Neurodiverse Sign Language Wedding Ceremony

We’re bringing you this incredible sign language wedding from couple Camilla & Russell. Wanting a wedding that was fun but also accessible, they opted for a sensory friendly wedding. Recommended Supplier venue, Askham Hall, learnt key sign language phrases to ensure the guest experience was better (love!) We are loving the Autumnal colours and bold structures, complete with a ‘Perk Your Prosecco’ station and newspaper stand. Camilla also looked beautiful in her off-the-shoulder wedding gown and low up-do hairstyle. With an evening full of s’mores, firepits, blankets and sparklers, we really can’t think of anything else you may want… oh, perhaps a cheese station. Which they had. Obviously. Of course, each aspect was beautifully captured by Recommended Supplier, James Fear Photography.

Sign language wedding ceremony

My husband and I are both deaf and wanted a wedding that was fun but also accessible. Sensory impact sight lines, lighting and visual indicators (such as signage) were everything for this celebration to aid flow and communicate. But, still be atmospheric with 50% of the wedding party being deaf. The unplugged ceremony and speeches were in sign language, making them incredibly moving. The incredible team at Askham Hall learned key sign language phrases to make the guest experience better.

Camilla & Russell

Bride in off the shoulder wedding dress with bridesmaids in blue dresses and groom in blue tie with autumnal wedding bouquets

Wedding party all in blue for Askham Hall wedding with bride in off the shoulder dress and groom in matching blue suit

Wedding guests participate in sign language wedding ceremony at Askham Hall

Bride in satin green robe gets her makeup done for her wedding day

Bride in off the shoulder wedding dress with red and orange autumnal wedding bouquet has confetti exit with groom in blue suit

Bride in pleated off the shoulder wedding dress walks with groom in blue suit as confetti is thrown over them

Prosecco station sign with green, grey, gold, white and blue balloons

Bride and groom in blue checkered suit look out at the view of wedding venue

Personalised coat hanger with bride's name and wedding date on

Groom in darker blue suit and tie with groomsmen in brighter blue suits and green ties with autumnal orange and red buttonholes

Autumnal wedding bouquet with orange, purple and red flowers

Wedding guests particpate in sign language wedding ceremony for deaf couple

Bridesmaids in blue dresses smile at each other as they walk down the aisle holding autumnal bouquets

Bride is helped into pleated off the shoulder wedding dress with pearl earrings for wedding

Groom in blue checkered suit kisses bride in off the shoulder wedding dress for outdoor wedding at Askham Hall

Guests give their wedding speeches in sign language for the deaf wedding guests and couple

Bridesmaids in blue dresses smile at the camers holding yellow, orange and red bouquets

Bride in off the shoulder wedding dress carrying autumnal bouquet is walked down the aisle by father in blue suit

Bride and groom stand on a bridge and look out at the view at Askham Hall wedding venue

STYLING

The wedding breakfast was atmospheric. With Edison bulbs, candles and uplighters to make it accessible for deaf guests, but in keeping with the drama of the overall aesthetics. Wedding favours were Grasmere Gingerbread, Monopoly markers and deconstructed wedding cakes. There were s'mores, airstream PhotoBooth, and a glitter bar to inject a bit of Glastonbury fun!

ADVICE

It is easy to forget to enjoy the journey when planning. Spread out the planning and enjoy it as, technically speaking, you'll only get to do it once in a lifetime. It's such fun once you shake off the stress! Try and schedule a moment together to take a step back and take it all in. Appreciate that all your favourite people are in one room with you. It's a very special, rare moment!

Bride and groom hold sparklers at their wedding reception under large neon pink sign reading 'photos'

Wedding guests clap and celebrate the wedding of Camilla and Russell

Bride in off the shoulder dress with groom in blue checkered suit with groomsman in blue suit with autumnal buttonhole

Bride in off the shoulder pleated wedding dress with groom in blue checkered suit and green tie

Bride gives a bridal speech in sign language

Wedding guests laugh at groomsman giving his speech in sign language for deaf attendants

Variety of square wedding cakes with white and blue frosting and green, red and yellow flower decorations

Green tablecloth with yellow candles and yellow and red flower arrangement for table setting at Askham Hall

Wedding guest gives a speech with translator for sign language for deaf wedding attendants

Groom in blue suit and green tie with bride in off the shoulder wedding dress stand under archway

Wedding guest competes in fairground games at wedding

Wedding guest plays fairground games at wedding with colourful bunting at Askham Hall

Wedding guests read personalised newpsaper from the wedding venue, Askham Hall

Cosy wedding venue with exposed lightbulbs and tables with green tablecloth, yellow candles and glasses and red and orange flower centrepiece

Bride and groom pose with white smoke bombs for pictures

Green theme table setting with green tablecloth and napkins and wrapped up wedding present/favours for guests

'Just Married' photo opportunity wedding decor for outdoor wedding |

Wedding guests outside tipi for wedding reception at outdoor wedding

If you’re looking for sensory friendly wedding inspiration - this is certainly for you!

Between the main and the pudding, our videographer and photographer 'kidnapped' us and took us to a nearby bridge to get some photos during the 'golden hour'. The photographer was hiding in a bush to capture photos and the videographer was operating the drone so we had a moment to ourselves on the beautiful bridge. People drove past in cars and some were on their bikes- all rang their bells and tooted their horns and it was in that moment that it hit us that we were married. It was a very special moment.

Camilla & Russell

We love Camilla & Russell for planning this incredible sign language wedding, and ensuring it was sensory friendly. For more advice when planning a neurodiverse wedding, don’t miss our article from inclusion professional and celebrant, Kathryn.