ST ALBANS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHY THAT FEELS LIKE YOU
just as you are
JOYFUL AND RELAXED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ST ALBANS COUPLES
Hi, I’m Rachael — a St Albans wedding photographer specialising in joyful, unposed photography that focuses on you and all your favourite people, joyful emotions, and all the in-between moments you don’t want to forget.
If the idea of posing and spending hours away from your guests doesn’t feel like you, you’re in the right place. My approach is relaxed, unobtrusive, and will let you get on with getting married! I’ll gently guide you when it’s helpful (especially during couple portraits and family photos), but for most of the day I work quietly in the background, capturing your wedding as it naturally unfolds.
I’ve been photographing St Albans weddings for over six years, from intimate registry office ceremonies and relaxed pub weddings to full-day celebrations at St Albans Cathedral and countryside venues nearby. I understand how weddings really flow, and I’m there to help things feel easy — not rushed or awkward.
Whether you’re planning something big or small, local or just outside the city, my goal is always the same: to tell the story of your wedding honestly, beautifully, and in a way that still feels like you years from now.
If you’re looking for a St Albans wedding photographer who’ll help you feel at ease, blend in with your guests, and capture the moments that matter — I’d love to hear about your plans.
Jessica and Nicolas
Rachael is an extremely professional photographer who really listens to her clients and their vision for their wedding day. Our photos are absolutely gorgeous and we couldn’t have asked for a more patient and generous photographer.
We will be forever grateful to Rachael for capturing our special day so beautifully
Mary&David
Our photographs are beautiful, and there were so many for us to look at and choose from- from getting ready, ceremony, welcome drinks, set up, wedding breakfast, right through until the band played. There were many moments Rachael caught that we didn’t see- our venue set up, guests enjoying the day, entertainment etc.
All of our photos are perfect; we are so pleased with them and would highly recommend Rachael for your wedding photography needs!
Kristin&Simon
Rachael was absolutely fabulous. She captured so many brilliant moments from our day. Neither of us particularly enjoy having our photos taken but Rachael made us feel relaxed. Our guests also commented on how friendly and lovely she was.
Highly recommend As You Are Photography.
How I Work as a St Albans Wedding Photographer
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
From the moment you get in touch, I’m here to make your St Albans wedding photography stress-free and enjoyable. Whether it’s a quick phone call, a video chat, or an email, we’ll talk through your vision, your day’s schedule, and any questions you have — no question is ever too small.
Once you’re ready to book, a signed contract and 20% deposit secure your date. Packages can be adjusted anytime as your plans evolve.
After booking, you’ll receive my detailed St Albans wedding planning guide. It’s packed with tips on timelines, getting the most from your photography package, and local recommendations for trusted vendors — from florists to magicians and beyond.
You can also book a pre-wedding engagement session at some of St Albans’ most beautiful spots, like Verulanium Park, helping you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera before the big day – see below for a bit more info on this!
ON THE DAY
Your wedding day is about you, and my job is to document it naturally. I capture the big moments — ceremony, first dance, speeches — and the little ones — stolen glances, laughter, and tiny details — while blending seamlessly with your guests.
We’ll take a few quiet moments for couple portraits in and around your chosen St Albans wedding venue, and of course those all important family portraits – but we’ll wizz through these quickly so you can get back to the fun.
AFTER YOUR WEDDING
Once the day is done, I carefully select and edit your images in warm, true-to-life colours. You’ll receive a highlights gallery within a week, so you can relive the best moments immediately, with your full gallery delivered within 6–8 weeks.
Digital images are included, and prints or albums can be ordered directly from your private online gallery. If you’ve chosen my premium package, The Page Turner, we’ll design a timeless album together that tells your St Albans wedding story beautifully.
If you’d like to see more of my photos from weddings in St Albans and further afield, take at look at my portfolio here:
Excited to capture your St Albans wedding? Let’s chat and start planning how to tell your story, naturally and joyfully.
Packages and Pricing
Every wedding is unique, and my goal is to capture your day naturally and joyfully. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate ceremony at St Albans Registry Office or a full-day celebration at Tewin Bury Farm, I’ll make sure every moment is remembered. Here’s what’s included in all my packages as standard:
Pre-wedding chat to get to know each other
Unlimited emails, calls, messages—whatever you need!
Beautiful highlight photos within 1 week
Private online gallery
Fully edited images in colour + black & white within 8 weeks
Unlimited downloads for everyone you love
A fun ‘Your Wedding Story’ video highlighting the best moments
A tree planted in the National Forest
I alos know that every celebration is different, and so the following options allow you to choose a length of time that suits your day and your plans. Read on to find the one for you!
