Micro Wedding Photography at The Square Tower Old Portsmouth Hampshire
It was a blustery August day in Old Portsmouth for Lauren and Shane’s wedding at The Square Tower — and honestly it turned out to be one of the most fun and laughter filled days I have had behind the camera.
The Square Tower, Old Portsmouth
The Square Tower is one of Portsmouth’s most historic and unique wedding venues. Built in 1494 during the reign of Henry VII as part of the city’s coastal defences, it sits proudly in the heart of Old Portsmouth just moments from the sea. The original Tudor features, the beautiful vaulted brick ceilings and those thick ancient walls create the most atmospheric and intimate setting for a wedding ceremony. I absolutely love shooting there.
The staff — particularly Will and the team — were welcoming and friendly from the very first moment I arrived.
A Groom Who Had Other Plans
When I arrived there was no sign of the groom or the guests so I set off to get some detail shots. Time started to get on and after the registrars arrived it was agreed that now might be a good time to go and find Shane.
Will reappeared a few minutes later with the groom in tow. Shane had been hiding out in the local pub and had completely forgotten he needed to meet the registrars beforehand 😂
The guests arrived shortly after — having also enjoyed some pre-celebratory drinks in the local pub. And then Shane disappeared again. This time to retrieve the rings he had left in the car.
I had a very strong feeling this was going to be a fun day.
The Ceremony
Lauren arrived on her very proud dad’s arm looking absolutely radiant and the ceremony was everything — happy tears, silly faces, sweet moments from son Ethan and the bridesmaids, and a big warm happy family energy throughout. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Dove!
After the ceremony Lauren and Shane were keen to do some family portraits with Ethan so we headed straight out to the Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth — those historic harbour fortifications just around the corner — for a little mini family shoot. Ethan was an absolute superstar with the most brilliant cheeky personality. Mum and Dad were pretty fun too 😉
The Reception
Back at the Square Tower the party was very much in full swing — did someone say tequila? The views from the balcony were incredible even on an overcast day with the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Cathedral clearly visible in the background. The winds were too strong for the drone unfortunately but they did make for some absolutely brilliant hair pictures 😂
When guests gradually made their way back down to the bar we did family formals in the ceremony room and managed to get a brilliant group shot of everyone from the balcony.
All in all a genuinely brilliant day and I really felt like part of the party from start to finish. Thank you Lauren, Shane and the whole Square Tower team for being so wonderfully welcoming 💕
Thinking About The Square Tower for Your Wedding?
The Square Tower in Old Portsmouth is a genuinely one of a kind wedding venue — over 500 years of history, beautiful Tudor architecture and that incredible Old Portsmouth atmosphere right on your doorstep. I would love to shoot another wedding there.
If you are planning a wedding at The Square Tower or anywhere across Hampshire, West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and beyond and you are looking for a fun candid photographer who will capture every real and joyful moment of your day, I would love to hear from you 😊
See more of my work as a Hampshire wedding photographer.
