Chester Zoo | Hannah + Pete

Chester Zoo Wedding Photographers

Creative Wedding Photography at Chester Zoo | A Wedding by Stephen

It’s not every day you get asked to photograph a wedding at the zoo!

Hannah and Pete are a fabulous couple whom we got to know through photographing a wedding at Muncaster Castle a few years ago. 

It was only a few short months before their wedding that Hannah + Pete got in touch, but I’m so glad Stephen was available to capture their day – indeed a wedding with a difference!!

The wedding day at Oakfield House at Chester Zoo for Hannah and Pete was their proper day of celebration that they’d had planned for a couple of years. They’d married in an intimate wedding before Pete headed on his first tour as a Royal Engineer. But this was the big one. And boy did they have fun!!

A truly fabulous wedding that even the showers in the evening couldn’t dampen. I have to admit…gutted I couldn’t capture this one myself!

Stephen’s coverage for Hannah + Pete started with the morning preparations with Rebecca Jayne Beauty and Laura Thompson taking care of makeup and hair.

Stunning setting for a wedding at Oakfield House at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Stunning setting for a wedding at Oakfield House at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Stunning setting for a wedding at Oakfield House at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Finishing touches for the bride party before the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Finishing touches for the bride party before the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

The flowers were all handcrafted by Hannah’s mom Meredith. Love the colours!

Creative photographs of the wedding details ahead of the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding details ahead of the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding details ahead of the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding details ahead of the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding details ahead of the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Finishing touches for the bride party before the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Finishing touches for the bride party before the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Finishing touches for the bride party before the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Finishing touches for the bride party before the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Finishing touches for the bride party before the wedding at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

I love that the venue at Chester Zoo, Oakfield House, has space for the bridal party to get ready. The boys seemed quite happy in the gents.

Documenting the final preparations of the groom and groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Documenting the final preparations of the groom and groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Documenting the final preparations of the groom and groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Documenting the final preparations of the groom and groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Documenting the final preparations of the groom and groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

Always loved photographing weddings with a military touch, and the Royal Engineers Number 1s look great!

 Documenting the final preparations of the groom and groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative conkemorpary portraits of the groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative conkemorpary portraits of the groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative conkemorpary portraits of the groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative conkemorpary portraits of the groomsmen at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

From the boys and the guests arriving, it was back to Hannah, and the girls as the finishing touches were brought together ready for the ceremony.

Capturing the final moments before the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Capturing the final moments before the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Capturing the final moments before the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Capturing the final moments before the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Capturing the final moments before the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Capturing the entrance of the bridal party to the ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart JamesCapturing the entrance of the bridal party to the ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Capturing the entrance of the bridal party to the ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Capturing the entrance of the bridal party to the ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

There’s definitely something special when the ceremony isn’t a typical civil ceremony. Louise from the Ceremony Company certainly made the afternoon extremely special for all involved!

Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Unobtrusive natural photographs capturing the mood and the story of the wedding ceremony at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Confetti fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Confetti fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Big group at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

From the family groups in the grounds, it was time for Stephen to head around the zoo with Hannah + Pete, and see what fun they could find!

Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

And after all…who doesn’t love giraffes?!

Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Fun portraits of the bride and groom with the inquisitive giraffe family at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative portraits of the bride and groom around the truly unique setting of Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative natural portraits of the bride and groom around the stunning gardens at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative natural portraits of the bride and groom around the stunning gardens at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative natural portraits of the bride and groom around the stunning gardens at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative natural portraits of the bride and groom around the stunning gardens at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative natural portraits of the bride and groom around the stunning gardens at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative natural portraits of the bride and groom around the stunning gardens at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

From a brief exploration of the zoo, it was time to bring Hannah and Pete back to their guests, ahead of the afternoon tea…

