London is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world to get married in. It’s got everything! From historic town halls to wild green spaces, iconic architecture to tucked-away gardens – if you’re planning an intimate wedding or elopement, you really are spoiled for choice. In my guide for best London locations for elopements and intimate weddings, I share my experience as a London wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience.
I’ve had the joy of photographing small weddings and elopements across the city and I absolutely love them. They’re intimate, relaxed, focused on what matters most, and they give us the most wonderful freedom when it comes to photos. A small wedding doesn’t mean small on beauty or feeling. It means every single moment is captured.
Whether you’re planning an elopement with just the two of you, a small ceremony with a handful of people you love, or a low-key celebration that’s entirely your own, this guide is for you. Below are my best London locations for elopements and intimate weddings, the ones I’d happily photograph again and again, plus a little wishlist of venues I’m dying to work at in future.
My elopement photography packages start from just 90 minutes, so even the most intimate of ceremonies is perfectly catered for. You can find full details of all packages on my website.
The best London locations for Elopements and Intimate weddings – London wedding venues I know and love
1. Chelsea Old Town Hall
Chelsea Old Town Hall is small, iconic, and utterly lovely. It sits right on the King’s Road and has that classic London grandeur without being overwhelming which makes it ideal for an intimate wedding. The steps leading out onto the street make for some of the most effortlessly cool ceremony exit shots you can imagine.
And then there’s the neighbourhood itself. Chelsea is one of London’s most beautiful areas to wander with a camera with gorgeous Georgian streets, peaceful squares, the embankment, and that wonderful golden light in the afternoon. It has real history too: some very famous names have exchanged vows here over the years.
See Kate & Cory’s Chelsea Old Town Hall small wedding
2. Old Marylebone Town Hall
Marylebone Town Hall is a classic for a reason. The grand columned entrance and sweeping steps are genuinely stunning and they make the most beautiful backdrop for photos from the moment you arrive. Inside, the ceremony rooms have real character and are beautifully run.
I photographed Madeleine & Sam’s intimate wedding here LINK with a small town hall ceremony with their closest family and friends that was wonderfully special. After the ceremony there were cheers of celebration, and as the guests made their way outside we grabbed a few moments inside the beautiful building before heading out to be greeted by confetti and more cheers! We made the most of those fabulous steps and the gorgeous building as a backdrop for group photos. It was an overcast day with a spot of sunshine here and there, which was absolutely perfect for photography.
It can get busy (it’s a popular registry office!), but the team there knows what they’re doing, and the location more than makes up for it. Afterwards, Regent’s Park is just a short walk away for portraits and the surrounding Marylebone streets, with their charming independent shops and café terraces, are wonderful for relaxed couples photos too.
See Madeleine & Sam’s Marylebone Town Hall wedding
3. Barbican Centre
What’s not to love about Barbican?! If you’re after something truly different, Barbican is it. The architecture is unlike anywhere else in London with bold geometric concrete, dramatic angles, water features and walkways. It’s the kind of place that makes a photographer’s heart sing, and it does the same for photos.
The Barbican Conservatory is a particular favourite of mine: a lush, tropical indoor garden tucked inside this iconic arts centre, it creates the most extraordinary and unexpected contrast. Ferns, palms, and exotic plants against Brutalist architecture, it’s genuinely fabulous, and there’s nowhere quite like it in the city.
4. St Dunstan in the East
St Dunstan in the East is one of London’s best-kept secrets. It’s a beautiful bombed-out medieval church in the heart of the City, now a hauntingly beautiful public garden. The ruined stone walls are draped in ivy and climbing plants, the arched windows frame the sky, and the whole place has a peaceful, almost otherworldly quality.
I have photographed countless shoots here and absolutely love it and I’m thrilled to be doing my first small wedding here this year! The history and the beauty – it photographs beautifully in any light.
5. Hampstead Pergola & Hill Gardens
I don’t think many people realise this exists and when they discover it, they’re always amazed. The Pergola and Hill Gardens on Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most beautiful and romantic hidden gems: an elevated Edwardian pergola draped in wisteria, roses, and climbing plants, with sweeping views over the Heath.