ALL DAY COLLECTIONS
The Full Story
10 Hours
My most popular option for couples who want every detail from morning nerves to evening celebrations.
Coverage from 2 hours pre-ceremony until end of band’s first set
£1750
The Best Bits
8 Hours
Perfect if you want all the main moments covered, from ceremony through first dance.
Coverage from ceremony until first dance
£1500
MICRO-WEDDING COLLECTIONS
A Small Chapter
4 hours
Covers preparations, ceremony, couple portraits and early celebrations.
£900
The Essentials
2 hours
The key moments – ceremony, family photos and a few couple portraits
£490
Full Wedding Stories from St Albans
A St Albans Pub Wedding at the Elephant&Castle, Amwell
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A Rowley Barn Wedding Photographer
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Mary & David: Cathedral Romance Meets Farmyard Fun
What do you get when you mix the grandeur of St Albans Cathedral with the rustic charm...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your photography style?
My style is relaxed, natural, and unposed. I focus on capturing real moments as they happen, with just a few beautiful portraits here and there.
Do you photograph weddings in St Albans city and surrounding areas?
Absolutely! From historic city venues like St Albans Cathedral to nearby countryside spots like Tewin Bury Farm, I cover weddings across St Albans and the surrounding Hertfordshire area.
How far in advance should we book?
It’s best to book as early as possible, ideally 12–18 months for busy St Albans wedding seasons, but I do take last-minute bookings when possible. I only take on a limited number of weddings each year, so get in touch sooner rather than later to lock in your date!
Can we do a payment plan?
Yes! I offer flexible payment plans to make things easier. We can set it up however works best for your budget, and the final balance is due one month before your wedding.
How many pictures will we get?
The answer is always quality over quantity! This really depends on your package, as each wedding is different and unique, but if you have booked for for a full day it will ususally be between 450-750 photos. I always shoot to cover the whole of your wedding story and you’ll get a mix of candid shots, portraits, and details.
Can we do an engagement shoot?
Yes! You can add these on to your package at any time. St Albans has so many lovely parks and places to shoot, it’s one of my favourite cities for engagement shoots!
What if you are ill?
It’s super rare, but if something unexpected happens, I have a network of talented photographers I trust who can step in. I’ll always make sure you’re covered, no worries!
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Don’t worry! Rain can actually create some amazing photos. We’ll work together to find indoor spots or use umbrellas for a fun vibe. Plus, I always come prepared with backup plans!
Are you insured?
Yes I am. I hold full insureance, including Public Liability with Photoshield.
When will we receive our photos?
You’ll get a bunch of lovely highlights within a week of your wedding (because I can’t wait to share them!). Your full gallery will be ready within 6-8 weeks, but I promise, it’ll be worth the wait!
Can we get our photos in digital and print form?
Absolutely! I’m a big believer in the magic of printed photos, so while you can definitely just get digital images, I also offer beautiful prints, frames, and wedding albums. I think every couple deserves to hold their memories in their hands!
Do you offer wedding albums?
Yes — we can design a timeless album together so you can relive your St Albans wedding day for years to come.
How long does it take to receive our wedding album?
After you’ve selected your images for the album, it usually takes about 3-4 weeks to design, print, and deliver the final product. But don’t worry, it’s totally worth the wait!
A More Sustainable St Albans Wedding
Sustainability is something I genuinely care about, and it influences the way I run my business. From everyday choices to long-term commitments, I aim to work in a way that’s kinder to the environment — without compromising on the quality or care that goes into documenting your wedding.
Favourite St Albans Wedding Venues
Being a St Albans wedding photographer means I get to work at so many beautiful and varied venues, from the very grand St Albans cathedral to countryside venues just a short drive away. Whether you’re planning a relaxed, intimate wedding or a big celebration with all your favourite people, St Albans and the surrounding Hertfordshire area offer some truly lovely options.
ST ALBANS CITY & HISTORIC SETTINGS
For couples who love character and history, St Albans Registry Office is a popular choice for smaller, meaningful ceremonies right in the city. St Albans Museum offers a beautiful and historical backdrop for your day and photos. Nearby, St Albans Cathedral offers a breathtaking and iconic backdrop for larger, traditional ceremonies, with plenty of nearby spots for relaxed portraits afterwards. And yes, if you live nearby you can get married there!
