Tunnels Beaches Dream Wedding
People often ask me which venue is my favourite to work at, and honestly, it’s such a tough question to answer. Every place I visit has something special I fall in love with—whether it’s a stunning historic building, a sleek modern space, breathtaking scenery, quirky features, or an incredible team of coordinators who make the day run like a dream. But if I’m truly honest, it’s the couples I work with who make a wedding unforgettable. More often than not, I leave a venue on an absolute high because of the experience I shared with them—and that feeling becomes forever tied to the memory of that venue.
All that aside, Tunnels Beaches is the only venue that I have arrived at and has left me feeling so overwhelmed with awe that I found myself with leaky eyes as I saw it for the first time! Maybe it was the unique nature of the tunnel entrance opening up to the iconic cliffside building with its terrace overlooking its very own private beach. Maybe it was the buzz of finally getting to shoot at such a well-known and iconic venue. Whatever it was, I’ll never say no to photographing another wedding there. Katie and Louis set the bar incredibly high, but I’ve got a feeling this place delivers something special every single time.
Oh, and be warned, this blog is longer than my usual! It seems I have SO much to say about this venue (maybe it is my new favourite, after all?!)
Tunnels Beaches Steeped in History
You get to the venue by walking through these amazing old Victorian tunnels, which already makes it feel like you’re heading somewhere really special—almost like a secret coastal hideaway. Then you step out and boom—there it is, tucked into the cliffs with this gorgeous modern building that opens right out onto a sunny terrace. And the view? It’s all ocean and private beach as far as the eye can see.
One of the things that makes Tunnels Beaches so special is, well... the tunnels! Hand-carved back in the 1820s, these four tunnels aren’t just a cool way to arrive—they’re a big part of Ilfracombe’s history. As you explore the site, you’ll find loads of fascinating info about how these tunnels (and the tidal bathing pools) helped transform the town from a quiet fishing village into a buzzing Victorian seaside resort.
There are even some brilliant displays dotted around with old-school guides to Victorian etiquette—everything from how boys and girls were expected to behave, to what was considered proper conduct when bathing with ladies. It’s a quirky, charming glimpse into the past that adds even more character to an already unforgettable venue.
Luxury Bridal and Groom Prep Areas
Runnymede House was the perfect choice for Katie and her bridesmaids to spend the morning getting ready. Located right at the entrance to Tunnels Beaches, it’s just a short walk through the tunnels to the wedding ceremony. This Gothic-style house is full of character, with the perfect mix of historic charm and modern touches.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s often the couples themselves that make a wedding day unforgettable—and from the moment I met Katie, I knew we’d hit it off. When I arrived, she opened the door, wrapped me in a big hug, and it honestly felt like I’d known her forever.
The atmosphere in the house was brilliant, with Katie’s girls all getting ready on the three different levels of the house, popping in and out to see how she was getting on and also for their turns with the hair and make up artists. There was music, singing and laughter echoing around the house.
Louis and his groomsmen chose to convene at The Woodlands for the finishing touches of their groom prep. In comparison to the Grade ii listed Runnymede, The Woodlands is quite the opposite in terms of its stark modern charm. Just as luxurious but quite the contrast to its gothic, quirky neighbour.
We used the Sun Terrace for some finishing touches to the groom prep where Louis gave each of his groomsmen a personalised gift each and they busied themselves with tying their ties and pinning their button holes.
When both of you are getting ready on site, I always love to capture moments from both sides of the morning. It’s such a beautiful way to tell the full story of your day—those quiet, joyful, behind-the-scenes moments—so that when you look through your gallery, you can see how it all unfolded from both perspectives.
Ceremony on the Terrace
As if the walk from Runnymede and through the tunnels isn’t already the most magical start to a wedding day, it all builds to that incredible moment when you step out onto the terrace and see your partner waiting for you. Your guests are seated facing the beautiful thatched gazebo, where you'll exchange your vows, with the sea stretching out beside them—waves crashing gently onto the sand below. Even as the tide slipped away during the ceremony, the sound of the ocean created the most whimsical and wonderful soundtrack to their vows. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Throughout the day (and on one as nice as this sunny Spring day) the Terrace gets a fair share of use. After the ceremony, Katie and Louis’s guests formed a line showered them with confetti as they walked back up towards the tunnels. The chairs were then cleared so guests could enjoy the sun and the views, many taking the opportunity to catch a quick photo in front of the glorious seascape.
Every wedding reception is filled with joy, but there was something truly special about the terrace at Tunnels. Bathed in golden light, with the sea glistening just beyond the edge, the space seemed to carry its own kind of magic. Laughter echoed against the cliffs, glasses clinked in celebration, and everywhere you looked, guests were smiling.
As a photographer, lighting is everything—and the towering cliffs around Tunnels Beaches were an absolute gift during Katie and Louis’s group photos. With the sun high in the sky, the cliffs cast the perfect natural shade over the terrace and thatched gazebo, giving us soft, even light without any harsh shadows or squinting faces. It couldn’t have worked out better for capturing everyone at their best.
Once the sun had set, the terrace turned into a relaxed chill-out area. Guests kicked back in deck chairs around the fire pit, staying warm as the evening cooled down. The large glazed windows of the reception room above stayed open, so music and laughter flowed outside, keeping the energy going and creating a great connection between those still partying upstairs and those winding down below.
Bridal Party Photos on the Beach
One of the absolute perks of this venue is the chance for you and your bridal party to get some cute photos together on tyour very own private beach. With its rugged charcoal coloured cliffs, the contrast of Katie’s stunning white gown and her bridesmaids dressed in pearl and her maid of honour in blush silver, it really was a sight and made the dreamiest photographs.
As usual with larger bridal parties, I started by photographing the bridesmaids and groomsmen separately before bringing everyone together for some fun group shots. I always like to give them something to do so the photos feel more natural and relaxed—no stiff posing or awkward vibes here. Both sides brought such great energy, dancing their way across the beach with their respective crews. With that much sass and good vibes, a prosecco spray felt like the only fitting way to wrap things up!
When I’m shooting, I’m always thinking about how to make the most of the venue—considering composition, angles, and how everything ties together. This time, I chose to shoot with the venue as the backdrop instead of the sea. The ocean already features heavily in Katie and Louis’s gallery, so it only felt right to give the venue some love too—and let’s be honest, it looks amazing in those final shots.
First Dance & Epic Party
Of course Katie and Louis had the most epic first dance routine ever! I would have been disappointed if it had been anything less after the day that these guys planned and pulled off. However, I wasn’t ready for just how epic it was!
There was no slow dance or two step routine here. No soppy ballad, love song or snuggle up and slow dance vibes. I had seen inklings of this energy from Katie and Louis all day and especially when they were around each other. However, this was the moment that they fully unleashed, let loose and got that party started!
Fireball by Pitbull was the song of choice. I beg you, if you have not heard this song in a while, put it on now. Turn it up a loud and dance like no body is watching. Because that is exactly what Katie and Louis did and my god, it was brilliant. There were some cute choreographed moves to start with, where both Katie and Louis had their guests cheering and bopping from the sidelines. But then the beat kicked in and just WOW, they bounced, danced and sung their newlywed hearts out soon to be joined in by their guests. The DJ was incredible, joined by a saxophonist who was also in a league of her own. The dance floor was full from that moment until the moment I left, some three hours or so later. And yes, Katie may have been doing ‘the worm’ at one point and yes, she may have been partying so hard that her dress straps snapped. Did this stop her though?! I think we all know the answer to that one!
