James and Kaelyn’s marquee wedding near Padstow was everything I love about Cornwall. Ocean views, warm summer light and a relaxed outdoor celebration came together perfectly. As a Cornwall wedding photographer, days like this are a dream, especially when the whole wedding is built around nature, family and the coastline.

I first met James and Kaelyn on a wet and windy Dorset beach for their pre-wedding shoot. Even in sideways rain they were laughing and running into the sea, so I knew their wedding would be full of energy and connection.

Thankfully, when their wedding day arrived, Cornwall delivered sunshine. I joined them at their accommodation about fifteen minutes from the ceremony field, capturing some key moments before heading over to the marquee where everything would unfold.

Their ceremony took place overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with the coastline stretching out behind them. James walked down the aisle with his mum, followed by the bridal party, and then Kaelyn walked in with her dad holding a bouquet by Sown. The ceremony, led by a close friend, felt personal and heartfelt, with meaningful readings, a ring warming and music played by another friend. After the vows, they walked back up the aisle through clouds of confetti before we moved into group photos with the ocean as the backdrop.

Next were their couple portraits. Because they met while doing marine conservation work on an ocean research vessel, it was important for them to have some photos by the sea. Not the easiest request on a busy Saturday in Cornwall in July, but the week before I scouted a quieter location along the coast. After a bit of traffic and an unexpected detour, we finally reached it, and it was more than worth the effort. We escaped the summer crowds and captured some beautiful beach wedding portraits that felt true to them.

Back at the marquee by Cornish Tent Co, guests enjoyed drinks and garden games as the sun dipped lower. After speeches and amazing food by My Mum Makes, the evening relaxed into that lovely golden-hour atmosphere Cornwall does so well.

As the sun softened, James and Kaelyn had organised a Nos-Lowen, a Cornish-Celtic folk dance similar to a ceilidh. The combination of golden light, live music and carefree dancing made this one of my favourite parts of the day. It captured everything their wedding was about: fun, friendship, movement and connection.

We ended with a final portrait session in the fields beside the marquee. James and Kaelyn changed into traditional Japanese wedding attire, giving these portraits a completely different style to the beach photos earlier.

A relaxed, joyful coastal wedding from start to finish.

Planning a Marquee or Beach Wedding in Cornwall?

If you are dreaming of a marquee wedding with ocean views or a coastal celebration in Cornwall, I would love to hear more about your plans.

You can explore my:

• Full Day Package
• Portfolio

Or simply get in touch to check availability.

Credits

Photographer – Elliot Govier Photography
Florist – Sown In Cornwall
Catering – My Mum Makes
Marquee – Cornish Tent Co
PA – Cabin Fever
Pasties – Lavender Pastys