos I like to film.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Videographer
The days of long, drawn-out wedding videos that feel more like an endurance test than a keepsake are over. You are looking for wedding films that feel alive, personal, and worth watching again and again — not just once before they disappear into a hard drive.
Your wedding video should make you smile, laugh, and maybe even cry, every time you hit play.
If you had to choose between amazing photography or a combination of average photography and average video, the choice is clear: go for the incredible photos.
But if you’re investing in both, you deserve a videographer who will make the film as meaningful as your photo album — something you’ll be proud to share with your family and friends for years to come.
Always present & ready
Choose someone who blends in yet is always there at the right moment, tuned in to the emotions and ready to catch fleeting scenes & little things that make your day yours.
Being “present” isn’t just about standing in the room; it’s about being tuned in to the energy and emotions of the day.
Templates, Slow-mo or Rock n Roll?
Think about your preferred style. Some couples love a template-style film: slow-motion shots, sweeping cinematic sequences, and polished, music-video-like edits.
Others prefer a more artistic, story-driven approach — something that might break from tradition, skip the clichés, and focus instead on genuine storytelling. The latter often feels more personal, less staged, and more timeless. Whichever you choose, make sure it reflects you, not just the videographer’s default formula.
Above all, avoid a wedding film where 80% of the footage is from the couple’s portrait session. While those romantic shots are beautiful, your wedding is so much more.
Family & Friends > Poses
You’ll want to see the faces of your grandparents, the moments when your friends doubled over with laughter, your family clinking glasses, the dance floor in full swing.
Your wedding video isn’t just a recap of the day; it’s a time capsule for your family and friends. People > poses.
When you choose a videographer who understands this, you’re not just hiring someone to point a camera — you’re trusting someone to preserve the feeling of your wedding forever.
Why I Film Weddings Like This: A Documentary Approach to Your Big Day
Let’s be honest—most people don’t dream about spending their wedding day posing for cameras, repeating lines like actors, or feeling like they're part of a photo shoot. And yet, for years, that’s exactly what many wedding films looked like.
Stiff. Staged. Kind of... lifeless.
But your wedding? It won’t be that.
I film weddings differently. No scripts, no awkward poses, no “can you kiss again, but slower this time.” Just real moments, as they happen. That’s the heart of documentary-style wedding videography—and it's what I live for.
What Is Documentary-Style Wedding Videography?
It’s storytelling, not staging. It's about being present and really paying attention.I don't direct. I don't interrupt. I don't ask you to stop mid-hug and do it again for the camera. I let the moments unfold naturally—and I follow them.
Think of me more like a guest with a camera, moving gently through your day. I’m everywhere and nowhere at once. I’m not shouting instructions or blocking the aisle—I’m capturing the in-between glances, the unscripted dance moves, the way your voice cracks during your vows.
That’s where the magic is.
What Makes This Approach Different?
Let’s break it down:Authenticity over Perfection: I'm not chasing the “perfect shot.” I’m chasing your story—the messy, emotional, beautiful truth of it.
Attentiveness: I’m constantly watching, listening, anticipating. I won’t miss your grandma’s tearful speech because I was stuck filming the cake.
Unobtrusive Presence: You shouldn't feel like you're performing. I keep a low profile, blending in so you can be yourself.
No Repeats, No Retakes: Once a moment is gone, it's gone. That’s why I move constantly, never settling in one spot, always staying alert to what’s about to happen.
Sadly, not all “documentary-style” videographers actually do this. Some stay static, rely on long zooms, or wait for the photographer to create a moment. That’s not storytelling—that’s convenience. And honestly? You deserve more than that.
Why It Matters for Your Wedding Film
When you watch your film back, I want it to feel like your day. Not just how it looked, but how it sounded, how it felt.I want you to hear your friends laughing in the background, see the way you looked at each other when no one else was watching, relive the little things you didn’t even notice happening.
You don’t need to “perform” for that kind of film. You just need to be yourselves. I’ll take care of the rest.
A Film That Feels Like You
If you're looking for a wedding video that’s raw in the best way—emotional, real, and completely you—this might be exactly what you’ve been searching for. It’s not the traditional way. But honestly? Neither is your love story.Let’s tell it the way it deserves to be told.
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Curious about how this looks in action? Check out a few of my films or drop me a message. I’d love to hear about your plans.
Wedding Venues Around Cambridge: 5 Beautiful Options for your Wedding Day
Cambridge isn’t just a city of history and academia—it’s also a stunning place to get married. Within a 30-minute drive from the city centre, couples will find a mix of elegant estates, rustic barns, and one-of-a-kind venues that combine charm, convenience, and photographic beauty.
