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Weddings

About

Martin Ellard Wedding Photography, based in Swansea, South Wales, specialises in capturing natural and candid moments that tell stories of your day. For those couples that don't want to be posed, or have moments staged, my documentary approach gives you authentic images that will mean so much to you for decades to come.

My approach is simple, I arrive at morning preparations when some of the most touching and unique moments can happen. I'll chat with people and try to get them to relax around me and my camera, then for the rest of the day I'm more likely to blend into the background. When you have your first dance (if you're having one) it will be the start of an amazing night, and I'll be there capturing the epic Dad dancing and you both having the best night surrounded by your family and friends.

Named in the Top 30 Wedding Photographers in the World 2022 - This Is Reportage - www.thisisreportage.com

Named in the Top 20 Story Tellers in the World 2022 - This Is Reportage - www.thisisreportage.com

Named in the Top 10 in the World 2022 - Photographers Keeping It Real - www.photographerskeepingitreal.com

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Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

Photography
Pre wedding
Albums
Digital album
High resolution photos

What does the wedding package include?

I have two very simple packages. 1: All day from preparations through to late-night dancing. All your edited images on an online gallery and also on a USB. 2:As above with an added 10x10 album

How far in advance should I contact you?

Most bookings are made at least 12 months in advance

Do you cover more than one wedding a day?

No

Can you travel?

Yes, i cover South and West Wales, but can also travel further

What is the charge for travelling?

Travel costs for long-distance weddings are discussed at the time of planning and booking

What style of photos do you take?

Photo journalism

What kind of technology do you use?

Digital

Do you use a specific technique or innovative approach?

My work is documentary, often referred to as candid, natural and editorial. I aim to tell the story of your day

What kind of equipment do you use?

I have a large variety of equipment. I have backups of everything I use and I am fully insured

Do you offer any tool to display the photos online?

Yes, images are delivered initially on a password protected online gallery

What's the delivery time for a photographic report?

2 months

Do you send all the photos taken?

No

Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?

Alone

In case of unforeseen circumstances, do you have a replacement photographer?

Yes

Do you have the rights to publish the wedding photos?

Yes

Do you charge per hour or per event?

Per event

If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?

Yes

How do you charge extra time?

This can be discussed in advance of your wedding

What are the forms of payment?

Online banking payment. A booking fee is required, followed by the balance of your chosen package up to a week before the wedding day

How do you work?

I'm a storyteller, as well as the important traditional moments through a wedding day I am always looking for wonderful little moments that tell the story of your day

Reviews for Martin Ellard Wedding Photography

K
Kyle Sent on 12/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding Photographer Review

We couldn’t be happier with the experience we had with Martin as our wedding photographer. From the very beginning, he was incredibly helpful and professional. In the lead-up to the big day, he took the time to meet with us, walk us through the process, and really understand what we wanted. His calm, clear approach helped us feel confident and excited.

On the day itself, Martin was absolutely fantastic. He made us feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, and so many of our guests commented on how lovely and professional he was throughout. He blended in seamlessly, capturing all the little moments without being intrusive or taking us away from the celebration for too long.

His candid, natural style was exactly what we were looking for—it allowed us to relive genuine, joyful moments rather than overly staged photos. He also suggested going off-site for a short shoot, and the results were stunning—we’re so glad we took that time!

The quality of the photos is outstanding. Every shot reflects the emotion and beauty of the day, and we’re beyond happy with how everything turned out. We honestly can’t wait to see the final wedding album.

Thank you, Martin, for capturing our day so perfectly!
S
Sinead Sent on 11/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

You HAVE to book Martin Ellard as your wedding photographer!

We both couldn’t have wished for a more perfect photographer that just understood what we wanted. We absolutely LOVE our wedding photos, the happiness we both feel looking over them again and again is priceless. Martin really cared about ensuring our wedding day was captured in the best way he could for us, and ensuring its full story was told! He has such a calming, no fuss and frills approach that just made us feel so relaxed and stress free on the day. If you are camera shy and hate the idea of posing photo after photo, Martin is the photographer for you. So many guests said to us how amazing they thought he was as a photographer, just blurring into the background but constantly clicking his cameras until very late into the evening! You definitely do not need to waste money on a videographer if you have Martin as your wedding photographer - his documentary style approach captures all the big, small and silly moments from the day so beautifully.

There aren’t enough words to thank Martin for the way he captured the best day of our lives. We will be forever grateful. Thank you!
S
Sam Sent on 23/02/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Couldn't have picked a better wedding photographer!

Martin's experience as a wedding photographer makes him such a valuable person to have to guide you through the process in the planning and coordinate the day to ensure your wedding is the best it can be. His photos capture the reality of the joy and emotions of the day perfectly, and his intuitive eye means you can be confident you will have the most beautiful album of photos after the day is over.

His photos are compositionally beautiful, of a unique style, and such high quality. We received so many compliments from family and friends on his photography and how comfortable he made everyone feel on the day. He helped us to feel at ease - especially during a winter storm with 90mph winds - and the photos he took out in the wind are some of our favourites from our wedding day.

We feel incredibly lucky to have had Martin as our wedding photographer and he played such an important part in the best day of our lives - we'll be able to remember the day forever through the beautiful photos he took. We would (and have) recommended him to everyone who needs a wedding photographer!
Beth
Beth Sent on 22/12/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Passionate, relaxed and lovely photos!

