Merchant Adventurers Hall
Wedding Photographer

Are you looking for Wedding Photographer at Merchant Adventurers Hall?

I’m Andy Wade, an award winning photographer that specialises in capturing authentic, candid moments of your wedding day in Yorkshire.

My approach is all about storytelling in a relaxed documentary style, focusing on the real emotions, and creative yet natural portraits. Wherever you look at Andy Wade Photography, you’ll see exactly how I can capture your story.

My passion is to tell a story that evokes feelings of your day every time you look at them. Let’s create something beautiful together at Merchant Adventurers Hall!

Wedding Photography at Merchant Adventurers Hall

Wedding Stories from the Yorkshire

A gorgeous place in the world

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Merchant Adventurers Hall Weddings

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Merchant Adventurers Hall Wedding Venue

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, situated in the heart of York, Yorkshire, offers couples an enchanting backdrop for their wedding celebrations, combining heritage charm with modern-day facilities. This historic venue, dating back to the 14th century, provides a unique setting filled with character and elegance. The Hall’s stunning timber-framed architecture and medieval charm are complemented by beautiful manicured gardens, perfect for wedding photographs or outdoor receptions.

Inside, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall offers a range of versatile spaces to accommodate both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations. The Great Hall, with its impressive high ceilings and original features, can host larger gatherings, while the more intimate Governor’s Parlour provides a cosy setting for smaller parties. Each space is equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort and convenience, while the professional staff offer bespoke wedding planning services to tailor the day to each couple’s specific desires.

Though the Hall itself does not provide accommodation, its central location means guests have easy access to an array of nearby hotels and guesthouses within York’s historic centre. This ensures a seamless wedding experience, where guests can enjoy the festivities without the worry of long travel distances. Merchant Adventurers’ Hall promises a memorable and picturesque venue for couples seeking a blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication for their special day.

Bride and groom embracing on wedding day.
  • Woman kisses child in formal wear before wedding.
  • People toasting champagne at a celebration.
Happy couple hugging at a wedding reception.
  • Hands holding memorial locket with photo and message.
  • A woman in a white dress is doing her makeup, facing a mirror. Her face is reflected in the mirror and is visible clearly on a smartphone screen held nearby. Another woman with curled hair and a dark dress stands beside her, slightly out of focus. Image by Andy Wade Photography.

The History of Merchant Adventurers Hall

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, nestled in the heart of York, Yorkshire, is a storied venue teeming with historical significance and architectural grandeur. Built between 1357 and 1361, this timber-framed structure served as the meeting place for York’s medieval guild of Merchant Adventurers, an influential fraternity of traders and merchants who were pivotal in York’s commercial expansion. The Hall’s construction was directed by a group of affluent and visionary merchants who sought to establish a central hub for their burgeoning trade activities. Notable among these early members was William de la Pole, an esteemed merchant and first mayor of Hull, whose prominence highlighted the guild’s importance.

The Hall is composed of three main areas: the Great Hall, the Undercroft, and the Chapel. The Great Hall, where the guild conducted its business, exudes an aura of majesty with its timbered ceiling and expansive space. The Undercroft served as a hospital for the poor and sick, showcasing the guild’s philanthropic endeavours. Situated close to York’s city centre, only a short journey from neighbouring towns like Harrogate and Leeds, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall remains a testament to medieval craftsmanship and civic spirit. Today, this magnificent venue stands not only as a popular wedding destination but also as a cherished emblem of York’s rich mercantile history.

How To Get To Merchant Adventurers Hall

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, a prestigious wedding venue in York, Yorkshire, can be found by travelling to the city centre. Begin at York Railway Station and follow the signs towards the city centre via Station Road. Continue onto Museum Street and cross Lendal Bridge. Turn left onto Coney Street and proceed to Spurriergate. From there, take the first right onto Nessgate, which turns into Castlegate. The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is situated on Fossgate, accessible via a right turn from Castlegate. This historic venue, dating back to the medieval period, is well signposted and notable for its timber-framed structure, ensuring easy identification.

My Style of Photography

I’m known for my documentary approach in wedding photography, capturing authentic, natural, and heartfelt moments. I aim to narrate each couple’s unique story through genuine, candid captures that resonate with real emotion. Having received numerous awards both in the UK and globally, my commitment and expertise in my field are well recognised. Offering my services throughout the UK and overseas, I cater to couples looking for a photographer who can document their day as it unfolds, ensuring a true representation of their special moments.

Why book Andy Wade Photography?

You’ve found your perfect match, and now you’re seeking to capture the essence of your love story. With a natural, documentary style, I focus on genuine moments, allowing you to immerse fully in your celebration while I discreetly document the laughter, tears, and everything in between.

