Laura Fitzgerald Photography

$$$$$ (Midrange)

LGBTQ-Owned Woman-Owned Neurodivergent-Owned Disabled-Owned

About Laura Fitzgerald Photography

 

Hi, I’m Laura, an alternative wedding photographer based in the UK Midlands, covering weddings across the UK and internationally.

I photograph dark, moody, editorial style weddings for couples who want their photos to feel cinematic, emotional and completely true to them. Think gothic venues, candlelight, dramatic landscapes, unconventional styling and people who care more about feeling than tradition.

My approach is documentary first, with gentle editorial guidance where needed. I’ll prompt you rather than pose you, so nothing feels forced, but you’ll still get those powerful, intentional portraits alongside all the moments that naturally unfold during your day.

I work best with couples who are a little camera shy, a little unconventional or who’ve never quite felt represented in the wedding industry. Creating a safe, inclusive and calm space is a huge part of what I do, whether you’re neurodivergent, queer, introverted or just don’t want your day to feel like a photoshoot.

I’m based in the Midlands and regularly photograph weddings across the whole of the UK, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Scotland, the Peak District, London and more. I also take on destination weddings.

Alongside weddings, I also photograph lifestyle, commercial and boudoir work, but weddings are at the heart of what I do.

I’m also one of the founders of the Dark Wedding Collective, a community first space connecting alternative couples with like minded suppliers.

Pricing & Packages

Get in touch with this company to learn more about their pricing and packages.

★ Offbeat Member Deal

If you’ve found your way here, chances are we’re already on the same wavelength… And I love that.

As a little thank you, anyone booking through this page will receive a little extra with their package… an additional hour of coverage on your wedding day. Just mention where you found me in your contact form when you get in touch. I can’t wait to hear all about your plans and create something that feels unapologetically you.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t believe there’s a “right” way to get married. Whether you’re planning a gothic castle celebration, a festival in a field, a woodland handfasting, a Halloween wedding, a themed extravaganza or simply a day that breaks away from tradition, I’m here to document it without trying to make it fit a conventional mould.

I take the time to understand what’s important to you, rather than following a standard wedding formula. That means embracing unconventional timelines, unique venues, alternative fashion, quirky traditions, meaningful rituals and the little details that make your day unmistakably yours. My approach is relaxed, adaptable and judgement-free, allowing you to celebrate exactly how you want while I capture it authentically.

I specialise in working with couples who want a wedding that feels authentically theirs, regardless of whether it follows tradition. I’m proudly LGBTQIA+ inclusive and have extensive experience photographing queer weddings, non-religious ceremonies, handfastings, elopements, micro weddings and celebrations that blend cultures, beliefs or family traditions.

I’m also passionate about creating a supportive experience for neurodivergent couples. As someone who is AuDHD myself, I understand that weddings can be overwhelming, so I offer flexible communication, clear guidance, social stories, visual supports and a judgement free approach that allows you to experience your day in a way that works for you.

I’m based in the West Midlands, England and photograph weddings across the whole of the UK and internationally. I love travelling to incredible locations, from castles and forests to coastlines, mountains and hidden gems. Travel is never a barrier, and I’m always excited to capture celebrations wherever your story takes you.

Accessibility is something I genuinely prioritise, not just an afterthought. As an AuDHD photographer myself, I understand that every couple experiences weddings differently, so I adapt my approach to suit your individual needs.

I offer flexible communication methods, social stories, visual schedules and cue cards to help reduce uncertainty, along with clear guidance throughout the planning process and on the day. I’m happy to work with sensory needs, anxiety, mobility requirements, chronic illnesses, quiet breaks, alternative timelines and anything else that helps you feel comfortable.

I’m also committed to making my service as inclusive as possible and am currently learning British Sign Language (BSL). If there are any accommodations that would make your experience easier, I’m always happy to discuss them and work with you and your other suppliers to ensure you feel supported throughout your wedding journey.

My booking process is designed to be simple, transparent and completely pressure free.

Once you enquire, I’ll get back to you with my brochure and availability. If I have your date free, we’ll arrange a relaxed consultation where we can chat about your plans, get to know each other and make sure we’re the right fit.

If you’d like to go ahead, I’ll send over your contract and invoice for the 25% booking fee. Your date is officially secured once both the signed contract and booking fee have been received. From there, you’ll receive a welcome guide (and, depending on your package, a welcome box), along with ongoing support throughout your wedding planning journey. I’m always just a message away if you need advice, recommendations or simply someone to bounce ideas off.

I typically open my diary around two years in advance, and many couples choose to book as soon as their date is secured. I also love taking on last minute weddings when availability allows, so if your wedding is just around the corner, it’s always worth getting in touch.

I wish every couple asked, “How will you make us feel on our wedding day?”

Beautiful photographs are important, but so is the experience of creating them. You’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost any other supplier, so it’s essential you feel comfortable, understood and able to be yourselves. My job isn’t just to take beautiful images. It’s to help you feel at ease, support you throughout the day and create an experience you’ll look back on just as fondly as the photographs themselves. For me, that’s what makes the biggest difference.

