CLEARWELL CASTLE // CHLOE & JOSH

Chloe and Josh’s AutumnAL Wedding at Clearwell Castle

Chloe and Josh’s wedding at Clearwell Castle was an absolute joy to photograph. A crisp autumn day with golden leaves, a short burst of rain and then a rainbow appearing over the castle at just the right moment.

Clearwell Castle is an 18th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece located in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Built in the 1720s on the site of an earlier medieval manor, it was designed to impress with its grand stone façades, towers and expansive grounds. Over the centuries, the castle has been a family home, a private estate and a retreat for generations of owners. Its architecture and interiors reflect a mix of elegance and grandeur, with light-filled rooms, vaulted ceilings and beautiful detailing throughout.

Today, Clearwell Castle is one of the UK’s most sought-after wedding venues. It combines history and luxury seamlessly, offering dramatic backdrops inside and out, landscaped gardens and woodland surroundings that change with every season. Its character and scale make it a stunning and unforgettable place to celebrate a wedding.

I had my second photographer with me, so we were able to capture every angle and detail throughout the day. Having a second photographer at Clearwell Castle makes a huge difference. With so many stunning angles, light-filled rooms and dramatic outdoor spaces, it means no moment is missed. While one photographer focuses on the couple, the second can capture reactions, candid family moments, or sweeping shots of the castle and grounds. It allows for a fuller, more dynamic coverage of the day, ensuring every detail and emotion is documented.

During the couple shoot, Chloe and Josh were joined by their son Archie. The three of them had so much fun together, laughing and playing in the field behind the castle. The light was perfect and the castle made a beautiful backdrop.

The evening was full of energy. Sparkler fun outside, an epic cake cut in the main entrance hall, and a packed dance floor. By the time I left, Josh was twirling Chloe in the middle of it all while everyone danced around them.

Chloe and Josh planned a wedding that was joyful, full of life and completely their own. Watching them with Archie was a highlight of the day. It was a pleasure to photograph their wedding at Clearwell Castle, and I wish them all the best for the future.