Wadhurst Castle Wedding - Antonia & Anna

brides spinning each other around at lgbtq wedding

A Batmobile Entrance, Queer Love & Joyful Celebration – Wadhurst Castle Wedding

Antonia and Anna’s wedding at Wadhurst Castle was nothing short of iconic — a celebration of true queer love, individuality, and pure joy. From a jaw-dropping Batmobile entrance to golden hour couple portraits in the castle grounds, every detail was as unique as their love story! As a queer wedding photographer, days like these remind me why I love what I do: documenting not only the beauty of the day, but also the deep meaning behind it. Just 11 years after same-sex marriage was legalised in the UK, Antonia and Anna’s celebration stood as both a love story and a moment of history — proving that love will always win.

Their day was also made as sustainable as possible, something very important to them both! This included secondhand or upcycled decor, as well as upcycled best peoples outfits and even Anna’s dress was picked from a preloved bridal store. They also supplied all of their guests with delicious vegan food and chose to have locally sourced flowers.

Morning Preparations: Love, Laughter & A Touch of Superhero Magic

The brides spent the night together before their wedding day but chose to get ready separately in the morning, so they could still experience the joy of seeing each other for the first time at the end of the aisle. The pure excitement of that first look!

Antonia got ready at the charming Castle Hill Cottage, just 20 minutes away, surrounded by her mum and her best people. She wore a bespoke cape to complete her outfit — a nod to her love of Batman and the perfect accessory for her unforgettable Batmobile entrance. Perfectly created by Catherine Deane.

Meanwhile, Anna got ready at Wadhurst Castle itself with her bridal party and her mum. One of the sweetest moments of the morning was Anna’s first look with her dad, setting the tone for a day full of emotional and heartfelt memories.

bride and bridesmaids walking up stairs at wadhurst castle wedding

The Wadhurst Castle Wedding Ceremony: Celebrant-Led with Handfasting

The ceremony itself was led by the wonderful celebrant Tanisha, who shared stories of Antonia and Anna’s adventures, the memories they’ve made together, and the love that has carried them all over the world. One of the most beautiful parts of the ceremony was the handfasting, where guests tied coloured & patterned ribbons they had prepared themselves, wishing the couple joy and strength for their marriage. Surrounded by love, laughter, and tears, the brides were pronounced wife and wife to cheers from their friends and family.

brides seeing each other for the first time at the end of the aisle

brides laughing at wadhurst castle wedding ceremony

Drinks Reception & The Batmobile Dream

Following the ceremony, everyone gathered on the front lawn for drinks, canapés, and of course, more photos with the Batmobile — sunglasses on, tin cans tied to the back, and a “Just Married” sign swinging. After group photos and a joyful confetti line, the celebrations continued inside with plenty of laughter and cheers.

cocktail hour at wadhurst castle wedding

Wedding Breakfast & Speeches Full of Heart

The wedding breakfast took place in Wadhurst Castle’s dining room, with guests enjoying a delicious meal after an emotional round of speeches. Both brides spoke, along with Antonia’s best woman, Anna’s sister, Anna’s dad, and Antonia’s mum. The speeches had everyone laughing through their tears while also reflecting on the significance of the day. It was a poignant reminder that their marriage was possible thanks to the legalisation of gay marriage in the UK only 11 years ago — making this celebration not just personal, but deeply meaningful. Remembering who came before and who will follow in the future.

wedding guests cheering two brides into wedding breakfast

Golden Hour Magic & Greenhouse Cake Cutting

After dinner, Antonia and Anna embraced golden hour for their portraits around the castle grounds. The sun broke through after an overcast day, flooding the gardens with the most beautiful light. They ran, spun, laughed, and simply enjoyed being together. The kind of portraits that show the joy of queer love in its truest form. It was the perfect pause in the day before heading back to the party!

two brides walking hand in hand in the sunset

two brides holding eachother at lgbtq wedding

First Dance & Partying into the Night at Wadhurst Castle Wedding

The evening began with cake cutting in a gorgeous plant-filled room that felt like a secret greenhouse. Before the brides shared their first dance to Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.

The romance was quickly followed by fun, with the Time Warp and a ceilidh band getting everyone onto the dance floor. Ceilidhs are the PERFECT way to get everyone up dancing! They create the most amount of laughter and fun I have ever seen on a dancefloor!

Later, a champagne spray with their closest people brought the perfect mix of fun and chaos. As the night went on, the castle was filled with music, laughter, and joy. A fitting ending to a day that celebrated love in all its forms!

LGBTQ Wedding Photographer, Documenting Queer Love Across Cornwall, Hampshire & UK

Antonia and Anna’s Wadhurst Castle wedding had everything — laughter, tears, activism, and a party to remember. From their celebrant-led ceremony and handfasting, to dancing the night away in a real castle. Their day was a perfect reflection of who they are. As a queer wedding photographer in the UK, it’s an honour to capture weddings like this. Moments where love, identity, and joy all come together.

If you’re planning your own castle wedding in Sussex or anywhere in the UK and want your story captured with authenticity and heart, I’d love to hear from you. Head over to my contact page to get in touch.