This guide highlights five of the best wedding venues near Cambridge, each offering something unique—whether you’re after countryside tranquility, a fairytale setting, or a place to host an unforgettable party. We’ve also included insider planning tips to help you confidently choose the perfect spot.
1. Longstowe Hall (Southwest of Cambridge)
Style: Historic Manor House + Lakeside Garden
Capacity: Up to 150 seated
Starting Price: Venue hire from £6,500+
Link: https://longstowehall.co.uk/
Why It’s Special: A romantic, privately owned 19th-century hall with formal rose gardens, a heart-shaped lake, and a stunning oak-framed Long Barn for receptions. The grounds are meticulously kept, and the backdrop is tailor-made for elegant, floral-filled weddings.
What to Know:
- Civil ceremony license
- On-site parking and dedicated wedding team
- No on-site accommodation, but partner hotels nearby in Cambourne and Cambridge
Tip: Perfect for summer weddings—don’t miss the photo ops on the lakeside bridge.
2. South Farm (Royston area)
Style: Eco-Friendly Farm & Garden Venue
Capacity: Up to 146 seated
Starting Price: Packages from £5,000–£12,000+
Link: https://south-farm.co.uk/
Why It’s Special: A working organic farm with colourful Romani caravans, an orchard for outdoor ceremonies, and a Tudor-style farmhouse. South Farm is a favourite among couples looking for rustic charm, sustainability, and exceptional food (most of it grown on-site).
What’s Included:
- Exclusive use of the whole venue
- Accommodation for 24 guests
- In-house catering focused on seasonal, local produce
Insider Tip: Their off-peak discounts for winter weddings are generous—and the farmhouse glows with candlelight.
3. The Willow Tree (Bourn, 20 mins west of Cambridge)
Style: Boutique Pub Garden Venue
Capacity: 30–100 seated
Starting Price: Packages from ~£3,000 for intimate weddings
Link: https://thewillowtreebourn.com/
Why It’s Special: A hidden gem with a whimsical garden marquee, fairy-lit trees, and cozy indoor dining. Ideal for smaller weddings or relaxed celebrations with gourmet pub food and countryside vibes.
What You’ll Love:
- Flexibility with guest numbers
- Magical at twilight with festoon lighting
- Excellent in-house catering with creative flair
Caution: Best for more intimate weddings—space is limited if you’re planning a large party.
4. Childerley Long Barn (Dry Drayton)
Style: Rustic Barn in Historic Grounds
Capacity: 140–180 seated
Starting Price: From £4,500+ (venue only)
Link: https://www.childerley.org/
Why It’s Special:
A spacious, 19th-century timber barn on a working farm estate, surrounded by wildflowers, orchards, and historic gardens. It blends rustic architecture with a blank-canvas setup, giving you total creative control.
Good To Know:
- Dry-hire style, but with excellent recommended suppliers
- Civil ceremony license
- Easily accessible from the A428
Pro Tip: Use the glass-fronted garden room for canapés and drinks—it’s a serene transition between the ceremony and barn reception.
5. Madingley Hall (Northwest of Cambridge)
Style: Tudor Mansion with Formal Gardens
Capacity: Up to 100 seated
Starting Price: Packages from £4,500+
Link: https://www.madingleyhall.co.uk/
Why It’s Special: Owned by the University of Cambridge, this stately venue offers grandeur without pretension. The gardens are exquisite, the architecture dramatic, and the service polished. You can get married indoors or outside under their historic pergola.
Logistics:
- In-house accommodation for guests
- Licensed for civil ceremonies
- On-site parking, 10 mins from central Cambridge
Tip: Ask to view the Saloon Room—it’s perfect for smaller ceremonies or an elegant wedding breakfast.
Planning Advice & Local Tips
How Far in Advance to Book:
For summer or weekend weddings, aim to book 12–18 months ahead. Some venues like South Farm and Longstowe fill up quickly during peak months (May–September).
What to Ask During Venue Visits:
- Do you require exclusive suppliers?
- Are there corkage fees if we bring our own wine?
- Is there a backup plan for rain if the ceremony is outside?
- Can we stay the night, or is there nearby accommodation?
Red Flags to Watch:
- Vague pricing or unclear package details
- Limited access time on the wedding day
- High additional charges for essentials (tables, linens, etc.)
Cost-Saving Ideas:
- Consider weekday or shoulder season weddings
- Look for venues with inclusive catering and accommodation
- Share transport for guests from central Cambridge
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues Around London: 12 Stunning Options Within 2 Hours of the City
Planning a wedding near London offers a wealth of options—but with so many venues to choose from, narrowing them down can be overwhelming. Whether you're envisioning a grand countryside estate, an urban industrial space, or an intimate garden celebration, this guide covers standout venues within a 2-hour radius of central London to suit every budget and style.
