London Wedding Venues – A Photographer’s Guide

By Janis Ratnieks, London Wedding Photographer

As a London wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of photographing celebrations in more than fifty venues across the city — from historic landmarks to hidden gardens, from skyline rooftops to candlelit chapels.
Each space offers its own light, rhythm, and atmosphere — and my goal is to capture how it felt to be there, not just how it looked.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of my favourite London wedding venues, grouped by style and setting — so you can explore ideas and see where your story might unfold.

Westminster London wedding photographer

Discover London’s Most Photogenic Wedding Venues

London is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking wedding venues — elegant hotels, hidden gardens, historic halls, and modern architectural icons.
As a wedding photographer based in London for over 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to capture celebrations in more than fifty different venues across the city — from the grandeur of Claridge’s to the quiet charm of Chelsea Town Hall.

Choosing the right venue shapes not just your wedding day, but the entire visual story that unfolds in your photos.
This guide brings together some of my favourite London wedding venues — places where atmosphere, light, and emotion come together perfectly.

London wedding photographer

Luxury Hotel Wedding Venues

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic hotels, each offering its own blend of elegance, service, and timeless architecture. From the grandeur of Mayfair ballrooms to riverside suites overlooking the Thames, these venues create unforgettable backdrops for sophisticated celebrations.
If you’re planning a city-chic celebration, explore my guide to the London top wedding hotel venues — featuring real photos and insights from weddings I’ve photographed at The Dorchester, The Ritz, Rosewood London, and other five-star favorites.

The Dorchester – Timeless Mayfair Glamour

Classic luxury meets cinematic light. From the gold-lined ballroom to Hyde Park terrace portraits, The Dorchester is elegance distilled — perfect for couples seeking refined London grandeur.

See Dorchester Wedding photography Gallery

The Ritz – Iconic London Grandeur

Golden interiors, mirrored salons, and soft window light create timeless, editorial-style portraits. The Ritz remains one of the city’s most luxurious and photogenic venues.

See The Ritz Wedding Photography Gallery

the Ritz London wedding photography

Rosewood London – Edwardian Elegance & Modern Soul

A marble staircase, grand courtyard, and art deco suites — Rosewood London blends character with contemporary sophistication. Its natural light and textures make it a photographer’s dream.
See Rosewood London Wedding Gallery

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park – Parkside Romance

Overlooking Hyde Park, the Mandarin Oriental combines polished architecture with lush outdoor access for relaxed couple portraits.
See Mandarin Oriental Wedding Gallery

Luxury Wedding Photography Mandarin Oriental

Royal Automobile Club – St James Heritage & Opulence

Chandeliers, carved wood, and timeless charm. The RAC offers an atmosphere of old-world luxury right in the heart of London’s historic St James’s district.
See Royal Automobile Club Wedding Gallery

Royal Automobile Club wedding photographer

The Corinthia Hotel London – Modern Luxury by the Thames

Flooded with natural light and wrapped in marble elegance, The Corinthia blends classic architecture with modern warmth. The grand staircase, sweeping suites, and views toward the Embankment make it one of the most photogenic hotels in London.
See Corinthia Hotel Wedding Gallery

Other Notable Hotel Venues

The Savoy, Claridge’s, The Langham, Kimpton Fitzroy, The Ned, Hotel Café Royal, Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square, The Connaught, The Landmark London.

Historic & Landmark Venues

Syon Park – The Great Conservatory & Gardens

Light-filled glasshouses, botanical paths, and a stately home backdrop. Syon Park is perfect for luminous, romantic storytelling that feels both cinematic and natural.
See Syon Park Gallery

Syon Park wedding

Fulham Palace – Garden & Cloister Romance

A blend of Tudor charm and botanical elegance. Portraits in the walled garden and under ivy-covered arches capture London’s softer, more historic side.
See Fulham Palace Wedding Gallery

fulham palace london wedding photography

The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) – Skyline Sunset Views

A wedding above the city skyline. The Gherkin offers golden-hour light and sweeping views that transform portraits into cinematic scenes.
See Gherkin Wedding Gallery

Iconic London Photography: London Wedding Photographer at The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe

