Getting married in Coatbridge, Airdrie, Motherwell or somewhere around Glasgow? Here's what you should know about choosing your wedding photographer, planning your photographs and making sure you actually get to enjoy your day.
I'm Mark O'Hare, a wedding photographer based in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. I've been photographing people since 2008, and there's one thing I've become increasingly convinced of over the years.
Your wedding should feel like a wedding. Not a photoshoot.
Of course, you'll want beautiful photographs. You'll want a proper picture with your family, a few lovely portraits together and photographs of all the important moments.
But you'll also want to spend time with the people you've invited, enjoy your meal, have a laugh and remember what actually happened.
That's how I approach wedding photography. I give direction when it's needed, organise the photographs that need organising and spend the rest of the day paying attention to what's going on around me.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Coatbridge or Lanarkshire, here's a little about how I work and what might be useful to know before booking.
Why choose a local Coatbridge wedding photographer?
There's no rule saying your photographer has to live near your venue. Some brilliant photographers travel all over Scotland.
But there are practical benefits to booking someone local.
I live in Coatbridge and cover weddings throughout North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow and further afield.
That means places like Airdrie, Motherwell, Hamilton, Uddingston, Cumbernauld and the surrounding areas are all familiar territory.
It's also handy when planning. I understand how quickly the weather can turn, how much daylight changes throughout the year and why having a sensible plan for family photographs is usually more important than finding the world's most dramatic background.
And there are no additional travel charges for weddings within 90 minutes of North Lanarkshire.
What does relaxed wedding photography actually mean?
You'll see photographers describe their work as documentary, candid, reportage or natural.
They're useful descriptions, but what does any of that actually mean when you're getting married?
For me, it means not interfering with the day unnecessarily.
During the preparations, I'm looking for the excitement, the nerves, the conversations and all the small things happening around you.
During the ceremony, I'm photographing the moments as they unfold.
At the reception, I'm paying attention to the people. There's usually a lot happening away from the couple, and some of those moments turn out to be the photographs everyone treasures.
I do still take traditional family photographs. They're important, and I know how much they can mean years later.
I also love creating a good portrait. If there's beautiful light, an interesting location or an opportunity to make something a little different, I'll absolutely use it.
What I won't do is keep you away from your guests for an hour trying to manufacture fifty versions of the same photograph.
A little direction, a bit of creativity and then back to enjoying yourself.
That's the balance I'm after.
Wedding venues and photography locations around Coatbridge
One of the advantages of living and working in Lanarkshire is having a good variety of locations nearby.
You don't necessarily need a country estate or a spectacular landscape for beautiful wedding photographs, either. Good light, an interesting setting and two people who are enjoying themselves will get you a long way.
Here are a few local places worth considering.
Dalziel Park Hotel, Motherwell
Dalziel Park is a popular wedding venue on the outskirts of Motherwell, with woodland surroundings, landscaped outdoor areas and reception spaces.
It's the sort of setting where you can have your ceremony and celebrations in one place, which can make the day easier to organise.
From a photography perspective, having both indoor and outdoor options gives us flexibility. If the weather behaves, lovely. If it doesn't, we work with what we've got.
The important thing is making photographs that feel like your wedding, rather than spending half the afternoon chasing a particular location.
The Westerwood, Cumbernauld
The Westerwood is another option within easy reach of Coatbridge, with hotel facilities and grounds that can provide a variety of backdrops.
For couples having their celebrations at one venue, there's a lot to be said for keeping the photography simple.
A short walk for some portraits, a few family photographs, then back to your guests. No complicated expedition required.
Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge
Drumpellier is one of Coatbridge's most recognisable outdoor spaces, with woodland, paths and lochside scenery.
It's worth considering for a separate portrait session or as a possible location if your wedding plans allow.
The changing seasons can give the park a completely different character, from the fresh greenery of spring to the deeper colours of autumn.
As with any public location, access, photography arrangements and travel time need to be checked before making it part of the wedding schedule.
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge
If traditional gardens and country-house scenery aren't your thing, Coatbridge has something rather different.
Summerlee celebrates the area's industrial heritage, and its historic surroundings offer a completely different visual character from a typical wedding venue.
I particularly like photography that has a bit of personality, and industrial architecture can make an interesting backdrop for the right couple.
Any proposed wedding photography there would need to be arranged with the museum beforehand.
Glasgow and the wider Lanarkshire area
Of course, being based in Coatbridge doesn't mean I only photograph local weddings.
Glasgow has an enormous variety of venues, from historic buildings to modern city-centre spaces. Across Lanarkshire, there are hotels, country estates, smaller ceremony locations and plenty of less traditional options.
Every venue has something different to offer.
My job is to work with the place you've chosen, the available light and the atmosphere of your day.
You don't need to choose your venue around the photography. Choose somewhere you love, and we'll work out the photographs together.
How much does wedding photography cost in Coatbridge?
It's a fair question, and one you should be able to get a straightforward answer to.
Photography prices vary depending on how long you need someone, the number of photographers, what's included afterwards and whether you want albums or additional products.
There's a big difference between photographing a small ceremony for a couple of hours and covering a wedding from the morning preparations through to the evening celebrations.
I offer different collections to suit different weddings, including:
- Intimate weddings: coverage focused on your ceremony, family photographs and portraits.
- Elopements and smaller celebrations: a few hours to tell the story without needing all-day coverage.
- Full-day weddings: preparations, ceremony, celebrations, speeches and evening photographs.
- Two-photographer coverage: a wider view of the day, particularly useful when important things are happening in different places.
I publish my package prices and inclusions on my website, so you can see what's available before getting in touch.
