Claire & Tom’s April Wedding Photography at Halifax Minster and Beyond

Claire & Tom’s wedding day was filled with character, creativity, and the fresh calm of early spring. Their ceremony took place beneath the soaring gothic arches of Halifax Minster — a stunning, historic venue alive with light, music, and laughter.

Afterwards, we explored some of their favourite local spots: the Northern Broadsides Theatre Company, where Claire works; a special visit to Eureka! The National Children’s Museum; and finally a relaxed evening reception in the conservatory at Charlie Fastrax.

It was a day full of warmth, joyful wandering, and unexpected backdrops — a celebration as unique as the couple themselves, captured by a Leeds wedding photographer with a love for Yorkshire’s rich stories.

The ceremony hadn’t begun, but already the warmth of the day had settled in
— sunlight, shared nerves, and the gentle rhythm of guests arriving.
I love these moments before the music, where connection quietly builds.

Arriving at Halifax Minster in the Spring Light

The April sun was kind that morning. I arrived early to capture the beautiful details of Halifax Minster — the sweeping facade, the stained glass glowing quietly inside, and that unmistakable stillness before the guests begin to gather.

Soon, familiar hugs and happy chatter filled the space outside. The groom and best man greeted friends as more guests arrived, many wearing blue — ties, dresses, even the flowers echoed the tone of the day.

Claire’s sister and the other bridesmaids arrived first, followed by Claire herself — pulled up in a small car, steadying herself before making the short walk with her father. She was radiant. Despite living with MS, she was determined, smiling, and full of grace.

Her dad walked proudly beside her, and the love between them was obvious. From behind the camera, I already knew this would be one of the most memorable weddings I’d ever photograph — right here in the heart of Halifax, not far from my base in Leeds.

Every step took effort — but her smile never faded.
With her dad steady beside her and bridesmaids in soft blue trailing behind,
she walked towards the day she’d dreamed of. Quiet excitement in every stride.

A Moving Ceremony Beneath the Vaulted Ceilings of Halifax Minster

Inside Halifax Minster, the light filtered through the stained glass as guests took their seats. The groom and best man waited quietly, sharing a moment before the arrival of the bride.

When the music changed, they stood and turned — and there she was. Claire walked steadily with her father, her bridesmaids close behind. Every step down that long aisle was filled with emotion.

At the altar, the couple beamed. The minister welcomed everyone, setting the tone for a ceremony full of warmth and connection. A beautiful reading from both mothers, shared smiles between Claire and Tom, and a heartfelt exchange of rings — every moment felt personal and deeply rooted in love.

I stepped back briefly for a wide shot, capturing the grandeur of the Minster and the intimacy of this moment. It was a privilege to photograph such a moving ceremony here in Halifax, not far from where I’m based as a Leeds wedding photographer.

Signing the Register in the Heart of the Minster

After the ceremony, we made our way quietly into the vestry — a beautiful space bathed in soft window light. There was such joy in the air. The newlyweds shared a smile as they signed the register, framed by the stained glass and the grandeur of Halifax Minster’s old stone walls.

Once the formalities were done, they stood side by side, smiles glowing. I captured a moment between them — quiet and close, full of love. We gathered the mothers for a few portraits, the light catching on the floor where a metal drain cover reflected colours from the stained glass above.

Then the full wedding party joined us for a final photo before the exit. It wasn’t easy for Claire — but she was so brave and so determined. This was such a beautiful part of their Halifax wedding day, and I felt truly lucky to photograph it all as a Leeds-based wedding photographer.

This walk held something cinematic
— not staged, not directed.
Just Claire and Tom, gently lit by the church’s natural contrast,
heading toward a quiet, intimate moment of signing.
A favourite frame from the day.

Framed by the stone and stained glass,
this moment unfolded in real time.
The minister’s calm explanation, the late afternoon light,
and the elegant stillness made this frame feel painterly.

The closeness here says everything
— no posing, no interruption.
Just a real, quiet pause in time.
This is the kind of moment that documentary wedding photography is all about.

Confetti, Sunshine, and That Yellow Brick Road

Outside the Minster, the guests formed two lines, smiling and cheering as Claire and Tom stepped out hand in hand. The confetti flew, the sunlight returned, and at the end of the walk, Claire let out the most joyful expression — a moment I’ll never forget. A kiss sealed the walk and the laughter echoed around the church grounds.

We gathered for a few relaxed group photos in the April sun. The groom with his best man and both fathers. Claire with her bridesmaids, her mum, and Tom’s — all glowing against the beautiful Halifax Minster stone. One wide shot of the full wedding party caught everyone mid-laughter, a perfect memory. Then just a few more before slipping away for some quiet portraits of the couple beside the old side door — soft sunlight, shadows, and real tenderness.

Together, Claire and Tom walked the yellow brick road — yes, really — leading away from the Minster and toward the theatre and Eureka! Guests were already waiting by the gates, ready for the next chapter of their day. As a Leeds wedding photographer, it’s days like this that remind me why I love what I do.