From historic gems to modern marvels, here are 12 carefully curated venues that combine beauty, accessibility, and practicality—plus insider advice to help you make the right choice.
Hedsor House (Buckinghamshire)
Style: Grand Country House
Capacity: Up to 150 seated
Starting Price: From £7,000 venue hire (weekday), £10,000+ (weekend)
Why It’s Special: A Grade II-listed Georgian mansion set in 100 acres of parkland, just 45 minutes from London. Hedsor House has played host to royalty and Hollywood films. It offers exclusive use, a sweeping bridal suite, and on-site accommodation for up to 26 guests.
Insider Tip: Ask about mid-week wedding packages, which often offer the same experience at a fraction of the cost.
Kew Gardens (Richmond, London)
Style: Botanical & Natural
Capacity: Up to 200 seated
Starting Price: From £3,000–£12,000 (depending on venue choice)
Why It’s Special:Get married surrounded by exotic plants in the iconic Nash Conservatory or the tropical Palm House. A dream for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Logistics: Easily accessible via the District Line. On-site catering through their approved list; restrictions on external suppliers.
Watch Out For: Timed access and music curfews due to Kew’s protected status.
The Asylum Chapel (Peckham, South London)
Style: Romantic Ruin / Urban Cool
Capacity: 120 seated
Starting Price: £3,000–£4,000 for ceremony hire
Why It’s Special: A semi-derelict 19th-century chapel with crumbling walls, stained glass, and dramatic lighting. Perfect for artsy couples who love atmospheric, non-traditional spaces.
Insider Tip: Pair the chapel with a nearby reception venue like AMP Studios or The Peckham Arches.
The Ned (City of London)
Style: Art Deco Luxury Hotel
Capacity: 200+
Starting Price: From £12,500 minimum spend
Why It’s Special: Located in a converted 1920s bank, The Ned offers seven private event rooms, a rooftop pool, and a vintage aesthetic. Perfect for stylish city weddings.
Bonus: On-site spa and over 250 bedrooms make it ideal for destination-style London weddings.
Gaynes Park (Epping, Essex)
Style: Barn + Gardens
Capacity: 150+
Starting Price: £4,500–£9,500 venue hire + catering
Why It’s Special: This modern barn venue with a Victorian walled garden and long glass Orangery is just 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street. It blends rustic elegance with top-notch facilities.
Booking Insight: Popular year-round—book 18–24 months in advance for peak dates.
Trinity Buoy Wharf (East London)
Style: Industrial / Warehouse
Capacity: Up to 250
Starting Price: From £3,500
Why It’s Special: A converted warehouse with river views and a lighthouse. It's one of London’s most flexible venues—bring in your own suppliers, get creative with the décor, and enjoy the industrial-chic vibe.
Caution: No on-site accommodation, but plenty of hotels in Canary Wharf nearby.
The Old Kent Barn (Kent)
Style: Countryside Barn
Capacity: Up to 150 seated
Starting Price: £5,000–£9,000 (includes exclusive use)
Why It’s Special: An award-winning venue in the Kent countryside offering full-service wedding planning, a new Oak Barn for ceremonies, and impeccable gardens for photos.
Guest Transport: About 1.5 hours from London—consider hiring a coach if many guests are London-based.
Notley Abbey (Oxfordshire)
Style: Historic Abbey with Rustic Flair
Capacity: 164 day / 250 evening
Starting Price: From £6,500–£10,000+
Why It’s Special: A former home of Laurence Olivier, this Grade I-listed venue offers riverside settings, historic charm, and elegant stone barns. Exclusive-use only.
Accommodation: 9 luxury bedrooms on-site, with more hotels in nearby Thame.
The Fitzrovia Chapel (Fitzrovia, Central London)
Style: Intimate / Ornate
Capacity: 80 seated
Starting Price: £2,500–£3,500 for ceremony hire
Why It’s Special: Hidden in plain sight in central London, this gold-tiled chapel is perfect for smaller, intimate weddings or elopements with visual wow factor.
Logistics: No reception space—ideal for ceremony-only weddings paired with nearby restaurants or hotels.
Micklefield Hall (Hertfordshire)
Style: Stately Home with Converted Barn
Capacity: 200 seated
Starting Price: From £6,000–£9,000+
Why It’s Special: A hidden gem just 25 minutes from London Euston. Features include a restored 16th-century barn, a lake with an outdoor temple for ceremonies, and gardens perfect for cocktail hour.
Insider Advice: No corkage option available, which can reduce drinks costs significantly.