It’s beautiful and deeply elegant and there are so many incredible spots for photos throughout the gardens and the Heath beyond. A truly magical setting for an intimate elopement.
See this beautiful couple’s shoot at Hampstead Hill
6. The London Eye
Yes, you can actually get married on the London Eye! It’s been a while since I photographed a small wedding in one of the pods, but it really is a wonderfully fun thing to do. The views across the city as you exchange vows are spectacular, and there’s something genuinely magical (and a little bit fun) about celebrating such an intimate moment 135 metres above the Thames.
After the ceremony, the South Bank gives you an incredible backdrop for photos: Westminster Bridge, the river, the City skyline, Gabriel’s Wharf – it’s one of the most photographically rich stretches in London.
See this gorgeous couple shoot on South Bank
7. Battersea Park Bandstand
The Victorian bandstand in Battersea Park is genuinely lovely – a beautiful ornate structure in a park that’s full of gorgeous spots for photography. The lake, the tree-lined avenues, the sub-tropical garden, the river walk along the Thames – Battersea Park offers so much variety for couples photos after a ceremony.
It’s a lovely, relaxed, feel-good setting for an intimate wedding and as a South Londoner myself, I’m a bit biased, but I genuinely love this park.
8. Orleans House Gallery
Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham is a gem of a place. Elegant and intimate, it’s a beautiful historic house on the banks of the Thames with an extraordinary Baroque Octagon Room that is unlike anything else you’ll find in London.
I photographed a gorgeous wedding there recently and loved every moment of it. The venue lends itself so well to small, special celebrations and for couples who went on to hold their reception at the nearby Petersham Nurseries, the contrast between the two settings made for the most beautiful day. Watch this space, I’ll be sharing that full wedding blog very soon!
9. Petersham Nurseries
Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is one of those places that makes you catch your breath a little. A working plant nursery with a beautiful restaurant and teahouse, it has a wild, romantic, overgrown quality that feels utterly magical and it photographs beautifully.
A plant lovers’ paradise – you can get married there and have your reception there too It is absolutely wonderful and a place that’s truly unlike any other in London. I photographed a small wedding here last year and adored it. If you’re dreaming of somewhere lush and relaxed, Petersham is it.
10. Fitzrovia Chapel
Fitzrovia Chapel is one of London’s most remarkable ceremony spaces, a breathtakingly ornate Victorian chapel, rescued and beautifully restored, tucked away in the heart of the West End. The interior is extraordinary: rich mosaic floors, painted walls, gilded detail, and candlelight – it is dark, dramatic, and incredibly beautiful.
It’s a small space, which makes it absolutely perfect for intimate ceremonies. I’ve photographed a handful of small weddings here and it never fails to produce stunning images. If you want somewhere that feels truly special, somewhere your guests will gasp when they walk in, Fitzrovia Chapel is it.
11. The Goring Hotel
The Goring is one of London’s finest hotels and one of its most special wedding venues. A family-owned, five-star Belgravia institution with a gorgeous garden, elegant reception rooms, and a level of warmth and personal service that sets it apart from larger luxury hotels. It’s the kind of place where everything just feels beautifully looked after.
I’ve worked here a few times and it’s always a pleasure. The location is also exceptional for photos: the Mall, St James’s Park, and the grandeur of the surrounding neighbourhood make for a wonderful backdrop for portraits after your ceremony.
12. The Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is a real south London treasure and one of my favourite venues to work in. The Victorian building is full of character, the collections are fascinating, and the gardens are genuinely beautiful, with sweeping views across London that make for incredible photos.
I’m a recommended photographer here and have photographed several small weddings at the Horniman, and it’s always a joy. It’s the kind of venue that couples discover and immediately feel is ‘them’ – curious and full of personality. Definitely one to look at if you’re planning an intimate London wedding with a difference.
You might also enjoy reading
If you’re in the early stages of planning your intimate wedding or elopement, these posts might be helpful in addition to my guide on the best London locations for elopements and intimate weddings
- Why a small wedding might be perfect for you
- Wedding ideas for couples over 40
- How to plan a small wedding in 10 easy steps
- An intimate wedding at Pembroke Lodge
On my London wedding photography wishlist – best London locations for Elopements and Intimate weddings
Part of what I love about London is that there is always somewhere new and extraordinary to discover. Here are a few venues I still consider as part of the best London locations for elopements and intimate weddings but I’m yet to photograph a wedding at and very much hope to. If you’re planning a wedding at any of these and looking for a photographer, please do get in touch. I would absolutely love to be there.
