A Bodleian Library wedding in the heart of Oxford
Some venues give you a beautiful backdrop. The Bodleian Library gives you four centuries of history, honey-coloured stone and some of the most remarkable rooms in England. It was a real privilege to photograph Joe and Stacey's wedding here.
Their day had everything we love about an Oxford wedding. There was a vintage Rolls-Royce on Broad Street and an intimate ceremony in Convocation House. There was confetti under the Bridge of Sighs, quiet portraits among the ancient bookcases of Duke Humfrey's Library, and a first dance beneath the vaulted ceiling of the Divinity School. Here's how it unfolded.
Arriving in style on Broad Street
We started the day exploring the streets around the library. The Bridge of Sighs and the Radcliffe Camera looked spectacular under a clear blue sky, and Oxford's architecture does a lot of the storytelling on a day like this.
Inside, Convocation House was dressed with tall columns of blue hydrangeas and white roses, with candle lanterns lining the aisle. Joe looked sharp in a black tuxedo and bow tie, and guests gathered against the old stone walls.
Then Stacey arrived in a vintage white Rolls-Royce on Broad Street, wearing an off-the-shoulder lace gown with a long cathedral veil. She walked into the Bodleian courtyard with her bridesmaids in navy blue, past the columns of the Clarendon Building, with the Bridge of Sighs just behind them.
The Ceremony in Convocation House
Convocation House is one of the most atmospheric ceremony rooms in Oxford. It has a fan-vaulted stone ceiling, dark oak panelling and tiered benches that put every guest close to the action.
Joe waited at the front with his best man while a cellist and keyboard player filled the room with music. The flower girls led the way. Then Stacey walked down the aisle hand in hand with a young page boy, which was a lovely moment that had everyone smiling.
The ceremony itself was full of laughter. Joe and Stacey were relaxed, joking with the registrar, and clearly enjoying every minute. The best man handed over the rings in a wooden ring box. The ring exchange, with family watching from the oak benches, was one of the most emotional moments of the day.
After the first kiss and a round of applause, they signed the register beside the flowers. Then they walked out through the great oak doors as newlyweds.
Confetti under the Bridge of Sighs
Few wedding confetti shots can compete with this one. Family and friends lined New College Lane and showered Joe and Stacey with paper hearts as they kissed beneath the Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards we took a few photos with the Rolls-Royce under the bridge, with the New College Lane street sign in the frame.
We then walked the couple around the forecourt between the library and the Clarendon Building. Stacey's veil caught the breeze beautifully, and Joe carried her pale blue bridal shoes for her. Those relaxed, natural moments are often our favourite photos of the day.
Portraits in Duke Humfrey's Library
The highlight of the portrait session was Duke Humfrey's Library, the oldest reading room in the Bodleian. Surrounded by ancient bookcases, a painted ceiling and warm light from the leaded windows, Joe and Stacey shared a kiss, then a dramatic dip, and finally a simple, timeless portrait hand in hand.
Access to rooms like this is something truly special. It's one of the main reasons couples choose a Bodleian Library wedding.
Planning a Bodleian Library wedding? Our tips
Allow time for a walk around Oxford. The Bridge of Sighs, the Radcliffe Camera and the Clarendon Building are all a few minutes' walk away, and they make stunning backdrops.
Make the most of the rooms. Each space has its own character: Convocation House for the ceremony, Duke Humfrey's Library for portraits and the Divinity School for the evening.
Plan the confetti moment. New College Lane under the Bridge of Sighs gives you one of the most recognisable confetti photos in the country.
Choose a photographer comfortable with low light. The historic interiors are dark and atmospheric, so beautiful indoor photos depend on careful lighting.
Joe and Stacey, thank you for letting us be part of your day. We loved every minute.