Creative candid photographs of the guests relaxing and enjoying the fabulous sunny setting for the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative candid photographs of the guests relaxing and enjoying the fabulous sunny setting for the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative candid photographs of the guests relaxing and enjoying the fabulous sunny setting for the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative candid photographs of the guests relaxing and enjoying the fabulous sunny setting for the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative candid photographs of the guests relaxing and enjoying the fabulous sunny setting for the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative candid photographs of the guests relaxing and enjoying the fabulous sunny setting for the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Beautifully laid out wedding breakfast for the guests with afternoon tea at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Beautifully laid out wedding breakfast for the guests with afternoon tea at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Beautifully laid out wedding breakfast for the guests with afternoon tea at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Beautifully laid out wedding breakfast for the guests with afternoon tea at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Beautifully laid out wedding breakfast for the guests with afternoon tea at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Beautifully laid out wedding breakfast for the guests with afternoon tea at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Beautifully laid out wedding breakfast for the guests with afternoon tea at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

From the afternoon tea, it was time for the speeches, led by our Father of the Bride ahead of the Best Man and Groom.

Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs of the wedding speeches at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

From the speeches, there was a great chance for Steve to head to a couple of others areas with Hannah + Pete into the afternoon, ahead of the great safari with all the guests on the evening…

Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom in the relaxed and quiet afternoon at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James The most stunning setting in the grounds of Chester Zoo in Chester for bride and groom portraits on the wedding evening by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James The most stunning setting in the grounds of Chester Zoo in Chester for bride and groom portraits on the wedding evening by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James The most stunning setting in the grounds of Chester Zoo in Chester for bride and groom portraits on the wedding evening by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James The most stunning setting in the grounds of Chester Zoo in Chester for bride and groom portraits on the wedding evening by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James The most stunning setting in the grounds of Chester Zoo in Chester for bride and groom portraits on the wedding evening by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James The most stunning setting in the grounds of Chester Zoo in Chester for bride and groom portraits on the wedding evening by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

I just love the idea of taking your whole wedding party around the zoo on a private tour…how fabulous!

Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative photographs as the bride and groom and wedding guests enjoy an animal safari around Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

So glad the weather dried up for everyone allowing the guests to enjoy the fabulous setting, and of course, the hog roast!

Relaxed candid evening photographs of the guests enjoying the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed candid evening photographs of the guests enjoying the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

What a cool signing frame!

Relaxed candid evening photographs of the guests enjoying the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Relaxed candid evening photographs of the guests enjoying the wedding reception at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

From the cake cutting, it was the first dance!

First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James First dance and partying fun at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

Alas, as the evening was getting into full swing, it came to the end of Steve’s coverage. However, not before he took Hannah + Pete outside for a couple of night portraits!

Creative evening portraits of the bride and groom by Oakfield House at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative evening portraits of the bride and groom by Oakfield House at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative evening portraits of the bride and groom by Oakfield House at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James Creative evening portraits of the bride and groom by Oakfield House at Chester Zoo in Chester by Documentary Wedding Photographer Stuart James

What a wedding! Such a truly fabulous setting and a really stunning day. I know Hannah + Pete love the coverage by Steve and so do I – a fabulous narrative of the day!

If you would like to talk to us about your Chester Zoo Wedding Photographs or would like to find out more about the exclusive coverages available from our associate photographer Stephen, please do get in touch!

 

Contact Chester Zoo Wedding Photographers Stuart James : info@stuartjamesphoto.co.uk : 0800 331 7741 : 07834 978905

 

[pexcirclecta pex_attr_small_title=”To see more featured weddings from Chester Zoo Wedding Photographers Stuart James, click on the button below.” pex_attr_title=”Chester Zoo Wedding Photographers” pex_attr_button_text=”Click to see more” pex_attr_button_link=”https://www.stuartjamesphoto.co.uk/portfolio” pex_attr_button_link_open=”same” pex_attr_button_color=””][/pexcirclecta]

 

Ready to do this?

Let’s chat!

I’d love to hear your plans for your day, and if you have something a little more offbeat or unusual in mind, count me in. Create a festival atmosphere, end your evening with an Irish Ceilidh or say your vows on a mountain in Wales – from fun-loving to adventurous, give me a call to talk about your wedding photography.