Hunter Valley Wedding photography that makes you feel

Sydney

Southern Highlands

Hunter Valley

Blue Mountains

South Coast 

Areas we service:

You’re not here to plan a cookie-cutter wedding or some staged event that looks good on Instagram. You’re planning your wedding in the Hunter Valley—raw, honest, and full of real moments that make your story uniquely yours. You don’t want cheesy poses or forced smiles. You want a photographer who sees the day as it truly unfolds—the laughter shared with your best mate during the speeches, the tear your mum brushes away without a word, that electric rush of “holy crap, this is really happening” just before you walk down the aisle.

I’m Richard, the creative mind behind Lonely Hunter Weddings. I don’t just press the shutter—I chase the pulse of your day. The way your partner’s eyes light up when they think no one’s watching. The quiet, unscripted moments when time seems to slow. The chaotic joy, the stolen glances, the unguarded smiles. I move through your wedding like a shadow with purpose, capturing connection, emotion, and atmosphere with a sharp eye and steady hand.

My approach is simple: I photograph you as you are—unfiltered, unapologetic, and utterly real. Because your wedding day isn’t about how it looks on the outside; it’s about how it felt—the warmth, the excitement, the love—and I’m here to make sure those feelings live on in every frame.

Hunter Valley Wedding Photographer 

Unscripted. Unfiltered. Unforgettable.

Why choose Me??

"Choosing Richard to capture your wedding day will be one of the best choices you make, trust us." - Ally & Ryley

I’ve photographed over 250+ weddings across NSW, but the Hunter Valley hits different. There’s a stillness here. A depth. Whether you’re getting married on a quiet vineyard in Broke or celebrating in a barrel room in Pokolbin, I’ll be there to read the room, feel the energy, and tell the story exactly as it unfolds — unpolished, joyful, and fully alive.

Here’s what couples love about working with me:

  • I know the Hunter Valley inside and out — venues like Redleaf Wollombi, Peterson House, Bimbadgen Estate, The Woodhouse, Wallalong House, Circa 1876, Krinklewood, and many more. [View our complete Hunter Valley venue guide here]
  • I move like a guest, not a vendor — low-key, always tuned in, never in the way.
  • My editing is clean, natural, and timeless — no trends or ugly filters you’ll regret in 5 years.
  • I shoot everything from big high energy parties to quiet vineyard elopements and tailor the coverage to suit.
  • I’ve worked with over 250+ couples and still treat every wedding like it’s the only one that matters.
  • Countless 5-star reviews on Google — because I show up, do the work, and don’t miss a thing.

Bec & Nelson

Wallalong Hosue - Wallalong

Both Bec & Nelson loved everything that Wallalong House had to offer and said that the venue gave them “such a warm and fuzzy feeling”.

Rhiannon & Josh

When we were venue shopping, we really didn’t look around much, because we always knew we would get married in the Hunter valley and knew that Circa was the..

Featured Hunter Valley Weddings

Circa 1876 - Pokolbin

Bec & Nelson

Both Bec & Nelson loved everything that Wallalong House had to offer and said that the venue gave them “such a warm and fuzzy feeling”.

Wallalong House, Wallalong

Kim & Josh

We loved Krinklewood Vinyard's pebble courtyard and the relaxed, french provincial vibe. Their wine is super delish and we were sold as soon as we.. 

Krinklewood, Broke

Rhiannon & Josh

Circa 1876 - Pokolbin

When we were venue shopping, we really didn’t look around much, because we always knew we would get married in the Hunter valley and knew that Circa was the perfect venue for us.

Kim & Josh

Krinklewood - Broke

We loved Krinklewood Vinyard's pebble courtyard and the relaxed, french provincial vibe. Their wine is super delish and we were sold as soon as we.. 

Tegan & Wade

"Where to start! Richard from lonely hunter exceeded our expectations in every way. Our photos are phenomenal! He has a true eye for light and composition. His editing style keeps the photos true but crisp.
My now husband and I are usually very awkward posers, however Richard directed us into positions that felt natural and flattering. We really liked that he worked quickly and didnt waste time, if the light was off he moved on. There is not a dud photo in our whole album. We truly feel that Richard is one of the best in the industry, if you are lucky enough to have him available on your chosen day - Book him!"

ALEXIS & MATHEW

Wow - thank you so much, Ric!

We had such a wonderful day with you... Unfortunately, we found out out the live stream that we hired someone to take care of didn’t work on the day, so to receive these photos was really timely and made us soooo happy before heading off to our honeymoon. 

It was great spending the day with you. Thanks you for being so detail oriented but so relaxed at the same time. 

Vanessa & Jason

"Richard from the word go was approachable and lovely, and was a pleasure to work with. My partner Jason and I had our original Sydney wedding plans postponed thanks to Covid, so we decided to do an intimate wedding in the Hunter Valley instead just to get the official stuff out of the way. In my research for venues for the Hunter Valley, I came across Richard's informative blog post about venues, which then stumbled across his gorgeous photos and thought - why not? We're so glad we got Richard as not only was the turnaround for the photos very quick, the results were stunning (despite my own awkwardness), capturing the candidness of the event plus taking advantage of the lighting of magic hour in the beautiful gardens of the venue. The photos also had a narrative, which was very thoughtful and sweet. We love our wedding pictures, and our family and friends are highly impressed as well. If you want a down to earth, easygoing guy who jokes about chicken nuggets - this is your photographer!"

