Old Royal Naval College Wedding Photography – A Magical Christmas Celebration in Greenwich

Emma & Simon’s winter wedding story at the Painted Hall, with portraits across London and a riverboat ride to Greenwich.

Christmas Wedding at the Old Royal Naval College

London at Christmas has a glow that can’t be faked—twinkling lights, crisp air, and grand interiors that feel made for celebration. For Emma & Simon, that magic came together across three iconic locations: getting ready at The Rookery in Clerkenwell, a ceremony at St. Clement Danes Church on the Strand, and a candlelit reception in the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. As a Greenwich wedding photographer, I loved balancing the intimacy of the moments with the architectural scale of these spaces—especially the low-light elegance the season brings.

Wedding Day Overview

Season: December (Christmas wedding)
Getting ready: The Rookery, Clerkenwell
Ceremony: St. Clement Danes Church, Strand
River transfer: Private boat along the Thames to Greenwich
Reception: The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College

Wedding Morning at The Rookery, Clerkenwell

The Rookery’s paneled rooms and antique details set a calm, timeless tone for the morning. Bridal details—veil, shoes, invitation suite—were photographed in window light to preserve soft textures, while candid moments with family and bridesmaids told the quieter side of the day. The short travel time to St. Clement Danes kept the morning relaxed and unhurried.

Photographer’s note: winter weddings reward careful lighting. I work with natural light wherever possible and add discreet off-camera light only when it enhances atmosphere.

Christmas Ceremony at St. Clement Danes on The Strand

St. Clement Danes is rich with London history and at Christmas it feels especially welcoming. Evergreen décor and warm candlelight framed the aisle, while the church’s soaring architecture created a dramatic setting for vows. During the register signing and recessional, I used a longer focal length to keep the moment intimate without interrupting the ceremony flow.

River Thames Boat Ride to Greenwich

After confetti, the wedding party boarded a private boat from Westminster Pier. The river transfer offered a relaxed interlude and a chance for portraits with the skyline—Tower Bridge, iconic buildings, and winter light on the Thames. It’s a beautiful way to travel between Central London and Greenwich while keeping everyone together.

Painted Hall Wedding Reception at the Old Royal Naval College

The Painted Hall—often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel—is breathtaking for evening receptions. Christmas trees, candles, and the golden glow from the murals set the scene for heartfelt speeches and a lively first dance. We created portraits under the great ceiling and around the colonnades, ensuring a mix of grand editorial frames and natural, in-the-moment photographs.

Venue quick facts:

Spaces: Painted Hall and Admiral’s House
Typical capacities (Painted Hall): ~400 standing, ~400 dinner, ~300 theatre
Photo access: weddings include permission to photograph on the grounds

Best Portrait Locations Around Greenwich

Riverside colonnades for sculptural, timeless frames.
Queen’s House lawns for open sky and elegant lines.
Greenwich Park (time/season permitting) for golden-hour portraits.
The colonnades double as a weather-safe backdrop on rainy days.

Photography Approach for Winter Weddings

My style blends editorial composition with documentary honesty. I direct lightly for portraits, then step back for real moments during the ceremony and dinner. For winter and evening weddings, I plan a lighting strategy in advance—balancing ambient warmth with gentle flash or continuous light so the atmosphere stays true to the room.

Planning Tips for an Old Royal Naval College Winter Wedding

Timeline: allow 10–15 minutes extra for each transition; winter traffic and early nightfall compress daylight.
Portraits: schedule a short couple session before sunset; add a 10-minute night session under the colonnades for dramatic frames.
Permissions: coordinate photography logistics with the venue team; they’re fantastic and help everything run smoothly.
Transport: the riverboat transfer is both practical and photogenic—build in a few minutes for deck portraits.

Book Your Old Royal Naval College Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning a celebration at the Old Royal Naval College—or anywhere in London—I’d love to hear your plans. With experience at the Painted Hall and across Greenwich, I can help you craft a timeline that protects light, keeps you present with your guests, and results in elegant, natural photographs.

Enquire: Contact Janis · +44 7979 974 527 · [email protected]