WATFORD WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHY THAT FEELS LIKE YOU
just as you are
JOYFUL AND INFORMAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR WATFORD COUPLES
Hey!
I’m Rachael, the photographer behind As You Are Photography, and I specialise in capturing all the joy, fun and emotions of your wedding day. My style is relaxed, unposed, and my focus is always on people — the connections, laughter, and beautiful details that bring the story of your day to life.
I work quietly in the background, letting you be in the moment while I document all the little in-between stories that make your wedding uniquely yours. I’ll gently guide you when needed and find gorgeous spots for natural couple portraits where you can simply be yourselves. For the most part, you shouldn’t even notice me, you’ll be so swept up in your own wedding!
I’ve been photographing weddings for over six years and feel so fortunate to call this my job! From small, intimate celebrations to big days filled with family and friends, I know how weddings flow and how to get you the best set of images. I trained at one of the UK’s top wedding photography academies, learning from leading wedding photographers and gaining the technical know-how alongside a relaxed, confident presence on the day.
Based in Watford, I love the surrounding countryside and the variety of wedding venues the area offers. As a Watford wedding photographer, I genuinely enjoy spending the day with families, getting to know them, and supporting everyone so they can relax and enjoy the celebration.
If you’d like to see more of my work or think I might be the right fit, feel free to explore the rest of the page or get in touch — I’d love to hear about your plans!
Euan&Kejal
Rachael was amazing. The communication all the way up to the day and on the day ensuring she captured every special moment was fantastic. My partner and I are not big photo people but she made us feel so comfortable and relaxed it was a brilliant experience.
We could not recommend her enough!!
Lizzie&Joe
Rachael was amazing throughout the whole process. We felt very supported during the planning. On the day, Rachael was warm, friendly and calming, capturing so many natural, candid moments that we will treasure forever. The photos are beautiful and it’s hard to choose which ones to put on the wall!
We would highly recommend Rachael As You Are Photography for any event
William&Lisa
My wife and I chose Rachael to be our photographer for our wedding and we don’t regret our decision in the least. After many hours of looking at the work of local photographers online, we fell in love with her style of photography.
The gallery we got is simply amazing- beautiful photos expertly edited, we will always treasure the photos she took for us and I can honestly recommend her in the strongest possible terms to anyone looking for a photographer.
How I Work
Booking a wedding photographer should feel exciting! As a Watford wedding photographer, I aim to make every step of your journey—from first enquiry to receiving your final images—relaxed, clear, and full of support. I hope we might be a perfect match!
Read on to see how I work and how I’ll fit seamlessly into your wedding day.
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
From the moment you reach out, I’m here to guide you. Whether it’s a quick phone call, video chat, or email, we’ll talk through your vision, the flow of your day, and any questions you might have—no question is ever too small. Once you’re ready to book, securing your date is simple: a signed contract and a 20% deposit lock in your wedding day. Don’t worry if you haven’t finalised your package yet; we can adjust it as your plans evolve.
After booking, you’ll receive my full wedding planning guide, packed with tips to make photography effortless on your big day. From timelines to trusted supplier recommendations, it’s all about making your planning easier and your day seamless.
If you’d like, you can also book a pre-wedding engagement shoot—a relaxed session designed to help you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera before the day itself.
ON THE DAY
Your wedding day is all about you, and my role as your Watford wedding photographer is to document it naturally, without interrupting a moment. I’ll be constantly looking out for the big moments and the little details that make your day unique—candid laughter, happy tears, and spontaneous celebrations—while blending in with your guests so you can relax and enjoy the day fully.
We’ll also take a few quiet moments for couple portraits when the light is perfect. No awkward posing—just simple, beautiful shots of you together, enjoying the moment. We’ll step away briefly, but you won’t miss the party—and we’ll be back for a drink before your guests even notice!
AFTER YOUR WEDDING
After your day, I carefully select every gorgeous image and bring it to life with warm, true-to-life colours. Within a week, you’ll receive a selection of highlights to relive the day immediately (because I can’t wait to share them with you!), and your full gallery will be ready within 6–8 weeks.
While digital images are included in all packages, I love seeing couples bring their memories to life with prints and albums. From prints and frames to albums, you and your guests can order all sorts of keepsakes directly through your private online gallery. If you’ve chosen my premium package, The Page Turner, we’ll work together to design your wedding album—a gorgeous and timeless keepsake that tells your wedding story beautifully.
Every step of your experience is designed to make your wedding photography seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free, while capturing the full story of your day.
Ready to see how we can capture your big day? Get in touch today to start your journey with a Watford wedding photographer who’s here for all the fun, smiles, and so much love.
Ready to see how we can capture your big day? Get in touch today to start your journey with a Watford wedding photographer who’s here for all the fun, smiles and love.
Packages and Pricing
It’s important to me that I deliver you—and all your VIP family and friends—a beautiful gallery that tells the complete story of your wedding day. Every package I offer is designed around a full digital gallery that’s easy to share and comes with unlimited downloads. So, whether you’re planning an intimate micro-wedding or a full-day celebration, every package includes the following:
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 Page Turner
10 Hours
Your complete story – save £345 and get every angle and moment covered.
