A Day That Felt Like Them
Alex & Charlie’s Relaxed Outdoor Wedding at The Wilderness Reserve, Kent | May 2025
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, nature-filled wedding with a wild, romantic backdrop—Alex & Charlie’s May wedding at The Wilderness Reserve in Kent is all the inspiration you need. With an outdoor ceremony, golden-hour portraits in wildflower meadows, and a first dance under the stars, their day was the perfect blend of elegance and ease.
As a Wilderness Reserve wedding photographer, capturing this celebration was an absolute dream—every moment felt personal, unforced, and deeply connected to the couple’s story.
Getting Ready in Historic Canterbury
The day began in Canterbury, a short drive from the venue. Alex got ready in a cosy townhouse in the city’s historic centre, joined by close friends and family. The morning was full of laughter, music, and quiet anticipation. Alex wore a modern linen suit in stone paired with a sage green tie—a nod to the natural colour palette of the day.
Meanwhile, Charlie prepped at one of the Wilderness Reserve’s private cottages. Their bridal look was minimalist and refined: an ivory slip gown, loose waves pinned with jasmine, and the kind of glowing calm that comes when you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Outdoor Ceremony in the Heart of the Reserve
Set in a secluded woodland glade, the ceremony felt like a scene from a fairytale. Wildflower-lined aisles, wooden benches, and a floral arch that blended seamlessly with the surroundings made for an unforgettable Kent outdoor wedding setting.
Charlie walked in to an acoustic cover of “Bloom” by The Paper Kites, and as they met Alex beneath the trees, the emotion was undeniable. They exchanged personal vows, planted a symbolic olive tree, and sealed it all with a kiss under the springtime sky.
Golden Hour Portraits & Woodland Dining
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed elderflower cocktails and acoustic music on the lawn while we explored the wildflower meadows for portraits. With the sun dipping low and the fields glowing gold, Alex & Charlie moved effortlessly through the space—playful, grounded, and totally in love.
Dinner took place in a clear-roof marquee nestled between the trees. Long tables were styled with hand-dyed runners, beeswax candles, and seasonal blooms. Guests shared locally sourced dishes served family-style—roast lamb, grilled vegetables, and heirloom salads—bringing everyone together in a way that felt intimate and warm.
A First Dance Under the Stars
As night fell, the party moved outside for dancing beneath string lights. Alex & Charlie shared their first dance under the stars to “You and I” by Tom Walker—a moment that was raw, real, and unforgettable.
With a live band, fire pits, and sparklers lighting up the night, the energy was electric. It was the kind of evening that lingers long after the music fades.
Planning Your Wedding at The Wilderness Reserve, Kent
If you’re planning a wedding in Kent and looking for a venue that combines natural beauty with a sense of adventure, The Wilderness Reserve is one of the most unique places to say “I do.” From woodland ceremonies to wildflower meadows and private cottages, it offers a completely immersive countryside experience.
As a UK wedding photographer who loves relaxed, story-driven celebrations, I’d be honoured to capture your day in a way that feels completely true to you.
Looking for a Wilderness Reserve wedding photographer?
Let’s chat about your vision and how we can capture it beautifully, naturally, and without fuss.
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