Emily and James booked me for the full day package plus 35mm film back in October, and their London wedding had everything. As a wedding photographer who works across London regularly, I'm always excited when couples choose iconic venues like Old Marylebone Town Hall - and this day didn't disappoint.
I met Emily and her girls in their room at the Native Hyde Park Hotel where she got ready with her bridesmaids and mum. Lots of my couples choose to have a relaxed morning and this was the perfect spot for it. These central London hotels are brilliant for bridal prep - great light, plenty of space, and you're never far from your ceremony venue via an iconic London black cab ride.
Then we arrived at The Elgin - a pub in Maida Vale with so much character. The whole place was exclusively theirs for the night. If you're looking for London wedding venues with personality, The Elgin is an absolute gem and the food and staff are fantastic.
Upstairs was set for dinner, flooded with natural light from huge tall windows onto the street, fairy lights strung across the ceiling, gorgeous original wooden floorboards and original exposed brick interior. The decor was arty and unique, perfect for Emily and James's vibe.
Scroll through the gallery below for the full story of Emily and James's London wedding day - from getting ready in Hyde Park to dancing the night away in one of the coolest pub venues I've shot at.
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Wedding Reception at The Elgin, Maida Vale
Getting Ready at Native Hyde Park Hotel
Post-ceremony, while their guests made their way outside to assemble for confetti, the newlyweds and I wandered down the corridors and used the iconic staircase inside for portraits. I always like to have a quiet word with the staff to check how we are for time as it's such a busy venue, I like to know if we can take our time or whether we need to have a fun whirlwind portrait session on our way to the exit! Then out into the chaos for the classic confetti throw on the stone steps.
We did a few planned group shots on the main steps (kept it minimal, promise) then moved to the stone archways at the side of that iconic entrance for couple portraits. I also shot some of these on 35mm film because the light and the architecture were just begging for it.
The Elgin at Maida Vale was the reception venue so we hopped in a taxi and I took them to a mews near the Elgin for portrait time. It wasn't just about the photos though, it gave Emily and James a proper breather together before the party kicked off. I'll always encourage you to take some time alone to let everything sink in if you can and Maida Vale has some gorgeous tucked-away streets that are perfect for this.
Wedding Portraits at The Old Marylebone Town Hall
We did just that and hopped in a cab to The Old Marylebone Town Hall, they tied the knot in the Westminster Room which is the largest ceremony room at the venue, accommodating up to 100 guests. If you're considering this venue for your London wedding, it's one of the most beautiful registry offices in the city - all that classic architecture and those incredible staircases.
