Whitby Castle in Rye, NY, the Ultimate Wedding Venue for Candid Photography


If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends timeless elegance with a dash of fairytale vibes, Whitby Castle in Rye, NY, is the spot to tie the knot. Nestled in the heart of Westchester in the Hudson Valley, this venue brings serious castle goals with its stunning architecture and lush grounds. Whether you’re planning a big bash or a chill, intimate celebration, Whitby Castle sets the perfect stage. Plus, as a wedding photographer, I can’t get enough of its epic backdrops. It’s a vibe you’ll want to relive forever.

A stone castle-like building with a tower flying an American flag, framed by tree branches on an overcast day at Whitby Castle
ballroom with crystal chandeliers features round tables set for formal dining and large arched windows with scenic views at Whitby Castle
Elegant four-tier white wedding cake with delicate floral decorations and silver serving utensils on display at Whitby Castle, Rye, NY

Relaxed Wedding at Whitby Castle & Rehearsal Dinner at Barley Beach House in Rye, NY


Allie and Trey’s wedding at Whitby Castle in Rye, NY, was all about keeping things low-key and full of love. They envisioned a relaxed atmosphere where everyone could enjoy the moment without any pressure or pretense—exactly the kind of vibe that makes candid wedding photography shine. Before the big day, they kicked off the celebration with a Hawaiian-themed rehearsal dinner at Barley Beach House, also in Rye, NY, where they shared heartfelt moments with family and friends. Allie and Trey wanted a photographer who could document the spirit of their celebration, capturing big moments and raw emotions without forcing posed shots. It was all about genuine connection, heartfelt laughter, and letting their story unfold naturally, and both venues brought their vision to life beautifully.

White lifeguard chair stands empty on a sandy beach overlooking the ocean on a sunny day.
A joyful wedding couple shares a romantic moment by the ocean, with waves and blue sky in the background.
Large wedding party gathering on a wooden deck overlooking a beach with small islands visible in the distance.
Guests celebrate at an outdoor wedding reception under string lights with an overcast sky in the background.
A group in colorful Hawaiian shirts gather together outdoors on a sunny day.
A couple sits in red Adirondack chairs overlooking a scenic coastal view with small islands in the distance.
Black and white photo of people dancing outdoors at a celebratory gathering with buildings and trees in background.
A person in a detailed white lace dress laughs joyfully on a beach with the ocean waves in the background.
A group of wedding guests gather on a wooden deck with string lights hanging overhead during an outdoor celebration.
Two people in colorful floral outfits sharing a meal at an oceanside restaurant with wooden chairs.
Couple walking together on a sandy beach with overcast skies and ocean views.
A bride laughs with her friends wearing floral dresses at a tropical beachside wedding venue.
People embracing and celebrating at an outdoor gathering with string lights and trees in the background.
Wedding guests gathered on a wooden deck with string lights while watching speaker outdoors.
A joyful wedding couple shares a romantic moment together on a beach with the ocean in the background.

Candid Getting Ready Moments: First Looks, Champagne, and Emotions


Allie’s getting ready process was filled with so much joy and excitement, setting the perfect tone for her wedding day. Surrounded by her closest friends and family, the atmosphere was relaxed yet full of anticipation. The room buzzed with laughter as they popped champagne and shared stories, while Allie finished the final touches on her look.


One of the most touching moments was when she shared an intimate first look with her bridesmaids, who couldn’t contain their emotions as they saw her in her stunning gown for the first time. But the moment that truly stood out was when Allie shared a quiet, heartfelt first look with her dad. The bond between them was undeniable, and the raw emotion in that moment was something I’ll never forget.


After soaking in those precious moments, Allie then headed to Whitby Castle to meet with her college friends from Georgetown before the ceremony. These candid, authentic moments were a perfect reflection of Allie’s day—a celebration of love, laughter, and connection.

