The Gallivant Wedding Photography – Relaxed Coastal Celebrations at Camber Sands
Natural The Gallivant wedding photography by Paul Read – relaxed, intimate and beautifully coastal.
Weddings at The Gallivant, Camber Sands
The Gallivant is one of the venues I know most closely. I live just up the road, and over the years I’ve photographed so many shoots for them — weddings, food, interiors, yoga on the beach, wine evenings and seasonal events. I’ve known the staff for years too, and they’re some of the warmest people you could hope to meet. Being recommended by The Gallivant to their wedding couples is always a total honour.
Dunes and beach just moments away
Walking from the garden straight onto the dune path in under a minute is incredible. Whether it's a windswept walk, a quiet moment together or a sunset portrait session, the dunes bring emotion, movement and atmosphere to your images.
A calm coastal retreat
The Gallivant has a peaceful, beach-house atmosphere that instantly puts everyone at ease. Soft textures, natural wood and warm tones make it feel like a stylish seaside hideaway rather than a traditional venue. It’s one of the most calming places to photograph a wedding.
Beautiful coastal light all year round
The light at Camber Sands is one of the reasons I love photographing here. The soft coastal haze creates a warm, cinematic glow that wraps beautifully around people, giving every moment a natural, effortless feel. It’s perfect for relaxed portraits and genuine documentary-style photography.
Natural, honest storytelling
My approach at The Gallivant is relaxed and unobtrusive — capturing authentic emotions, tiny in-between moments and the natural rhythm of the day. The beach-house and garden atmosphere suits this perfectly, allowing guests to be themselves without interruption.
“What we value most is how naturally Paul Read understands The Gallivant and the landscape around us. He knows the soft coastal light in the garden, the shifting tones of the dunes & the beauty of the beach just beyond. His images don’t just show people; they capture the mood of the day & the sense of place that makes celebrating here so special”
- Victoria, The Gallivant
Golden hour at Camber Sands
If the sun appears at the end of the day, the golden hour on Camber Sands is extraordinary. Warm, soft light and a wide-open horizon create some of the most romantic portraits possible. Even a short five-minute wander onto the dunes can create unforgettable images.
The Exceptional Food at The Gallivant
The food at The Gallivant is a genuine highlight, thanks to the team behind Harry’s Restaurant. Led by Executive Head Chef Matthew Harris — formerly Chef Director at London’s iconic Bibendum — the kitchen brings together elegant French technique and the freshest coastal and countryside ingredients from around Camber and Rye.
Menus shift with the seasons, often shaped by whatever the local fishermen and growers bring in that morning. Expect beautifully cooked seafood, salt-marsh lamb and refined, ingredient-led dishes that feel indulgent without ever being over-the-top.
It’s thoughtful, seasonal cooking that perfectly complements The Gallivant’s relaxed, barefoot-luxury atmosphere — food your guests will remember long after the day itself.
A team who make the day seamless
Having worked with The Gallivant’s team for many years, I’ve seen how genuinely they care about people. They create a calm, welcoming atmosphere and keep the day flowing effortlessly. It makes such a difference to the experience — and the photographs.
Thoughtfully styled, cosy interiors
Each area is styled to perfection, with warm coastal neutrals, soft textures and beautiful natural light. Everything photographs cleanly and elegantly. The muted palette keeps attention on people and connection — perfect for timeless storytelling. In the evening, The Gallivant becomes the cosiest place on earth.
“We are always delighted when Paul Read photographs a wedding at The Gallivant. He is a joy to work with — calm, warm and quietly confident — and has a way of putting everyone at ease from the moment he arrives. His photography is exceptional, which is why we recommend him to each of our couples”
- Victoria, The Gallivant
Detailed Venue Insights
The Gallivant is designed for intimate, meaningful celebrations. Ceremonies often take place in the Lounge; styled with plants, natural textures and coastal tones. The Dining Room is warm and atmospheric in the evening, lit with candles, fireplace and soft lights. The garden offers shaded pockets ideal for group photos.
What truly sets the venue apart is its location — with the dunes and beach steps away, you have a huge variety of photographic opportunities without leaving the area. Whether the sky is soft and pastel or dramatic and moody, Camber Sands always adds something special.
Venue Highlight
There’s something magical about standing on the dune path with the sea breeze, warm light and tall grass softly moving around you. Every Gallivant wedding has a moment like this — quiet, emotional and beautifully simple. It’s a place that helps couples relax fully, and that always translates into honest, heartfelt photographs.
The Gallivant – Camber Sands
Location: New Lydd Road, Camber, East Sussex
Setting: Boutique coastal hotel
Outdoor Features: Private dune access, wild grass garden, coastal light
Photo Highlights: Dunes, beach, interiors, sunset portraits
Website: thegallivant.co.uk
Recommended Supplier: Yes — Paul Read Weddings
Some Advice for Your Gallivant Wedding
Plan portraits around the light
Late afternoon or the hour before sunset gives the softest, most flattering light on the dunes.Allow extra time for the dune walk
It’s close, but sandy — and those in-between moments often create great candid shots.Use the garden for group photos
The shaded areas provide beautifully even light and a clean, natural backdrop.Don’t worry about the coastal breeze
The wind adds life, movement and atmosphere. It always looks stunning.Step out after dinner
Golden hour at Camber Sands can be breathtaking. A brief wander often produces some of the day’s favourite images.Planning Your Wedding at The Gallivant? Get in Touch
If you’re planning your wedding at The Gallivant, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. I live just up the road, know the venue incredibly well and have been proudly recommended by the team for many years. I’m always happy to meet locally for a coffee if you'd like to chat through your ideas.
You can explore more of my work on the Featured Weddings page, or contact me directly via the Contact page to check availability.
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Natural, storytelling wedding photography by Paul Read – relaxed, romantic, and full of genuine emotion.