The Fishermans Retreat
Wedding Photographer

Are you looking for Wedding Photographer at The Fishermans Retreat?

I’m Andy Wade, an award winning photographer, and The Fisherman’s Retreat is a real hidden gem: a family-run venue tucked away in the Pennine hills above Ramsbottom, with no passing traffic and the most peaceful setting you could ask for. Hidden venues like this are where candid photography thrives.

My approach is all about storytelling in a relaxed documentary style, focusing on the real emotions, and creative yet natural portraits. The weddings you see across Andy Wade Photography are all real days I’ve documented, so what you see here is exactly how I’d photograph yours.

Peaceful, family-run and hidden in the hills. Let’s create something beautiful together at The Fisherman’s Retreat.

Wedding Photography at The Fishermans Retreat

The Fishermans Retreat Weddings

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The Fishermans Retreat Wedding Venue

Inside the Fisherman's Retreat

The Fisherman's Retreat is a real hidden gem: a family-run venue tucked away in the Pennine hills above Ramsbottom, with no passing traffic and the most peaceful setting you could ask for. I've photographed a wedding here.

The venue hosts ceremonies and celebrations in its characterful spaces overlooking the lakes, with the family's famous hospitality running through everything. It's acres of beautiful countryside in the Rossendale Valley, yet only twenty minutes from the centre of Manchester.

Peace in the Pennines above Ramsbottom

It started life as a trout fishery, and the lakes are still at the heart of the place: calm water, willows and Pennine views that make portraits effortless. The peace up here is total, which gives the whole day a wonderful, removed-from-the-world feel.

The day flows gently: ceremony overlooking the water, drinks by the lakes, portraits around the valley, then dinner and dancing in the warmest of family-run settings.

A bride in a lace wedding dress with a long train stands at a wooden door under a sign reading "The Fisherman's Retreat" in Lancashire. She is turning towards someone inside. Barrels with topiary shrubs and hanging flower baskets frame the doorway. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • In a tranquil corner of The Fisherman’s Retreat in Lancashire, a woman gently applies makeup to another woman's face. The woman receiving the makeup keeps her eyes closed as the artist focuses on her work, while a blurred wall clock in the background provides context to the serene setting. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A bride and groom walk down the aisle at The Fisherman's Retreat in Lancashire, surrounded by standing guests dressed in formal attire. The bride wears a white gown and holds a bouquet, while the groom dons a blue suit. Heart-shaped ornaments hang from the ceiling, adding to the enchanting ambiance. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony inside The Fisherman's Retreat chapel in Lancashire, with a wall of windows. The couple stands at the altar with the officiant, while guests sit in rows on either side. Three large heart-shaped decorations hang from the ceiling above the couple. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A couple shares a kiss at a wedding reception at The Fisherman's Retreat, seated at a table adorned with flowers and wine glasses. They are in front of a large window that reveals Lancashire's picturesque landscape with green hills and a cloudy sky. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A young boy dressed in a blue suit and a peach-colored bow tie holds a sign that reads "Here Comes The Bride" with decorative hearts. Standing against a stone wall at The Fisherman’s Retreat in Lancashire, he smiles slightly and looks to the side, with a white rose boutonniere pinned to his lapel. Image by Andy Wade Photography.

The History of The Fishermans Retreat

From trout fishery to wedding venue

The Fisherman's Retreat began in 1981, when Hervey and Susan Magnall bought the 25-acre Twine Valley site with their house funds and created a trout fishery in the hills above Ramsbottom. What started as a small fishery grew over the years into a restaurant, bar and events venue.

The family still run it today, and the lakes, the restaurant's reputation and the extraordinary peace of the valley have made it one of the Rossendale area's best-kept secrets.

The Magnalls' trout fishery dream

For couples who want a wedding away from it all, with stunning views, great food and a family who care, the Fisherman's Retreat is a genuine find.

How To Get To The Fishermans Retreat

The Fisherman's Retreat is on Riding Head Lane, in the hills above Ramsbottom, Lancashire, postcode BL0 0HH. From Ramsbottom, follow signs towards Edenfield and Riding Head Lane; from the M66, junction 1 via the A676 works well.

The nearest Metrolink and rail links are at Bury, about 20 minutes away by taxi, and there's parking at the venue.

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 venue, and now you want the day photographed as it actually happens, not staged around the camera. My style is natural and documentary: genuine moments, real emotion, and the laughter, tears and everything in between, documented quietly while you get on with enjoying it.

As your The Fishermans Retreat 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 The Fishermans Retreat, document your day and capture all of the little moments that make it truly yours.

MORE ABOUT ME
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What my couples say

LOVELY WORDS FROM LOVELY PEOPLE

I am super grateful for the amazing reviews my previous Lancashire 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
MY AWARDS

From the blog

My Lancashire Wedding posts

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Frequently asked questions

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 20 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 to 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 your 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 the terms and conditions, 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.

Yes, the calm water, willows and Pennine views make portraits effortless, it started life as a trout fishery and the lakes are still the heart of the place. I always make time to use them if the light’s playing ball.

