As a wedding photographer, documenting this London wedding was one of my highlights of the year. This elopement was planned a couple of months before the big day when my couple decided that the big wedding wasn’t for them and they wanted to elope instead. So they booked a registry wedding at Kensington & Chelsea Registry Office followed by couple portrait photos in Kensington and a reception at The Ampersand Hotel with their closest friends and family.
Ahead of their wedding day, I Google street viewed the whole walk between the registry office and hotel so I could photograph the couple on the most scenic walk back to their wedding guests after their ceremony. We shared screenshots of places that would be great backdrops over WhatsApp and made a plan! It paid off and we got the most beautiful London city wedding photos.
Eloping in London is all about intimacy, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments. We had all of these in abundance.
Bridal Prep
Sophie started her day at The Ampersand Hotel in a gorgeous suite with her bridal party and adorable daughter. The suite’s elegance and the buzz of excitement set the perfect scene as Sophie got ready in her stunning gown, surrounded by her closest loved ones. There were the most incredible huge windows in her suite too so I could photograph her wedding preparations and wedding party beautifully. Not to mention on the balcony of her Kensington hotel. I always suggest to my couples they think about lighting for their London wedding photos as it makes a huge difference to their wedding gallery.
Wedding Transport
Sophie’s ride to the Kensington & Chelsea Registry Office was quintessentially London—she arrived in a traditional black cab, while their guests enjoyed a scenic ride on a red London bus. This charming touch added a unique blend of tradition and modernity to their day.
Kensington & Chelsea Registry Office Ceremony
The ceremony was heartfelt and personal, held at the Chelsea Registry Wedding Office with just their closest family and friends. Sophie and Joe’s love and commitment were clear to everyone present, making it a truly special moment. The room itself has also recently been renovated and looked beautiful with the panelling. After the ceremony I photographed the family portraits at the iconic Chelsea Registry office stairs and the florals surrounding it perfectly matched Soph’s bouquet!
London Wedding Couple Photos
Taking wedding couple portraits is one of my highlights of the wedding day and it gives my couples a chance to soak it all in whilst their guests are busy too. After the ceremony, we took a relaxed stroll through the picturesque streets of Kensington and Chelsea for their couple portraits. A big part of how I work is making my couples feel comfortable by keeping them moving and chatting. This gives the natural wedding photos they’re looking for. I also like to banter and chat with them as we work to make them feel relaxed and comfortable with me, my little Bluetooth speaker playing songs as we walk also helps a lot so there’s no weird silences!
The cobblestone streets, elegant townhouses, and charming gardens provided stunning backdrops. In a delightful twist, a kind resident opened up a private garden for us, adding an unexpected touch of magic to the day. This is why city elopements are so wonderful—there’s always room for spontaneity and little surprises!
London Wedding Reception
I finished up Sophie & Joe’s wedding photos at The Ampersand Hotel with cocktail hour and heartfelt speeches. The intimate setting allowed for genuine moments of joy and connection. I left Sophie and Joe as they settled into their wedding breakfast, feeling thrilled that their day had been everything they dreamed of and more. It was such an incredible day—I wish I could do it all over again.
Why Elope in London?
Eloping in London, especially in Chelsea, offers a unique blend of charm and elegance. The chance for spontaneous moments, like a private garden opening up, adds a layer of magic. Chelsea’s beauty is free for all to enjoy, making it a perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding. Sophie & Joe opted for my half day package which was perfect for them, covering the last hour of bridal prep through to speeches which they had before their wedding breakfast when they left. I arrived the night before their wedding in London to ensure there was no risk of traffic delays or closures and it made everything so relaxed.
London Elopement Wedding Photographer
Thinking about eloping in London? I’d love to help you capture your special day. Whether it’s the charm of Chelsea, the elegance of Kensington, or any other beautiful spot in London, I’m all in—let’s make your elopement unforgettable! Head over to my contact page to check my availability or ask any questions. Interested in packages? Find those on my info page or if you want to see more of my work you can look through more of my portfolio.
