Luxury Wedding Photography Retreat

Over the last three editions of this event we have crafted a wedding photography experience like no other. One that will ignite your passion, elevate your skills, and help empower you to become the best version of yourself. All whilst having an amazing time!

19th – 22nd April ’27
Looe, Cornwall, UK

Join us for 3 nights and 4 days on the beautiful Cornish coast – to learn, connect, share and grow as photographers, business owners and people. The Great Escape is curated as an immersive experience built around meaningful roundtable conversations, breakout discussions, and collaborative live shoots. It’s a relaxed schedule with plenty of space for connection, reflection, and holistic activities – all set within the rural luxury of Kilminorth Cottages.

Immerse Yourself in Inspiration: Surround yourself with a tribe of passionate wedding photographers who share the same struggles, pain-points and goals as you do. Together, we’ll push boundaries, inspire one another and we’ll leave ready to achieve our goals.

Unparalleled Education: An enriching blend of shared experiences, open conversations, and structured talks. Enjoy deep dives that go far beyond just photography techniques.

Tailored Experiences: We’ve designed The Great Escape with your needs in mind. Attend as little or as many of the organised schedule as you like. The perfect balance between education, relaxation, and connection. It’s your retreat, your way.

Website Review sessions: Have a 1-2-1 website review session on the design, functionality and user experience of your site, and have areas for improvement highlighted.

Community Over Competition: Experience the power of community as you connect with fellow photographers who understand your journey. Together, we’ll embark on adventures, share unforgettable stories and good times, and build a supportive network that extends far beyond the retreat.

Beyond Photography: This event is way more than the sum of its parts. It’s a safe space for creativity and growth and friendships to flourish, where you’ll find guidance, encouragement, and the tools to transform your artistry and business.

“The Great Escape by far exceeded my expectations. Living onsite with everyone, I felt, afforded time and space to leave phones and the online world behind for the most-part. Time and space for established friendships to deepen, new friendships to form, authentically and spontaneously . I genuinely felt every one attending was their authentic self, something that often isn’t the case at large events. Zero egos, hierarchy or posturing, instead a beautifully chilled bunch of welcoming souls who all just “got it”

– AMY SAMPSON, Great Escapee 2024,25,26

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  • NineDots Escape 2024

“The thing I love about Nine Dots and especially this Great Escape is that there’s no judgement and we all just accept one another for who we are. Introvert or extrovert, drinking or sober – it doesn’t matter. We see the value in each other and that means the world to me. So, thank you all for that and especially ⁨Rahul⁩ and ⁨Andy because that whole vibe is created by you two.” 

– Gary Williams, Great Escape attendee ’24.

Unwind In Luxury

Treat yourself at our handpicked location – Kilminorth cottages – an ancient Cornish manor farm, now converted into a private village of luxury holiday cottages. Nestled between the stunning harbour villages of Looe and Polperro, you’re a stones-throw from the Coastal Path. It’s the perfect setting for a Great Escape.

Cobbled courtyards give way to beautifully landscaped gardens, all tucked away in Cornish woodland. Plus, with private hot tubs, private outdoor swimming pool and country trails – you’ll be perfectly placed to relax, recharge and learn.

We know that your privacy and personal space is important, so every attendee will have their own private room. The beautiful grounds and surrounding countryside of the cottages provide ample space to gather your own thoughts in between learning sessions and activities.

The group mentor sessions and learning schedule is designed to ensure you’ll have plenty of free time to sample all the holistic activities that the location offers you. Choose from various solo or group activities, with options like horse riding, surfing, sailing all on your doorstep. Or just kick back in the pool – whatever you choose to do (or not) do!) you’ll leave relaxed and recharged.

“…it was all thanks to the people. I think I spoke to everyone (though my apologies if it was brief chats with some of you) and I definitely left knowing everyone’s name, a little bit of everyone’s story and – I genuinely mean this – liking every single one of you.”

