RIBA Wedding Photographer
66 Portland Place, the Art Deco home of the Royal Institute of British Architects, with a sweeping staircase, tall windows and three roof terraces.
King George V and Queen Mary opened 66 Portland Place in 1934, and it still looks ahead of its time.
George Grey Wornum won the design competition against 283 other entries. The building mixes Art Deco with a classical order: bronze doors outside, and inside a triple-height hall with a sweeping staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows. It's Grade II* listed, and still the headquarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Straight lines and good light
I haven't photographed a wedding at RIBA yet, and I'd rather say that plainly.
I have photographed weddings a few minutes down the road, at the Langham, with portraits outside Broadcasting House and All Souls Church. So I know Portland Place, and how it looks after dark.
A building like this rewards a bit more thought in the portraits. Lines, stone and big windows give you pictures that look nothing like a hotel ballroom. The rest of the day I work quietly and stay out of the way, and I'll talk to the RIBA wedding team before the day so nothing is being worked out as you go.
BarrieThe rooms at 66 Portland Place
Licensed for civil ceremonies, so the whole day can happen in one building. You also get a RIBA wedding organiser from your first enquiry through to the day.
The RIBA Gallery
The ceremony room. The landing next to it takes another 100 for drinks afterwards.
Florence Hall
The big room, with floor-to-ceiling windows. 250 for dinner, or 220 if you want a dance floor.
The Aston Webb Room
On the second floor, for a smaller wedding breakfast or celebration.
The roof terraces
There are three, with views over the city. The largest is leafy and takes 150 for a drinks reception.
Where to take portraits near RIBA
Fifteen or twenty minutes when the light is right, and you're back with your guests before anyone misses you.
- The staircaseThe triple-height hall and the big window. The easy option if it rains.
- The terracesOpen sky and rooftops, a different look from the rooms below.
- All Souls and Broadcasting HouseAt the bottom of Portland Place. Both look even better after dark.
- Park Crescent and Regent's ParkUp the other end of Portland Place, for Nash terraces and trees.
What RIBA wedding photography costs
The same collections I offer for every London wedding, priced by the hours you actually need.
Ceremony through to the speeches.
- For smaller weddings and daytime receptions
- Ceremony and drinks
- Portraits on the staircase or terrace
- Family groups kept short
- Dinner details and speeches
Preparations through to the first dance.
- The standard full London wedding day
- Getting ready
- Ceremony, drinks and portraits
- Dinner in Florence Hall
- The first dance
Preparations through to the last dance.
- For big celebrations where nothing gets missed
- Everything in Classic
- Ceremony, dinner and speeches
- The evening party
- An unhurried pace all day
A second photographer is £1,250 and albums are quoted separately. The full breakdown is on my London wedding photographer prices page. Nearby: Asia House and Old Marylebone Town Hall. Marrying at the town hall and celebrating here? Half day wedding photography usually covers both.
RIBA wedding questions
Is RIBA at 66 Portland Place licensed for weddings?
Yes. It holds a civil ceremony licence, so you can have the ceremony, drinks, dinner and dancing all in one building.
How many guests can RIBA hold?
The RIBA Gallery seats 120 for a ceremony. Florence Hall seats 250 for dinner, or 220 with a dance floor, and takes 400 standing.
Is there outdoor space at 66 Portland Place?
Yes, three roof terraces. The largest takes up to 150 for a drinks reception.
Have you photographed a wedding at RIBA?
Not yet. I have photographed weddings at the Langham at the bottom of Portland Place, and I talk to the venue team before any building I haven't worked in.
How much does a wedding photographer at RIBA cost?
My collections are £1,350 for five hours, £1,800 for eight and £2,200 for eleven, with every image edited. Galleries come back within 24 hours for smaller weddings and within a week for a full day.
Getting married at RIBA?
Send me your date. I read every enquiry myself and I'll let you know straight away whether I'm free.
Rather use the longer form? Head to the contact page