Claire & Kieren – A Rustic, Glamourous Winter Wedding at Peak Edge Hotel

Claire and Kieren under a tunnel of wedding sparklers.

Peak Edge Hotel Photographer

Oh my goodness, I don’t know where to start with Claire and Kieren’s beautiful winter wedding at the Peak Edge Hotel, which I had the honor to capture as their photographer. From a stunning couple to a rustic wedding venue, this celebration was filled with unforgettable moments.

Weddings at the Peak Edge Hotel

Dating back to 1788, the Peak Edge Hotel has stood on the edge of the Peak District and welcomed walkers and travellers for hundreds of years.

The pub – then known as the Red Lion – was bought by Steve’s (the current owner) father in 1966. Steve spent many years working in the kitchens there before purchasing his own hotel, Casa in Chesterfield. Years later, and having since been sold on by his father, the Red Lion, and adjoining hotel were up for sale. Steve bought back the venue that held such a special place in his heart and has since turned the business into a thriving restaurant and wedding venue.

The Peak Edge Hotel and Red Lion Restaurant is now a beautiful rural retreat, priding itself on using local produce and it continues to celebrate the long history of the Red Lion pub.

It was the ideal place for Kieren and Claire to hold their rustic, cosy winter wedding. The hotel is full of character and I loved how Claire and Kieren decorated it and brought in lots of beautiful details to make their day their own.

Rustic Wedding Ceremony

I have photographed winter weddings at the Peak Edge Hotel before – take a look at Becky and Mark’s beautiful day here – so I knew that the ceremony room would be super cosy and full of warmth. It’s perfect for an intimate ceremony and I adore the room being filled with beautiful natural light from the enormous windows that look out over the Peaks.

Claire prepared for the day in the spacious bridal suite, looking absolutely stunning. Her father’s reaction was truly indescribable! He burst into happy tears and had to take a moment to compose himself! It really was a beautiful moment and I know my husband will feel the same mixture of love, pride, and joy when he sees our daughter on her wedding day.

Kieren couldn’t stop smiling as he saw Claire walking down the aisle towards him. He had to wipe a tear or two away himself too. I love how people wear their hearts on their sleeves on a wedding day. All that happy emotion is wonderful!

Following their ceremony, Claire, Kieren, and I spent some time taking a few portraits outside the venue (Claire was an absolute superstar braving the cold) before joining everyone back inside for drinks.

Winter Wedding Sparklers

Claire and Kieren opted for sparklers to kick-start their evening. Guests gathered outside with lit sparklers while the couple enjoyed cozy photographs. I love the warmth of these pictures and the smiles you can see on everyone’s faces. Sparklers create a fantastic atmosphere for autumn and winter weddings, putting everyone in a joyful party mood.