REDLEAF
WOLLOMBI

ENZO WEDDINGS
POKOLBIN

Sumbit an enquiry

Words From Our Hunter Valley Couples

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (Based on 43 reviews)

Hayllee & Cameron

We were grateful to have had Richard as our wedding photographer. From the beginning, he was relaxed, easygoing, and made us feel completely at ease – which is exactly what were wanted on our wedding day!

He captured so many beautiful, candid moments. The photos are absolutely stunning! Our guests have commented on how beautiful the images are, and when we look through them, we’re transported back to all the special memories of the day.

We couldn’t be happier and would absolutely recommend Richard to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!

Thanks Richard!

BROOKE & DAVID

RYLEY & ALLY

Richard from Lonely Hunter Weddings is an exceptional photographer, who captured our day so beautifully. My Husband and I are so happy that we chose Richard - he was extremely professional, prompt in his responses throughout the lead up to our special day, and he made us feel so comfortable on the actual day. Choosing Richard to capture your wedding day will be one of the best choices you make, trust us.

I have no regrets in choosing lonely hunter weddings to capture my special day. Richard and his associate were easy to work with, friendly and professional. The photos are everything we could have wanted and more. We are so happy to recommend lonely hunter weddings to any couple searching for a wedding photographer. You will not be disappointed.

Krinklewood Estate,
Broke

Questions

Are there any additional fee's or travel charges for the Hunter Valley?

No, there are no additional fees or travel charges for the Hunter Valley. Everything is included in the pricing supplied, so there are no unwanted surprises.

Can you help with planning, timeline advice and recommendations?

Absolutely. Once you book, I’ll help map out a timeline that works with the light, the venue, and what you value most—whether that’s more time with guests or a quiet moment for just the two of you.

What if you haven't worked at my venue before?

Having shot over 250+ weddings, I have worked at just about every venue in the Hunter Valley. Some I work very frequently and know like the back of my camera. 

How far in advance should we book?

Most couples book 9–15 months out, especially for peak season (March & October). With that being said, we do only take on a limited number of weddings each year, so if you know your date it's best to get in touch as soon as possible. 

How much can we expect to spend on wedding photography?

Prices do vary depending on the package chosen but on average most of our couples typically spend around $4000. Pricing includes travel, editing, a full gallery, and all the moments in between. No hidden fees or photo limits. Just real coverage of your entire day.
➤  View packages inclusions here

Do you offer albums or printed products?

Yes, I offer fine art albums and prints that actually do your photos justice. These aren’t your average photo books—they’re built to last and made to feel like an heirloom.

How many images will we receive & when?

Depending on duration of coverage booked you can expect to receive anywhere from 600 - 1000 images. Most packages also include a highlight reel of 70-150 images delivered within 1 week. 

What makes your approach different from other Hunter Valley wedding photographers?

I don’t direct your day—I document it. I’m there to feel the moments as they happen, not interrupt them. My couples value depth over details and connection over convention.

What are the next steps?

Fill in the contact form (linked below) to see if we are available on your day. From there we can schedule a time for call so that we can go over the details, dicuss your vision and see if we are a good fit. 

How much can we expect to spend?

Are there any additional fee's or travel charges for the Hunter Valley?

What makes your approach different from other Hunter Valley wedding photographers?

How far in advance should we book?

Can you help with planning, timeline advice and recommendations?

Do you offer albums or printed products?

How many images will we receive & when?

What if you haven't worked at my venue before?

What are the next steps?

More FAQ's

What Is Your Photography Style

My style is natural, relaxed, and story-driven. I focus on capturing moments as they unfold, real laughter, quiet glances, and all the little details that make your day unique. I don’t over-pose or stage things; instead, I give gentle guidance when needed, this ensures everything remains natural and you can continue to enjoy the day as it happens.

The end result is a collection of photos that feel true to you - blending candid, documentary-style images with a few thoughtfully composed frames that highlight the atmosphere, your people, and the setting. My editing is clean and timeless, with natural tones that will look just as good in the future as they do today.

What Type Of Equipment Do You Use?

As a professional Hunter Valley wedding photographer, I take pride in delivering images that go far beyond what a guest could capture on a phone or basic camera. To achieve this, I use only top-of-the-line professional equipment that allows me to create photos with exceptional sharpness, colour, and depth.

I always carry two cameras with me throughout the day. This means I can switch instantly between lenses without missing a beat, and it also provides a safety net in the rare event that one camera fails. It’s all about being prepared so I never miss a moment.

Canon is my brand of choice, and after years of experience I wouldn’t use anything else. Their reliability and quality ensure your photos are captured to the highest standard, every time.

Wedding Photography Is Expensive, Why Is That?