One wedding that will always stay with me was when the bride was unexpectedly admitted to hospital on the morning of her wedding. The day became about so much more than photography. I spent much of it supporting and looking after her, helping keep things as calm as possible while documenting the day sensitively as events unfolded. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most important part of my job isn’t taking photographs, it’s being someone my couples can rely on when things don’t go to plan.

Another wedding I’m especially proud of involved a venue running significantly behind schedule due to severe understaffing. I stepped in to help serve meals to guests so the day could continue as smoothly as possible and the couple could spend more time enjoying their celebration instead of worrying about logistics.

Those experiences reinforced something I believe wholeheartedly: my role isn’t just to deliver beautiful photographs. It’s to support my couples however I can, adapt to whatever the day throws at us and make sure they can focus on what really matters, marrying the person they love.

My pricing isn’t just for someone to turn up with a camera on the day. It’s an investment in the entire experience.

From the moment you book, I’m there to support you throughout your wedding journey. That includes planning advice, supplier recommendations, timeline guidance, accessibility support, pre-wedding consultations and being a calm, reliable presence when the unexpected happens.

My collections also reflect my documentary approach, artistic editing style and the time invested in carefully curating every gallery. Rather than fitting couples into a standard formula, I tailor my approach to each wedding, ensuring your photographs feel authentic to you and your story. For me, it’s about delivering an experience and memories that last far beyond the wedding day itself.

The words I hear time and time again are “calming”, “supportive”, “fun”, “kind” and “more than just a photographer”. Couples often tell me they forgot they were even having their photograph taken, that I felt like part of the wedding party and that I made them feel comfortable in front of the camera, even if they usually hate being photographed.

The compliment that means the most to me is when someone says, “We actually enjoyed having our photographs taken.” That’s something I never take for granted.

Remember that your wedding doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s so easy to get caught up in trends, opinions and expectations, but the best weddings are the ones that genuinely reflect the couple getting married.

Choose suppliers you trust, not just for their work but for how they make you feel. Build a timeline that gives you room to breathe, don’t be afraid to take quiet moments together throughout the day, and remember that perfection isn’t what creates lasting memories.

Most importantly, ask for help. Your suppliers are there to support you, not just provide a service. When couples book me, they don’t just get a photographer. They gain access to my comprehensive wedding planning guide, packed with practical advice, timelines, planning tips and everything I’ve learned from photographing countless weddings. It’s designed to answer the questions you haven’t even thought of yet and help make the entire planning process feel far less overwhelming.

My dream couples are the ones who aren’t afraid to make their wedding their own. They value experiences over expectations, care more about genuine moments than perfect poses and want a day that reflects who they are rather than what tradition says it should be.

They might be alternative, gothic, adventurous, tattooed, queer, nerdy, outdoorsy or completely impossible to put into a box. More than anything, they’re kind, open minded and excited to celebrate in a way that feels authentic to them.

If you’re planning a wedding that’s a little unconventional, or simply want photographs that feel honest, emotive and unmistakably yours, we’ll probably get along brilliantly.

At a Glance

LGBTQ-Owned Woman-Owned Neurodivergent-Owned Disabled-Owned

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How do you personally identify, and how does that shape how you work with couples?

I identify as a neurodivergent woman (she/her) and that has had a huge influence on how I approach my work. I understand that not everyone experiences weddings, social situations or being in front of a camera in the same way, so I’ve built my business around flexibility, empathy and clear communication. I believe every couple deserves to feel seen, respected and comfortable exactly as they are. That means adapting my approach to individual needs, creating a judgement free environment and making accessibility a genuine priority rather than an afterthought. My goal is for every couple to feel safe to be themselves, knowing they’re supported every step of the way.

How did you get started as a wedding pro?

Ironically, my own wedding is one of the reasons I became a wedding photographer. Unfortunately, our wedding photographs didn’t turn out how we’d hoped, and I know first hand what it feels like when the memories you’ve waited so long to relive don’t reflect the day you experienced. It made me realise just how important wedding photography really is, not just the final images, but the trust you place in the person capturing them. Combined with my background in nursing and my love of photography, that experience inspired me to build a business centred around people. My goal has always been to create an experience where couples feel genuinely cared for, supported and comfortable, while delivering photographs that allow them to relive one of the most important days of their lives with complete confidence.

What was the moment you realized you didn't fit into the traditional wedding industry?

The truth is, I don’t think I ever really fit into the traditional wedding industry. From the very beginning, the couples who found me were the ones doing things differently. They weren’t interested in recreating Pinterest trends or following traditions for the sake of it. They wanted weddings that reflected who they were, whether that meant getting married in a castle, embracing gothic aesthetics, planning a woodland ceremony or simply celebrating in a way that felt true to them. Looking back, I realised I’d naturally created a space for people who didn’t quite fit the traditional wedding mould, because I don’t either. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, I leaned into what felt authentic. That’s when my business truly became what it is today: a place where individuality is celebrated and couples are encouraged to create a wedding that’s unapologetically their own.

