Jordan and Duncan chose The Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa for their beautifully autumnal wedding day. This was the sweetest wedding day that was bathed in the most perfect golden autumn sunshine. Here is the story!
The Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa is a really popular Bedfordshire wedding venue and it’s not hard to see why. Set on the embankment of the Great River Ouse in Bedford it is a stylish hotel that is full of character. The hotel has its own unique contemporary design which compliments its original 18th Century features. It is a venue that is packed with photo opportunities for a wedding day!
I have been a recommended supplier for the Bedford Swan (and its sister Hotel, Hotel Cromwell in Stevenage) for several years. I know the venues and the fabulous staff really well and it is always a privilege to photograph wedding days with them.
Bedford Swan Wedding Photographer
I met Jordan and Duncan at an open evening at the Hotel. We chatted about what they had planned and hit it off straight away. I could tell that they were going to have a really great day and be lovely to work with. I was also really excited to hear that they were planning their wedding in the autumn. From experience, I know that autumn is a great time for wedding photos on the embankment that is immediately in front of the hotel. The avenue of mature lime trees have fiery orange and red leaves at this time of year that make for the most stunning backdrop!
I arrived at The Bedford Swan early so that I had time to set my equipment up (and to scoff a bacon sarnie!) before joining Jordan and her friends in their suite. Brides are really spoiled for choice when it comes to wedding prep rooms at The Swan. Every room in the hotel is uniquely decorated and all with a stylish boutique charm. There are beautiful suites and large deluxe doubles with plenty of space for all of the hair styling, make-up and prosecco sipping fun of a wedding morning!
Experienced Bedfordshire wedding photographer
Jordan and her bridesmaids were busy getting ready in one of the newest rooms, a suite in the new wing of the hotel that was opened in 2025. There was lots going on as everyone was getting ready for the day ahead but the atmosphere was chilled and fun. I popped downstairs too and caught up with Duncan and the boys. Spirits were high as they enjoyed a pre-wedding pint in the stylish bar area of The Penn and Cobb restaurant.
With bridal hair and make up complete, and looking absolutely gorgeous, Jordan took a moment to invite her dad to see her. It was an emotional first look with tears, hugs and kisses between father and daughter. My own daughter may only be 7 years old but these father of the bride moments get me every time!
With the wedding ceremony about to start the groomsmen busied themselves guiding guests to their seats whilst Duncan anxiously awaited the arrival of his beautiful bride. In a candid and unforgettable moment, Duncan’s smart watch began beeping as he stood atop the aisle. An alert that his heart rate was abnormally high! Watch beeping silenced, Jordan made an elegant and emotional entrance with her dad. I discreetly snapped away from the corner of the room capturing the ceremony unfold, the reactions, and those once in a lifetime moments.
Experienced wedding photography at a Bedfordshire wedding venue
The ceremony, led by registrars from the Bedfordshire registration service, was held in the State Room. This light and elegant room with its high ceilings, large windows overlooking the river, and original wood panelling provides a beautiful setting in which to say “I do”. Sunshine beams through the tall windows making for gorgeously lit wedding photos!
Bedford Swan Hotel Wedding Photographs
The bride and groom, now husband and wife, left the State Room to applause, cheers and whoops from family and friends. They greeted a receiving line as their guests filed out. Everyone made their way outside in preparation for a big confetti throw to start the celebrations! Next we snapped up some fun family pictures at the front of the hotel using the river as a backdrop. Then everyone made their way inside, into the large Coach Room, for drinks and canapes.
Storytelling wedding photography in Bedfordshire
The room was dressed by Danielle of The Flowerhood. Colourful and delicate flower stems in ornate glass vases adorned each table complimented by real candles and fairy lights. The Coach Room at the Bedford Swan looked fabulous! It was a dreamy setting and beautiful to photograph.
With the October sunshine starting to fade the couple and I took a short walk along the riverside to snap up some gorgeous autumnal wedding portraits. There’s no complex posing needed for these shoots, just look happy and in love - pretty easy on your wedding day! We used the riverside setting, the beautiful light, and Jordan's pretty veil to create some gorgeous photos and then we headed straight back to The Coach Room ready for dinner.
Golden hour wedding photography
Following a yummy 3 course wedding breakfast it was time for the speeches. This is often one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph. You can always count on there being tears, laughter, nerves, and cheers of happiness. It’s great to get the shots of the speakers doing their thing and even better to capture the reactions of those around them!
Outside the sun had long set and as the room was turned around for the evening partying, we took the opportunity to nip off for a couple of romantic night shots. I always have portable studio flash on hand for a wedding day (not least in the darker months of the year). It is great for creating dramatic wedding photos after dark and we used it to full effect on the hotel's beautiful staircase, frontage, and for a last quick shot riverside. The embankment now lit with festoon lights and old fashioned street lamps. We had a great time creating these photos and Jordan and Duncan enjoyed a little bit of time together away from the crowd.
Winter Wedding Photography
Soon it was time for the wedding couple to cut their cake and take to the dancefloor. A live band got the crowd dancing and I joined in, camera in hand, capturing all sorts of fun candid moments on the dancefloor!
It was such a privilege to photograph this gorgeous autumn wedding day with Jordan and Duncan at The Bedford Swan. Congratulations and thank you so much for having me along!
Bedford Swan Hotel Wedding
If you are planning a wedding at The Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa in Bedfordshire or somewhere further afield, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to chat to me about how we can capture lots and lots of beautiful photos of it!
