Lauren & Alex | Hazlewood Castle Wedding
Lauren and Alex were married at Hazlewood Castle near Tadcaster on a bright, blossom-filled April day. After more than ten years together, they wanted a small wedding with only their closest family and friends around them, and that’s exactly what they had: thirty-four guests, one beautiful venue and a day that never once felt rushed.
Everything happened at the castle, from getting ready in the morning to the last song of the night, so I could follow the whole story without anyone needing to jump in a car. The sun shone, the cherry blossom was out in the grounds, and by the evening the light across the castle had turned a lovely shade of gold.
Meet Lauren & Alex
Lauren and Alex got chatting online over shared interests, and in August 2014 Alex asked Lauren out for their first date, a meal at Côte Brasserie in York. It went so well that the second date was planned almost straight away, and before long they were seeing each other all the time. They rented their first home together in 2018 and bought their own place in 2023.
I asked them both what they love about each other. Lauren said: “What I love about Alex is how he gets me, he makes me happy and I feel like we are stronger together. Life has lots of ups and downs but we get through it all together, I cannot imagine life without Alex. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile when I feel sad and always gives the best cuddles!”
And from Alex: “What I love about Lauren is how she makes me laugh, she has grown to be a true York City fan and will come to games with me, even travelling the country to support the team! We both love to go out for good food and drinks. We make a strong team together and I love how we face life together, she is always there for me.”
The Proposal
Alex proposed outside York Minster on Lauren’s birthday, after taking her out for breakfast. He’d planned it so well. He gave her a birthday card, and on the back it said there was just one question. When Lauren looked up, Alex played “Take Forever” by Cooper Alan and asked her to marry him, proposing with his grandma’s ring. I love a proposal with a soundtrack!
Why They Chose Hazlewood Castle
For Lauren and Alex it was simple. In their words: “We liked how it allowed us to have the ceremony and reception in the same place. It is a beautiful setting and means that we remove the need to go between venues.” They both stayed at the castle the night before with their immediate family, so on the morning itself everyone was already there, settled and ready to go.
Personal Touches
Alex is a Leeds United fan, and that’s where the colour scheme came from: navy suits for Alex and his groomsmen, and flowers in blue, white and butter yellow by Wreaths and Flowers by Danielle. They looked gorgeous against the pale stone of the castle and all that fresh spring green outside.
Keeping the guest list to thirty-four was a choice they made from the start, so that everyone in the room was someone who really mattered to them. Sophia’s Final Touch dressed the venue, and in the dining room there were blue touches on every table, candles and flowers along the top table, and big light-up Mr & Mrs letters waiting by the dance floor.
Getting married at Hazlewood Castle? I’d love to hear about your plans.
Bridal Preparations
The day started at ten, with Lauren getting ready in the Daisy room at the castle. It was a calm, happy morning: hair and make-up, plenty of chatting, and her shoes, perfume and that blue and yellow bouquet laid out ready. Lauren’s dress came from Confetti and Lace in Leeds, and once she was in it she had a moment planned to show her mum and dad.
Over in the Elderflower room, Alex was getting into his navy suit from Slaters. The oak panelling and a warm table lamp made for some lovely moody light, and then he and his two groomsmen headed out into the sunshine together.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was at one o’clock in an elegant room with a fireplace and tall windows letting the spring light pour in. Alex turned to watch as Lauren walked in, and there’s a picture of that moment I think they’ll treasure. During the vows Lauren wiped away a tear, there was a lovely reading from one of their guests, and then the rings went on.
With only close family and friends in the room, it felt very personal. Everyone there knew Lauren and Alex well, and you could feel it.
Drinks Reception at Hazlewood Castle
Straight after the ceremony everyone headed outside into the sunshine. Hazlewood’s courtyard and lawns have so much room for drinks, catch-ups and hugs, and the old castle walls looked wonderful in the April sun. I spent most of this time wandering among the guests, catching the toasts and the laughter as they happened.
We did one big group picture of everyone, with lots of cheering, then a few family groups in front of the stone arches before everyone went back to their drinks.
Couple Portraits at Hazlewood Castle
The cherry blossom was out in the castle grounds, so that’s where we headed first. We kept it relaxed. I let Lauren and Alex walk and chat under the pink blossom, and the laughs came on their own.
Later on, when the sun was low, we slipped back out for a few more. The tree-lined paths around the castle light up at that time of day, with golden light coming through the leaves and long grass, and the avenue lined with clipped hedges and blossom made a lovely spot for a quiet moment together. I also put the drone up to show the castle and its grounds from above, as it’s the best way to see just how much space there is to explore at Hazlewood.
If you’re planning your own day here, my Hazlewood Castle wedding photographer page has more about the venue and more of the couples I’ve photographed there.
Wedding Breakfast and Speeches
Guests were called through for the wedding breakfast at three, in a bright dining room with tall columns, marble statues and big windows. The speeches came after the meal, and this is where the guest pictures really come into their own: proper belly laughs, people up on their feet clapping, and lots of smiles along the top table.
Lauren watched it all by candlelight, surrounded by the white and yellow flowers, and I loved catching the reactions around the room as each speech went on.
The Evening Celebrations
As the afternoon turned into evening, everyone drifted outside to the terrace, which looks out over open fields, for a drink in the last of the sun. The evening guests joined the party at seven, then came the cake from Cakerbells and the first dance.
After that the dance floor filled up fast, with coloured lights, the Mr & Mrs letters glowing in the corner and Lauren right in the middle of it all.
Hazlewood Castle Wedding Suppliers
Lauren and Alex, thank you so much for having me at the castle with you. It was such a privilege to be part of a small, happy day surrounded by the people who mean the most to you both, and I hope these pictures bring it all back every time you look at them.
If you’re still looking for your wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you.
Getting married around Wetherby? My Wetherby wedding photography page has more venues nearby, my prices and answers to the usual questions.
Planning your own wedding near Leeds? Have a look at my Leeds wedding photographer page.