COUNTRYSIDE VENUES NEAR ST ALBANS
If you’re dreaming of open space and countryside charm, venues like St Michael’s Manor and Sopwell House are both wihtin St Albans city. Further afield, Tewin Bury Farm , North Mymms Park and Beaumont Hall are all within easy reach of St Albans. These venues offer gorgeous grounds, natural light, and plenty of space for relaxed celebrations and golden-hour portraits.
INTIMATE & PERSONAL WEDDINGS
St Albans is also perfect for smaller, more personal weddings — mix and match your venues starting from a registry office ceremony to a cosy meal in a function room, or drinks in private gardens where the focus is on good food, great company, and enjoying the day without fuss.
Wherever you choose to celebrate — city, countryside, grand or low-key — I’d love to hear all about your plans. Get in touch and let’s see if your date is free!
If you’re planning a wedding elsewhere in the county, you might also like my Hertfordshire wedding photographer adn my Watford Wedding Photographer page.
Engagement Shoots In and Around St Albans
An engagement shoot is a relaxed photo session before your wedding, designed to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and get to know me and get used to my cameras ahead of your wedding!
Why book an engagement shoot?
These sessions are informal and pressure-free, ideal if you’re camera-shy or want photos that feel like you. Many couples use the images for save-the-dates or wedding websites, but the real benefit is how much easier it makes the wedding day feel.
Locations around St Albans
St Albans is really one of the best and most beautiful locations I can think of for engagemenet shoots. The area offers such a gorgeous a mix of city, countryside, and historic settings. Popular choices include:
VERULANIUM PARK
SOPWELL NUNNERY
THE CITY CENTRE
AROUND THE CATHEDRAL
HEARTWOOD FOREST
When is the best time to schedule a shoot?
Most engagement shoots last around an hour and are usually scheduled for early morning or early evening when the light is softer. Spring and autumn are especially popular, but winter shoots can work beautifully with the right location and styling.
If you’re searching for a St Albans wedding photographer offering relaxed engagement shoots, explore my engagement shoot portfolio below or get in touch to chat through your plans.
How I photograph weddings (and why it might feel a little different)
Every photographer works a little differently, and finding the right fit really matters.
Here’s a simple way to understand how my approach compares to more traditional wedding photography — so you can see whether it feels like you.
TOTALLY INFORMAL AND RELAXED – NOT POSING ALL DAY
If you’re a self-confessed “awkward in front of the camera” couple, you’re not alone. I won’t ask you to perform or hold stiff poses — I’ll gently guide you when needed and give you space to just be yourselves.
GUIDED WHEN IT HELPS – HANDS-OFF WHEN IT DOESN’T
I’ll help things run smoothly, especially during couple portraits and family photos, but for most of the day I work quietly in the background so you can stay present with your people.
ST ALBANS WEDDING VENUE KNOWLEDGE – NOT A ONE SIZE FITS ALL
Whether its organising a grand cathedral wedding, or working out the logistics of a smaller day around St Albans lovely pubs and gardens, I understand how different St Albans weddings flow — and how to adapt photography around them without the day feeling interrupted.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE – EVEN WHEN PLANS CHANGE
Low light, rain, tight timelines — I’ve seen it all. You don’t need to worry about the photography side of things; I’ll keep things feeling steady and unrushed.
REAL MOMENTS AND TRUE-TO-LIFE COLOURS OVER TRENDY FILTERS
I focus on genuine connection, laughter, and the moments you might not even notice at the time, edited in true-to-life colours that will still feel like your day years from now.
A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Because your St Albans love story deserves to be captured with care for the world around it.
A SLOWER, MORE PERSONAL WAY OF WORKING.
By taking on only a small number of weddings each year, I’m able to really get to know you, help with planning, and deliver your photos quickly — because I know how excited you’ll be to see them!
…and most importantly, I’ll make sure your photos reflect you, just as you are.
If you love natural moments, hate being posed, and want to enjoy your wedding day rather than manage it — this approach usually suits you well.
A Little About You
You might be in the right place if…
YOU WANT YOUR DAY TO BE ABOUT FUN, FAMILY AND FRIENDS, NOT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHS
YOU WANT TO ENJOY YOUR DAY AND NOT BE INTERRUPTED WITH ENDLESS POSING
YOU WANT A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL MAKE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY FEEL AT EASE
YOU VALUE THE IMPERFECT MOMENTS AS MUCH AS THE PERFECT ONES
YOU WANT REAL IMAGES OF YOUR DAY, NOT A WEDDING FROM A MAGAZINE
YOU CAN’T WAIT TO GET MARRIED AND JUST WANT SOME LOVELY PHOTOS TO REMEMBER IT ALL!
