Kirkstall Abbey Engagement Photography in Leeds — Natural, Relaxed & Personal

Before the wedding day arrives, theres this — a quiet chance to celebrate your story together. Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, with its ancient stone arches, wide open greens and soft evening light, is one of my favourite places to photograph couples.

It feels peaceful and full of history — the perfect mix of romantic and relaxed. Well take an easy walk through the ruins and riverside paths, talking, laughing, and letting moments unfold naturally.

Every couple brings something beautifully unique, and thats what I love capturing most — the quiet connection, the laughter, and the spark that brought you here.

Andrew kisses Zoe’s cheek as she smiles, seated on a weathered stone column inside Kirkstall Abbey.

A soft kiss, a shared laugh,
held gently in the stillness of the Abbey church.

Why Kirkstall Abbey Is Perfect for Engagement Photography

Kirkstall Abbey has a magic all its own. The ruins sit quietly beside the river, with arches that catch the light in a way that feels timeless. Whether its the golden hour glow through the stone windows or the soft shade beneath the old walls, theres always something beautiful to find.

I love photographing here because it offers so much variety — wide lawns, hidden corners, and calm riverside walks that help couples feel instantly at ease. Theres no pressure to pose. No need to perform. Just a peaceful space where genuine moments unfold naturally.

Its also right on the edge of Leeds, making it ideal for relaxed evening sessions or quick visits before heading into the city. For me, its the perfect place to capture that mix of connection, laughter and calm before the wedding day arrives.

Carly and Liam smiling on a weathered bench in soft black and white light at Kirkstall Abbey.

Smiles in the shade of old stone and sunlight,
this quiet bench held laughter and stillness.

Carly & Liam — A Warm, Light-Filled Engagement Session in Leeds

Carly and Liams engagement session was full of soft light and easy laughter — quiet moments glowing with warmth and connection. Their relaxed, joyful energy made capturing their story a real pleasure.

Their wedding reception later at her parents home, nestled in a beautiful valley, was unforgettable. As evening fell, smoke burners glowed warmly, keeping midges away and adding a magical touch to the celebration.

It was a day full of joy, love and natural moments — exactly the kind of wedding I love to photograph as a Leeds wedding photographer.

Couple kissing in the dappled woodland light among the trees at Kirkstall Abbey, captured in black and white.

A kiss framed by light and leaves —
just them, the shadows, and the hush of the Abbey.

Zoe and Andrew smiling as the moment sinks in, standing within the ancient arches of Kirkstall Abbey.

That quiet realisation —
we’re really doing this, together, here.

Zoe & Andrew — Playful, Peaceful Moments Among the Abbey Ruins

Zoe and Andrews engagement session at Kirkstall Abbey captured peaceful, playful energy — soft light, quiet smiles, and genuine connection.

Their wedding day at Rudding Park carried that same beauty — joyful, elegant, and heartfelt from start to finish.

Couple hugging and peeking playfully through a carved stone window at Kirkstall Abbey.

Framed by centuries-old stone,
a little fun, a lot of love.

Zoe and Andrew glowing in the evening sun, sitting close against the old rock walls at Kirkstall Abbey.

The sun dipped low,
and the walls held their warmth and laughter.

Wrapped warm in scarves, Zoe and Andrew sit on a tree branch with Kirkstall greenery behind them.

Cosy on the old branch,
the trees behind and the season all around.

Close portrait of the couple by the river at Kirkstall Abbey, smiles soft and sleeves pulled over chilled hands.

Hands tucked in, hearts wide open,
with the river running quiet behind them.

Zehra and Richard smiling inside Kirkstall Abbey, Zehra playfully holding up an umbrella with no rain in sight.

No rain, just reasons to smile —
her joy filled the Abbey like sunlight.

Zehra & Richard — A Joyful Leeds Engagement Session

Zehras smile lit up every frame, and Richards calm, gentle presence made photographing them a joy. Their engagement session at Kirkstall Abbey was full of laughter, and their wedding at the Crowne Plaza Leeds was just as warm.

I still smile thinking about those two beautiful days — thank you both for letting me be part of it.

You can see more from their Crowne Plaza Leeds wedding here.

Zehra and Richard laughing as they peek from behind a stone column at Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds.

Big grins behind the column,
a little mischief in the heart of Leeds.

Zehra laughing freely in black and white at Kirkstall Abbey, full of life and fun.

All sparkle, no posing —
just Zehra, lit up in monochrome joy.

Zehra and Richard sharing a final playful moment at Kirkstall Abbey before their Leeds wedding.

So much laughter, so much ease —
I knew the wedding would be pure joy.

Lisa smiling warmly in the dappled evening sunlight at Kirkstall Abbey.

Lisa’s smile catching the golden hour —
soft light, stillness, and something timeless.

Lisa & Oliver — Authentic, Relaxed Engagement Photos in Leeds

Before their seaside wedding in Scarborough, Lisa and Oliver enjoyed a calm, joyful engagement session at Kirkstall Abbey.

A passing rain shower didnt stop us — we wandered between the old stone arches and soft light, capturing relaxed portraits and gentle moments.

Their wedding promised classic British seaside charm — deckchairs, fish and chips, cupcake 99s — but this Leeds session was the perfect, quiet beginning to their story.

Lisa and Oliver sharing a quiet hug by the gate of the Abbey church.

By the old gate, close and calm —
a pause in the heart of Leeds.

Lisa and Oliver sitting on a fallen tree, sharing subtle smiles in black and white.

A quiet moment between the trees,
soft smiles held in monochrome stillness.

Lisa and Oliver standing close together, looking over the weir at Kirkstall.

By the flowing water, hand in hand —
Kirkstall’s calm wrapped around them.

Black and white photo of Lisa and Oliver standing by the Abbey wall, gazing at each other.

Stone behind them, time slowed —
eyes locked, nothing else needed.

Lisa and Oliver sharing joyful smiles by a moss-covered wall at Kirkstall Abbey.

Laughter blooming like the moss,
growing wild in the soft green stone.

Rachel standing beside Robert, both sharing a loving look in the soft Kirkstall light.

She stood beside him, calm and radiant —
you could see the love without a word.

Rachel & Robert — Golden Hour at Kirkstall Abbey

On an early summer evening, golden light bathed the ancient Abbey walls — a stunning backdrop for Rachel and Roberts relaxed engagement session.

Their calm joy and genuine connection made every moment feel effortless and warm. I later photographed their beautiful wedding in Headingley, a day just as full of heart.

Heres a glimpse into their quiet, golden moment together.

Rachel and Robert sitting together in an old stone arch, gazing at one another.

Tucked into the Abbey’s worn stone,
eyes locked, the world gently blurred.

A quiet kiss between Rachel and Robert seated in the stone archway at Kirkstall Abbey.

Same place, new feeling —
a quiet kiss held by ancient stone.

Rachel and Robert peeking out from behind a stone column, sharing playful smiles.

Peeking out with playful smiles,
like their laughter was stitched into the stone.

Rachel and Robert sharing a kiss with deep greenery behind, near the old model train path.

A kiss in the green stillness —
Abbey trees, old tracks, and something new beginning.

Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds 📍 — Captured by a Leeds Wedding Photographer

This engagement session took place around the stunning ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, one of Leeds most iconic historic landmarks. Its arches, gardens and riverside paths create a naturally beautiful backdrop for relaxed, timeless portraits.

As a Leeds wedding photographer, I love using locations like this to capture real moments and the genuine connection between couples. If youre planning an engagement session in Leeds, Kirkstall Abbey is a wonderful place to begin.