Relaxed & Candid Kent Wedding Photography
Hello there! I'm Grae, a Kent wedding photographer with a passion for telling genuine, unscripted love stories. For years, I’ve had the honour of capturing days at incredible venues across the county—from historic castles to charming barns—and I’ve come to realise that the best weddings are the ones where couples feel completely at ease.
I know what you're probably searching for: photos that actually feel like you. Not stiff poses or forced smiles, but the real, unfiltered emotions of your day. The nervous excitement before the ceremony, the belly laughs during the speeches, and the pure joy of the first dance. I'm here to capture those moments.
My job is to be a quiet observer, a friendly face with a camera who blends in so well you might just forget I'm even there. It's about letting your day unfold naturally while I preserve every beautiful, messy, perfectly imperfect moment. If you’re looking for a candid, relaxed, and natural wedding photographer in Kent, you've come to the right place.
The Real Heart of a Kent Wedding
Everyone talks about Kent being "The Garden of England," and it's true, the scenery is incredible. From the dramatic coastlines of Thanet to the rolling green hills of the Weald and the romantic woodlands of Maidstone, every setting tells a story. But for me, the real magic of a Kent wedding is the energy. It’s the way your loved ones fill these beautiful spaces with so much joy and warmth.
I've photographed celebrations in every kind of setting you can imagine, from grand cathedrals to intimate barnyards, and every single one had an incredible story to tell. It’s my job to find that story and bring it to life through my lens.
As a queer-owned business, inclusivity is not just a buzzword for me—it’s at the core of everything I do. I believe that every couple deserves to have their love story celebrated in a safe, welcoming, and respectful space. Your wedding day is a reflection of your unique relationship, and I'm here to honour that, completely and without question.
My Approach: From Awkward to Authentic
Let’s be honest, not everyone loves being in front of a camera. The thought of a photographer orchestrating your day can feel a bit daunting. I get it. That’s why my approach is different.
On the day, my focus is on capturing the real moments as they happen. I’m always on the lookout for genuine connections: a shared glance between you and your partner, the look on a grandparent’s face during your vows, or a spontaneous hug from a friend. I’m a friendly, calming presence who will be there to capture your story without ever getting in the way.
When it's time for some couple's portraits, this isn’t a high-pressure photoshoot. Think of it as a quick, intimate break—a chance for you to take a walk, breathe, and just be together. I'll simply be there to give you gentle direction, maybe a prompt to get you laughing, but the magic truly happens when you can just relax. These sessions are short and sweet, and the resulting photos are filled with your natural chemistry, not forced poses. I'm there to capture your relationship as it is, not as I think it should be.
How to Choose the Perfect Kent Wedding Photographer for You
Finding the right photographer is one of the biggest and most personal decisions you'll make for your wedding. It's not just about finding someone with a nice camera; it’s about finding someone who you trust and whose style truly speaks to you. As you navigate the world of Kent wedding photographers, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Define Your Style First Before you even start looking, sit down with your partner and think about what kind of photos you love. Do you prefer posed, editorial-style shots or the more candid, authentic moments? Knowing this will help you narrow down your search and save you a lot of time. If you’re drawn to photos that feel genuinely unposed and full of real emotion, you'll want to focus on photographers who describe their style as candid, relaxed, or documentary.
2. Personality Matters Your photographer will be with you for almost the entire day, from the most intimate moments to the biggest celebrations. It’s so important that you like them as a person! You want someone who makes you feel comfortable and calm, not stressed out or awkward. A friendly, relaxed personality can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your photos. This is why I always recommend a no-pressure chat before you book, so we can make sure we’re a good fit.
3. Understand Their Process & Packages Make sure you fully understand what the photographer's process is and what their packages include. How do they communicate with you before the wedding? What kind of coverage do they offer? Do they provide a second shooter? How long will it take to get your photos back? Knowing all of this upfront will prevent any surprises down the line and ensure you feel confident and secure in your choice. My process, from our initial chat to the final gallery delivery, is designed to be as transparent and simple as possible.
Make sure to check out my blog post on questions to ask your photographer as well.
Your Simple, Stress-Free Process with Grae Hood Photography
Wedding planning is complicated enough. My process is designed to be as simple as possible, so you can focus on the fun stuff.
1. Let’s Chat.
The first step is for us to connect. My calendar is linked below, so you can book a call with me at a time that works for you. This is a no-pressure chat for me to learn about your plans and for you to ask me any questions you might have. It's the best way for us to figure out if we're the right fit for each other.
2. I've Got Your Back.
Once you've booked, I’m on your team. You can count on me for any questions or advice you need leading up to the wedding. I can help with a timeline, recommend vendors, or just be a sounding board. On the day itself, I’m also here to help in whatever way I can—whether that's lending a hand with a fiddly button or just being a calm presence during the inevitable getting-ready chaos.
3. Your Photos.
After the wedding, I’ll get to work editing and curating your photos. Within a few weeks, you'll receive a gorgeous, private online gallery. It will be a full collection of candid and honest images that tell the complete story of your day, ready for you to download, share, and cherish forever.
Favourite Venues & Locations in Kent
Knowing a venue well is a huge advantage, and my experience in Kent means I can find the best light and the most beautiful corners, no matter what. Here are just a few of the places I love to work:
The Night Yard, Bridge: It has this incredible rustic charm and a beautiful courtyard that’s perfect for laid-back, romantic weddings.
Quex Park: An incredible venue with gorgeous gardens, a beautiful estate to wander with your love ones.
Howfield Manor: A historic gem with beautiful grounds. It feels secluded and romantic, perfect for a dreamy wedding.
The Ferry House, Harty: If you’re into a relaxed, waterfront vibe, this is the one. The coastal views are perfect for unique, windswept portraits.
The Buttery & Glasshouse: This venue is all about natural light. The glasshouse, in particular, creates a stunning, airy backdrop for photos.
The Old Kent Barn, Swingfield: A quintessential Kent barn venue that’s an amazing canvas for any celebration, with a fantastic, rustic feel.
Don't worry if your venue isn't on this list. I'm always excited to explore new locations and find fresh ways to tell your story, no matter where in Kent you’re getting married.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
Your wedding day is a huge deal. It’s not just an event; it's the start of your next chapter. If my approach to candid, relaxed, and natural wedding photography resonates with you, then I’d be absolutely thrilled to be a part of it.
If you’re looking for a Kent wedding photographer who will be on your team from day one, then I think we should talk. Let’s get a virtual coffee and chat about your plans.
