award-winning Cotswolds wedding photographer

Natural, Relaxed Cotswolds Wedding Photography

Fun, Vibrant and Bold Wedding Photography

I’m Jonathan, a natural and documentary Cotswolds wedding photographer covering the Cotswolds and the whole of the UK. My approach is simple. I photograph your day as it really happens, focusing on the genuine moments that make it yours. The big emotions, the quiet glances, the uncontrollable laughter, the happy tears. All the things you can’t plan but end up meaning the most.

With over a decade of experience and hundreds of weddings behind me, I work in a relaxed & natural documentary style that lets your day unfold naturally. No pressure, no awkward direction, nothing staged. Aside from a few group photos and some easy going portraits, I stay unobtrusive so you can enjoy the moment. From the calm of the morning through to the energy of the dancefloor, I’m there to tell the story honestly. I love what I do, and while my work has been recognised with industry awards, what really matters is creating images that feel real to you and bring it all back when you look at them.

Bride and Groom Walking out of ceremony of Cotswolds Wedding - Fun, Vibrant and Bold

Natural, Storytelling Wedding Photography of a couple in a Cotswolds Woods

A Cotswolds Wedding Photographer Who Captures Real Moments

Blending Natural Storytelling with Epic Portraits

I’m lucky enough to have photographed weddings all over the UK and even abroad. From forests to deserts, huge castles to tiny village halls and everything in between. Somewhere along the way, it became pretty clear to me that it’s not the venue that makes a wedding unforgettable, it’s the people. That said, the right venue for the right wedding can make a big difference. It sets the tone for the day and gives everything a beautiful backdrop to unfold naturally.

That’s exactly why the Cotswolds is such a special place to get married. The variety here is unreal. From relaxed countryside barns to elegant manor houses and those tucked-away hidden gems, there’s really something for every kind couple.

I’ve spent countless days exploring these venues and honestly, that never gets old. Every wedding feels different, and it’s those real, in-between moments set amongst the stunning Cotswolds countryside that make each one completely unique.

Cotswolds Wedding Venues I Love Photographing

Barns, Manor Houses and Unique Cotswolds Wedding Venues

Choosing a favourite wedding venue in the Cotswolds is almost impossible. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph incredible rustic weddings at some of the Cotswolds’ most sought-after barn venues, including Blackwell Grange, Bredenbury Court Barns, The Mill Barns, Stone Barn, and The Barn at Upcote, to name just a few. I’ve also captured elegant, luxury celebrations at stunning manor houses like Cowley Manor and Manor by the Lake. And then there are the venues that bring something a little different, the creative, character-filled spaces like The Matara Centre, or the grandeur of iconic settings such as Clearwell Castle.

A couple kissing at one of my favourite Cotswolds Wedding Venues

Here is me - Jonathan Coates - award winning wedding photographer, capturing a couple in a field in golden hour.

All about Jonathan

husband, Dad, Film Lover, music fanatic, Board gamer & full-time Award Winning wedding photographer.

I’ve been a wedding photographer since 2014 and absolutely love this crazy job. Spending such a big day with with my couples is an honour and it doesn’t get old. I mean, who wouldn’t love getting to go to epic parties every week, meet amazing people, eat a few canapés, throw a shape on the dance floor & capture it all with my cameras.

Outside of weddings I’m married to the mosts amazing lady, dad to two boys & a French Bulldog called Tony 🙂
I love listening to and making music, watching films, eating all the wrong foods and have a board game addiction.

“His professionalism and friendly nature set the perfect tone. Jonathan created a relaxed, joyful atmosphere”

Lilly & Jake

FAqs – The need to know

Got a few questions? Here’s everything couples usually ask before booking me for their Cotswolds wedding.

For most of your wedding day, I shoot in a natural, storytelling way. It’s all about capturing things as they happen, without interrupting the flow. Some people call it documentary, but really it just means keeping things relaxed and real.
Of course, we’ll take some time for a few great portraits, but the focus is on you enjoying the day with your favourite people. No awkward posing, no being pulled away for ages, just you having the best time while I quietly capture it all as it unfolds.

I don’t put a limit on my time as I want to capture the full story. I arrive at a time that works best for you and I’m always on the dancefloor way in to the evening. If there is still more story to tell, I will stay to capture it. No extra charges

I often say between 800-1000 photos however, I don’t put a limit on what you receive. If it’s a good photo you will get it.

As an add-on to the standard package, I offer a my special ‘Hybrid’ package which has me capturing photos & film together.

This is perfect for people that want a highlight film set to music alongside their epic photos. There’s loads more information and example films here.

As standard standard with all my weddings you get
1. Me photographing the day from the early preparations to late into the dancefloor

2. A pre-wedding consultation to get to know each other and your requirements
3. Fully edited images (800-1000) with full print release
4. An image slideshow video set to music.
5. A private online gallery to view, download, and share with friends and family

As extra to the photography package I offer
1. Hybrid shooting (photo and video together)
2. Pre-wedding/ Engagement shoots
3. Wedding Albums & Prints
4. A Second Shooter

Of course, just ask and I will be happy to send you one. I want you to be 100% happy that I’m the right wedding photographer for you, so seeing as much of my work is encouraged.

First, drop me a message through the contact form on my website. I’ll get back to you quickly to let you know if I’m available and send over my pricing brochure.
If it all feels like a good fit, we can jump on a quick video call to chat things through. After that, I’ll leave you to decide in your own time.
At that point, if you’d like to go ahead, just let me know and I’ll send over everything you need to get booked in.

Ive been blessed to win a few industry awards. In 2022 I won The Best Wedding Photographer award at The Wedding Industry Awards West Midlands Event. I’ve also highly commended on the same award five separate years.

Ive had multiple images win Master Of Wedding Photography, This is Reportage & Fearless Awards. Go Hen names me in the top 50 wedding photographers & I was shortlisted for the Range Finder Rising Stars award. Ive also been featured on many of the leading online wedding blogs and had images published in printed wedding magazines.

As much as I love shooting in The Cotswolds, I’m lucky enough to photograph weddings all over the UK and beyond. One weekend I might be in Scotland capturing a beautiful castle wedding, the next I could be down in Cornwall shooting a relaxed barn celebration.
Wherever your plans take you, I’m always up for the journey. If you’re planning something special, get in touch and let’s chat.

I have a larger FAQ section here. If this doesn’t answer any questions you have, drop me a message and I will be happy to help.

Real Cotswolds Weddings

If you’re planning a Cotswolds wedding, you’re in for something special. Here on the blog, you’ll find real Cotswolds weddings I’ve photographed – from relaxed countryside celebrations to high-energy party vibes in some incredible venues.