The Best Locations for a Couples Shoot in the Peak District.

By Joe Hall | UK Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photographer

If you are thinking of booking a couple session in the Peak District National Park, you might be a little unsure on where you want to go. There is an array of amazing spots available in the Uk’s oldest national park, but making sure you get the best possible spot might prove to be challenging. Therefore, I have put a short list together of my favourite spots here, and what to expect from these spots.

Now, there may be a few things that you may have not taken in to account that can play a big factor in how the photos may turn out, and you want to have the best possible opportunity of getting some incredible photos to relive this special moment. For example, if you are wanting to head out for a sunrise shoot, and want to capture some of that incredible golden light, then it is going to require some understanding of which spots are best suited to this. 

Bamford Edge

This location has to be one of the most popular sunset spots in the Peak District - and for good reason. The view over Ladybower Reservoir and the surrounding areas is incredible from up here, and it makes for the perfect spot for a sunset couples session. The initial hike to get up towards the top is quite steep, so it’s always best to allow some time to get up here taking it easy. Once you get to the top, there are multiple different areas that have a great backdrop, especially at sunset. I would advise that you visit here during the warmer months of the year, as the sun will set in a better location, and if it is windy then you won’t find yourself getting as cold up here. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to capture Jasmine & Gareth’s engagement up at this spot, where we got some incredible golden light in the distance. One last thing I would say about this location is that if you are planning on heading here for a couple session on a weekend here, then be prepared for it to be very busy here.

Click here to see highlights from Gareth & Jasmine’s engagement shoot

Snake Woodlands (Ladyclough Forest)

This spot is hands-down my favourite place to photograph in the Peak District. Cut off away from the busy parts of the national park, this little woodland is a perfect spot to have an intimate setting for your couple session. Over the last two years, I’ve have visited this spot countless amount of times, in all of the different seasons, and it never fails to amaze me how beautiful it really is. The tall trees that engulf the winding path make for some stunning photo opportunities - especially if the weather decides to play ball. If I had to pick any weather condition for this spot, it would have to be a foggy day for sure - it just seems to create such an atmospheric vibe that sets this place apart from anywhere else in the Peak District. As for walking around here, it is quite a relaxed and easy route to follow, and the only thing that I would try and think about ahead of time is that the start of the route can be boggy if there has been a lot of rain, so be prepared to bring some boots or wellies with you! I would 100% recommend this location to anyone who may not be the biggest fan of having to deal with crowds of hikers, or is after a much more low-key shoot with their partner.

Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge is a very similar location to Bamford Edge, which I talked about at the beginning, however I’ve often found this spot to be a little quieter in the past. As I know that a lot of people may not be completely comfortable with the idea of having a couple session in a place that it littered with lots of other people, then I think that this place may be ideal for you. The walk up to this spot is relatively flat, and so it is accessible to near enough everyone who would want to go here. The views from the edge are incredible, and if you were to visit for a sunset shoot, then you wouldn’t be disappointed. One of the best times to visit this spot would definitely be in the winter time, and if you can brave the cold conditions, then you are going to come away with some beautiful photos. I was lucky enough to photograph Alex & Usa’s couple session here during a December sunset, and the conditions were amazing.

Click here to see highlights from Alex and Usa’s couple session

Winnats Pass 

If you are looking for something special, then this place may be the one for you. Now, I must firstly say that to get the most out of this location, you would have to be willing to get up really early for a sunrise shoot. This spot lends itself to a crispy, clear morning where the golden light at sunrise will make this place just look spectacular. There are so many different ways to capture the beauty of this location, and a couple session here would have an unlimited amount of potential in my opinion. The walk to get here isn’t too bad - from the parking spots, you have about a 10 minute walk to get to the spot, and once you are there you will quickly see why this place is so special. Probably the most iconic location in the Peak District, this place is a true gem. If you are willing to put in the effort to get up nice and early to catch a sunrise here, then I can promise you that you will not be disappointed!

That concludes my list of the top places for a couple session in the Peak District National Park!

I hope that you have found this information useful, and if you have any questions, or you would like to enquire about booking me for a couple session here then you can contact me either at joehallmedia@gmail.com, or my phone number is +447947849480.