Documentary Wedding Photographer in Bordeaux & Southwest France
I’m Gavin, a British wedding photographer based in Bordeaux and working with couples across Southwest France.
I care deeply about what I do and about the people who trust me with it. My job is to tell the story of your wedding day with honesty and care, capturing the people, the atmosphere, and all the small moments that make it yours, and to do it beautifully.
I’m calm, friendly, and easy to have around, the kind of presence that helps people relax and enjoy the day. I notice everything — a hand reached for, a look shared across the room, the quiet pause after the laughter. Those are the details that make your photographs feel alive.
I stay out of the way when it matters and step in when it helps, always working with focus and care. I put everything I have into giving you photographs that not only look beautiful but still let you feel the day, years from now.
Based in Bordeaux, I photograph weddings throughout the Dordogne, Gironde, and across Southwest France.
Thank you for taking the time to be here. It genuinely means a lot.
Kind words from couples
“We can’t thank Gavin enough. Hundreds of wonderful moments from our wedding day, all beautifully captured. He went the extra mile — a fantastic photographer and a pleasure to have around.”
“Gavin went completely above and beyond. He captured dozens of beautiful photos, both candid and posed, and communicated brilliantly in the lead-up. Couldn’t be happier with the results.”
A calm presence from first chat to final frame
From the first conversation to the last photograph, I keep things steady and relaxed. When it’s time for group shots or portraits, I’ll guide you through them quickly and simply so you can get back to the fun. The rest of the time, I’m moving with the day, always watching for what’s about to happen next.
Couples often tell me they felt completely at ease and surprised by how much of the day they saw in their photographs.
You can see how that looks in the portfolio.
Photography with feeling
Weddings move fast. One minute it’s laughter, the next it’s nerves, then someone’s crying and no one knows why. I notice it all and photograph it as it happens, so you can look back and actually feel the day again.
I shoot mostly digital but often bring in film too — it adds a texture and character I love, especially for the moments that mean the most..
Working across Southwest France
I’m originally from the UK and now live in Bordeaux with my family. I’ve come to know this part of France really well — the small towns, the vineyards, the seasons, and the relaxed way of life. It’s a brilliant place to live and an even better place to get married.
This part of France has a character all its own. Vineyards, stone villages, late sunsets and celebrations that spill well into the night — it’s an incredible place to get married. Wherever you choose, I’ll work with the setting to bring out what makes it special. You can read more about planning a wedding in Southwest France for venue ideas and local tips.
Your story, told beautifully
Every wedding I photograph is delivered as a complete story — a gallery that lets you relive the day in full, from the big moments to the quiet ones that slipped by unnoticed. Photographs that still feel alive long after the day has passed.
If that sounds like your kind of thing, you can check your date, explore the packages, or take a look through the portfolio to see how it all comes together.
You have been amazing and your time and effort is a gift we will cherish forever
What it’s like to have me around
My goal is simple: for you to have the best day possible, surrounded by the people you love, without ever worrying about the camera. I’ll guide when it helps, step back when it doesn’t, and quietly keep things moving so you can stay in the moment. I want you to feel comfortable, enjoy having me around, and never feel directed for the sake of it.
Couples often tell me how relaxed they felt, that I gave a bit of direction when needed and kept everything running smoothly without ever turning the day into a photoshoot. The result is real moments — people laughing, hugging, dancing, and being themselves. That’s exactly how it should be.
By the end of the day, you’ll have had an incredible time, and I’ll have a set of photographs that feel true to it — natural, characterful, and full of the people you love.
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, you can check my wedding photography packages and see how it all comes together.
More kind words:
“Gavin helped with every detail and even suggested ideas to make the moment more special. Polite, respectful, and professional throughout — and the photos were exceptional. Highly recommended.”
“This was such a special moment and you captured it perfectly.”
Contact me.
Gavin Chapman · Wedding Photographer in France
I’m based in Bordeaux and photograph weddings across the Dordogne, Charente, Lot-et-Garonne and throughout France.
I work mainly with English-speaking couples from the UK, US, Australia, Ireland and beyond — people who want beautifulful photographs of themselves and the people who matter most, on the day that matters most.
Available across France and Europe.
I’d love to hear what you’re planning.