Shakespeare’s Globe – Riverside Heritage & Theatrical Charm

Candlelit galleries and the Thames below — Shakespeare’s Globe merges historic atmosphere with creativity. A venue made for couples who love culture, warmth, and storytelling.
See Shakespeare’s Globe Wedding Gallery

Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich – Grand Riverside Majesty

Overlooking the Thames, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich offers breathtaking symmetry, timeless architecture, and a sense of pure cinematic grandeur. The Painted Hall’s frescoed ceiling and the surrounding colonnades make it one of the most iconic wedding photography locations in London.
From golden-hour portraits by the river to candlelit dinners under historic domes, every moment here feels royal.
See Old Royal Naval College Wedding Gallery

Banqueting House – Royal Grandeur & Rubens Ceiling

Majestic ceilings, marble floors, and the grandeur of Whitehall — perfect for classical weddings that still feel modern and artistic.

Kensington Palace Orangery – Elegant Heritage Setting

A masterpiece of symmetry and light, the Orangery combines regal gardens with soft interiors — ideal for timeless portraits.

Other Historic Favorites

Hampton Court Palace, Spencer House, Two Temple Place, One Marylebone, and Trinity House.

Garden & Outdoor Venues in London

Garden & Outdoor Venues

Kew Gardens – Botanical Elegance

From the Temperate House to the Nash Conservatory, Kew Gardens glows with natural light and texture. Every space feels alive — perfect for romantic, organic photography.

Holland Park

A hidden oasis in West London. The Kyoto Garden’s waterfalls, blossoms, and stone paths create tranquil, painterly settings for portraits.
See Holland Park Wedding Gallery

Hampstead Pergola – Ivy & Sunset Romance

Overgrown columns, golden evening light, and cinematic symmetry. The Pergola offers quiet intimacy with breathtaking views over London.

Chelsea Physic Garden – Hidden Historic Gem

Nestled beside the Thames, this botanical garden offers lush greenery and a romantic, old-world atmosphere.

St Dunstan-in-the-East – Ruined Church Garden Magic

One of London’s most atmospheric spaces — gothic arches, ivy, and open sky. Perfect for elopements or portraits that feel timeless and ethereal.

St Dunstan-in-the-East wedding photography

Barbican Conservatory – Urban Jungle Ambience

A greenhouse oasis of palms and architecture — for couples who love modern lines softened by nature.

St James Hotel Paris wedding

Registry Offices & Intimate Venues

Chelsea Register Office – Chic Town Hall Elopement

Iconic steps, confetti, and stylish simplicity. A favorite for London elopements and micro weddings with effortless charm.
See Chelsea Register Office Gallery

Marylebone Town Hall – Classic City Ceremony

White marble interiors and sweeping staircases. One of London’s most loved registry venues for timeless civil weddings.

Old Marylebone Library – Boutique Intimacy

Soft natural light and heritage architecture — a perfect choice for quiet, heartfelt ceremonies.

Islington Town Hall – Light & Architectural Elegance

Large windows, warm tones, and open-plan ceremony rooms ideal for candid, emotional photography.

Hackney Town Hall – Art Deco Flair

Geometric lines, symmetry, and subtle grandeur — a stylish choice for modern couples seeking individuality.

Chelsea Town Hall wedding photographer

Unique & Alternative Venues

Asylum Chapel, Peckham – Atmospheric Candlelit Wedding

Weathered walls, shafts of light, and flickering candles — Asylum Chapel’s mood is unmatched. Perfect for artistic storytelling and emotion-driven imagery.
See Asylum Chapel Gallery

 

Asylum Chapel wedding in London

Wilton’s Music Hall – Vintage Stage Romance

London’s oldest music hall, full of faded glamour and theatrical texture. Ideal for couples who love history and personality.

Trinity Buoy Wharf – Industrial Riverside Cool

Dockside warehouses and sunset river views give this East London venue an urban, creative vibe.
See Trinity Buoy Wharf Gallery

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding photography

One Friendly Place – Loft-Style Weddings

Industrial charm with warmth and flexibility — a blank canvas for modern city celebrations.

Planning Tip

Every venue offers its own light and rhythm. When choosing, think about how you want your day to feel — grand and classic, quiet and botanical, or bold and modern.
Once you’ve found your perfect space, I’d love to show you how to capture it beautifully.
Contact wedding photographer Janis Ratnieks