A September Wedding at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Claire and Tom’s wedding day through the lens of Thomas Hare Photography
Claire and Tom chose one of Cornwall’s most enchanting venues for their September wedding – the ever-beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan. Surrounded by lush greenery, historic glasshouses and winding pathways, their day felt intimate, emotional and wonderfully natural. We caught up with their photographer, Thomas Hare Photography, who talked us through the atmosphere, the emotions and the moments that made this wedding so special.
The Couple & Their Vision
From the moment Thomas first met Claire and Tom, it was clear they were a genuinely warm and relaxed couple. Friendly, open and happy to be guided, they trusted their suppliers and focused on what mattered most – enjoying the day together. Heligan was a natural choice for them; they loved the wildness of the gardens, the ever-changing scenery and the sense of being tucked away from the outside world.
Their styling echoed the setting perfectly. Think soft, natural florals with plenty of foliage, subtle colours and an organic feel that complemented the gardens rather than competing with them.
Arriving at Heligan
With no on-site getting ready spaces at Heligan, Claire arrived straight to the gardens with her dad, stepping out of a beautiful vintage Beetle, his pride and joy, and something that was particularly special for them to have captured in photographs.
September weather in Cornwall can be unpredictable, and this day was no exception. Rain threatened as guests arrived, but rather than dampening spirits, it became part of the story. Umbrellas came out, smiles stayed firmly in place, and Thomas kept the mood light and upbeat, a small but important detail that helped set the tone for the day.
An Intimate Ceremony
The ceremony took place indoors, in one of Heligan’s smaller ceremony rooms in the heart of the garden, chosen as a back-up plan for the wet weather. With around 30 guests, it felt beautifully intimate.
As Claire walked in, live music from the very talented Sea String Duo, a string duo, filled the space, adding to the emotion of the moment. Midway through the ceremony, emotions overflowed and Claire was visibly moved, and it was one of those heartfelt moments that perfectly captured why intimate weddings feel so powerful. ‘These are the memories couples carry forever, and the photographs become a way back to that exact feeling’ says Thomas.
Drinks, Music & Gentle Moments
Following the ceremony, guests moved next door for the drinks reception while the musicians continued to play, creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. With the rain easing, the conservatory became the perfect spot for smaller group photos – ‘soft, diffused light, everyone staying warm and dry’ explained Thomas, and a calm pause after the emotion of the ceremony.
Rather than rushing Claire and Tom away immediately, Thomas gave them time to soak it all in. Drinks were sipped, congratulations shared, and the newlyweds enjoyed being surrounded by their favourite people before heading off into the gardens.
Exploring the Gardens
One of the true joys of a wedding at the Lost Gardens of Heligan is the access to its extraordinary grounds and Claire and Tom embraced this fully. Timeless and ethereal, Heligan is a venue unlike any other, offering a rich tapestry of landscapes for couples and guests to wander and explore. Hopping aboard one of Heligan’s gators, they set off for a relaxed meander through some of the gardens’ most iconic spots: the rope bridge, the orchard tunnel, the Italian Garden and, of course, the atmospheric glasshouses.
Timing was key. In around 30–40 minutes, they explored multiple locations without being away from their guests for long. The weather even played along, with dry spells and soft light creating ideal conditions for photography. When a brief shower returned, they simply ducked into a greenhouse, resulting in some of the most romantic images of the day.
Thomas explained ‘Heligan in September is rich with colour and texture, deep greens, pops of colourful florals and layers of foliage. It’s a dream setting for documentary-style photography, allowing moments to unfold naturally, framed by the landscape’.
A Day to Remember
As daylight faded and the café filled with warm light, the atmosphere shifted effortlessly into evening celebrations. With fairy lights glowing and guests gathered close, the evening reception felt intimate and joyful, the perfect ending to a day that was never about grandeur, but about connection.
Claire and Tom’s wedding is a perfect example of how embracing your surroundings, and whatever the day brings, can create something truly special. The rain, the emotion, the quiet moments and the laughter all became part of the story.
As Thomas so beautifully put it, ‘weddings like this stay with you. They’re remembered not just for how they looked, but for how they felt’ – and Heligan Gardens provided the most magical backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime.
Three Words That Captured Claire and Tom’s Day
We asked Thomas Hare Photography what three words he would describe to sum up the day, he replied.
“Genuine.
Joyful.
And family focused.”
About the Photographer — Thomas Hare Photography
Thomas Hare is a Cornwall-based wedding photographer known for his relaxed, documentary-led approach and timeless, natural imagery. With a focus on real moments and genuine connection, Thomas blends unobtrusive storytelling with gentle guidance, allowing couples to feel at ease while he captures their day as it truly unfolds. Emotional, honest and full of atmosphere, he photographs weddings across Cornwall and the Southwest.
Find out more at https://thomasharephotography.com/
SUPPLIER CREDITS:
Venue: The Lost Garden of Heligan
Photography: Thomas Hare Photography
Florist: Grown and arranged by the venue
Catering: The Lost Gardens of Heligan
String Duo: Sea String Duo
Evening Band: The Strutts
