Tegan + David

Stonehenge is a wonder of the world, an ancient monument dating back 5000 years.  It’s an impressive site to witness and even more so towards the end of the day when the sun is setting.  It was my first time visiting and I have to say capturing a Stonehenge wedding in the inner circle at sunset was nothing more than magical.  In all of the weddings in my career, this has to be right up there with one of the most amazing places I’ve shot.  It did help of course that I had an awesome couple like Tegan and David.

Tegan and David are both in the U.S. military and met in South Korea and later stationed in Germany.  They are world travelers and so it seemed fitting that their destination wedding would take place somewhere unique.  I first met them when they contacted me for an engagement shoot in the south of Holland last year.  When they told me they loved their engagement photos and wanted me to shoot their wedding in Stonehenge, I was already booking my flights.  How could I resist?  Weddings at Stonehenge are very rare as the site is not an official wedding venue.  Stonehenge’s inner circle is only open to the public twice a year during the summer and winter solstices.  So needless to say, this was going to be one special wedding.

It was a bright sunny spring day in the town of Salisbury where everyone stayed.  Tegan wore a beautiful dress with a red floral hair wreath and David wore his kilt to represent his Scottish background.  After their first look we took some quick photos at The Manor Barn before heading out to Stonehenge for the ceremony just in time for sunset.  As we arrived, the sun pierced in between the stones, creating just enough light to illuminate Tegan and David.  The ceremony was conducted by a Druid priest and consisted of a Celtic handfasting, an ancient ritual where the couple’s hands are draped with a cord.  (Fun fact:  The phrase “tying the knot” comes from this Celtic tradition).  After Tegan and David tied the knot, they continued with the tradition of jumping the broom to symbolize a new beginning.

After the ceremony, as the guests headed back to the bus, Tegan and David stayed back for some last quick photos at the stones.  It was surreal, as if we were the only ones there.  Actually, we were the only ones there.  It was quiet and peaceful, probably how it once was thousands of years ago.  We all headed back to the Manor Barn to finish off the night with drinks and dancing…and sparklers!

Stonehenge Wedding Photography – South England – Salisbury – UK wedding photographer