Nell & Phil
Polhawn Fort, Cornwall
A Coastal Castle Wedding in Cornwall
Nell and Phil's Polhawn Fort wedding was pure Cornish magic - a stunning coastal celebration at one of the UK's most dramatic wedding venues. This historic Napoleonic fort, perched on the cliffs between Whitsand Bay and Cawsand Bay, provided an unforgettable backdrop for their wedding day.
As their Polhawn Fort wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing everything from morning preparations in the fort's unique rooms to sunset portraits on the clifftop, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon.
Wedding Details:
Venue: Polhawn Fort, Cornwall
Season: Late Summer
Style: Coastal Castle Wedding
Guests: Approximately 100
Weather: Perfect Cornish summer day with ocean breezes
Package: Platinum Full-Day Coverage
The Day
The beauty of Polhawn Fort weddings is that your entire celebration happens in one extraordinary location. Nell prepared in one of the fort's characterful rooms while Phil and the groomsmen got ready on the opposite side of the historic building.
The ceremony took place in the fort's stunning barrel-vaulted hall - atmospheric stone walls lit by candles and natural light from the tall windows. The emotions in this intimate space were incredible to capture as a Cornwall wedding photographer.
After the ceremony, guests spilled out onto the fort's expansive grounds. The clifftop location meant we could capture everything from dramatic ocean backdrops to intimate moments in the fort's secluded gardens. As the sun began to set over the Atlantic, we stole away for golden hour couple portraits - some of my favourite images from the entire wedding.
The evening reception in the marquee overlooked the sea, with fairy lights twinkling as the Cornish sunset painted the sky in warm hues. Dancing continued late into the night, with the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs below.
Why Polhawn Fort is Perfect for Wedding Photography
As a destination wedding photographer who's shot at Polhawn Fort multiple times, here's why this venue is so special:
Dramatic Location: Clifftop setting with 270-degree ocean views
Exclusive Use: The entire fort is yours for the weekend
Accommodation Included: Guests stay on-site, creating a relaxed house-party atmosphere
Natural Drama: Coastal light, dramatic skies, and ocean backdrops
Unique Architecture: Historic Napoleonic fort with character in every room
Multiple Photo Locations: Clifftops, secluded gardens, stone courtyards, beach access
Planning a Polhawn Fort wedding? As an experienced Polhawn Fort wedding photographer, I understand this unique venue's lighting, best photo locations, and timing for golden hour shots. I'm also happy to travel to Cornwall and can recommend staying nearby to scout locations the day before.
