Are you planning to get married at The West Mill in Derby? If you looking for a West Mill wedding photographer or just more information about this exclusive use wedding venue then I hope this page will help answer your questions.

The West Mill – No Corkage Venue

The West Mill is a riverside venue. It first opened in 2016 and can be found on the banks of the river Derwent in Darley Abbey. The old mill has been restored to a high modern standard whilst retaining many original features. The building is such an impressive site as you walk from the car park towards the courtyard.

Everything about this venue has been designed to make life simple for the bride and groom.  On the third floor, there is a dressing room for the bride and her wedding party to get ready in. Tastefully decorated with a rustic dressing table and vintage furniture.

The Cotton Quarter, ceremony room is most impressive. With exposed brickwork, the cast iron beams and the original cast iron ceiling both being lovingly restored. This gives an industrial vibe that I think is unique in the entire country!

The ceremony room is the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. The natural light floods in through the Georgian paned windows. See how beautiful the room looks as Lianne walks down the aisle to see her groom, Andy.

Stunning Wedding Photography at the West Mill

Years ago, a wedding photographer asked me where the best places were to take photos at The West Mill. My answer was simple. It’s such a gorgeous venue that “…you can’t take a bad photo here” I still think that’s true!

Here are a few wedding photos which I have created around the venue.

I prefer to keep my portraits as natural as possible so this photo was as simple as asking the couple to stand and have a little chat whilst I took their photo. I find this gets much better results than both staring at the camera! To take this photograph, I just increased my shutter speed until I set the correct exposure for the window which instantly turned the couple into a silouhette.

This next image is one of my favourites from Lianne and Andy’s wedding. They are both sat on the bench outside the front doors. Again, I just hid behind the wall behind a large plant pot. I just waited and let them have a little time on their own without a camera being in their face. These are the natural moments, the little laughter and emotions which I love to capture at weddings.

The reason I adore this wedding portrait is because it has the West Mill behind Rebecca and Robert. Bride and groom’s fall in love with this beautiful exclusive use venue so it would be a crying shame not to have some wedding photos outside. Here I’ve also used the metal railings as leading lines to draw the viewers attention to the newlyweds.

In the evenings, the Cotton Quarter on the third floor is of course empty which offers a great opportunity for a wedding portrait. In the photo below, I have used a small flash to light up the brickwork to silouhette the couples profiles whilst at the same time bringing out the unique lights on the cast iron ceiling. I’ve used the candles as leading lines to draw the viewers attention to the couple.

My approach to photographing your wedding at West Mill

If you are getting married at The West Mill then I hope the above photos have given you a good idea of both the venue and my photography style.

For most of the day, I shoot in a very unobtrusive style. Preferring to let moments unfold naturally. I don’t direct or get in the way. I never ask you to say “Cheese!” to the camera.

Of course, I would be more than happy to take some family photos for your loved ones. I’m sure your parents would be upset if they didn’t get at least one photo with the happy bride and groom!

Hopefully you can see that even for the couples portraits. My preference is to keep things natural and let the moments happen. There’s no posing (unless you want to!). All I ask is that you enjoy each other’s company and let me create a visual legacy for you to reminicise the most special day.

How to find West Mill Derby

Wedding Photography Prices

I hope you like the photos I have taken at various weddings at The West MIll. If you are looking for an experienced Derby or Nottingham wedding photographer who lives locally (15 minute drive) away then I’d love to be considered.

Full day coverage starts at £1395. Discounts may be available for off peak dates and/or midweek weddings. Please contact me for further details and to discuss.

Check if I am available for your date by filling the short form below and let’s find out if I am the right wedding photographer for you!