Based in Cleveleys, Lancashire, Neil Ridley is an international award-winning wedding photographer who combines photojournalism with natural creativity to beautifully capture your special day. With a discreet and unobtrusive style, Neil focuses on the genuine emotions and fleeting moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.
Couples love Neil’s calm and friendly manner, which helps everyone feel at ease in front of the camera. His priority is to keep the focus on you and your celebration—not on posing for photos. Neil listens carefully to your vision and blends seamlessly into the background, allowing your day to unfold naturally. This approach lets him capture authentic interactions and the true atmosphere of your wedding.
Neil’s style combines natural, candid moments with creatively lit portraits. He tells the full story of your day—from the quiet preparation moments to the lively energy on the dance floor. His experience ensures clear, beautiful images in all lighting conditions, while staying discreet so your day flows without interruption.
We shot a wedding in the summer of 2016 which took place in a cave in the Lake District. Literally a cave, Cathedral Cave. The technical challenges of shooting in such a dark space aside, it involved the main shooter climbing a rock waterfall whilst carrying his camera gear to reach a cliff edge for a group shot. An unforgettable wedding and also one of my absolute favorites.
Discreet, Confident, Natural, Unpretentious, Friendly
The reaction of my Brides and Grooms when I deliver their images. Its the most nerve wracking time that you can imagine, waiting for them to reply, it seems to last forever. Their reaction has always been one of amazement! Usually along the lines of 'Oh My! You caught that?' I live for it!
Take time for yourselves during the day, escape from the function room and take a walk on your own as newlyweds. Spend time with each other, many Brides and Grooms remark to me that they hardly saw their partner during the day.
Personalised, hand written notes for every guest, waiting for them at their table for the wedding breakfast. The reaction of everyone was amazing. It must have taken the Bride and Groom weeks to produce them.
There should ALWAYS be that one magical image of the Bride and Groom, outside at night, regardless of the weather, that could be on the cover of a magazine. Your photographer should have it all set up for you and it should take just a few moments for him or her to capture it. Everyone deserves to be a movie star on their wedding day!
A portrait of the Bride and Groom stood in a turnip field behind a caravan park. Yes Mark & Rhiannon, Im talking about you two!
Get outside!! Grab an umbrella and dash out into the rain with your photographer. He will only need you for 30 seconds and a rain shot is absolutely beautiful.