Jimmy Choo white wedding shoes with pearl embellishments displayed next to a blue floral wedding invitation.
A white wedding dress hangs by a window with natural light casting shadows on its elegant train and silhouette.
A person holds shopping bags and a receipt while smiling in a casual white shirt and jeans in a bright room.
A black and white photograph showing a hair styling session in a bright, minimalist indoor space.
Group wearing matching white outfits and sunglasses laughing together outdoors on a sunny day in front of greenery.
A hand holds a small handwritten note or card in black and white.
A group celebrates outdoors on a lawn with champagne while wearing casual white tops and denim.
A group of friends laugh together while gathered outdoors on a lawn with lush greenery in the background.
Joyful gathering of friends popping champagne and celebrating in a backyard with greenery.
Friends toasting and laughing together while celebrating in a garden setting.
Person in white wedding dress adjusts earrings while looking in mirror with wooden armoire visible in background.
Black and white photo of wedding dress preparation scene with helper adjusting gown by window light.
A bride wearing a classic white strapless wedding gown with pleated bodice details stands by a window with a bright smile.
A contemplative moment captured in black and white of someone sitting in an armchair by a window and side table lamp.
Black and white photo of a person in a white wedding dress looking in a mirror reflection.

Whitby Castle First Look: Under the Weeping Tree


First looks at Whitby Castle under the weeping tree? The soft light hits just right, making the moment feel super intimate and real, but still straight-up magical. Add the castle in the background and all the lush greenery, and you’ve got the perfect setup for photos that scream timeless romance with a little edge. It’s a vibe, a mood, and a total memory maker.

A couple shares a romantic first look moment under a weeping willow tree at their outdoor wedding ceremony at Whitby Castle
First look wedding moment captured in a wooded setting with trees and dappled sunlight at Whitby Castle
Romantic wedding moment captured outdoors under a willow tree on a sunny afternoon at Whitby Castle
A bride in a flowing white gown and groom in black tuxedo share a romantic moment under drooping tree branches at Whitby Castle
A groom in a black tuxedo and bowtie with glasses poses outdoors in a black and white photo at Whitby Castle

Stunning Portraits in 10 minutes at Whitby Castle


Taking portraits at Whitby Castle doesn’t have to mean pulling the couple away for hours. On this chilly day, with guests starting to arrive, the focus was on keeping it quick while still capturing those authentic and candid moments. As a wedding photographer, I get that not everyone wants an hour-long portrait session—sometimes it’s about efficiency without sacrificing quality. This session took just 10 minutes, but we nailed it with stunning shots that felt totally them. The property's timeless charm made every frame pop, proving that you don’t need hours to get incredible wedding photography at Whitby Castle—you just need the right vibe and a little hustle.

Happy newlywed couple laughing together with blue and white floral bouquet against wooden door background at Whitby Castle
A couple in wedding attire cross a striped pedestrian crossing with the train of the white dress flowing behind them at Whitby Castle
A couple in wedding attire walks together across a sunlit lawn near large trees on their special day at Whitby Castle
A couple on their wedding day running joyfully outdoors with blue and white bouquet on a sunny autumn afternoon at Whitby Castle
A couple poses outdoors in wedding attire with trees and greenery in the background at Whitby Castle
A black and white candid wedding moment showing a joyful bride in a strapless dress laughing while holding a bouquet at Whitby Castle

Storybook Ceremonies at Whitby Castle: A Fairytale Backdrop for Your Wedding Day


Getting married in front of Whitby Castle is like stepping into your own storybook moment. The castle’s grand stone facade gives major fairy tale vibes, creating a backdrop that’s both elegant and dramatic. Whether you’re exchanging vows under a bright blue sky or with moody clouds adding extra drama, the setting is magic. It’s the perfect blend of timeless and totally unforgettable.