We were really happy that we chose Martin to be our wedding photographer. Martin was one of the photographers recommended by our wedding coordinators at our venue and his experience photographing weddings at the King Arthur meant he was really great when helping us plan the day and he worked seamlessly with the rest of the team there. Lots of our guests commented on how well he managed the bigger group shots and were impressed by how he kept popping up here there and everywhere to capture different moments!
Neither of us are super keen on posing for lots of photos and I really didn’t want to feel like I was missing out on the fun of the day by spending too much time away for pictures. Martin’s approach just let the day unfold naturally so the photos felt like they fit in with everything else (rather than the other way around). It was so lovely to look back at the moments he’d captured of everyone, especially things we may have missed ourselves.
We had some beautiful photos of just the two of us in a couple of lovely spots near our venue (which Martin helped us pick) but we spent that time having a walk and chatting while Martin took photos from a distance, which meant it just felt like a little breather and a chance to spend time together. I think it really helped us to regroup and stop the day passing by in too much of a flash!
We also really liked Martin’s style, which stood out to us when we were looking for our photographer - our photos are vibrant and full of life and colour and really capture the atmosphere of the day.
Totally recommend if you are looking for relaxed, experienced and passionate photographer who is a pleasure to have around on the day! Thank you, Martin!!
K
Kristy Sent on 11/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible Wedding Photographer!

We could not reccomend Martin enough. The photos we have are absolutely wonderful. All of our family and friend's ageee too. Martin caught all of the traditional ones, but more importantly caught so many lovely candid moments of us and our guests enjoying the day.

Martin was also amazing in the planning stage and met up with us for a few hours to run through our photo preferences, which really put our minds at ease. He was also extremely helpful on the day, doing his part to make sure everything ran smoothly. Just fab! So pleased with went with Martin, couldn't have asked for more from a wedding photographer! Thank you!!
H
Heather Sent on 20/07/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic, Friendly Photographer

Martin was absolutely brilliant, not just because of his photography but also knowing the wedding business so well recommending multiple suppliers to help you plan your wedding. Martin made us feel as ease, was not at all in your face and the photographs were absolutely stunning, telling the story of our wedding day. I would highly recommend Martin to future Bride and Grooms for a fantastic memory of your wedding day!
Claire
Claire Sent on 01/06/2024
5 out of 5 rating

The most beautiful photographs

Martin was so professional from the start to end of our experience. He was so professional and we had regular zoom calls and a face to face meeting just before the wedding. Having just received our photos I can honestly say it is like reliving our wedding day all over again!
Not only did Martin coordinate things so smoothly he also blended in so well! He’s captured the day exactly as it happened and has caught the most incredible shots. His experience is second to none and I can’t recommend him enough!
Richard
Richard Sent on 14/05/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Simply the best

Having Martin at our wedding was an absolute pleasure! He was so kind, friendly and professional - all of our guests found him to be a delight. He made us feel comfortable and helped move the plan for the day tick along perfectly.
And the final product, the photos from him are outstanding - he listened to what we wanted and delivered something even better than what we could have ever hoped for.

We cannot recommend him highly enough - book him!
Fiona
Fiona Sent on 06/09/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic wedding photographer

Martin was our wedding photographer and we our in love with our wedding photos. The photos stand out from other photographers as he has a way of capturing those real life action moments of the day. Thank you Martin, Aled & Fiona.
F
Fiona Sent on 20/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful photographer

Martin was a wonderful photographer for our engagement shoot and wedding day. Martin was very understanding and accommodating when we had problems with our first venue, and worked hard to help us change the venue and date. He also recommended trusted suppliers and gave lots of hints and tips to make the most of our day. Our guests commented on how lovely and professional he was throughout the day, and all the photos are gorgeous. So hard to choose our favourites.
A
Andrew Sent on 12/07/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Rachael & Andrew | Nerja | 25.09.23

From day one we looked at picking Martin as our photographer wether that was to be at home wedding or a destination wedding.

It ended up being a destination wedding and Martin was amazing from pre wedding planning, rearranging dates due to covid, to working with our planner on the day. Nothing was too much trouble for him. If you are looking for someone who’s more than just a photographer and takes the time and shows care and friendship Martin is your man!

Due to our wedding being aboard and starting later our finish time was obviously later and Martin stuck around for most of the night, Martin would say I’m going to make a move next minute he would be back on the dance floor capturing more fantastic moments, in the end I think he knew he had to call it quits otherwise he would of been leaving at the same time as us!

One of the best things about Martin and his style is that you tend to forget that he is there and almost blends in as one of your guests and that’s shows by the number of moments captures that your not aware of but when you are aware of him he makes it very easy for you to be comfortable in front of the camera.

We spent our full day laughing and Martin captured the day perfectly for us and we can’t recommend him enough.

Martin you were incredible and the photos speak for themselves.
Cheryl
Cheryl Sent on 11/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing wedding photographer

Can’t recommend Martin enough. Friendly, professional and so so good at his job! Martin goes that extra mile to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the big day. We are so happy with the photos and our wedding album is going to be a special keepsake of amazing memories.
E
Evelyn Sent on 06/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic photographer

Martin was fantastic, we had no hesitation in hiring him for our wedding and we weren’t disappointed! He was brilliant, he stayed all day and into the night. He captured some truly wonderful moments that we have to treasure forever. He was discreet and affable, he got on with all of our guests and didn’t impose. We got all the traditional wedding photos and so much more.
Olivia
Olivia Sent on 06/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

An amazing photographer

Martin provided us with an amazing service, he met with us before our wedding & ensured he knew exactly what we wanted from our photos and he definitely got it right! We cannot recommend him enough, the photos were amazing. Martin stays late into the night to get all dancing photos which I just love, most photographers will leave after the first dance which I didn’t like but Martin definitely went out of his way to make sure we had the best day and photos to remember the day by. We wanted photos on the beach at sunset, so Martin made sure that he knew the exact moment the sun set would set over the beach and he definitely got that moment right.
The photos added speak for themselves!
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