You can view my current wedding photography packages here.
A £50 booking fee secures your wedding date, with the remaining balance due four weeks before the wedding.
My aim is to keep the process straightforward, with clear expectations and no surprises.
Not every wedding needs 150 guests, a grand reception or twelve hours of photography.
Some of my favourite types of celebrations are smaller weddings where the couple have decided to do things their own way.
North Lanarkshire Council has a ceremony suite in Motherwell, and there are other options throughout Lanarkshire for couples planning a civil ceremony or more intimate celebration.
You might be arranging a short ceremony followed by a family meal. Maybe you're planning a small hotel wedding or something informal with a handful of people who matter most.
Whatever you're planning, the photography should suit the day.
For a shorter wedding, I'd usually think about:
- The arrival and moments before the ceremony
- The ceremony itself
- A photograph with the people closest to you
- Some relaxed couple portraits
- A little coverage afterwards, depending on your plans
You don't have to fill hours of photography just because a package says you should.
Tell me what you're planning, and we can work out what makes sense.
What if we're awkward in front of the camera?
You're in very good company.
I've lost count of the times someone has told me they hate having their photograph taken.
And I understand it.
There's something deeply unnatural about being told to stand a certain way, put your hand somewhere strange and then laugh as though somebody has just told the funniest joke in the world.
It doesn't have to be like that.
For couple photographs, I'll find somewhere with good light and give you enough direction to feel comfortable. We can walk, talk, stop for a photograph and keep things moving.
You don't need to know how to pose.
You certainly don't need to spend the whole time staring lovingly into each other's eyes on command.
The photographs should look and feel like you.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
We're in Scotland. There's a reasonable chance the weather will have an opinion.
Rain doesn't ruin wedding photographs, although it can change the plan.
Good venues often have useful indoor areas, covered entrances, windows or other spaces that work well for portraits.
Sometimes there's an opportunity to step outside between showers. Sometimes we make the most of what's available indoors.
And occasionally, the rain itself becomes part of a brilliant photograph.
What matters is having a bit of flexibility and not allowing the weather to dictate the mood of the day.
I won't have you standing outside freezing just because a photograph might look nice.
How long should we set aside for wedding photographs?
This is something worth discussing before your wedding rather than trying to work it out on the day.
The answer depends on your family group list, your venue, the number of guests and what kind of portraits you'd like.
For most weddings, I'd suggest having a short list of the important family combinations rather than trying to photograph every possible grouping.
Choose somebody who knows the families and can help gather people together. That makes an enormous difference.
For couple portraits, we can usually make good use of a relatively short period of time, particularly if we've already identified suitable locations.
And if there's lovely light later in the evening, we might nip outside for another few photographs.
The point is to leave enough time to get what matters without turning your wedding day into a timetable built entirely around the camera.
What should you ask before booking your wedding photographer?
Before you book anyone, I'd recommend asking a few questions.
Can we see a complete wedding?
A portfolio of favourite photographs is lovely, but seeing more of a wedding gives you a better idea of how somebody photographs the whole day, including ordinary moments, indoor lighting and the evening reception.
What's actually included in the price?
Find out about coverage hours, edited photographs, gallery delivery, albums, travel and any additional charges.
How do you handle family photographs?
It's worth knowing whether your photographer will help organise these or expects you to manage everything yourself.
What happens if plans change?
Ask how the photographer handles changes to timings, locations and coverage.
Are you comfortable with their approach?
This matters more than people sometimes realise.
Your photographer will be around you for some very personal moments. You should feel comfortable with the person as well as liking their photographs.
And if somebody's portfolio is beautiful but their approach doesn't feel right for you, it's perfectly reasonable to keep looking.
Do you photograph weddings outside Coatbridge?
Yes. I photograph weddings across Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and elsewhere in Scotland.
Travel is included within 90 minutes of North Lanarkshire. For weddings further away, I'll explain any additional arrangements before you book.
Can we book you for just a few hours?
I offer options for shorter weddings and intimate celebrations as well as all-day coverage. Tell me what you have planned and I'll explain which collection is suitable.
Do you take traditional family photographs?
Absolutely. I believe those photographs are important. I just prefer to organise them efficiently so everyone can get back to enjoying themselves.
Will you tell us how to pose?
When a little direction will help, yes. I'm not expecting you to turn up knowing what to do in front of a camera.
I keep things relaxed and work with what feels comfortable for you.
Complete edited wedding galleries are normally delivered within four to seven weeks, depending on the time of year.
Your photographs are delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download and share them.
How do we secure our wedding date?
Once we've confirmed availability, chosen the right coverage and you're happy to go ahead, I'll arrange the booking details and £50 booking fee.
Your date is secured once the booking process is complete.
Looking for a wedding photographer in Coatbridge or Lanarkshire?
If you've made it this far, you'll probably have a fair idea of how I work.
I've been photographing people since 2008. I love making a beautiful portrait, but I also love the photographs that nobody could have planned.
The ridiculous laughter. Someone getting emotional when they thought nobody was looking. The kids doing their own thing. The people who made the effort to be there.
The bits that make your wedding yours.
You deserve photographs you'll love looking back on, without having to spend the whole day thinking about being photographed.
So if you're planning a wedding in Coatbridge, Airdrie, Motherwell, Glasgow or somewhere else in Scotland, I'd be happy to hear what you've got in mind.
Tell me your date, your venue and a little about your plans.
I'll check availability, explain the options and answer whatever you'd like to know.
Check my availability and get in touch
Crawford O'Hare Photography | Relaxed wedding photography in Coatbridge, Glasgow, Lanarkshire and across Scotland.
