A Colourful Summer Wedding at The Kings Hall and Winter Gardens, Ilkley

Kings Hall Ilkley Wedding Photos. There’s something about summer weddings that just bring a spark of magic, and Jess and Matt’s wedding at The Kings Hall and Winter Gardens in Ilkley was a perfect example of that. Held on one of the hottest days of the year in July, it was a wedding full of joy, laughter, and a burst of vibrant colour, making it a celebration to remember.

Getting ready.

I began my day at The Crescent Hotel in Ilkley, where Jess and her bridal party were preparing for the big day. Surrounded by her bridesmaids and family, the atmosphere was relaxed but full of excitement. Jess had chosen bright pink bridesmaid dresses, which complemented the stunning bouquets of bright pinks, reds, and yellows perfectly. The whole bridal party radiated positivity, and I felt incredibly lucky to capture their preparations. As a nice surprise, one of Jess’s bridesmaids turned out to be someone I’d met before; her husband had been the best man at a wedding I had photographed a few years prior. It’s always a special moment when you reconnect with familiar faces!

Ceremony.

I had never visited The Kings Hall before, despite living in the area for more than 10 years, so I was really looking forward to capturing the space. The Winter Gardens, with its magnificent glass ceiling, is truly a sight to behold. The light streaming in made it feel like a magical, airy space for Jess and Matt’s ceremony. The sweeping staircase and balcony added an elegant touch, making it the perfect backdrop for the day’s celebrations.

As soon as I arrived, everything was ready to go. Guests were seated and the atmosphere was electric as the ceremony was about to begin. I managed to find the perfect spot on the staircase behind the registrar, allowing me to capture some beautiful and unique shots of the ceremony without being intrusive. After the vows, Jess and Matt walked back up the aisle and headed to the balcony for their confetti moment. It was one of my favourite moments of the day—the wedding party let loose with confetti cannons while everyone else threw handfuls of bright pink and red paper confetti, creating a colourful explosion of joy!

Reception & Photographs.

The drinks reception on the balcony followed, with drinks and canapés flowing as guests mingled and chatted. This gave me the perfect opportunity to take some family and bridal party portraits on the staircase, followed by some intimate shots of just Jess and Matt. The couple then took a well-deserved break to spend time with their families, which gave me the chance to capture some natural, candid moments of everyone enjoying the day. We also managed to grab a few photos of Jess and Matt outside The Kings Hall, where the stunning summer weather made for a perfect backdrop.

Speeches.

As the reception room was transformed into a beautiful dining space, the colourful details on the tables—bright napkins, tablecloths, and flowers—perfectly reflected the vibrant theme of the day. When it was time for the wedding breakfast, Jess and Matt made their grand entrance down the main staircase, greeted by cheers from their guests. The speeches had everyone in stitches, with Jess and Matt cringing at some of the jokes but also moved to tears by the heartfelt moments.

Party.

As the day began to wind down, the weather turned slightly cooler, with the rain finally threatening to break through. I was secretly relieved to get a little reprieve from the intense heat, but I also knew we had one last photo opportunity in store. I drove Jess and Matt up to the Cow and Calf, where we managed to get a quick round of photos on the moor, just before the rain started to pour down.

Finally, we returned to The Kings Hall for the evening reception, where the couple opted for a fun twist—no first dance! Instead, Jess and Matt invited everyone onto the dance floor for a group photo, making sure that their loved ones were part of the moment before the band started playing and the real party began.

This was such a beautiful wedding to photograph—colourful, personal, and full of love. Jess and Matt truly made the most of every moment, and I’m so grateful to have been part of their special day. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness and unforgettable memories!

Suppliers:

Venue: Kings Hall & Winter Garden 

Make up: Bonnie Bell

Hair: Sarah Faye Moran

Florist & venue styling : Sophia’s Final Touch

Dress: Richard Designs from Ava Rose Hamilton

Cake: 3 Little Birds Bakery

If you’re planning a wedding at the Kings Hall & Winter Garden in Ilkley please do get in touch!