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 is 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.

It makes a real difference, with no passing traffic and total peace up in the Pennine hills, everyone relaxes properly. Hidden venues like this are exactly where candid photography thrives, people forget the camera’s there.

It photographs like it’s a world away, even though it’s only twenty minutes from the centre of Manchester. The Rossendale Valley setting genuinely looks and feels removed from everything, which comes through in the images.

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Looking for other venues in Lancashire?

FIND YOUR PERFECT VENUE

I’ve shot all over Lancashire in Preston, Clitheroe, Ribble Valley & Burnley. There are so many gorgeous venues alongside The Fishermans Retreat! Check out my full list of stunning locations in Lancashire;

Ashfield House, Bartle Hall Hotel, Bashall Barn, Beeston Manor, Brockholes, Browsholme Hall and the Tithe Barn, Crow Wood, Eaves Hall, Foxfields Country Hotel, Haigh Hall, Hobbit Hill, Hurlston Hall, Knowsley Hall, Mitton Hall, Mytton Fold, The Mill at Conder Green, Ribby Hall, Rivington Hall Barn, Samlesbury Hall, Shireburn Arms, Stables Country Club, Stanley House, Stirk House, The Fence Gate, The Higher Trapp, The Inn At Whitewell, The Out Barn, The River Barn, The Villa Wrea Green, The Wellbeing Farm, The White Hart Inn at Lydgate, Tipis at Riley Green, Wennington Hall, West Tower, Wyresdale Park
  • A man with outstretched arms and his back to the camera faces a large group of people gathered on the steps of a grand stone building. The group is smiling and posing for a photo in what appears to be a celebratory event, possibly a wedding or gathering at West Tower in Lancashire. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A group of people gathered near The Tipis at Riley Green, large beige tipi tents set up on a grassy field in Lancashire under a clear blue sky. Some attendees stand in small clusters, while others are near an open-sided tent with visible tables and decorations inside. Trees are in the background. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A vintage silver car with a black soft top, adorned with white ribbons, is parked in front of The River Barn, a modern building with large glass windows and wooden siding. The backdrop features trees and a neatly trimmed hedge, capturing the charm of Lancashire and suggesting a special occasion, likely a wedding. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • The Out Barn in Lancashire is a modern, circular wooden building with large glass windows illuminated from within, contrasting against the dark evening sky. People are seated inside, with one person standing. The background features an expansive grassy area and silhouetted trees. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A newlywed couple, smiling and holding hands, walks down an aisle outside the picturesque Stanley House in Lancashire. Guests on either side cheer, and some throw confetti. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet; the groom wears a dark suit and a checked vest. The scene is joyful and festive. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A group of people gathered outside the red brick building with white windows of the Stables Country Club in Lancashire, socializing on a grassy area with a paved path. Some are dressed in formal attire, including a woman in a wedding dress and others in suits and dresses, under a clear blue sky. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A joyful wedding couple exits Samlesbury Hall under a shower of colorful confetti. The bride, holding a vibrant bouquet, wears a white gown with lace sleeves, while the groom dons a green suit. Guests on either side cheer and throw confetti in celebration of their Lancashire wedding. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A rustic wedding reception at Lancashire's Rivington Hall Barn, a timber-framed, vaulted-ceiling venue. Tables are elegantly set with white cloths, floral centerpieces featuring white blooms, and neatly arranged silverware. Soft, warm lighting adds to the romantic ambiance. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A bride and groom stand closely together under a small pavilion at night at Mytton Fold in Lancashire. The scene is dimly lit, creating a romantic atmosphere. They are positioned at the end of a short, narrow bridge that is surrounded by greenery and pathways. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A grand room with dark wood paneling and ornate mirrors decorating the walls evokes the elegance of Mitton Hall in Lancashire. A large, elaborate chandelier with numerous lights hangs from the ceiling. In one of the mirrors, a couple can be seen embracing each other. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A bride and groom, smiling and holding hands, walk down an outdoor aisle at Hobbit Hill in Lancashire as guests throw confetti. The bride wears a light pink dress and carries a bouquet, while the groom sports a light blue suit. The ceremony setting includes a rustic wooden arch and scenic outdoors. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A joyful bride and groom in wedding attire walk out of the venue marked "Crow Wood" in Lancashire, with guests around them. The bride, holding a bouquet, laughs heartily, while the groom smiles warmly. Guests shower them with confetti, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A bride and groom stand facing each other while holding hands in front of the historic Browsholme Hall and the Tithe Barn in Lancashire. The bride wears a white gown with a long train and holds a cascading bouquet of red, white, and green flowers, perfectly complementing the timeless setting. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A couple shares their first kiss as newlyweds in the rustic stone-walled Browsholme Hall and the Tithe Barn, adorned with string lights and floral arrangements. Guests, dressed in formal attire, sit in rows, witnessing the moment. Chandeliers hang from the wooden beams above, adding to the charm of this Lancashire venue. Image by Andy Wade Photography.

Drop me a line

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you’re looking for a The Fishermans Retreat 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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