Your Marriage Photographer in Kent, Dover & Beyond

Hello! I'm Marcus, a local Kent-based photographer specialising in natural, romantic, and truly authentic wedding photography.

My passion is capturing the genuine moments of your special day, telling your unique love story through beautiful images. If you're looking for a marriage photographer who captures feelings, not just poses, you've come to the right place.

Based in Dover, I serve local couples across Kent, from Ashford and Canterbury to the beautiful coastal towns of Folkestone and Margate.

Marriage Tips

Marriage Tips

Photography Equipment

My Equipment

Photographer Value

Quality Matters

Book Your Marriage Photographer Today

If you are looking for Dover Marriage Photographers, look no further.

Essential Tips for Your Wedding Day

As a marriage photographer, I've seen it all! Over the years, I've gathered invaluable insights that can help make your celebration as smooth and stress-free as possible. Think of me not just as your photographer, but as a helpful friend with a camera. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the big day.

Dover Marriage Photographer

Master Your Wedding Plan

This may seem obvious, but a solid plan is your best friend. Start by writing everything down—use an app, a spreadsheet, or a classic notebook. For those with hectic schedules, hiring a professional wedding planner can be a lifesaver. A well-thought-out plan prevents last-minute panic and ensures everything flows smoothly.

Dover Marriage Photography Kent

Be Smart with Your Budget

Weddings can be expensive, and costs can quickly add up. Before you book anything, create a detailed list of all your desired services and research the average prices in the Kent area. So many couples tell me their wedding cost more than they expected. A clear budget from the start helps you prioritise what's most important to you and avoid financial surprises.

Marriage Photography

Protect Your Investment with Insurance

You'll be paying significant deposits to suppliers and your chosen marriage photographer well in advance. What happens if a vendor unexpectedly goes out of business? Wedding insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind, protecting you against unforeseen circumstances and minimising financial risk.

Professional Photographer Kent

Savour Every Moment

They say time flies when you're having fun, and that's never truer than on your wedding day. It will go by in a flash! Make a conscious effort to pause, breathe, and soak it all in. This is where a professional photographer becomes essential—I'll be there to capture those fleeting moments you might miss, creating memories you can cherish forever.

Book Your Marriage Services Early

Book Early

Good service providers become booked early.

Sometimes, a hire is made over a year in advance.

Good businesses become booked very quickly as time runs down to the date of your marriage.

If you have found the marriage service provider you want to use, please get in touch with them as soon as you can.

But, only when you have an explicit service agreement, T&Cs and are clear on the service you will receive.

Choosing Marriage Services

Choose Wisely and Well

I'd appreciate it if you could check marriage services out and get some feedback.

Before you pay for a service, make sure you are clear about the services, terms, and conditions, and that you have a written agreement for the services you will receive at the price you have been given.

Absolute clarity!

Another great quote I have heard many times is "If it isn't in writing, it doesn't exist".

Something for you to think about.


Marriage Options

Must Have or Optional

As part of your marriage day planning, it is nice to have a list of the items you must have and the optional things.

If you start to go over budget, you can remove optional items to bring your day back into budget.

AND, before you have paid deposits!!

Once the deposit is paid, things become difficult to change arrangements, and your deposit is at risk, most non-refundable.

Dover Kent Marriage Photographers Photography Page

Location, Location, Location.

The venue will become a large portion of your budget.

It is essential to take your time when looking for a venue and consider the hire carefully.

Where is the ceremony, reception or all in one place?

How people will be getting to and from locations, and making some notes when you view the locations, will help.

Please carefully review the venue hire and your options.

Wedding Guests Stopping Over

People Stopping Over

When you're thinking about a venue for your wedding, please consider where your guests can stay.

This may be low on your priority list, but it may need some consideration.

Where guests are travelling from and to, they may need somewhere to stay and how to get back and forth after enjoying themselves.

Portfolio Photographs and Passports

Passport & Name Changes

If you are booking your honeymoon where you will need your passport, it is worth considering.

Are you changing your name?

Something to think about, and there are two options to consider. The details are available on the UK Government Passport website.

Is your passport in date?

UK Passport

My Photo Portfolio is available on request

Families and Bad Feelings

Most people I have spoken with have worried about some people who don't get on.

We all have them, and most people worry about this when planning a wedding; you are not alone.

The first thing to remind everyone is that it's your day, and that is the priority for everyone.

Most people know that, and the worrying comes to nothing.

Weddings and Photographers Business

Transport & Helpful People

Planning transport for weddings and thinking through how people move to and from venues is worth some thought.

Especially the next day, if people are stopping over.

Also, you can never have enough people to help. There will be plenty to take away from the wedding venue, including gifts, clothing, keepsakes, and more. Many hands make light work.

Photographers Business

Photograph Worries

In my experience, every bride I’ve encountered has expressed her concerns about how she will appear in photographs.

Their worries often vary, covering aspects such as arms, chins, legs, height, and more.

