City · South West
Photographers in Exeter
A compact cathedral city on the River Exe, with a Gothic cathedral green, a historic quayside and the estuary, Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast close by.
Exeter's photoshoot settings are close together and varied. Cathedral Green, with the carved west front of Exeter Cathedral and a ring of historic buildings, is the centre of the city; a short walk downhill brings you to the Quayside, where the 17th-century Custom House, old warehouses and footbridges sit beside the River Exe.
From there, riverside paths follow the Exe and its canal towards the estuary, and within a short drive you can be on Dartmoor or at the start of the Jurassic Coast at Exmouth.
It is a practical city for graduation photography around the University of Exeter, for families, and for couples who want a mix of historic streets and riverside. Tell us your date and we will look for a suitable independent photographer and come back with availability and a quote.
Quick answer
Snapshire is a photography matching service that helps you book photography for proposals, couples, families, weddings, portraits, events and businesses in Exeter with an independent professional photographer. Photography starts from £150; the final price depends on the photographer, date, location, duration and what you need. Tell us what you need, where and when; we reply with availability and a written quote. Enquiring is free, and nothing is booked until you accept the quote.
- Place
- Exeter, South West
- Popular here
- Graduations, Families, Couples
- Starting price
- From £150
- How to book
- Free enquiry form
Photographing Exeter
The cathedral's west front is covered in carved figures and faces west, so it catches the afternoon and evening sun, and the green in front gives space to step back. Nearby, Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens, beside the old city walls and the remains of Rougemont Castle, give green, secluded frames in the city centre.
The Quayside is warmer and more relaxed: red sandstone and brick, cobbles, cafés and reflections in the river. It suits families and couples in the evening, and the riverside trees colour up in autumn.
Just outside the city, Topsham has narrow streets, Dutch-gabled houses and estuary views, and the Exe Estuary itself — wading birds, wide skies and mudflats at low tide — is atmospheric at sunset. The University of Exeter's Streatham Campus, with its landscaped grounds and gardens, is the usual backdrop for graduation portraits.
Exeter's red sandstone gives a warm tone that works on grey days too, and the Georgian and medieval streets around the cathedral offer shelter for a shorter session in poor weather.
Where to take photos in Exeter
Exeter Cathedral and Cathedral Green
The carved west front and twin Norman towers above a wide lawn ringed by historic buildings. Classic for couples, families and graduates.
- Best time:
- Late afternoon, when the west front catches the sun
- Good to know:
- The green is public, but professional photography inside the cathedral or its precinct may need permission.
Exeter Quayside
The historic Custom House, warehouses, cobbles and the river, with footbridges and cafés. Relaxed and colourful for families and couples.
- Good to know:
- Busy on summer weekends; watch for cyclists on the riverside paths.
Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens
Green, terraced gardens beside the old city walls and castle remains. Secluded, leafy and central.
Topsham
A small estuary town south of the city with Dutch-gabled houses, narrow lanes and views over the Exe. Pretty for couples at sunset.
- Good to know:
- Reached by train, bus or the riverside path; parking is limited.
University of Exeter, Streatham Campus
Landscaped grounds with mature trees and gardens on the hills above the city. The natural setting for graduation portraits.
- Good to know:
- University grounds: professional photography may need the university's permission, and graduation weeks are very busy.
Exmouth and Orcombe Point
The western start of the Jurassic Coast, with red cliffs, a long sandy beach and a marker on the headland. Open and bright for families.
- Good to know:
- Check tides: stretches of beach below the cliffs are cut off at high water.
Photography in Exeter
Graduations
From £150
Graduation portraits for individuals or groups, on the day or around it.
Families
From £200
Family portraits and candid moments, outdoors or at a suitable indoor location.
Couples
From £250
A relaxed outdoor session for two, in a city street, a park or somewhere you are visiting.
Engagements
From £300
A 60–90 minute couple session that tells the story of your engagement.
Portraits
From £200
Individual portraits in a lifestyle, travel or editorial style.
Weddings
From £1,200
Shorter wedding-day coverage, from the ceremony through portraits and the start of the celebration.
Headshots
From £150
Professional headshots for individuals, teams and whole offices.
Getting there and around
Exeter St Davids has direct trains from London Paddington and London Waterloo, and from Bristol and the Midlands; Exeter Central is closer to the shops and the cathedral. The Avocet Line runs along the estuary to Topsham and Exmouth.
The M5 ends just outside the city, and Exeter Airport is to the east. The centre, Cathedral Green and the Quayside are all walkable from each other. For Dartmoor or the coast you will need a car, and your photographer can suggest a meeting point with easy parking.
Planning your shoot
Exeter is busy but rarely as crowded as the coast in summer. Graduation weeks fill Cathedral Green and the campus; if you are graduating, tell us your ceremony date early, and if you are not, avoid those dates for campus sessions.
The Quayside can be breezy, and riverside paths occasionally flood after heavy rain. For wet weather, a shorter session around the cathedral's streets and the Quayside's arches, with cafés nearby, is often the answer; your photographer will talk through options. Permission may be needed for the cathedral and university grounds, and your photographer will confirm what applies.
Prices and availability
Graduation photography starts from £150, family sessions from £200 and couple photoshoots from £250. Sessions in the centre usually stay on foot. Adding Topsham, Exmouth or Dartmoor involves travel time that will appear in your quote, along with any parking or permission costs.
- Graduation PhotographyFrom £150
- Family PhotoshootFrom £200
- Couple PhotoshootFrom £250
- Engagement PhotographyFrom £300
- Solo Portrait PhotoshootFrom £200
- Wedding PhotographyFrom £1,200
Photographer availability. Snapshire works with independent photographers, and coverage varies by area and by date. When you enquire about Exeter, we check who is available and tell you plainly if we can’t cover it — before you commit to anything.
Prices are indicative starting prices and may vary depending on the photographer, date, location, duration, deliverables, travel, and project requirements. Your final quotation will be confirmed before booking.
Photography in Exeter: questions
Can we book graduation photos at the University of Exeter?
Yes, subject to availability. Graduation weeks are busy, so tell us your ceremony date early. See graduation photography.
Where can we have a riverside photoshoot in Exeter?
The Quayside and the riverside paths heading downstream, or Topsham for wider estuary views at sunset.
Is Exeter a good base for Dartmoor and the coast?
Yes. Dartmoor's eastern edge and the Jurassic Coast at Exmouth are both a short drive, so you can combine a city session with landscape. Any extra travel is reflected in your quote.
Do we need permission to photograph inside Exeter Cathedral?
Professional photography inside the cathedral may need permission. Your photographer will check before the session.
Nearby and similar places
Last updated
Planning a shoot in Exeter?
Tell us what, where and when. We’ll come back with suitable photographer options, availability and pricing — free, and with no obligation.
- Takes less than a minute
- A reply from a person, not a booking engine
- Nothing is booked until you say yes