A Non-Traditional Handfasting Wedding in Avebury | J + M
My very first wedding as a photographer in 2024 couldn’t have been a more perfect introduction to the kind of celebrations I love documenting.
J + M chose to do things entirely their own way - no big guest list, no rigid traditions, no pressure to perform a “typical” wedding day. Instead, they created an intimate, meaningful handfasting ceremony in the historic village of Avebury, surrounded by ancient landscape, spring blossom, and a curious gathering of passers-by.
It was just the four of us: the couple, myself, and Graham the druid who conducted the ceremony.
And honestly? It was magic.
An Intimate Handfasting Ceremony in Avebury
Avebury is one of those places that already feels steeped in history and atmosphere, so it was the perfect setting for J + M’s ceremony.
Their handfasting ritual was beautifully personal.
They had made their own handfasting rope, symbolising their commitment to each other. As part of the ceremony they also baked bread together - a quiet, grounding moment that felt incredibly meaningful in the setting.
They’d even brought mead for Graham, which felt very fitting for a druid-led ceremony surrounded by ancient stones.
Because the ceremony took place outdoors in the village, it naturally drew the attention of people passing through. Before long we had gathered quite the little audience of curious onlookers watching from a respectful distance — which somehow made the moment feel even more special.
Exploring the Historic Village of Avebury
After the ceremony, we spent time wandering through Avebury village together for photos.
There was no rush, no strict timeline, just a relaxed walk through one of the most fascinating historic places in the UK.
We stopped at some of the village’s most characterful spots, including:
the ribbon-covered tree, layered with colour and stories
the charming historic cottages and old houses
beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom
J + M were completely in their own little world — laughing, holding hands, and generally unable to stop smiling at each other.
My job was mostly to quietly follow along and capture those moments as they unfolded.
Alternative Wedding Style
One of the things I loved most about this day was how confidently J + M embraced their own style.
J wore an incredible crown and striking Disobey earrings, paired with a leather jacket that gave the whole look a brilliant edge.
M looked impeccably dapper in a beautifully tailored suit, bringing a classic elegance that balanced the look perfectly.
Together they looked amazing - stylish, relaxed, and completely themselves.
A Wedding Day That Felt Like Hanging Out With Friends
Because the day was so intimate, it never felt like a formal event.
It felt like spending the day with two people who were deeply in love and genuinely enjoying every second of it.
After exploring the village and capturing portraits around Avebury, the four of us did something wonderfully simple to finish the day:
We went for lunch together.
No big reception. No packed schedule. Just good food, good conversation, and the warm glow of a really special day.
Why I Love Alternative Weddings
J + M’s handfasting in Avebury perfectly captures why I love photographing non-traditional weddings.
There’s space to breathe.
Space to be present.
Space to let the day unfold naturally.
And those are always the moments that make the most meaningful photographs.
If you’re planning an alternative wedding, intimate ceremony, or handfasting, I’d love to hear about your plans.