Most people only see us for 8–12 hours on the wedding day, so it can seem like we're being paid for “one day’s work.” In reality, each wedding is a 40-hour project - from emails, through planning calls, timeline generation, location scouting and gear/equipment prep, to travel, the day itself, then backing up and culling thousands of images, multiple days of careful editing, gallery building, album design and then the final delivery - There is a lot involved. If you’d like the full breakdown, I’ve detailed the process here: Why wedding photography costs what it does.

Do You Pose Your Couples?

I’m not a fan of the word pose, it makes me think of stiff, awkward photos that don’t reflect who you really are. I’d never ask you to stand in one spot holding a position that feels unnatural or lifeless, because that’s not what your wedding day is about.
Instead, I take a more candid approach. I’ll let you know where the best light and backdrops are and then use small prompts and movement to help you relax and make your photos look natural. Whether that’s walking, laughing, or simply being close, as a Hunter Valley Wedding photographer, I believe it's this approach that always leads to photos that look natural, warm, and full of life.

Do You Require A Shot List?

If you are referring to the type of shot lists that you would typically find on Google then no, I don't require a shot list. The best photos happen when I’m fully present and emersed within the atmosphere of your wedding rather than ticking boxes on checklist. All these shot lists tend to do is interrupt my flow and interfere with creativity. I have photographed over 250+ weddings and I know all the important photos that need to be captured on any given wedding day. My clients book me for this expertise and peace of mind.  

With that being said, if there is something personal or unexpected - a heirloom, tradition, surprise or sensitive family dynamic that I may not be aware of or is unique to your wedding, then you can let me know this information when I send out my questionnaire's leading up to the wedding day.

Do You Use Flash Strobes Or Artificial Lighting?

For the most part, I’m a natural light photographer. During the day, I prefer to work with the soft, ambient light the sun provides, it’s flattering, authentic, and keeps your photos looking natural. I don’t bring out flash or artificial lighting unless it’s really necessary.

Once the sun goes down and the available light isn’t enough, I’ll introduce flash to make sure your evening celebrations are captured beautifully without compromising quality.

Do You Edit Every Single Image?

Yes, we edit every single image one by one with our signature editing style. We DO NOT bulk or batch edit images. To ensure quality we do a second pass over every single image to ensure the editing is consisitent and as close to perfect as we can get it. 

I keep my edits refined, clean, and true to life. The colours and tones in your photos will reflect how your day actually looked - no 'trendy' filters that date quickly or make the images look nothing like the day. My goal is for your photos to look just as beautiful in 50 years as they do the moment you first see them. By keeping the editing natural, your wedding gallery will always have a timeless quality.

What if it rains during our wedding?

The good news is - rain doesn’t necessarily ruin photos. Through my experience as Hunter Valley wedding Photographer, I believe it can often add a really beautiful, moody atmosphere and create moments you wouldn’t get otherwise. Think romantic umbrellas or dramatic skies that add character to your story.

That said, I always plan ahead. Before your wedding I’ll look for sheltered or indoor spots at your venue, so we have great options no matter what the weather is doing. On the day, we’ll keep an eye on the forecast and shuffle things around if needed, making the most of any breaks in the rain.

Whatever the weather brings, you can relax knowing your day will still be captured beautifully - sometimes the unexpected makes for the most memorable images.

Can We Have A Call Or Meeting Before Booking?

Absolutely. Having a call or meeting before you book is always a great idea. It gives you the chance to ask any questions about the photography process and helps us get to know each other a little better.

Since I’ll be with you for most of your wedding day—often more than any other vendor - it’s important that you feel comfortable with me and confident in your choice. Taking the time to connect beforehand makes sure we’re the right fit for each other.

What Options Do We Have If You Are Already Booked?

If I’m unavailable on your wedding date, I’ll let you know straight away when replying to your enquiry. In that same email, I’ll also give you the option of having one of my trusted associates photograph your day.

These photographers work regularly with Lonely Hunter Weddings and have been carefully chosen because their approach and style align closely with mine. The big advantage is that, even if an associate shoots your wedding, every image will still be edited and colour graded by me—so your gallery will have the same signature Lonely Hunter look and feel.

If this sounds like an option you’d like to explore, just let me know and I’ll share more details.

Close Additional  FAQ's

How will you safe guard our images?

Your wedding photos are priceless, and I treat them that way. On the day, I shoot with professional cameras that record every image to two memory cards at once, so there’s always a backup copy straight out of the camera.

After your wedding, all of your images are saved onto three separate external hard drives. When the transfers are performed, each set is carefully cross-checked against the originals to make sure nothing is missed. One of those drives is stored offsite for extra peace of mind - so even in the unlikely event of theft or fire, your photos are safe.

Once editing is complete, your final gallery is uploaded to a secure online server and delivered to you via your personal online gallery. 

Grab our FREE wedding planning spreadsheets valued at $350

The complete wedding planning spreadsheet pack includes:

- Budget Tracker
- Task Planner
- Guest List Organiser
- Timeline Planner
- Formal Photo List Organiser

Basically everything you need to effectively plan your special day!