As your Merchant Adventurers Hall wedding photographer, I’m committed to creating a collection that reflects the true emotion of your day, ensuring you have memories to cherish forever. Let’s tell your unique story together.

I couldn’t be more excited to join you on your wedding day at Merchant Adventurers Hall, document your day, and capture all the little moments that make it truly yours.

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What my couples say

LOVELY WORDS FROM LOVELY PEOPLE

I am super grateful for the amazing reviews my previous Yorkshire couples have left on my Google and Facebook profiles.

My Features & Awards

I’m an internationally recognised photographer, and I measure and challenge myself against the best in the world.

  • A badge with a black background shaped like a stylized "R." It reads "TOP 10 Photographers UK 2022" in white and silver text. Perfect for a wedding photographer, the bottom of the badge features the "This is Reportage" logo in white. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A black and white badge with the text "2022 TOP 30 PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE WORLD" in bold white letters. Shaped like a stylized 'R,' the badge features "This is Reportage" at the bottom in smaller letters, celebrating excellence in Documentary Wedding Photography. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • Text in the image reads "Top 2 Wedding Photographer UK & IE 2023 - MASTERS of Wedding Photography" in black and gold text on a white background. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • Green text inside a rectangular frame reads "Fearless Award" with the words divided across three lines. A small, stylized ampersand connects the second and third lines. The frame and text are drawn in a simple, clean style. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A circular logo with a red center featuring a stylized white "M" and the text "MASTERS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY" encircling the red center against a white background, followed by the words "AWARD WINNER" at the bottom. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • WPS Inspirational Wedding Photographers logo. The text features 'WPS' in bold black letters, with the 'S' in red, followed by 'INSPIRATIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS' in black. Below, it reads 'ABOUT ME: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SELECT' in smaller black font. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A logo featuring the text "ISPWP - International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers" on the left, and a mosaic pattern with the word "MEMBER" on the right, perfect for your About Me page. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A circular badge with a dotted border reads "Fearless Photographers." Inside, the text says "2023 World Top 50" with "Andy Wade" and "UK" beneath. Learn more about me and my journey in capturing moments that matter. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • Regional Wedding Industry Awards logos
  • Top 10 Keeping It Real 2025 Awards badge
  • 2026 Wedding Industry Awards Regional Winner Logo
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Latest musings

My Yorkshire Wedding posts

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Your questions, answered

ABOUT ANDY WADE PHOTOGRAPHY

No. 90% of any day I shoot is completely candid. I can photograph all day without a single ‘posed’ photo. The portraits of you both, if you’d like some, are kept simple and as natural as possible; nothing cheesy and nothing awkward. Usually the portraits of you are created during a relaxing wander together for twenty minutes or so with me capturing shots as we go along – so not really posing. We may stop in a certain spot but most of that time you’ll forget I’m there and the portraits will feel and look perfectly natural. Just think of this as a bit of ‘you time’! There is the option create a specific photo with flashes which I set up – but only if you want that. Even if I do it will be set up before we do it so that you can spend the maximum time with you guests. Otherwise I’ll just photograph the day as it happens.

Firstly I have to be available on your day but after that just say “Let’s do It!”. Just fill out the email form on my contact page or just send me a text, a message on Instagram or just give me a call. A small deposit then secures the day. That deposit is refundable up to one month after the agreement to go ahead. In the meantime, I will send you some paperwork and that will include a contract which has all the T&C’s in which we both sign when you’re 100% happy. You’ll also receive a summary of what is in your package.

Your photos will be delivered in a beautiful gallery that will work on any device. You can control the sharing of your photos from your gallery for family and friends or to social media. You can download your photos in full, high resolution or in a smaller version should you wish to share them. There are no watermarks on your photos and are free for your personal use. There is also the option to buy prints and wall art and you can create and order albums from the ‘Shop’ area of your gallery. If you have a slideshow made then it can be viewed from your gallery as well.

For a 9 hour wedding you get an edit of about 500+ photos. If it is a 12 hour day then around 700+. I work on your photos intensely after the wedding, lovingly crafting them so that they are perfectly colour balanced with a bright, fresh look. There’s probably a ratio of a third black and white and two thirds colour.

Everything is moving to digital transfer, now, so you can simply download the full high resolution photos from your gallery. You can have them on a USB if you wish but these are gradually being made obsolete. Whatever the means you get your edited photos in full size/resolution and with no watermarks. The images are free for your personal use.

