Small Weddings at the Red Door, Donegal, wedding photographer

Why Me?

Emma & Christy redcastle hotel wedding photographer

Well..

If you’re looking for a photographer who turns up, dictates your every move, and shoots only what they want, then I’m not your guy. But if you want someone human, someone you can connect with, who cares about your wedding day and how it should feel, then I am your guy.

With 7 years of experience capturing love stories across Northern Ireland and beyond, I’ve learned that the best photos come from trust, laughter, and moments that unfold naturally. I love what I do, and getting to meet couples like you is what brings my work to life.

Me & Lucy and Andrew, www.jamesaikenphotography.com

How it goes..

I like to meet all my potential couples face to face over a coffee with no pressure, just a relaxed chat to see if we’re the right fit for each other. It’s all about getting a feel for the vibe and making sure it clicks. I will bring my laptop, and a wedding album for you to look through.

I don’t take on 60+ weddings a year. Instead, I limit myself to around 25 so I can give every couple the time, attention and experience they truly deserve. I want to get to know you both properly, your story, your plans, and what matters most to you on the day.

You’re never just another number to me. My goal is to show you why I might be the right photographer to tell your story, exactly as it unfolds.

The process, and typical timeline

Every couple’s wedding day is completely unique, some moments mean more than others, and plans often change (which is totally normal). While most of my wedding days tend to follow a similar flow, there are always little tweaks here and there to make it truly yours. So, let’s begin.

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10am – Preparations/details

11am – Go to second location for 30 minutes (if I’ve no second shooter or we arrange another alternative)

12am – Dress/Suit with first looks, portraits, individuals: final prep.

1pm – Ceremony, this part is guided up until your with your other half. We do however plan this. It’s good fun and where most couples get nervous/excited.

2pm – Meet & Greets, take 5 minutes, toliet breaks/food and drinks. Then, straight to family portraits.

3pm – Bridal Party & Intimate Photoshoots, hopefully make it in time for some drinks reception.

4/5pm call in – Your guests prepare to be moved into the wedding room, you get to have a small break before your wedding coordinator takes over.

5/6pm – Bridal entrance, speeches, dinner time! (we may arrange a wee Table Dash for the craic)

7pm to 9pm – I’ll do up a sneak peek for you so you can see a flow of your wedding day, this also will be sent to you within 24 hours if not that night. We get the last big shots here etc your work pals, that favourite cousin.

9pm/10pm – First dance, other key dances, abita dancefloor madness.

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If this all sounds a bit mad or doesn’t quite make sense yet, that’s exactly where meeting up for a coffee comes in. This whole itinerary is second nature to me, and I’ll happily walk you through it all so it feels simple, calm, and totally doable.

WHY ME?

Since booking James last year he has been fantastic. From having pre engagement shoots to give us a taster what was in store to the big day, to the lead up grabbing a coffee and sitting down to see exactly what we wanted and making sure he captured it all. James certainly did that and more, he was amazing to work with and made everyone feel so at ease throughout the day, we enjoyed the craic! We received our sneak peak during the wedding and they speak for themselves they turned out incredible we could not of asked for better! Thank you so much for everything James you were amazing.

– CATHERINE & KIAN –

A wedding is a day you never want to forget so we knew how important the photography was going to be. It did not take us long to decide to contact James Aiken to request his amazing service. My wife spent a considerable amount of time looking through all the amazing photos he has available on his social media and we knew that he would not disappoint. To say we were overjoyed would be an understatement! James was helpful throughout the entire process from first contact, meeting for the first time in person to discuss the plan for the day and giving us a stress free experience.

– KELLY & DAKOTA –

We are so incredibly grateful to have had James Aiken as our wedding photographer! From the very beginning, it felt like we were working with an old friend—he made us feel completely at ease, which allowed us to be ourselves and truly enjoy every moment. His warm personality, calm presence, and genuine enthusiasm added so much fun to our day. James has an incredible eye for detail and a talent for capturing the real, candid moments that made our wedding so special. Every photo feels alive—full of emotion, laughter, and love. Looking through our gallery brought us right back to the day. We honestly can’t recommend James enough. He didn’t just take beautiful photos—he helped create memories we’ll carry forever.

– NAOMI & NIALL –

Want some Peace of mind?..

If I haven’t photographed a wedding at your dream venue yet, don’t worry, I’ll always scope it out beforehand to find the best spots. That said, if it rains, I’ll find the best spots inside too. I know most of the venues around here inside out, and I’ll always make sure we’re in the right place at the right time for the best light and moments. I’ve photographed…

Beech Hill Country House

and many many more venues.

This is why me

Haven’t seen one of my wedding galleries? then…

View some of my favourite

Wedding Stories

A beech hill country house wedding with

Beth & tom

A Roe valley resort wedding with

Laura & ricky

Drenagh Wedding Photographer with Ciara & Megan

A Drenagh estate wedding with

megan & ciara

That’s me there

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Derry Wedding Photographer, Northern Ireland James Aiken photography

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ICED LATTE LOVER | LOVES THE CRAIC

HEY, I’M JAMES, THE GUY BEHIND THE CAMERA.

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A documentary-style wedding photographer based in Derry, with an eye for genuine moments and a knack for making even the camera-shy crack a smile. I picked up a camera in 2014 to document my wee girl growing up, and by 2017, I was capturing weddings—now there’s nothing I love more. I’m all for the relaxed romantic & the fun-loving couples who want their wedding photographs to bring them right back to how it all felt.

LET´S CHAT

LOVE WHAT YOU’VE SEEN SO FAR?

IF YOU’RE A COUPLE WHO HAS A RELAXED, ROMANTIC VIBE WITH A FUN-LOVING EDGE, THEN TOGETHER WE ARE ONTO SOMETHING EPIC.

Get in touch

So… Why me?

If you’ve made it this far, I truly believe I might be the right wedding photographer for you. I know how overwhelming things can feel at this stage, you’re deep into the planning and still not quite sure what to expect. But that’s where I come in. I’ll guide you through the whole process and make sure you have the best experience, from the moment we chat to long after the big day has been and gone.

Many of my couples have become lifelong friends, we still meet up for coffees and catch-ups even years later.

Still on the fence? Have a read through the reviews below and see what others have said.

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