Emma+Valerie // Ilkley Wedding Photographer

I would love to one day shoot an Ilkley wedding. I’m a photographer, not actually based in Ilkley but my family have a house there. We kept my grandparents place after they passed away and we spend lovely weeks getting away from busy London and Oxford. We also lend the house to friends and family to enjoy the beautiful Dales too.

Ilkley is full of gems. Middleton woods is gorgeous, especially at bluebell time. Beamsley Beacon is a great walk into the heart of the moor. But my favourite spot is to head up Hebers Ghyll, a beautiful ancient woodland. You crisscross over lovely little bridges over a stream as you head upwards. It eventually open out onto Ilkley Moor and the stunning view you get for miles around.

Here are some photographs I took with my sister and her fiancé. Wandering across the moors and into woodland and looking out at the views. I would absolutely love to photograph a wedding up here. Especially if someone wants to elope and get married on the cow and calk rocks!

According to local legend, the Calf was split from the Cow when the giant Rombald was fleeing an enemy, and stamped on the rock as he leapt across the valley. The enemy, it is rumoured, was his angry wife. She dropped the stones held in her skirt to form the local rock formation The Skirtful of Stones.

The rocks are a great place to climb and the moor offers spectacular views of Ilkley and beyond.