RSA House (Central London)
Style: Georgian City Venue
Capacity: 100–130 seated
Starting Price: From £2,500 (ceremony only), £10,000+ for full-day hire
Why It’s Special: A central London venue with vaulted brick cellars, elegant rooms, and a nonprofit mission. It’s popular with couples who want a socially conscious, stylish celebration.
Unique Feature: Ceremony license + in-house catering + options for dry hire.
The Petersham Hotel (Richmond)
Style: Boutique Hotel with Views
Capacity: 30–60 seated
Starting Price: Packages from £110–£165 per guest
Why It’s Special: Panoramic views over the Thames, a romantic staircase for photos, and classic British hospitality make this an ideal venue for intimate weddings with luxury touches.
Good To Know: Best suited for smaller weddings or elopements.
Planning Advice & Venue-Visit Tips
Book Early:
Top venues around London book up 12–24 months in advance, especially for summer Saturdays. Have 2–3 backup dates ready.
Ask These Questions:
- What’s included in the hire price?
- Can we bring our own suppliers?
- What are the curfew and noise limits?
- Is there a wet-weather plan for outdoor ceremonies?
- Are there minimum guest numbers or spend?
Watch Out For Red Flags:
- Poor communication or vague contracts
- Limited access hours
- No clear wet-weather backup
- Unlicensed for ceremonies (unless you plan a celebrant-led wedding)
Save Money By:
- Booking mid-week or winter weddings
- Using in-house catering and bar
- Opting for a dry-hire venue if you want full control
Final Thoughts
Choosing a wedding venue near London is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're drawn to regal estates, vibrant city spaces, or romantic countryside barns, there’s a perfect venue waiting within a short trip from the capital.
Use this guide as your starting point, but trust your gut during venue visits. The right place should not only meet your checklist—but feel like the one.
Waking Up at 3 AM for Sunrise on Diamond Beach – An Iceland Wedding Story
Iceland is unlike anywhere else I’ve filmed—a mix of black sand beaches, icy landscapes, and weather that changes by the minute. It’s not the kind of place where you can plan every detail, but that’s part of what makes it so interesting to work in.
You can find wedding film for Eden & James here.
When Eden and James decided to swap their original UK wedding for a small elopement in Iceland, I knew we’d be in for something a bit different. They wanted a day that was relaxed, simple, and focused on them—not a set schedule.
The Early Start
With my team (my wife and my friend May) we set alarms for 3 AM to catch the first light at Diamond Beach. The icebergs washed up on the shore glowed softly in the morning light, and the only sounds were the waves and the crunch of ice underfoot. Eden and James stood together, quietly taking it all in while I filmed. Those moments work best when they’re not staged—you just notice them and press record.
On the Glacier
Later, we met our guides from Icepic Journey, led by Strawhat Backpacker. They took us onto a glacier, where the air felt still and the ice reflected light in subtle shades of blue.
There’s a calmness on the glacier that you don’t often get at a traditional wedding. No background noise, no one rushing to the next part of the day—just space to focus on the couple.
Why Iceland Works for Adventurous Couples
Iceland isn’t for everyone. The weather changes fast, travel takes time, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get the exact conditions you imagined. But for couples who like the idea of an unhurried day, who want to spend most of it outdoors, and who are happy to go with the flow, it can be ideal.
Filming With That in Mind
For me, destination weddings and elopements are about capturing what’s actually happening, not forcing a shot list. On this trip, the sound of waves, the wind through Eden’s dress, the crunch of snow as they walked—all those details made their way into the film.
At Perky Pug Films, I try to create videos that feel real to the people in them, whether that’s on a glacier, a beach, or in a city hall. This one just happened to be in Iceland.
Why we love St Giles House in Dorset so much?
St Giles House was forever etched in our hearts when we first filmed there in 2022.
Long history (it was built in 1651), impeccable renovation (you can find a book about this process and the venue in Riding house), twenty two kilometres of grounds and gardens, breathtaking interiors.
And as with other great places, it’s hard to describe.
When we first came here, we actually didn’t even know there was such a thing. But the Wikipedia entry itself suggested that it would be something special.
There are few places that perfectly combine a garden (in this case, 3 in total, depending on which side you go), a great team, and truly amazing indoor spaces.
Whether it’s the common rooms (library, entrance, lounges), the upper floor (rooms for accommodation) or the basement (a perfectly soundproofed party club), you’ll be left with your chin down absolutely everything you enter.
So why do we love St Giles so much? The atmosphere. We think the spirit of a place can just transfer to the people.
Once you bring something to yourself or your guests that gets them excited at first sight, they can get excited about your event too.