Describe your aesthetic in three words that have nothing to do with weddings.

Dark, Moody, Romantic

What's one thing conventional wedding vendors often get wrong, and how do you do it differently?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions in the wedding industry is that every couple wants the same experience. There’s often an expectation that everyone is comfortable in front of a camera, enjoys being the centre of attention or wants to follow a traditional timeline. In reality, every couple is different. I take the time to understand who you are before your wedding day, adapting my approach to suit your personalities, comfort levels and any accessibility requirements. Rather than expecting you to fit into my way of working, I shape my experience around you. The result is a wedding day that feels more relaxed, more authentic and photographs that genuinely reflect who you are, rather than who you think you’re supposed to be.

What's your favorite wedding tradition and why?

My favourite tradition is actually the one that’s becoming more popular, spending a few quiet minutes together straight after the ceremony. It’s often the first opportunity couples have to pause, breathe and take in the fact that they’re finally married before being swept into the celebrations. Those few moments are usually filled with genuine emotion, laughter, happy tears and complete relief, and they often become some of my favourite photographs from the entire day. It’s a beautiful reminder that, amongst all the excitement, the wedding is ultimately about the two of you.

What wedding tradition or trend do you wish would die and never come back?

If I had to choose one, it would be the idea that your wedding has to follow a script. Too many couples feel pressured to include traditions, timelines or trends simply because they’re “what you’re supposed to do”, even when they don’t feel right. Your wedding should reflect you, not a checklist. If a tradition brings you joy, keep it. If it doesn’t, skip it without guilt. Some of the most memorable weddings I’ve photographed have been the ones where couples threw out the rulebook and created a day that felt completely authentic to them. Those are the celebrations people remember for all the right reasons.

Have you planned your own wedding? How did it change how you work?

Yes, and it completely changed my perspective. Planning my own wedding gave me a real appreciation for how overwhelming the process can feel, especially when you’re trying to balance budgets, timelines, family expectations and a never ending stream of decisions. It also taught me how much trust you’re placing in every supplier you choose. Unfortunately, our own wedding photographs didn’t turn out as we’d hoped, and that experience has shaped the way I work more than anything else. I know how heartbreaking it is when your memories aren’t captured in the way you imagined, which is why I never take that responsibility lightly. It’s also why I do so much more than simply turn up with a camera. I support my couples throughout their planning journey, help them navigate the day itself and make sure they feel looked after from the moment they enquire until long after they’ve received their gallery. I want every couple to look back on both their experience and their photographs with nothing but happiness.

What's the weirdest or most nontraditional wedding element you've helped pull off?

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph some wonderfully unconventional weddings, but one of my favourites involved a surprise medieval sword fight immediately after the ceremony. Guests had no idea it was coming, and watching everyone’s reactions was just as entertaining as photographing it. I’ve also photographed weddings with Viking inspired rituals, gothic castle celebrations, handfastings, couples hiking to dramatic locations, and even portraits taken waist deep in rivers and on fog covered cliff edges. The more unusual, personal and creative an idea is, the more I love it. Those are often the moments that make a wedding truly unforgettable because they’re a genuine reflection of the couple rather than something copied from tradition.

What do you wish couples knew about you before they reached out?

I wish couples knew that they’re not just booking a photographer, they’re booking someone who’s genuinely in their corner. I’m the person who’ll help build your timeline, pin buttonholes, carry dresses, calm nerves, fix veils, hold bouquets, chase family members, check in on your wellbeing and adapt when the unexpected happens, all while documenting your day. You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about being awkward in front of the camera. My job is to make you feel comfortable enough to be yourselves. If you leave your wedding saying, “We actually enjoyed having our photographs taken,” then I’ve done my job.

What's the most surprising client feedback you've ever gotten?

The feedback that surprises me most is how often couples tell me they forgot I was their photographer. I regularly receive messages saying they expected to feel awkward or self-conscious in front of the camera, but instead they genuinely enjoyed the experience. Some have even said they left feeling more confident than when they arrived, which is something I never expected photography to be able to give someone. As much as I love hearing compliments about my photographs, it’s those comments that stay with me the most. Knowing I’ve helped someone feel comfortable, seen and able to enjoy one of the biggest days of their life means everything to me.

How do your couples describe you when they're recommending you to friends?

My couples often describe me as “calm”, “supportive”, “fun”, “kind” and “more than just a photographer”. One of the comments that always makes me smile is when guests ask how long I’ve been friends with the couple, only to be surprised when they find out I’m actually the photographer. I naturally become part of the day, building genuine relationships with my couples and the people around them, rather than standing on the sidelines. I’m there for so much more than taking photographs. I’m there to calm nerves, fix veils, fluff dresses, keep the timeline on track, share a laugh when it’s needed and make sure everyone feels comfortable. By the end of the day, I don’t want to feel like another supplier. I want to feel like someone you were genuinely happy to have by your side.