A serene white chapel with arched windows reflects on the calm waters of a lake surrounded by lush green trees.

The Wedding Ceremony at the Crystal Grotto


This was a very special wedding, not just because Ellen and Paul are such a great match, but because the place they chose to get married was the Crystal Grotto at Painshill Park. Painshill’s landscape garden was created in the 18th century, and as you can see, it features a sequence of breathtaking vistas.


The landscapes form living works of art where you’ll find wonderful follies, including the Crystal Grotto. There are very few weddings in the Grotto, so this was quite an honour for me to photograph.

"Gary was excellent, really helpful in planning our photos and was so flexible on the day, very easy to work with and helped us all relax and create a fabulous representation of our day."

—Ellen and Paul

A series of candid wedding reception moments showing guests dancing, laughing and celebrating on the dance floor.

Celebrations and Photos in the Grounds


After the lovely ceremony, there was time for some family group shots by the lake and the bridge used in the TV show Bridgerton. In fact, Painshill has featured in many TV shows and movies, including Black Mirror, Good Omens, Vanity Fair, Suffragette, Dorian Gray, 101 Dalmatians, as well as music videos for Florence + The Machine, Ellie Goulding, and Jessie Ware.


We were invited back into the grotto for afternoon tea before I headed off with the couple for more photos in the impressive grounds. The weather was the icing on the cake for this perfect and unique wedding celebration.

Scenic wedding photoshoot sequence in a lush park setting with stone bridge and lake views in the background.

Watch The Photo Film


I usually make my couples a slideshow of some of the day's highlights. I prefer to call it a Photo Film because, carefully set to music, I think they really tell the story of the day. They are a lovely way to relive the key moments.
A groom and groomsmen in gray suits pose together outdoors for wedding party photos.
A row of weathered stone gravestones stands in a grassy cemetery under natural lighting, showing age and patina.
A rustic wine cellar with stone walls and archways hosts guests at dining tables for an intimate event.
A couple walks hand in hand on a white wooden bridge, with the bride holding yellow flowers and groom in navy suit.
An underground cave restaurant with candlelit tables and stone walls creates a romantic dining atmosphere.
A series of wedding photographs showing candid moments between couples and guests at a celebration.
A couple holding hands in wedding attire, showcasing an intimate moment during their ceremony.
People seated in chairs gather inside an ancient cave-like room with rough stone walls illuminated by pink lighting.
Wedding ceremony guests stand together at a traditional pink-decorated celebration.
A couple exchanges wedding rings during an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony in a rustic stone setting.
Group of wedding guests signing the marriage register at a church ceremony.
Two people in wedding attire share a romantic moment outdoors with yellow sunflower bouquet and green background.
Three connected dashcam images showing passing trees and houses viewed through a car windshield in motion.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment in front of a rustic stone backdrop at an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A recreation of the same moment captured three times showing a sunlit profile against a white background.
Historic stone bridge with multiple arches reflects beautifully in calm water at Prospect Park, Brooklyn on a sunny day.
Stone castle tower with arched windows reflects in calm lake waters surrounded by lush green summer trees.
A white lakeside pavilion with Gothic architecture reflects in calm waters surrounded by lush green trees.
Wedding Photographer Gary Williams

YOUR LONDON BASED DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER


If you're looking for more than just posed photographs, if you want your wedding day to be documented authentically, capturing real emotions and heartfelt connections – then you've found your documentary wedding photographer. Get in touch and let's create memories together. Send your enquiry and you'll be able to download a free copy of my very useful Wedding Guide.

Row of media and photography company logos including BBC and urban.