Darlington · Croft-on-Tees · Richmond
Darlington Wedding Photographer
Relaxed wedding photography and film around Darlington, from a castle hotel to a secret garden chapel.
01 / Weddings near Darlington
I know the wedding venues around Darlington well.
I'm Aaron, a documentary wedding photographer and filmmaker based in Guisborough, and North East Wedding Photographer of the Year 2022. The Croft Hotel, just south of Darlington, is about 25 minutes from my home, and I've photographed nearly ten weddings there.
I've also photographed weddings at Walworth Castle and Hall Garth in Darlington, and at Middleton Lodge, the Kings Head in Richmond and Crathorne Hall, all a short drive away.
I keep things relaxed. You spend the day with your guests, and I photograph it as it happens. Travel is free unless otherwise stated.
02 / Darlington wedding venues
Wedding venues near Darlington I’ve photographed.
Each venue has its own page with real wedding photographs, my favourite photo spots and how I handle the weather there.
Darlington
Walworth CastleA 12th-century castle hotel just outside Darlington, according to the venue. I photographed Juliet and Andy’s wedding here.Walworth Castle wedding photography →
Hall GarthA golf and country club hotel in Darlington, with buggies to get around the course. I photographed Jenney and Reece’s wedding here.Hall Garth wedding photography →
The Croft HotelA hotel at Croft-on-Tees with a secret garden chapel and a pink door. I’ve photographed nearly ten weddings here.The Croft Hotel wedding photography →
Richmond and the A1
Middleton LodgeA Georgian house with a garden marquee at Middleton Tyas, near Richmond. I photographed Bethan and Dan’s wedding here.Middleton Lodge wedding photography →
The Kings Head HotelA Georgian coaching inn on Richmond’s Market Place with a grand ballroom. I photographed Ellen and Simon’s wedding here.The Kings Head Hotel wedding photography →
The Yorkshire Wedding BarnA converted barn with exposed beams and open countryside near Richmond. I’ve photographed weddings here.The Yorkshire Wedding Barn wedding photography →
Towards Yarm and Northallerton
Crathorne HallAn Edwardian country house near Yarm with gardens above the Leven Valley, according to the venue.Crathorne Hall wedding photography →
Solberge HallA country house near Northallerton with a dark, detailed staircase and open gardens. I’ve photographed weddings here.Solberge Hall wedding photography →
Thirsk Lodge BarnsBarns, a courtyard and fields near Thirsk that glow at golden hour. I’ve photographed one wedding here.Thirsk Lodge Barns wedding photography →
Real weddings near Darlington
The Croft Hotel, through the seasons.
I've photographed nearly ten weddings at The Croft Hotel, in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Almost everything is indoors, covered or ten steps from a door.
Gabby and Rob's winter wedding there had a subtle Christmas theme in deep reds and whites. I stayed relaxed and in the background, so they could enjoy the day with their friends and family.
03 / Getting married in Darlington
Where you can have your ceremony.
You can marry at the Town Hall, at your venue or in church.
- Register office
Darlington Town Hall
Darlington Borough Council lists three rooms: the Statutory Marriage Room for the couple and two witnesses, the Council Chamber Foyer for up to 12 guests and the Oak Room for up to 50.
- A garden chapel
The Croft Hotel
The Croft has a secret garden chapel, with a flower-lined runway aisle leading up to its doors.
- A castle
Walworth Castle
A 12th-century castle hotel just outside Darlington, according to the venue. I photographed Juliet and Andy’s wedding there.
- Church first
A church, then your venue
Ellen and Simon married in Richmond and then celebrated in the ballroom at the Kings Head Hotel.
Useful links: Darlington Borough Council: register office weddings.
04 / Darlington photo spots
Where I’ve taken portraits around Darlington.
These are real places I've photographed couples, all on or close to their venue.
ColourThe pink door at The Croft
The pink door makes a colourful backdrop, a few steps from the hotel.
CastleWalworth Castle grounds
The gardens and the driveway, with the castle behind you.
Open spaceHall Garth golf course
Buggies make it easy to cover a lot of ground without leaving your guests for long.
GeorgianMiddleton Lodge
An elegant Georgian house, old stone walls and a garden marquee near Richmond.
The day comes first. The photographs happen as it unfolds.
More about how I work05 / How the day works
Three things couples ask me about.
Short portraits
Couple portraits take about twenty minutes, usually near sunset when the light softens. Then you’re back with your guests.
Rain
I don't work to a fixed rain plan. We just make it work. At The Croft almost everything is indoors, covered or ten steps from a door.
Photography and film
You can book photography on its own, or photography and a wedding film together from one person. See wedding photography packages for what's included.
06 / Good to know
Darlington wedding photographer questions.
Are you based near Darlington?
I live in Guisborough, about 25 minutes from The Croft Hotel, and photograph weddings around Darlington regularly. Travel is free unless otherwise stated.
Which wedding venues near Darlington have you photographed?
Walworth Castle, Hall Garth and The Croft Hotel; Middleton Lodge, the Kings Head Hotel and The Yorkshire Wedding Barn near Richmond; and Crathorne Hall, Solberge Hall and Thirsk Lodge Barns.
Where is the register office in Darlington?
Darlington Borough Council holds register office ceremonies at Darlington Town Hall, in the Statutory Marriage Room, the Council Chamber Foyer (up to 12 guests) and the Oak Room (up to 50 guests). Check current details with the council.
Where are the best places for wedding photos near Darlington?
The pink door and gardens at The Croft Hotel, the grounds of Walworth Castle, the golf course at Hall Garth and the house and walls at Middleton Lodge.
How much does a wedding photographer cost?
My ceremony coverage with a few family photographs starts from £895, and full-day photography collections start at £1,295. Photography and film together starts at £2,295. See my packages for what’s included.
Do you offer photography and film?
Yes. You can book photography on its own, or photography and a wedding film together from one person, so there’s one less supplier to manage on the day.
What happens if it rains?
I don’t work to a fixed rain plan. We just make it work. At The Croft almost everything is indoors, covered or ten steps from a door.
How long do couple portraits take?
About twenty minutes, usually near sunset, so you’re back with your guests quickly.
My venue isn’t listed. Can you still photograph it?
Yes. Send me your venue and date. I’ll tell you honestly whether I know it, and how I’d approach it if I don’t.
Your Darlington wedding
Let's check your date.
If you're getting married in or around Darlington, send me your date and venue and I'll let you know if I'm free. It's a conversation about your day, with no pressure.