Luxury Summer Pre-Wedding at The Ritz London — Xi & Yang’s Elegant Affair

When Xi and Yang arrived from mainland China, they knew exactly where they wanted their pre-wedding shoot — The Ritz London.
Few places say luxury quite like this iconic hotel, and as their London pre-wedding photographer, I couldn’t wait to turn its elegance into a cinematic love story.

They booked a Junior Suite, and the morning began with quiet excitement — the gentle light through gold-trimmed curtains, perfume in the air, the rustle of the wedding gown.

If you’re planning something similar, my London pre-wedding photoshoot guide covers timing, permits, and routes. As a London pre-wedding photographer, I love the grand architecture the Ritz offers — corridors, the staircase, and chandelier rooms that photograph like a film set. Mixing luxury interiors with outdoor icons? Plan it with my top London pre-wedding photography spots.

London Ritz Pre-wedding photography by London photographer Janis Ratnieks

Getting Ready Elegance & Timeless Details

Inside the suite, Xi wore a classic white gown and veil that caught every ray of light.
Yang straightened his tie by the window while I framed the reflection — a quiet moment before the glamour.
No posing, just small gestures and soft glances that tell the real story.

Grand Staircases & Golden Corridors

Next, we stepped into the corridors and the grand staircase — one of The Ritz’s crown jewels.
The symmetry, the light, the patterns — everything begged for perfect composition.
I played with perspective, leading lines, and Xi’s flowing veil to match the hotel’s rhythm.

Collage of London pre-wedding locations – Tower Bridge, Regent’s Park, St Paul’s

Chandeliers & Dining Room Drama

The Ritz Dining Room feels like a movie set — chandeliers glistening, mirrors catching reflections, and gold details everywhere.
We took elegant, almost painterly portraits that felt straight out of a royal film scene.
Even with natural light mixing with chandeliers, the glow stayed warm and magical.

Luxury pre-wedding portraits under chandeliers in The Ritz London dining room

A Red Dress at The Ritz Entrance

After a quick outfit change, Xi stepped into a stunning red gown, the colour of celebration and confidence.
We photographed right at The Ritz London entrance, under its elegant arches and golden light.
The cream façade made the dress glow even more — a beautiful contrast of warmth and luxury.
Guests paused, the doorman smiled, and for a moment, it felt like a movie premiere on the hotel steps.

Bride in red gown at The Ritz London entrance during pre-wedding shoot” | caption: Bold elegance in red — The Ritz London entrance

Blue Dress Romance in St James’s Park

Our final location was St James’s Park, just a short stroll away.
Xi changed into a flowing blue dress that matched the summer sky, while Yang kept it classic.
We caught golden-hour reflections on the lake and wrapped the day with laughter and soft London light.

Final Thoughts

Xi and Yang’s pre-wedding session at The Ritz London blended timeless architecture, couture fashion, and a touch of cinematic drama — everything I love about photographing luxury couples in the city.
Whether indoors beneath chandeliers or outdoors in London’s golden light, the result was pure elegance.

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