Henry and Charlotte married at a church in Hampstead on a perfect British summer’s day, then brought everyone back to Claridge’s in Mayfair on two traditional London buses. Charlotte got ready in a suite at Claridge’s, the ceremony was led by a friend of the couple, and the day finished with a Samurai sword through the cake and a party that went on long into the evening.
Getting ready in the suite at Claridge’s
We arrived in London early and joined Charlotte, her bridesmaids and Henry’s mum, Sylvia, in their suite at Claridge’s for the final preparations. There was a lot of excitement and laughter through the morning.
Henry and the groomsmen in Hampstead
While the girls were getting ready, I went to meet Henry and the groomsmen near the church in Hampstead. They had a nerve-calming drink before heading over for the ceremony.
The ceremony
The ceremony was taken by a friend of the couple who works with Charlotte. That added something very special to the words that were said and the vows that were exchanged.
Charlotte didn’t stop smiling all day, and she was perhaps the most excited bride we have ever seen walking up an aisle.
After the ceremony, onto the buses
Outside the church there was time with the guests. Then everyone was taken back to Claridge’s on two traditional London buses.
Back at Claridge’s
Claridge’s is on Brook Street in Mayfair. It was remodelled in the 1920s and 30s and never lost its Art Deco, so the foyer, the black-and-white chequered floor and the staircase are the real thing. Back at the hotel the guests had drinks and canapés while the group photographs were done. They matter for the families, and they were kept quick and fun rather than a chore.
Portraits around the hotel
Henry and Charlotte were taken away a few times for portraits, inside the hotel and outside it. One was at the front of Claridge’s, where the doorman was a good sport and joined in.
Dinner, speeches and a Samurai sword
The meal was beautiful. The photographers were kindly given the main course too, so that’s first-hand. After dinner came some brilliant speeches, and then the cake. Henry and Charlotte cut it with a very long Samurai sword, and did it perfectly.
First dance and the party
Henry and Charlotte had their first dance in front of family and friends, and then the party really started, long into the evening. Next stop for them was Bali. There’s more of my work as a London wedding photographer on the home page.
Congratulations to Henry and Charlotte.
Planning a Claridge’s wedding with a church ceremony
- Plan the transport. A church away from the hotel means moving everyone across London. Buses keep the guests together and arrive as one group.
- Do the public rooms at a quiet moment. The foyer and staircase are shared with hotel guests, so portraits there are best done quickly, straight after you arrive or once dinner has started.
- Two photographers for two mornings. If the bride is getting ready at the hotel and the groom is near the church, one photographer can’t be in both places.
- Know the room times. Ask what time your rooms are released. It changes how the evening gets built.
- Greenery is a drive away. Brook Street has no garden. Hyde Park is a few minutes by car, so allow about twenty minutes there and back if you want it.
Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR.
For more on the rooms and the practical side, read my Claridge’s wedding photographer guide. For a much smaller day at the same hotel, see Jane and David’s intimate Claridge’s wedding. There’s more on the area on my Mayfair page, or have a look at my wedding photography prices and packages and send me your date.
