Weddings across Cumbria, The Lake district, Northumberland, North Yorkshire & the Scottish Borders.
Carl Fitton is an experienced artist and illustrator offering live wedding and event illustration across Cumbria, the Lake District, the Scottish Borders (including Gretna), Northumbria and North Yorkshire.
Working quietly and observantly, Carl creates hand‑drawn illustrations on the day, capturing people, atmosphere and small moments as they unfold. Each drawing is made in real time and becomes a lasting record of the event — personal, thoughtful and unique.
Live illustration is a gentle addition to weddings and events. Guests can watch drawings develop throughout the day, often seeing themselves appear on the page. The work can include individual portraits, small groups or wider scenes, depending on the pace and nature of the event.
Carl’s approach is relaxed and unobtrusive, shaped by years of experience as an artist and illustrator. The emphasis is always on observation, craftsmanship and creating something meaningful rather than performative.
Carl is available for weddings, celebrations and live events throughout northern England and the Scottish Borders.
How Live Wedding Illustration Works
Carl or his assistant will capture your guest's!
Guests will be photographed throughout the day and then sketched out whilst the celebration unfolds.
Each Portrait is hand drawn
Guests can watch their illustration come to life during the day.
They take home something unique
A personal piece of original artwork and a wonderful reminder of your wedding.
See Your Wedding Through an Artist's Eyes
About Carl
A little more about me. I have been an artist now for over 20 years and I use a wide range of media and cover various different subjects, as well as weddings and other events I have illustrated books, my artwork is available for purchase in several galleries throughout the Lake District and in northern Cumbria and I am also a Derwent ambassador. I also do pet portraits when I have the time.
I have written a children’s book with my youngest son, and we have both illustrated it and as I write this, I am approaching agents to hopefully take us on!
And now the why.
I have had a variety of jobs over the years, and with each job there is a distinct feel whether it is office based or surveying for estate agents. I have not worked any where that has the same atmosphere as a wedding though!
My Portfolio
Welcome to my portfolio. Here you’ll find a selection of my work. Explore my projects to learn more about what I do.
Why couples love it.
Live entertainment.
Guests can watch original artwork being created during your celebration.
Personal to every guest.
Each illustration captures a person, outfit and moment from your wedding.
A keepsake they'll actually keep.
Instead of another generic favour, guests leave with original artwork made especially for them.
Loved By Couples & Venues
'We were lucky enough to have Carl as part of our special day live sketching our wedding guests. Carl and his assistant were so lovely and down to earth and it was our pleasure to have them there during the day. The set up looked so good at the venue and our guests loved popping over to see the progress and finished products. The sketches were SO good and everyone was over the moon with them. It was, and still is, such a talking point of our wedding day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Carl for your special day, or in general for any drawing you may need. Thank you so much!'
Racheal & Matt - Low Hall, The Lakes 01.08.2026
'Carl illustrated at our daughters wedding. Carl is extremely personable, he was happy to engage with our guests for those who wanted to know a little more but at the same time did not distract from the wedding.
Guests loved having a keepsake from the day to take away with them.
Great work and certainly recommended.'
Matthew & Lydia - Markee LA12 8ES 26.07.2025
Live Wedding Illustrations Packages
It takes me approximately 10 minutes to complete an individual portrait, so I will complete between 30 - 40 portrait drawings (15 - 20 couples) in 5 hours, 42 - 52 (21 -26 couples) in 7 hours and 48 - 60 (24 - 30 couples) in 8 hours. Additional portraits will be completed in my studio and forwarded to the happy couple to distribute. All packages allow for one portrait for each guest. Additional portraits can be arranged on the day for a fee payable on the day (charged to the individuals ) and will be completed in the studio and forwarded with the Portrait of the happy couple.
Should a guest want the portrait to come directly to them this is fine, P&P will be added to the fee.
Silver
Silver – £625.00 Perfect for intimate weddings 5 hours of live illustration. Up to 60 guests. Approx. 30 - 40 portraits drawn live. Outstanding guest portraits completed in the studio. A4 Studio portrait of the happy couple. Travel within 60 miles of Carlisle included. All studio work posted to the happy couple within 10 working days.
Gold
Gold - £825.00 7 hours of live illustration. Up to 80 guests. A4 studio portrait of the happy couple with the wedding bouquet. All drawings will come mounted and in a protective sleeve. Includes; •travel of up to 80 miles from Carlisle. (Extra mileage charged at 48p per mile) •Set up time •45 minutes photographing guests.
Platinum
Platinum - £1250 -100 + guests. 8 hours of drawing at the venue. A4 studio portrait of happy couple featuring the wedding bouquet Includes; •travel of up to 100 miles from Carlisle. (Extra mileage charged at 48p per mile) •Set up time •60 minutes photographing guests •A bespoke set of 8 coasters featuring the happy couples portrait
