Chelsea Town Hall Wedding Photographer
A Glimpse into Micro wedding celebrations at the iconic Chelsea Town Hall
One of my favourite places for these smaller celebrations is Chelsea Town Hall in London. It has a quiet elegance – the bright rooms inside, those iconic steps and the charming Chelsea neighbourhood just outside. Each wedding I’ve photographed here has felt like a little gem: unique, deeply personal and full of character.
There’s something wonderfully intimate about a micro wedding. Fewer people, yes – but often so much more space for emotion, connection and the kind of beautiful, authentic moments I love to photograph.
Micro weddings strip everything back to what really matters. It’s about you, your person and the handful of people who mean the world to you. There’s something incredibly freeing about keeping things small. Without the pressure of a big guest list or a packed timeline, the day unfolds gently, with space to breathe and be truly present.
Whether your wedding is a simple legal ceremony, part of a larger celebration later on, or your entire wedding day, intimate weddings invite you to slow down and celebrate in a meaningful way with the people who mean the most to you.
The beauty of Intimate weddings
There’s a timeless elegance to Chelsea Town Hall – beautiful and historic, yet warm and welcoming for the most intimate wedding days.
Inside, the building feels light, calm and spacious. The ceremony rooms are bright and airy, and the sweeping staircase adds a real sense of occasion. Two of the most popular rooms for micro weddings are the Rossetti Room and the Brydon Room (both featured below). The Rossetti Room seats up to 12 guests and is perfect for personal ceremonies alongside just immediate family or a few close friends. The Brydon Room is slightly larger, seating up to 38 guests, with soft cream walls and beautifully bright windows that fill the space with natural light.
Saying “I do” at Chelsea Town Hall
Outside, the iconic doors, florals and steps set the scene beautifully. It’s one of my favourite spots in London for confetti – classic, timeless and full of that just married energy as everyone spills out together. It’s not uncommon for passers-by to stop and cheer or for cars to beep in celebration too! After confetti, I encourage couples to have a moment with their guests before any family or group photos. All making the most of the iconic steps and beautiful building backdrop.
The Iconic Steps of Chelsea Town Hall
For hints and tips on getting the best out of your confetti photos, read more here
Couples portraits on the streets of Chelsea
I usually recommend setting aside around 30–45 minutes for couple portraits, depending on the number of locations you would like. These can take place either before your ceremony (ideal if you’d like uninterrupted time with your guests afterwards) or after your ceremony (perfect if you’re hoping for that more traditional ‘first look’ down the aisle).
Once outside the Town Hall, the surrounding streets offer so much variety. Pastel houses, quiet corners and classic London scenes sit just moments away. Nearby spots like Chelsea Fire Station add a touch of character, while St Luke’s Garden is a lovely option for couples looking for a little greenery.
Albert Bridge & the Riverside Embankment
One of my favourite locations to photograph couples is the iconic Albert Bridge – just a ten-minute walk from Chelsea Town Hall or quick black cab ride away! I love capturing both portraits on the bridge itself and quieter moments down by the River Thames along the Embankment. The setting feels timeless and unmistakably London.
Your Chelsea Reception
One of the joys of getting married at Chelsea Town Hall is how much choice there is nearby for a relaxed drinks reception or dinner afterwards. Whether you’re hoping for something cosy and informal or a little more polished, Chelsea has plenty of beautiful options within easy walking distance or a short cab ride. It’s a lovely way to slow things down after the ceremony and spend more time celebrating with your guests.
Below I’ve featured The Ivy Chelsea Garden, The Surprise Pub and The Fox & Pheasant – all popular choices for post ceremony celebrations. Other much loved local spots include Bluebird Chelsea, The Phene, Daphne’s and Beaufort House – the list goes on!
Town Hall ceremonies run to a strict schedule, so thoughtful timing is key. Arriving too early can mean waiting outside, while arriving late simply isn’t an option. A calm, well-paced plan helps the whole experience feel relaxed and unhurried.
My micro wedding coverage begins at two hours. This usually allows time for arrivals, the ceremony, a confetti exit, group photos and relaxed couple portraits, as shown in the sample timeline below. If you’d like preparations to be included, I recommend adding 1-2 hours beforehand. If you’re planning a meal or drinks afterwards, additional coverage should be added on to capture those moments too.
As always, the timeline can be tailored to suit your plans and priorities, ensuring your day flows in a way that feels natural to you. I’m always happy to help couples plan their schedule, offering guidance based on my experience and what matters most to them.
Timeline Planning for your Micro Wedding
sample timeline (2 hours)
12:30pm – Guests & Groom Arrival at Chelsea Town Hall
12:45pm – Brides arrival
1.00pm – Ceremony
1:30pm – Confetti & Family Photos on steps
1:45pm – Couples portraits around Chelsea
2:30pm – Couple to join guests for reception
(additional hour recommended for reception coverage)
