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Documentary Wedding Photographer Derby

Your wedding day will be a riotous, rousing, and rollicking affair - shall we tell it like it is?

Whether you’re tying the knot in one of Derbyshire’s stately homes, museums, or having a Peak District garden party, I’m not here to pose you or direct your day. I’m here to quietly document it — exactly as it unfolds. The real laughter, the quiet nerves, the wild dance floor moments.

Because the best photos aren’t staged. They’re the ones that take you right back to how it felt.

Based in Derby and photographing weddings throughout the UK. I focus on creating offbeat, multi-layered documentary wedding photography that comes alive with each glance— photos that stand on their own as pieces of art. From the excitement of the morning preparations to the energy of the dance floor and every beat in between.

If you want to ditch the awkward poses and just be you, I’d love to tell your story.

You’ll often see the words reportage, documentary photography, and photojournalism used interchangeably.

Wedding guests on dance floor - Documentary Wedding Photography

But all you really need to know is that it’s my aim to create a visual narrative of your wedding day as it unfolds before me.

Ultimately, the goal of a documentary wedding photographer is to transport you back to the authentic, beating heart of your wedding day whenever you look through the images.

Documentary Wedding Photography Derby

Preserving the living, breathing, joy-filled story that each wedding day inherently becomes.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love your photos. You've honestly left us with the best gift ever. You capture moments, movements and most importantly, emotions. And then, you wrap them all up into gorgeous photos which tell story after story at every turn.

Claire & AdamArnott Hill Park 2022
Bride and Groom first dance at nasty Hall Wedding
Relaxed Bride and Groom -Couple Portrait

Along with capturing all the genuine stories and moments of your special day you may want to slip away for some couple portraits.

We’ll simply go for a walk, find some beautiful light, and enjoy a quiet moment together before getting you back to the party and your guests.

The pictures arrived and what can I say? The amount of happy tears I shed looking through each one. The more I looked the more I spotted - the attention to detail Simon has is absolutely out of this world.

They are beyond beautiful, real and so full of love and care.
They are beyond anything we could have dreamed of.

Caris & JoshThe Malthouse, 2024
9. Two Brides Holding Hands Walking Towards Tipi - Derbyshire Wedding Photographer

I love my job – getting to spend such an important day with each couple – and I’m keen to ensure that your wedding day is special and as stress free as possible so you can just enjoy the experience. (Whilst I run around making gorgeous photos)

I’m a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (currently ranked #1 Wedding Photographer in Derby) , have won several  This is Reportage awards and have been awarded Best Wedding Photographer In Derby by  The Quality Business Awards two years in a row. I am also one of Photographers Keeping It Real’s Top 10 Photographers in the World 2024.

This year I’ve also gained Derbyshire LGBT+ Rainbow accreditation because I want to make sure I’m creating a positive and inclusive service.

I have had work published by The Derby Telegraph, Derbyshire Life, Boho Weddings, Your East Midlands Wedding & Rock’N’Roll Bride.

My style is influenced by music, street photography and cinema, but ultimately it’s inspired by the people I meet and trying to do justice to telling their stories.

Simon Dewey Documentary Wedding Photographer

Well, I honestly don’t know where to start. Thank you so much for our absolutely incredible photos ♥️ You have, without doubt, captured the essence of our day. We’ve cried & laughed so much this evening. My hearts bursting! I’m so incredibly happy we found you.

Amanda & DeanSt John’s Mexborough, 2022

Real Derbyshire Wedding Photos

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Do you take any formal portraits or group photographs?

I do – about half of my couples ask for group shots at their wedding. I like to do this quickly and efficiently so that it’s not too distracting from the day itself, so I ask couples to pick a maximum of 10 combinations where possible. It also helps to rope in someone loud and bossy to gather the relevant people for each photo! 

I’ve written a guide to group photos; read it here.



Do you do Wedding Albums?

Yes – I use Folio Albums. They are beautifully crafted, locally and sustainably produced, and the people who work there are fantastic. You can read more about the albums available here.

Do you cover weddings outside Derby?

Although most weddings I shoot are around Derby and the Midlands/Peak District,  I love to go on a wedding adventure. Accommodation and travel expenses are included for weddings in England and Wales – but there is a discount if your wedding is within 25 miles of Derby.

Do we get all the photos?

You get all the good ones! I take far more than I need to so that I can send the absolute best ones to you. The odd dud photo is a natural part of the process and one that you probably wouldn’t appreciate viewing!

For a full day’s wedding, I usually deliver a minimum of 350 photos.  

Do you edit the images?

I do edit, yes. Each one is edited by hand. I don’t believe in using AI to edit images – the computers don’t know how it felt to be there!

How long do we have to wait until we see our photographs?

Your wedding photographs are usually ready about a month after the wedding.

Fill in your details below and I will get in touch as soon as possible.
(Please note I do not accept marketing enquiries via my contact form, these messages will be deleted immediately)