Grooms, on the other hand, usually maintain a more relaxed attitude towards wedding photos.

We can talk about any concerns you might have, as it's often this worrying that leads to anxiety.

I'll help you and explain how we I can deal with any worries.

Sharing wedding photographs made easy

Sharing Photos

Did you know that when you share images on WhatsApp, their quality can plummet by an astonishing 75%?

While a picture may appear decent on a smartphone, sharing can complicate the integrity of your precious photographs.

I utilise a cloud-based solution with a straightforward link that preserves the original quality without any loss.

Links are effortless to share and can truly enhance the presentation of your photographic portfolio.

Wedding photographer blog

What If It Rains?

We've all experienced that nail-biting moment before an outdoor event, anxiously checking the weather forecast and hoping for a celestial intervention to keep the skies clear...

Consider having a plan B ready in case Mother Nature decides to put a damper on things, and keep some stylish, photo-worthy umbrellas handy for shade or unexpected rain.

With your backup plans in place, you can happily turn off that weather app and fully savour the anticipation of your special day.

Wedding People Missing

People won’t show up.

Whether it's guests, vendors, or your partner, we recognise that fears can sometimes appear completely irrational. Nevertheless, despite their seemingly baseless nature, they often linger in our thoughts, leaving us feeling uneasy and anxious.

After you've gathered RSVPs from your attendees, your plans are finalised, everything is set, and it's time to anticipate the celebration of this remarkable occasion!

My Photography Equipment & Why

Marcus The Dover Photographer

My selection of photography gear and the reasons behind it.

In documenting a marriage, every moment is profound, and there are no do-overs. Each smile, tear, and fleeting glance contributes to a unique story — that's why I trust Canon.

With years of experience behind the camera, I understand that our tools should enhance our narrative, not hinder it. High-quality equipment enables me to concentrate on what truly counts — capturing genuine emotions, fostering connections, and creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

I have always prioritised quality in my equipment choices. I've heard stories from photographers who lost invaluable wedding images due to poorly considered data storage — think about that!

Marriage Through a Canon Camera

Canon Cameras

When I photograph a marriage, every moment is precious, and there are absolutely no second chances to capture them. Every single look, every heartfelt smile, and even every tear of joy happens just once in a fleeting moment — and that's precisely why I trust Canon. Their exceptional cameras and lenses allow me to document these irreplaceable occasions with confidence beautifully.

I utilise two Canon EOS R6 Mark 2 cameras, seamlessly alternating between them with various lenses tailored to the specific scenario.

An additional feature is dual SD card recording, which ensures that photographs are captured simultaneously on two distinct SD cards.

Marriages are fast-moving and unpredictable, with constantly changing light and emotion. Canon cameras give me the confidence to capture every moment beautifully — whether it’s a bright outdoor ceremony or a candle-lit first dance. They’re reliable, responsive, and deliver stunning results straight out of the camera.

Canon’s fast autofocus and intuitive controls mean I can focus on what matters most — people. It’s about connection, not just composition.

Canon Lenses For Marriages

Canon Lenses

The Canon lenses are undoubtedly my preferred choice for photography, offering an outstanding experience for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Although they come with a higher price tag than some alternatives, their exceptional quality makes them worth every penny with remarkable sharpness, vibrant colour reproduction, and impressive low-light performance.

I utilise five lenses, with the Canon prime lens series being my top choice. My favourite ones are the 50mm and the versatile 24mm to 105mm, which I often rely on.

The lenses are exceptional and set a high standard for quality. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is ideal for capturing candid moments from a distance, while the 50mm f/1.2 creates breathtaking portraits with stunning detail. Canon glass consistently delivers sharpness, impressive speed, and that iconic creamy background blur.

Each lens enhances your ability to capture life's moments and elevates the quality of your images, making every photograph a work of art.

Canon Lenses For Marriages

Canon & Speedlite

My essential equipment consists of a carefully curated array of Canon cameras and Speedlite flashes, seamlessly complemented by a superb, high-quality off-camera flash arrangement that is critical for achieving diverse artistic effects. This thoughtfully selected gear enables me to capture stunning images in a wide range of lighting conditions. Those include challenging interiors or bright outdoor settings, significantly enhancing my overall photography experience and allowing for greater creative expression.

A top-notch flash is vital as it provides stable, controlled lighting in every situation I encounter. It brilliantly brightens low-light environments, softens harsh shadows, and adds depth to my photographs, resulting in images that showcase a polished, professional look regardless of conditions at any wedding venue or event. The ability to manipulate light effectively leads to breathtaking portraits and expressive moments that truly tell a story.

Canon and Speedlite deliver outstanding equipment tailored to meet the needs of both amateur and professional photographers, and often a blend of the two can be the ideal answer for challenging lighting scenarios, ensuring that I am well-prepared to capture every moment with precision and artistry.

Pro Grade SD Marriage Photography

Pro Grade SD Cards

Why I Choose ProGrade Gold SD Cards for Marriage Photography.