It’s hard to explain, but even we suddenly felt somehow different when we toured this house before the wedding… and you had yet to see the guests.
Whether it was at the wedding or after the champagne was poured down the glass pyramid!
You may have already seen them on our website, but if you haven’t, be sure to check out our portfolio – you will find St Giles House in various wedding videos as we filmed here multiple times and we are so grateful for that!
Looking for more info? See articles on Hitched, Vanity Fair, or official website of St Giles House.
There are also two Instagram accounts to follow: @St Giles and @St Giles Weddings.
And if you are looking for a wedding videographer for St Giles House or Dorset in general, get in touch!
Which weddings awaits us in 2025 and 2026
Since we've been ramping up our Instagram (reels) and Google campaigns more, we've been getting approximately 40 enquiries / month. WOW, what an amazing time.
This is a note to wedding vendors: if you're interested in a marketing consultation, feel free to drop us a line.
What can you look forward to in our stories?
Tuscany
Italy is probably one of the very popular destinations for weddings, we just didn't know it for a long time :D so if you're planning a wedding in 2025 or 2026 in those vineyards and olive groves of theirs, drop us a line - we've got a new drone ready to go! :P
We've got 3 weddings coming up, mainly in 2026 and we are so happy we will finally visit this destination!
Sicily
We'll be meeting a small international team here, each vendor and both newlyweds are from a different country. We are so excited! And the plane flies there really often.
Hopefully we'll be able to add a short vacation so we can get to know at least one city properly.
England
Our second home, there are going to be a lot of weddings (even queer ones) in the next few years. What are we looking forward to? Guinness, english breakfasts, museums, and hopefully we'll be able to do some trekking!
Scotland
After our visit to Scotland last year, we've had several inquiries in the mail about Edinburgh, and it's been great!
Trekking in the hills above the Scottish lochs is definitely one of the top things in our itinerary.
We look forward to seeing what this season brings!
Wedding videography London: our tips for perfect wedding
Planning a wedding in London? Congratulations! This vibrant city offers a blend of history, romance, and charm that makes it an unforgettable wedding destination.
As (passionate) wedding videographers specializing in creating fun, artistic films infused with the timeless feel of Super8 analogue footage, we’re here to share why London is perfect for your big day, introduce our unique style, and offer tips for planning the wedding of your dreams.
Why London is Perfect for Your Wedding
London isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a character in your story. We like London so much, and we like to film there every time, because no matter how many weddings we capture, this city always surprises us with its beauty and diversity.Iconic Landmarks
Picture saying your vows at St. Paul’s Cathedral or capturing golden-hour footage on the Millennium Bridge. Every iconic landmark tells a story, and as filmmakers, we’re here to weave them into yours.
Hidden Gems
Beyond the famous spots, London is full of charming places – cozy pubs and restaurants, crowded streets, beautiful landmarks. We discover something new every time.
A City of Contrasts
What makes London truly magical is its mix of old and new. One moment, you’re stepping into history at the Tower of London; the next, you’re dancing the night away in a modern skyscraper overlooking the city.
About Us: Bringing Your Wedding Memories to Life
At Perky Pug Films, we believe wedding films are more than just videos; they’re living, breathing memories.
Our Philosophy
We don’t just want to film your wedding; we want to capture how it felt to be there. Whether it’s a tearful glance during your vows or the wild energy on the dance floor, we’re always on the lookout for those authentic moments.
Super8 Magic
There’s something so enchanting about Super8 analogue footage. Its nostalgic, dreamlike quality adds a layer of romance to your film that modern digital footage just can’t replicate. We love mixing the old with the new – it’s like capturing your story in two different dimensions.
Why Choose Us?
Our style is for couples who want their wedding film to feel vibrant, full of life. We don’t do stiff poses or cookie-cutter edits. Every couple has their own energy, and our job is to bring that to life on screen.
Tips for Planning Your London Wedding
Planning a wedding in London can be as exciting as it is daunting, but with a bit of foresight (and a few tips), it’s a breeze.
Book Your Venue Early
Popular London venues fill up fast – sometimes years in advance. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific spot, lock it in as soon as you can.
Embrace the Weather
London’s weather is famously unpredictable, but it doesn’t have to spoil the fun. Embrace it, and you’ll have beautiful atmosphere with every scenario.
Infuse London into Your Day
Whether it’s serving cocktails inspired by classic British drinks or hosting a reception at a historic venue, small touches can make your day uniquely yours.
Choose a Photographer + Videographer Who Gets You
Your wedding video is more than just a keepsake – it’s your story. Find someone whose style resonates with you. We love to have everything little bit crazy with good vibes only.