A Dream Setting for Unforgettable Moments
As a Highcliffe Castle wedding photographer, I can confidently say this venue is among the most breathtaking in all of Dorset. Set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking Christchurch Bay and the Isle of Wight, Highcliffe Castle is an architectural gem surrounded by 14 acres of landscaped parkland, woodlands, and a path that winds down to golden beaches. It’s Dorset wedding photography at its finest.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, this Grade I listed Gothic Revival castle offers an unforgettable backdrop with endless storytelling potential.
Why Highcliffe Castle is a Photographer’s Dream
The ceremony room is flooded with natural light thanks to its triple-aspect glass walls—ideal for both photography and videography in any season. After saying your vows, your guests can spill into the gardens while we explore the grounds for portraits. From forest pathways to clifftop views, every corner offers a cinematic canvas.
Few venues offer such a rich variety of visual backdrops—from the regal architecture of the castle, to the open lawns and woodland nooks, to the sweeping coastal scenery just five minutes away.
Photography That Matches the Magic
Our style is instinctive, natural, and emotionally led. We don’t stage or manufacture moments—instead, we blend into the day to capture it as it really unfolds. Highcliffe Castle weddings are a match made in heaven for this approach.
Whether you’re walking through wildflowers, laughing with family over champagne, or embracing on the cliff path during golden hour, we’ll be there, quietly and artfully capturing it all.
Having photographed many weddings at Highcliffe Castle, we know the best times of day, hidden portrait spots, and how to navigate changing light and weather to make sure your wedding gallery is nothing short of spectacular.
From Ceremony to Sea Views
One of the most unique features of a Highcliffe Castle wedding is the opportunity to take your wedding party down to the beach for portraits. The walk is scenic and peaceful, and it adds a dynamic, coastal energy to your collection of images.
Back at the castle, the mix of manicured gardens and stately interiors creates space for both candid documentary moments and elegant, timeless portraits. It’s a balance few venues offer so effortlessly.
A Glimpse Into the Past
Highcliffe Castle was built in the 1830s by Lord Stuart de Rothesay using Norman and Renaissance stonework imported from France. Its grand staircases, stained glass, and intricate details make it feel far older, lending it a sense of history and romance.
Today, it’s run by the local authority and available for everything from minimalist ceremonies to full-day weddings and receptions. Its accessibility, beauty, and variety make it one of Dorset’s most sought-after venues.
Real Weddings at Highcliffe Castle
We’ve documented many love stories at Highcliffe Castle—each one unique, each one emotional. From vibrant summer celebrations to intimate winter ceremonies, it’s a venue that transforms beautifully with every season.
To get inspired, browse through some of our recent Highcliffe Castle weddings on the blog:
Steff & Craig – Full photo & video coverage with saber arch
Planning a Wedding at Highcliffe Castle?
We’d love to hear about your plans. If you’re looking for a Highcliffe Castle wedding photographer who brings experience, subtlety, and soul to your day, get in touch.
Let’s capture your story—beautifully, honestly, and with all the heart it deserves.
Ready to Book?
Love what you see? Let’s make it yours.
Check our availability and get full details on our photography & film collections.
Popular dates book fast—so if you’ve fixed your date, get in touch today.
Featured Weddings
About the location
Highcliffe Castle
Rothesay Drive
Highcliffe
Dorset
BH23 4LE
Ready to say “I do”?
I’d love to hear about your wedding plans and how I can help capture your special day.
Get in touch with me today to check availability or discuss your vision and let’s create something unforgettable together.
Golden hour, wild heathland, and the cutest Cavapoo sidekick — Charlotte & Ethan’s New Forest engagement shoot had all the right ingredients.
Their connection? Effortless. The light? Glorious. The moments? Real.
Throw in a surprise foal encounter and it was pure photo magic.
If you`re dreaming of your own shoot in the New Forest (or just want to bring your dog along!), this is your sign. 🌟
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📍 Bolton’s Bench, New Forest📸 Smiling Tiger Studios
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Jul 7
Trends fade. Moments don’t.
It’s easy to get swept up in the look of wedding photography — but the feel is what lasts. The quiet glance. The squeeze of a hand. The emotion that lingers long after the cake’s been cut.
We just dropped a blog that dives deep into the difference between style and substance — and why both matter.
✨ If you want wedding photos that look beautiful and feel like you, this one’s for you.
📸 Smiling Tiger Studios
📍Dorset | Somerset | UK & beyond
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Jul 4
A simple ceremony and a beautiful image. Vaishi & Jason`s wedding at the Tudor House in Southampton a few weeks back.
The joy on Vaishi`s parents faces says it all!
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Jul 3
They’re the storytellers, the baby-whisperers, the ones who’ve loved us the longest.
Including grandparents in your family shoot isn’t just beautiful—it’s meaningful.
We recently shared our thoughts on why these moments matter (and how to make them effortless) in a new post that’s all heart, no pressure.
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✨ Head to the blog for tips, ideas, and a whole lot of love.
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Jul 3
Perfectly timed, completely unposed — and an absolute favourite of ours.
The best man lands a killer punchline. The bride, groom, maid of honour and best man? All mid-laugh, eyes wide, caught in that rare shared moment of total joy.
You don’t always get the whole top table aligned like this. But when it happens — and everyone’s dialled in — it’s storytelling gold.
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Jul 1
“All-day coverage” — sounds like a dream, right?
But too often, it means 8 hours and done. Or “until the first dance”... if you`re lucky.
We do things differently.
At Smiling Tiger Studios, we tell the whole story — from final prep to the dance floor chaos, and all the emotion in between.
No clocks. No cut-offs. Just honest, story-led coverage that flows with your day.
Thinking about booking a photographer? Ask the right questions.
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Jun 27