Tower Bridge
I genuinely didn’t know you could get married at Tower Bridge until recently and now I can’t stop thinking about it. The views, the history, the drama, and all those incredible spots nearby for photos after. It’s one of the most iconic locations in the world. Would absolutely love to photograph a wedding here.
Sky Garden
A stunning indoor garden 35 floors above the City, with panoramic views in every direction. It’s lush, light-filled, and the views are extraordinary. I think it would make for the most spectacular intimate wedding, and I’d love to see what the photos look like from up there.
The Gherkin
An iconic piece of London architecture with private event spaces and incredible skyline views, similar in feel to the Shard, but with its own very distinctive character. Somewhere that would produce genuinely jaw-dropping wedding photos. Very much on my list.
Woolwich Town Hall
I haven’t worked here yet, but the photos online are stunning, a gorgeous staircase and entrance hall that look absolutely beautiful. It’s the kind of grand civic architecture I love, and I’d be very excited to photograph a small wedding here.
Pan Pacific London
From everything I can see online, this is a beautifully elegant venue near Liverpool Street. Sophisticated, modern and polished, it looks like a wonderful setting for a small, stylish London wedding. One I’m keen to explore further.
The Shard
It’s the Shard! An extraordinary building with extraordinary views and the whole Southwark and London Bridge area around it is packed with brilliant spots for photos, from the riverside to Borough Market and beyond. A wedding at the Shard would be unforgettable. Fingers crossed this one happens!
Let’s talk about your day
Planning an intimate London wedding?
Whether your date is set or you’re still in the early stages of planning, I’d love to hear about your day. My intimate wedding and elopement packages start from just 90 minutes of coverage, perfect for even the smallest and most intimate of celebrations.
Every intimate wedding and elopement package includes a pre-wedding video call to discuss your plans, travel within London, images edited in my signature style, and your own online gallery with all images available to download. I’m also very happy to help with planning your route and locations for photos after the ceremony.
Find out more about my pricing here.
Get in touch to chat about your day
Chat soon,
Fee x
FAQ
What is the difference between an elopement and a small wedding?
These days the two terms are pretty interchangeable! Traditionally, eloping meant running away to marry in secret, but the meaning has completely shifted. Now an elopement simply means an intentionally small, intimate wedding, so anything from just the two of you to a handful of your closest people. There are no rules. What they all have in common is that they’re relaxed, personal, and entirely focused on the couple. That’s what makes them so special to photograph.
Can you legally get married in London with just two people?
Yes, absolutely! A legal civil ceremony in London requires just the two of you plus two witnesses and the witnesses don’t need to be friends or family. I’ve happily acted as a witness at a few small weddings myself! You’ll need to give notice of your intention to marry at least 28 days before your ceremony at your local register office, and you’ll need to choose a licensed venue or register office for the ceremony itself. All the venues in this guide are either register offices or licensed ceremony venues.
How far in advance do I need to book a London elopement?
For the ceremony, you’ll need to give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before your wedding date. However, popular venues in London can book up months or even a year or more in advance, especially for weekend dates, so it’s worth contacting your venue as early as possible. As for photography, my summer dates tend to book up 1–2 years ahead so if you have a date in mind, do get in touch sooner rather than later!
What are the most unique wedding venues in London for a small ceremony?
There are so many, but a few that really stand out: Fitzrovia Chapel is a restored Victorian chapel with mosaic floors and gilded detail that produces the most extraordinary photos. The Barbican Conservatory is a tropical indoor garden inside a Brutalist arts centre, it sounds like it shouldn’t work and absolutely does. St Dunstan in the East is a medieval bombed-out church now full of ivy and climbing plants, hauntingly beautiful. And if you want something truly one-of-a-kind, you can actually get married in a pod on the London Eye, 135 metres above the Thames. All are covered in more detail in my guide above!