– Ronan Palliser, Great Escape attendee, 2024, 25, 26

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  • The Great Escape 2025
  • wedding photography retreat
  • The Great Escape 2025
  • The Great Escape 2025
  • The Great Escape 2025
  • wedding photography retreat
  • The Great Escape 2025
  • The Great Escape 2025
  • The Great Escape 2025
  • The Great Escape 2025

“It’s been an amazing few days. Just what I needed. And, although I love the larger NineDots Gathering event, this was special on a different level. I had chance to connect with people that I’ve met before, instead of just having a brief conversation in between talks. The vibe of the Great Escape / retreat was so good. I hope it’s the first of many!”

– Andy Li, Great Escapee ’24

Invest in yourself…

The NineDots Great Escape offers a holistic learning experience. One where ideas and best practices are shared around the campfire, and portfolio reviews and advice are swapped during alfresco lunches or walks on the beach!

Additionally, we will have presentations, workshops with open discussions and talks to include areas such as sales and marketing, business strategies, portrait shoots, and documentary photography.

Moreover, our educators will be of course be available for informal discussions, allowing you to exchange tips, tricks, and ideas. This collaborative atmosphere ensures that your experience at “The Great Escape” exceeds expectations and really is more than the sum of its parts. Stay tuned for announcements regarding additional educators and presenters!

The ticket price includes accommodation, access to all the talks and education activities, a welcome BBQ and all the onsite events.

Secure your place

“…it was all thanks to the people. I think I spoke to everyone (though my apologies if it was brief chats with some of you) and I definitely left knowing everyone’s name, a little bit of everyone’s story and – I genuinely mean this – liking every single one of you.”

– Ronan Palliser, Great Escape attendee, 2024 + 2025.

Investment

£625 – NineDots Members
£725 – Non-Members

per person price based on a private room in a self catered shared cottage.

Secure your place with a £325 deposit* – with the remainder £300 payable Feb 2027.

Cottages have either 2 or 3 rooms. If you book together in a group, please contact us so we can allocate you a cottage together. If not, we will connect you with your housemate/s prior to arrival.

*NineDots member deposit: £325. Non-members: £425

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What you get

Luxury Self Catering Accommodation: You’ll have the pleasure of staying in your own private bedroom within beautiful shared luxury cottages. With access to hot tubs and swimming pool. All the cottages have modern kitchens for you to cook your meals.

Welcome BBQ: We’ll take care of your taste buds with a welcome BBQ waiting for you, so you can settle in, relax, and forget about cooking.

Guest Speakers, Masterclasses and Discussions: Prepare to expand your knowledge and skills with our range of masterclasses and discussions with guest speakers. We’ve got you covered on photography techniques, business strategies, marketing insights, SEO tips, posing guidance, and much more.

Headshot Swaps: Headshot swaps are valuable learning experiences. We can observe how our peers approach portraits, pick up new techniques, and gain insights into posing, composition, and lighting. Experimentation is encouraged, fostering growth and innovation. And its always good to see how it feels on the other side of the camera!

Extra Curricular and Holistic Activities: We believe in nurturing your mind, body, and soul. That’s why we offer a variety of additional activities for you to enjoy during your retreat. Whether it’s finding your Zen with meditation, getting your heart pumping with a run along the beach, or taking leisurely walks by the shore, there’s something for everyone.

Optional Group and Solo Adventures: If you’re up for even more excitement, we’ve got you covered. Take your pick from a range of optional activities at an additional charge to further enrich your experience. Fancy a thrilling horse riding session, catching some waves with surfing lessons, sailing across serene waters, kayaking through picturesque landscapes, or embarking on a fishing trip? These fantastic adventures are all conveniently available nearby.

So get ready for a retreat that offers it all: luxury accommodation, knowledge-packed workshops, inclusive portfolio sessions, rejuvenating activities, and thrilling optional adventures!

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