When it comes to capturing a wedding, every moment is crucial — there are no do-overs. That's why I rely on ProGrade Gold SD cards, renowned for their professional-grade reliability, speed, and impressive durability. These premium cards guarantee that every image is captured swiftly and securely, even during the most emotional or fast-paced moments of your special day.

With ultra-fast write speeds and exceptional error correction, ProGrade Gold cards help avert data loss and maintain an efficient workflow from the ceremony to the reception. They're designed to perform brilliantly in any scenario — from vibrant outdoor ceremonies to softly lit dance floors — so I can focus on crafting timeless memories without the stress of technical glitches.

Pro Grade SD Marriage Photography

Professional Photography Back-Up

When recording a photograph, the camera captures rich data in a media format, including colour, light, and detail.

I use dual memory cards and cloud backups to diligently protect every single wedding photo.

Shooting to two cards simultaneously means each image is instantly backed up in case one card fails unexpectedly.

After the wedding, I upload everything to secure cloud storage for off-site backup, ensuring your precious memories are preserved in the best possible conditions. This way, your memories are effectively protected from potential camera errors, hardware failure, or even physical loss — guaranteeing professional peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Pro Grade SD Marriage Photography

Live Photography On-Line Picture Gallery

For all my clients, I employ a live Lightroom client photography gallery to showcase my work. It is simple to use and very effective.

This gallery remains accessible for 6 months, allowing clients to easily view, download, and share their unique photography collections.

This approach provides a wonderful way to reminisce about your enchanting wedding day while narrating your love story.

If you opt to share the link, your family and friends can access the same gallery and select which photos they would like to download to their devices.

Did you know? WhatsApp can diminish a photo's quality by approximately 75%, which is quite significant.

Here is an example gallery.

Live Gallery


The Hidden Costs of Hiring a Cheap Wedding Photographer

Why Quality Matters

Marcus Photography

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most significant days in your life. It promises to be a celebration brimming with love, heartfelt emotions, and unforgettable moments you'll cherish for years to come. Every detail plays a crucial role, but when it comes to capturing those memories, opting for less can lead to regrets that last a lifetime.

While the allure of saving money by selecting a budget wedding photographer may be tempting, the truth is that photography should be viewed as an investment rather than merely an expense. Here's why hiring a skilled, professional photographer is worth every dollar spent.

Cheap Wedding Photographer

You Only Get One Chance

A marriage isn’t a rehearsal — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. A skilled photographer understands the flow of the day, anticipates key moments, and captures them perfectly. Cheap photographers often lack the experience to handle fast-paced or challenging conditions, resulting in missed shots, poor lighting, or awkward compositions.

There are no do-overs for your first kiss, your walk down the aisle, or your father-daughter dance. A professional knows how to get those moments right the first time.

Cheap Wedding Photography

Quality Equipment, Quality Results

Professional photographers invest thousands in high-end cameras, lenses, and lighting gear — as well as backups in case something goes wrong. Cheaper photographers often use budget equipment that struggles in low light or fast movement, resulting in blurry, grainy, or poorly exposed images.

When the lights dim for your first dance or the sun sets during your portraits, professional-grade gear makes all the difference.

Dover Cheap Wedding Photographer

Editing Is Half the Magic

Capturing the photo is only half of a photographer’s job — the other half happens during editing. A seasoned photographer knows how to colour-correct, retouch, and craft a consistent, timeless aesthetic that beautifully tells the story of your day.

Cheaper photographers may deliver unedited or poorly edited images, leaving you with inconsistent colours, awkward cropping, or an overall amateur feel.

Marriage Photography

Professionalism and Peace of Mind

An experienced marriage photographer doesn’t just take pictures — they manage timelines, coordinate with planners, and keep calm under pressure. They know how to handle unexpected rain, tricky lighting, or a tight schedule without panicking.

You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your photographer will show up on time or capture the essential details. Hiring a professional means you can focus on enjoying your day, confident that your memories are in capable hands.

Marcus The Photographer

Your Photos Become Your Legacy

Once the cake has been savoured and the flowers have faded, it's your photographs that endure. They will weave themselves into the fabric of your family history—treasured for years to come.

By choosing a skilled photographer, you're not merely covering the cost of pictures; you're creating lasting heirlooms that will narrate your story long after the event has concluded.

Wedding Photographer Dover Kent

You Get What You Pay For

It’s understandable to want to stay within budget, but photography is one area where you truly get what you pay for. A cheap photographer might save you a few hundred pounds now — but could cost you the priceless memories you can never recreate.

When you look back at your wedding album, you’ll want to feel the emotions, see the details, and relive the joy. That’s something only a skilled, passionate professional can deliver.

Time to book your Dover photographer

Click on the link below to give me a call. If you reach my voicemail, please leave me a message and I will call you back as soon as possible.

An excellent photography business located in Dover, Kent, is great for weddings and incredible photographs.

My business photography portfolio is available on request for you to look through.