Penzance, Cornwall | Joe + Polly

Penzance Town Wedding in Cornwall

Joe and Polly have spent years building their lives in London after meeting at university, but when it came to their wedding, they chose the stunning landscapes of Cornwall. And no, it wasn’t just a random pick—Polly grew up in Penzance, a town where everyone seems to know everyone, even the owner of the local Chinese takeaway knew the couple were in town! The night before the wedding, they dined at the very same spot Polly had been visiting since she was a teenager. Weddings like theirs are my favourite—filled with history, personal connections, and layers of stories that align perfectly with my documentary approach.

Like most Weddings in Cornwall I photograph, this one started with a morning dip in the sea at 9 AM (yes, people actually do this!). Of course, I’m always there to capture the full story of the day, and there was no way I was missing this moment—even if the couple wasn’t sure there’d be much to document. That’s the beauty of documentary photography—you never know when the next great shot will appear or which part of the day will bring those magic candids or beautifully layered images. So, I wrapped up warm and got stuck in!

The couple had been staying at the Chapel House in Penzance, and after their morning dip, they headed back to get ready for the big day. I have to mention—Cornwall is always a bit windy, but on this particular day, a storm was rolling in, with rain expected later. I bring this up because one of my favourite shots of the morning was of Polly stepping out of the Chapel House, her hair whipping across her face in the wind. Despite the chaos, she was grinning from ear to ear, completely unfazed by the fact that her carefully styled hair might not last long.

The wedding ceremony was held at the Penzance registry office in an intimate gathering of close family and loved ones. Joe and Polly wanted a relaxed, low-key celebration, prioritising quality time with their families over formalities. Their Cornwall-style wedding embraced simplicity, focusing on the joy of the moment rather than tradition—and they achieved it beautifully.

Enjoy.

Penzance Registry Office Wedding