Jane and David had an intimate wedding at Claridge’s, with just their immediate family. They got ready in rooms at the hotel, married in one of its rooms, had a few photographs around Claridge’s, and then sat down to dinner at Fera, the hotel’s restaurant at the time. It was an afternoon at my favourite wedding venue, and a very different day from the big Claridge’s weddings.
Getting ready overlooking Mayfair
When I arrived, Jane and the girls were sipping champagne in one of the recently refurbished rooms overlooking Mayfair. Jane wore Amanda Wakeley, with Manolo Blahnik shoes. There was time to photograph her with her mother, and with her children around her, before the ceremony.
David was getting ready in the room next door, with his son and daughter there for moral support. There was a lot of joking and laughter, mostly at David’s expense, and it kept him relaxed.
The ceremony
The ceremony was held in one of the finest rooms at Claridge’s, dressed with McQueens flowers. With only the immediate family there, it was a small, close group, and everyone made me feel welcome rather than in the way.
Portraits around Claridge’s
After the ceremony there was a short time with Jane and David in a couple of places around the hotel, including the front entrance on Brook Street. Claridge’s was remodelled in the 1920s and 30s and kept its Art Deco, so you don’t have to go far for a backdrop. There were also some family photographs during dinner.
Dinner at Fera, and Tom
Then I left them to their dinner at Fera. A special mention has to go to Tom, the wedding planner at Claridge’s, who looked after their every need. He was professional and friendly, nothing was too much trouble, and he added a lot to the day. That level of service is what makes an occasion at Claridge’s feel personal.
Congratulations to Jane and David.
Planning a small wedding at Claridge’s
- Small works here. The private rooms suit weddings from around sixteen to thirty-five, and a small wedding at Claridge’s doesn’t feel like a scaled-down version of a big one.
- Check which room your licence covers. Claridge’s is licensed for civil ceremonies, so the ceremony and dinner can happen under one roof. Confirm the room when you book.
- Keep portraits short. The foyer and staircase are shared with hotel guests, so they’re done quickly and at a quiet moment.
- Getting ready in the hotel saves time. With both of you in rooms in the building, there’s no travel before the ceremony.
- Use the planner. A good events team means everyone, the photographer included, can watch the day rather than manage it.
For the rooms, numbers and the practical side, read my guide to weddings at Claridge’s and my Claridge’s wedding photographer page. For a bigger day at the same hotel, see Henry and Charlotte’s Claridge’s wedding, with a church in Hampstead and two London buses. There’s more on the area on my Mayfair page, or have a look at my prices and send me your date.
