The Swan Hotel Wedding Photography - Sam & Ella

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Written By JustJames Media
Bride and groom share a romantic kiss on Vicar’s Close in Wells, Somerset, surrounded by historic stone cottages and golden evening light. Ella holds a vibrant bouquet of pink and burgundy florals, her dress flowing gently on the cobblestone path.

Sam and Ella’s summer solstice wedding at The Swan Hotel in Wells was one of those golden days you don’t forget. Right from the start, everything felt warm and full of heart - from their relaxed morning energy to the joyful chaos of golden hour hugs, heartfelt speeches, and a surprise guest appearance (more on that later!). The light was absolutely perfect, and Wells really showed off with its cobbled charm and peaceful corners. It was such a joy to capture their day, and I left feeling like I’d just witnessed something truly special.

A Glowing Ceremony in the Heart of Wells

The ceremony room at The Swan Hotel was so full of natural light - it made everything feel soft and romantic without trying too hard. I love when a space just works without needing to be overly styled, and this one had such a lovely, calm energy to it. Seeing Sam and Ella exchange vows surrounded by people who clearly adore them was something really special to witness.

Groomsmen walk together down a sunlit cobbled alleyway at The Swan Hotel in Somerset, dressed in navy suits with burgundy ties and blush boutonnières, sharing laughs and relaxed smiles before the ceremony.
Black and white silhouette of a bride holding her bouquet, standing in front of tall windows with striped curtains at The Swan Hotel in Somerset, her lace-back gown softly lit by natural light.

Portraits That Felt Effortless Around Wells

Black and white wedding photo of bride and groom standing beneath the archway at Wells Cathedral, Somerset. They hold hands and face each other, framed by the Gothic stonework and dramatic lighting in the historic cathedral gateway.

Wells is genuinely one of the prettiest spots I’ve photographed in - it’s like every corner is just asking to be in a wedding gallery. We wandered a bit for couple portraits and found the loveliest backdrops without needing to go far at all. Sam and Ella were total naturals, and it didn’t take much to get those relaxed, joy-filled shots that I know they’ll look back on for years.

A Warm Summer Celebration With All the Feels

It was definitely a hot one, but no one seemed to mind. The vibe was very laid-back - guests catching up under shady spots, kids playing, and that classic English summer feeling in the air. There was so much genuine warmth between everyone, and I found myself smiling behind the camera all afternoon.

Sam and Ella share an intimate moment, framed by the stone archways of The Swan Hotel in Somerset. The warm golden light highlights their romantic connection, with Ella holding a soft, organic bouquet in rich pink and green tones.
Bride and groom smiling at each other beside the Bishop’s Palace moat in Wells, Somerset. The bride holds a vibrant bouquet of pink and burgundy flowers, while soft evening light reflects on the still water behind them.

An Almost Surprise Appearance from Nico (and the Reactions!)

Now this moment deserves its own section - Nico the dog almost arriving mid-speeches had everyone gasping and grinning. I hadn’t seen it coming either, and it was such a funny moment for Sam and Ella and their guests. Safe to say, he would have stolen the show for a few minutes, and I was lucky enough to catch some of the reactions that I know they’ll find funny in time.

Bride and groom standing hand in hand in front of the grand wooden doors of the Bishop’s Palace gatehouse in Wells, Somerset. The historic stone towers and surrounding moat create a romantic, storybook backdrop for their wedding portrait.

A First-Time Visit That Felt Like Home

This was my first time photographing a wedding at The Swan Hotel, and I was honestly so impressed. The team were kind, organised, and made everything run so smoothly. It’s a beautiful venue with such a welcoming atmosphere, and I already can’t wait to be back.

Conclusion

Sam and Ella’s wedding at The Swan Hotel was just the right mix of relaxed and joyful - one of those days where you feel completely wrapped up in the moment. The setting, the people, and the energy were all so genuine, and I’m really grateful to have been there to capture it all. Wishing these two a lifetime of happiness (and more surprise dog visits, obviously).

Reflection in a vintage mirror of a bride in a lace wedding dress smiling at her mum, who’s wearing a colourful floral dress, as they share a joyful moment together during bridal prep at The Swan Hotel in Somerset.
Bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple during the ceremony at The Swan Hotel in Somerset, standing in front of a stunning botanical mural and surrounded by floral arrangements and loved ones.
Bride and groom pose with their families on the lawn outside The Swan Hotel in Somerset, with the historic architecture of Wells Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace in the background on a sunny wedding day.
Sam and Ella walk hand-in-hand with their wedding party on the lawn outside The Swan Hotel in Somerset, dressed in burgundy and blush tones, holding flowers, with Wells Cathedral and historic buildings in the background.
Close-up of Sam kissing Ella on the forehead as they embrace on their wedding day. Ella smiles softly while holding his lapel, her lace gown and floral bouquet with pink and burgundy tones visible against the stone backdrop of The Swan Hotel.
Bride smiling softly while holding a romantic bouquet of pink and burgundy flowers with greenery. Her lace wedding dress and loose waves complete the elegant look, captured in front of the historic gatehouse at Bishop’s Palace.
Bride and groom smiling at each other in soft evening light, standing on the grass beneath a large tree. The bride holds a bouquet of pink, burgundy and purple flowers, and the groom wears a navy suit with a burgundy tie and pink boutonnière.
Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake together, smiling in front of a tiered dessert display decorated with biscuits, brownies and flowers. A drummer plays in the background against a botanical mural in a warmly lit room.

Vendors

Photography: Just James Wedding Photography

Venue: The Swan Hotel

Wedding Dress: Vicki's Bridal Boutique

Cake/Bakery: Somerset Blissful Bakes

Florist: Flowers & Home Somerset

Hair Stylist: Creative Curls by Katie

Makeup: South West Bridal Hair & Make-up

Live Music: Re-release

If you’re planning a wedding at The Swan Hotel or anywhere in Somerset and want your day captured with warmth, joy, and a relaxed approach, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s create something beautiful together!

JustJames Media
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The Cider Barn Wedding Photography - Louise & Christian