Yes. I think it’s good to meet as you can ask all the questions you need to. I’ll be around you for almost all of your wedding day so meeting up before the day a great way of getting to know each other. I’m a nice chap and very comfortable with people I’ve just met, so it’s not a problem if we don’t. A video call is a really good way of talking things through if we can’t arrange a meeting.

Yes. Most people like a few photos of mum, dad and their close family as well as the bridesmaids and groomsmen. I get that it is important and can be good fun, too. It takes about 10 minutes to organise a photo of everyone, for example, and then about 2-3 minutes for each one after that providing everyone is available. You decide what those photos are if you want them – I don’t have a ‘list’ of my own. If there is 1.5 – 2 hours between your ceremony and wedding breakfast then I’d suggest to have something like 20 mins with you portraits and then 20 mins of group photos dotted about, so between 6-10 group shots max. This way you spend more time just being with your guests, which I will capture naturally. I hear many stories of people who have been to weddings and were really bored and made to stand around for hours while the photographer goes through a repertoire of their own group photos. That’s not me!

Yes. There is an amazing choice of albums and wall art that will be available from your gallery and that I can send you information on. There is so much choice that I do not put albums in my packages unless on specific request. I do have three album packages that broadly cover the options so if you would like to include one I would be happy to chat and look at putting an album in your package.

Yes, but you can have another photographer if you wish – called a ‘2nd shooter’. If, for instance, you’d like the groomsmen preparation photos covered fully as well and they are over 15 mins away, I can employ a second photographer to cover that for £350/day and they will stay until the speeches – so about 6 hours. A second photographer is great to cover a specific span of time but does not necessarily mean a ‘better’ set of photos. I can be in and amongst a whole wedding party quite easily and capture the essence of the day without a 2nd shooter but it does enable us to do more portraits together – if that is what you’d like – and we can have more angles covered in the ceremony. If you would like a 2nd shooter then we’d book them about 3 months before the day. They are always 1st class, professional photographers like me and shoot in my style.

Guest Wishes! is a contemporary alternative to the wedding guest book. At the wedding breakfast I collect hand written message from your guests, take a quick snap of them and put it all together in a polaroid style. They can have a personal design and even go into you album. For more info, click here.

Yes. They are for half a day or less and can be done in a location of your choice or a fab location that I know of. You’ll get a set of online photos, usually an edited set of around 50-100 in the same gallery style that your wedding photos are. For more information about pre-shoots, click here.

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Looking for other venues in the Yorkshire?

FIND YOUR PERFECT VENUE

I’ve shot all over the Yorkshire in North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Bradford, York and Todmorden! There are so many gorgeous venues alongside Merchant Adventurers Hall! Check out my full list of stunning locations in the Yorkshire;

Aston Hall Hotel, Birdsall House, Bowcliffe Hall, Broughton Hall, Bunny Hill Weddings, Burtonfields Hall, Carlton Towers, Cave Castle Hotel, Coniston Hotel, Cubley Hall, Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, East Riddlesden Hall, Falcon Manor, Fielden Hall, Goldsborough Hall, Grantley Hall, Grays Court, Harewood House, Hellaby Hall Hotel, Hodsock Priory, Holdsworth House, Hornington Manor, Howsham Hall, Left Bank Leeds, Manor House, Middleton Lodge, Newby Hall, Oakwood Hall Hotel, Oulton Hall, Ripley Castle, Rise Hall, Rudding Park, Saltmarshe Hall, Sandburn Hall, Swinton Estate, Tankersley Manor, Temple Newsam, The Chimney House, The Fleece Countryside Inn, The Grand Hotel & Spa, The Hospitium, The Mansion, The Normans, The Queens Hotel, The Tithe Barn Bolton Abbey, The Venue, The Victoria, Thicket Priory, Todmorden Town Hall, Victoria Hall, Waterton Park Hotel, Wentworth Woodhouse, Wharfedale Grange, Whirlow Brook Hall, Woodlands Hotel, Wortley Hall, York Guildhall
  • Bride descends staircase, groom watches
  • Elegant garden party with live music
  • Woman arranging flowers on ivy-covered balcony
  • Bride and groom walking through countryside
  • Guests line up outdoors for wedding ceremony
  • Man with baby under 'Happily Ever After' sign
  • Bride smiling with groom giving a thumbs-up
  • Wedding couple with moon sign backdrop
  • Large wedding group outside a historic building.
  • Elegant wedding venue with wooden beams
  • Bride and groom walking by elegant manor
  • Bride and groom under ancient stone columns

Get in touch

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you’re looking for a Merchant Adventurers Hall Wedding Photographer, it would be great to talk!

Whatever stage you’re at in your wedding planning, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message to see if we’re a good fit or to check my calendar and we can go from there. I’d love to hear from you!

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