Each year, I reflect on the photos that best represent how I see the world as a candid wedding photographer.
Distilling 100 of my best candid wedding photos from around 7,000, however, was a beast of a challenge as always, because every wedding presents so many opportunities to capture unique, joyful and authentic moments.
I don’t work from a shot list, and I don’t give any direction when I shoot because I believe that the best moments are spontaneous. That’s why all the photos I’m going to share show genuine moments only.
Hopefully, they will connect with you if you want loads of glorious candid wedding photos of your loved ones having a blast!
I do take relaxed photos of couples together; however, you’d be mad if you didn’t want this, but I’ve put them right at the bottom of this page, and you can jump to them here
Thank you to all my amazing couples this year – here are a few of their lovely faces.
Ooooh, accolades!
This year, I’ve scooped quite a few accolades!
- This is Reportage Top 10 Best Photographers in the World (for the second year running)
- Inspiration Photographers- Top 10 in the world
- Top 1o Worldwide with The Wedding Photojournalist Association
- ‘Best Wedding Photographer in the East Midlands’ Runner-up at The Wedding Industry Awards
- Photographers Keeping it Real: Top 10
BUT, what matters more to me than accolades is creating photos that will make my couples cheeks hurt from smiling 😁 I poached that line from a Google Review that one of my couples left me.
Best Candid Wedding Photos 0f 2025
If you are hungry to see more photos like this, check out my best of 2024
Wait, what about newlywed photos, AKA ‘Portraits’…
Do I take fun-loving photos of couples together without awkward posing?
YES, absolutely.
I haven’t included them above because I do provide some direction, but I won’t ask you to ‘pose’.
I keep direction loose, so you are free to express yourself however you feel in the moment. I won’t be micromanaging your hands or telling you where to look. My goal is for the photos that come out from the time together to be a product of you and not me as the wedding photographer.
This part of the day won’t feel like a photoshoot, but rather like you’re having some much-needed time together. I only need 5 minutes to get some great photos of you enjoying being together, so you can get back to the party or not…
Venues for Candid Wedding Photography in 2025
As a candid wedding photographer near Nottingham, I’ve provided documentary wedding photography at loads of fabulous wedding venues this year.
I returned to some of my favourites like the Walled Garden , Foxtail Barns, Shottle Hall and the Pumping House. I also shot a weddings at Swanley Meadows, Thorpe Garden, Wharfdale Grange Courtyard Barns, and That Amazing Place for the first time, which was ace!
I’ve loved shooting ceremonies in every setting, from churches to marquees and outdoor weddings. I’ve also photographed weddings in Leicestershire and photographed weddings in Derbyshire.
In 2026, I’m booked to photograph at Molecey Mill, which is one of my new favourite wedding venues.
Education
Growing in my craft is something I invest in to keep pushing myself to remain one of the best candid wedding photographers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. This year, I attended the Fearless Masters Conference in Antwerp, where I met and became inspired by so many like-minded photographers from all over the world.
I also ran two more documentary wedding photography workshops to help aspiring and established photographers develop the art of taking quirky photos on the fly and to stay creative throughout an entire day. I now also provide wedding photography education in the form of mentoring.
Finally, in 2025, I started a wedding photography newsletter! If you are a photographer reading this, you can sign up if you want, monthly tips and musings about all things weddings – GET NATHAN’S PHOTOGRAPHY NEWSLETTER