DIY, Village Hall Wedding in the Peak District

Guestographer: part time guest, part time photographer

Being a wedding photographer means I spend most weekends at weddings. So you’d think that, given the chance to have a Saturday off and enjoy a wedding as a guest, I’d jump at it. However… that’s not quite what happened at Sophie and Al’s wedding.

My cousin got married in September 2023 and planned the most incredible DIY wedding in the Peak District. They created so much of the day themselves, and I already knew it would be full of thoughtful, personal touches. Because of that, I also knew I’d have serious FOMO if I didn’t take photos.

So, naturally, I brought my camera along. Actually… I brought Adam too. Together, we became guestographers — part guest, part wedding photographer.

A relaxed morning at Butts Farm, Ashover

Sophie and her bridesmaids got ready at Butts Farm in Ashover. It was such a lovely, relaxed setting for the morning. She spent those quiet hours with her bridesmaids, her mum, and her dad, soaking it all in before the day began.

Meanwhile, Adam headed straight to the church. He captured guests arriving and those early candid moments (definitely one of the perks of having a second photographer!).

Because the weather was on our side, we all walked from Butts Farm through Ashover village to the church. It felt calm, slow, and really intentional — the perfect start to a Peak District wedding day.

A heartfelt church ceremony (and a rogue videographer)

The ceremony at Ashover Church was honestly so lovely. However, it hit even harder emotionally because it was family. I definitely wasn’t just “working” — there were a few tears in there too.

One of my favourite parts of the day was spotting a fellow supplier who also couldn’t quite switch off. Tom from Hitched Productions was meant to be enjoying the day as Best Man. However, his camera kept appearing!

So yes… we had a rogue videographer on our hands. And honestly, I loved it. It just added to the energy of the day.

Drinks in the sun at The Crispin

After the ceremony, everyone gathered outside The Crispin. The sun was shining (a rare but welcome bonus), and the whole vibe felt relaxed and joyful.

Guests enjoyed incredible canapés by Rhubarb Kitchen, while live music from Waking Vegas played in the background. It was one of those moments where everything just worked.

Meanwhile, we captured some group photos and had time to properly catch up with friends and family. It didn’t feel rushed at all, which made such a difference.

A DIY village hall wedding in Ashover

There are so many beautiful wedding venues across the UK, and I’m lucky enough to photograph at lots of them. However, Sophie and Al proved that you really don’t need a traditional venue to create something special.

They completely transformed Ashover Village Hall into an incredible DIY wedding space. Every detail felt personal, intentional, and full of meaning. If you’re planning a village hall wedding in the Peak District, this is exactly the kind of inspiration you need.

After drinks, everyone took a steady stroll through the village to the hall. It felt very community-led and relaxed — which suited the whole day perfectly.

The best wedding food I’ve ever tasted?!

Then… we ate. And wow.

I genuinely still think about this meal. Rhubarb Kitchen absolutely blew it out of the park. Guests were served generous sharing platters, creating that laid-back, communal feel that worked so well for a DIY wedding.

And then came the flaming pavlova. Yes — flaming. It was dramatic, delicious, and definitely memorable.

Afterwards, we had speeches that were just as good. We had a game of Mr & Mrs and Tom (the Best Man / videographer) even wrote and performed a song. When you’ve worked in weddings and heard every speech joke going, you really do have to think outside the box!

Peak District wedding photos at Ashover Rock

After all that food, we were definitely in a bit of a food coma. However, we rallied and headed up to Ashover Rock for some portraits.

Adam drove us up (absolute hero), and we had around 20 minutes to capture some natural Peak District wedding photos. The views up there are unreal, and it’s such a perfect spot for couples who want something a bit more adventurous.

The light was soft, the landscape was dramatic, and Sophie and Al were just completely themselves. No pressure, no posing — just the two of them enjoying a quiet moment together.

Dancing, pizza, and the best kind of chaos

Then, it was time to party.

Back at the village hall, Waking Vegas kicked things off again and filled the dance floor. My sister even made an appearance during one of their songs, which made it even more special.

Later on, Porter Pizza arrived (honestly, elite wedding decision). It kept everyone fuelled for the rest of the night.
We also snuck outside for some sparklers, which is always one of my favourite parts of any wedding day. Finally, we danced our way through to midnight, with the kind of energy that only happens when everyone knows each other.

A note from me

This day was such a reminder that weddings don’t need to follow a set formula. In fact, some of the best ones don’t.

A DIY village hall wedding in the Peak District can be just as beautiful, emotional, and fun as any big venue wedding — sometimes even more so. Sophie and Al created a day that felt completely true to them, and that’s what made it so special.

And as for being a guestographer? Honestly… I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

If you’re planning your own Peak District wedding, whether it’s in a village hall, a barn, or out in the hills, I’d love to capture it for you.