Wedding ceremony outdoors with guests lining white chairs along a grassy aisle during sunny day at Whitby Castle
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place with guests seated in white chairs as someone walks down the aisle in a white gown at Whitby Castle
Outdoor garden wedding ceremony with bridesmaids in blue dresses and floral arch decor on a sunny day at Whitby Castle
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony taking place outdoors with seated guests watching the couple at the altar at Whitby Castle
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place on a lawn with bridesmaids in blue dresses standing beside the couple.
Outdoor wedding ceremony taking place in front of a gothic stone castle with American flag flying on tower at Whitby Castle
Outdoor wedding ceremony in garden setting with attendees gathered on a grass lawn at dusk at Whitby Castle
Black and white wedding photo of a couple in front of a gothic stone church archway with floral arrangements at Whitby Castle
Wedding party exits a grand stone castle while guests line both sides of the path clapping and celebrating at Whitby Castle
Newlywed couple walking down the aisle as wedding guests cheer at a stone castle venue at Whitby Castle
A traditional Scottish wedding group poses outside a gothic stone castle with bagpipers in kilts at Whitby Castle

The Wedding Reception Was A Vibe


The reception at Whitby Castle was the perfect reflection of Allie & Trey’s vibrant energy - they were in high spirits, surrounded by their closest friends and family, and you could feel the energy in the air. The whole night was packed with big moments—from emotional speeches to epic first dances that had everyone on their feet. The laughter, the cheers, and the love filled the room, and the fun didn’t stop as the night went on. As the party kicked into full gear, it was clear: this wasn’t just a reception, it was a night to remember, full of excitement, connection, and unforgettable memories.

A celebratory entrance of a couple at their wedding, joyfully entering a room with hardwood floors and white walls at Whitby Castle
Two people share an emotional first dance moment at a wedding reception while guests watch from the dance floor perimeterat Whitby Castle
A couple shares an emotional moment during their first dance at a wedding reception on a wooden dance floor at Whitby Castle
Two people share a joyful dance moment at an elegant reception while wedding guests look on in the background at Whitby Castle
A couple shares an emotional dance moment at a wedding reception while a woman in a green dress watches nearby.
A couple in formal wedding attire share laughs while eating takeout food at an indoor venue at Whitby Castle
Energetic dance party scene showing guests in formal attire dancing on a hardwood floor at an elegant venue at Whitby Castle
Celebratory scene with someone wearing a royal costume holding a scepter and posing with party decor at Whitby Castle
Enthusiastic partygoers celebrating on a dance floor in formal attire at an elegant venue at Whitby Castle
Two people share an emotional embrace at an indoor celebration as other guests look on in the background at Whitby Castle
Two people share an emotional dance moment at an elegant indoor reception venue with arched windows at Whitby Castle
Wedding guests laugh and celebrate at an elegant reception with arched windows and formal table settings at Whitby Castle
Reception guests enjoying dinner and laughing at elegant tables with formal place settings at Whitby Castle
Black and white image of a wedding speech being delivered in an elegant reception venue at Whitby Castle
Wedding guests share a joyful moment of laughter at an elegant reception with white columns and floral centerpieces at Whitby Castle

Whitby Castle Wedding: Candid Moments Captured by Krutick Photography


Allie & Trey’s wedding at Whitby Castle was filled with beautiful, candid moments that perfectly captured the joy and love of their day. From their intimate first look under the weeping tree to their unforgettable reception surrounded by close friends and family, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. The key to preserving these moments was having a skilled wedding photographer who could quickly and efficiently capture authentic shots without interrupting the flow of the day. Wedding photography is the only tangible item you’ll have left once the celebration is over, so it’s important to get it right. If you want to make sure your big day is documented with stunning candid shots at Whitby Castle, contact Krutick Photography to preserve those memories for a lifetime.

Someone getting their hair prepared while wearing a white strapless dress in a warmly lit room with lamp and framed art at Whitby Castle, RY

Testimonials

Allie & Trey

“I can't recommend Rich enough! His demeanor, professionalism, and sense of humor throughout the planning process and day of made our wedding weekend one that we'll remember forever. We were thrilled with how the photos turned out! He perfectly captured the weekend and all of the emotions involved! I highly recommend booking Rich for your wedding or any other event. We are very grateful that we did!”