Theatre Magic, Chocolate Fountains, and a TARDIS or Two

Inside the Northern Broadsides Theatre Company, the celebration truly came into its own. Blue details echoed the day — tablecloths, bouquets, dresses, even the Dr Who TARDIS card box and a mini one perched proudly atop the cake. A chocolate fountain and snack station kept everyone fuelled between laughter and speeches.

The speeches held the room — heartfelt, funny, and full of love. A magician mingled among the guests, drawing people together through games and surprise. At one point, I turned and caught Claire’s mum and sister playing in the sandpit just outside — such a lovely, unexpected moment.

The setting, the colours, the atmosphere — I’ve honestly never experienced a wedding quite like this one near Halifax. As a Leeds wedding photographer, it’s these genuine, joy-filled days that stay with me long after I’ve packed away my cameras.

Childhood Memories, Giant Nostrils, and a TARDIS Adventure at Eureka!

This was something truly special — Claire had arranged for exclusive access to Eureka!, the children’s museum she loved growing up. Even the original robot, tucked away in a back room, made an appearance — a spark of nostalgia that lit her up with joy.

As a photographer, it was a dream. The oversized mouth, the dentist chair, the body scanner — all perfect backdrops for playful, one-of-a-kind portraits. I captured the bouquet resting gently against her dress; the groom reading a story to Claire and her mum; her sister lying on the giant tongue — and later, the bride and groom inside the enormous nostrils, laughing like kids.

There was so much fun — full-sized TARDIS photos, creative portraits among the exhibits, and one of my favourites: a big group shot taken from the museum balcony, everyone waving up. Then it was time to hop back on the bus for the final leg of the day.

Leeds wedding photography rarely gets to take in such imagination and play. This stop at Eureka! was joyful, unique — and completely unforgettable.

Evening Light, Laughter and Cake at Charlie Fastrax

The bus pulled up outside the Sportsman Inn & Leisure, and one by one, guests spilled out — still smiling from the day’s adventures. Claire and Tom were the last to arrive, greeted by the same happy energy that had carried through since the morning. Even the TARDIS and the cake had made it safely here.

Inside the conservatory at Charlie Fastrax, the evening settled into that golden phase — music playing softly, guests catching up over drinks, children darting between tables. I moved quietly, capturing the real moments: hugs, laughter, old friends reconnecting, parents dancing with little ones.

The cake-cutting turned into a moment no one will forget — laughter erupting as Tom ended up with a generous helping of cake across his face. Classic.

It was a wedding full of joy, personality, and love — from the grandeur of Halifax Minster to the nostalgia of Eureka!, right through to this perfect evening. A day I’ll remember fondly, and a reminder of why I love being a wedding photographer near Leeds and across West Yorkshire.

Buffet, Cake and Heartwarming Little Moments

Before the dancing kicked off, the buffet opened — the couple were first to grab a bite, followed by guests drifting over in pairs and groups, plates in hand. The cake, which had made its way from the earlier venues, was portioned and passed around.

In between all of this, I caught some of my favourite frames of the day: little ones sneaking second helpings, giggling with grandparents, climbing onto knees or pulling faces. Honest, unscripted, joyful — everything I love about photographing weddings in West Yorkshire.

First Dances, Twinkling Lights and the Final Frames

As the evening rolled on, the photo booth kicked into gear — wigs, props, laughter spilling out from behind the curtain. Friends, siblings, parents — everyone took a turn, and I stayed nearby, catching the moments in between the poses.

Then came the first dance. Claire and Tom stepped out onto the floor, surrounded by fairy lights and the warm blur of their guests. A quiet moment, a lovely sway, and then the dancefloor filled — shoes kicked off, drinks in hand, arms thrown around shoulders.

As the lights dimmed and the music pulsed gently in the background, I took my final frames — 8.5 hours of honest, emotional storytelling wrapped in one unforgettable day.

I packed up with a full heart, thankful to have documented such a joyful wedding near Leeds, from Halifax Minster to Eureka! and through to this glowing, laughter-filled finish at Charlie Fastrax.

Closing Thoughts

This was, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful weddings I’ve had the privilege to photograph. From the grandeur of Halifax Minster, to the joyful chaos inside Eureka!, and the buzzing energy of the evening at Charlie Fastrax, every part of this day brought something truly unforgettable.

I captured over 1,700 moments across four very different locations — and somehow whittled it down to just over 240 images for this gallery.

Claire was incredible. Living with MS, she brought humour, strength, and a fierce love to every part of the day. The bond between her and Tom was magnetic, and her mum’s quiet pride in the background was just as powerful.

As a Leeds-based wedding photographer, I’m lucky to explore so many corners of Yorkshire — but this Halifax celebration will stay with me for a long, long time. It was full of warmth, character, and soul.

Venue: Halifax Minster
— A Grand and Atmospheric Place to Say “I Do”

Halifax Minster is one of the most striking and historic places I’ve ever photographed a ceremony. The space feels ancient and sacred, with towering stone columns, stained glass, and a sense of stillness that made Claire & Tom’s vows all the more moving.

Tucked right in the heart of Halifax, it’s a venue that carries real gravitas — perfect for couples wanting a wedding that feels timeless, grounded, and full of quiet beauty. As a Leeds-based wedding photographer, I love documenting weddings here — it’s a place where emotion and architecture meet so effortlessly.