Coverage from 2 hours pre-ceremony until end of band’s first set
PLUS
a 2nd photographer
AND A CHOICE OF EITHER
– 10×10 inch album with 50 images
-a 1 hour engagement shoot
£2200
The Full Story
10 Hours
My most popular package – from morning nerves to dancefloor antics at the end of the night.
Coverage from 2 hours pre-ceremony until end of band’s first set
PLUS
£100 Album Credit
£1750
The Best Bits
8 Hours
All the important parts, with coverage from your ceremony through to the first dance.
Coverage from ceremony until first dance
£1500
MICRO-WEDDING COLLECTIONS
A Small Chapter
Coverage capturing your preparations, ceremony, portraits, and early celebrations — ideal for couples who want a fuller story of their day without a full-day package.
Approx. 4 hours
£900
The Essentials
For coverage of the essentials – the ceremony, then some couple portraits and formal family photos afterwards.
Approx. 2 hours
£490
Extra Hours
Add on a few more hours to cover your unique plans
£150
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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.
How far do you travel?
I cover Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex and London. I am happy to travel further afield so do get in touch and we can work out a small travel fee. As a general rule, if a journey is going to take me more than 90 minutes I may need to stay overnight the night before, depending on your wedding start times. I’m more than happy to chat about this before booking, as each wedding is so unique and different.
How far in advance should we book?
It’s best to book as early as possible, especially for popular wedding seasons. I only take on a limited number of weddings each year, so get in touch sooner rather than later to lock in your date!
What if we have a really specific vision or special requests?
I’m all for it! If you have a specific vibe, theme, or special moment you want to make sure I capture, let me know. I’m here to work with you to make your vision come to life!
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. Engagement shoots are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and have some fun together before the big day. Plus, you get some beautiful photos to cherish!
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! I absolutely love designing custom wedding albums. They’re a beautiful way to relive your day, and I work with top-tier printers to create something unique for you.
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 Little About Me
Every photographer has their own style, and finding the right one for you is key.
Here are the top reasons why my couples book me:
I KEEP THINGS NATURAL AND RELAXED
Even if you’re camera-shy, you’ll feel completely at ease and able to just be yourselves.
WATFORD WEDDING VENUE KNOWLEDGE
Whether its one of Watford’s grand hotel or lovely pubs, I’ll know how to make your day flow smoothly whilst getting you gorgeous photos.
YEARS OF TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
From our first call to the final gallery, I’ll guide you with advice on timings, planning, and everything in between, so you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands.
GORGEOUS STORYTELLING DETAILS
I love capturing every detail, every laugh, and all the little moments you might miss — alongside the big, beautiful parts of your day.
TRUE-TO-LIFE COLOURS AND TIMELESS EDITING
Your photos will look natural, vibrant, and true to the day so your photos will still feel beautiful years from now.
A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Because your love story deserves to be captured with care for the world around it.
…AND MOST IMPORTANTLY—I’LL MAKE SURE YOUR PHOTOS REFLECT YOU, JUST AS YOU ARE.
Every couple deserves to look back and say, “that feels exactly like us.” My job is to make sure your photos do just that — full of emotion, authenticity, and joy.
I only take on a handful of weddings each year so I can spend time really getting to know you, help with pre-wedding planning, and be there to capture every little moment of your day with a calm, stress-free, and relaxed approach. I also want to get your photos back to you as quickly as possible, so let’s chat early and lock in your date before someone else snatches it!
A Little About You
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!
Favourite Watford Wedding Venues
Being a Watford wedding photographer gives me the chance to work at so many unique local venues, each with its own charm. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Watford and nearby areas provide a wealth of stunning settings for your special day.
WATFORD COUNTRYSIDE
If you love the idea of open countryside and charming barns, venues like Micklefield Hall offer the perfect backdrop for a wedding near Watford.
PUB VIBES
For couples who want a more laid-back day, try The Waterside Wedding Venue in Rickmansworth.
SMALL AND INTIMATE
Watford Registry Office is a lovely little venue for couples wanting a small and cozy day, and Cheslyn House and Gardens is a stunning alternative whilst the registry office is closed for renovations.
SOMETHING TIMELESS
Celebrate your wedding near Watford at Hunton Park Hotel with its beautiful gardens, or choose The Grove Hotel for a touch of luxury.
Wherever you choose to celebrate – countryside, festival, grand, or quirky – I’d love to hear all about your wedding plans so get in touch and we can check your date!
If you’re planning a wedding elsewhere in the county, you might also like my Hertfordshire wedding photographer page.
A Sustainable Watford Wedding Business
Caring for the planet really matters to me, and I’m always looking for ways to run my small business more sustainably. When you choose to work with me, these are the commitments I make—thoughtful steps to reduce my impact on the environment, while still documenting your day in a beautiful, meaningful way.
