Tunnels Beaches Wedding Photographer
Natural, documentary wedding photography by Patrick Newnham
Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe is a one-off: a coastal wedding venue with its own private beach, reached through Victorian tunnels cut into the cliff, and a thatched gazebo on the terrace where you say your vows with the sea behind you. I’ve photographed weddings here more than once and it’s an hour from my door on Exmoor.
Why I love photographing weddings at Tunnels Beaches
The coast does the heavy lifting. Rugged rocks, big skies and that beach, which not many venues in the country can offer. People think they need blue sky for beach wedding photographs; in my experience an overcast, moody day with a bit of drama in the clouds makes for more romantic, wilder images. You use whatever the weather gives you and the honesty shows.
The spaces, and how they photograph
- The terrace and gazebo. Outdoor ceremonies overlooking the sea, under thatch so a shower doesn’t stop play.
- The private beach. Portraits and group shots straight after the confetti, a few minutes’ walk down through the tunnels.
- Indoors. Open glass windows provide loads of natural light, perfect!
- Evening. Bands and DJs fill the floor here easily; the room is built for it.
Amy and Nelly at Tunnels Beaches
A hundred guests down from Essex after three lockdowns and ready to celebrate. A champagne Enzoani dress, baby blue bridesmaids, petrol blue suits, a BBQ, a magician and a caricaturist, a cake with a cow and an elephant on top, and a dancefloor that never emptied. The overcast sky and the rugged coastline gave the beach photographs exactly the wild feel they wanted.
Practical notes for your photos
- The beach. Tide matters. Ideally the tide is partially out, and you’ll have shoes you don’t mind getting sandy!
- Light. West-facing coast, so the evening light is the prize.
- Wind. It’s the coast. Veils fly, which I rather like.
Questions couples ask me about Tunnels Beaches
Have you photographed at Tunnels Beaches before? Yes, more than once.
Do you cover North Devon? Yes, regularly; it’s next door to Exmoor. See my Exmoor page.
Do you offer an engagement shoot? Yes, included, and the North Devon coast is a fine place for one.
Taking a limited number of weddings for 2027 and 2028
If you’re getting married here and my way of working sounds like your kind of thing, I’d love to hear about your plans. Drop me a line with your date and I’ll tell you straight away whether I’m free.
Taking a limited number of weddings for 2027 and 2028
Drop me a line with your date and venue and I’ll tell you straight away whether I’m free.
