Gerri and Paul married at the National Liberal Club on Whitehall Place in Westminster. It was the second wedding of the weekend. There was a bus tour for the boys, the civil ceremony was in the Smoking Room, and the night ended with a Bluegrass and Cajun barn dance. Gerri looked beautiful, and it was lovely to see the two of them so happy together.
A bus tour for the boys
The boys started the morning with a bus tour. The bus came back later in the day too, so it made it into the photographs.
The ceremony in the Smoking Room
The National Liberal Club was founded by William Gladstone in 1882. Its building at One Whitehall Place, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, opened a few years later. The outside is neo-Gothic, and inside there’s a free-standing marble staircase that’s one of the best in London. It’s a few steps from the Thames, with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament just along the river.
Gerri and Paul’s civil ceremony was in the Smoking Room.
Champagne on the Terrace, supper in the Dining Room
After the ceremony, guests moved out to the Terrace for a champagne reception. Supper was served in the Dining Room.
A Bluegrass and Cajun barn dance
The evening entertainment was a Bluegrass and Cajun barn dance. It’s not what you’d expect in a Victorian club in Westminster, and that’s what made it work. The guests all joined in with huge enthusiasm.
Congratulations to Gerri and Paul.
Planning a National Liberal Club wedding
- Use the staircase. The marble staircase is ideal for group photographs, with the spiral below.
- Plan for the river. The Thames, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are only a few steps away if you want portraits outside.
- Book rooms nearby. One Whitehall Place is part of the Royal Horseguards Hotel, so guests can stay in the same building. The Corinthia is just across the road.
- Don’t be afraid to break the mood. A barn dance in a formal club gave Gerri and Paul’s evening its own character.
Gerri and Paul had their pre-wedding shoot at the Gherkin a few weeks before. For more about the venue, see weddings at One Whitehall Place and Robbie and Amy’s London wedding, which also had its reception at the club. Just across the road, see weddings at Corinthia London. For more London weddings, see my London wedding photographer page, or have a look at my prices and send me your date.
