London Elopement: An Intimate, Classic London Courthouse Wedding

There is nothing quite like exploring the streets of a bustling city as a couple. Whether you’ve been there before, or it’s your very first time, everything looks a little different once you’ve just gotten married. 

And the streets of London are no different. From quiet side streets where not a soul lingers to the busy main squares, this city creates some of the most incredible backdrops. 

I’m so ecstatic to have captured the spirit of the city in this couple’s beautiful, classic ceremony as their London elopement photographer!

A Tailor-Made London Elopement

Over the years, the term “elopement” has certainly changed. What used to be thought of as “running away” from family to marry a forbidden love has transformed into an intimate ceremony with a focus on family and love. 

This elopement in England was exactly that! It was a beautiful ceremony filled with only the closest family members to witness the couple’s vows. 

And, as is the case with many elopements, they created a wedding day that served their needs instead of traditional customs. 

The Perfect First Look 

After a night at the pubs, the bride and groom spent the morning separated from each other to get ready for their London courthouse ceremony. 

Once hair and makeup were finished for the bride, she stepped out of the gorgeous building where she chose to get ready that morning. Beautiful, wide columns framed her silhouette. And black iron gates provided the quintessentially “London” aesthetic in her first bridal photographs. 

The couple had their first look in a quiet square off of a small side street. Their guests in attendance were there to witness it, too! It was such a sweet moment for them to celebrate their love for one another with their families. Because my signature style captures the candid moments that matter, the couple will have their first look preserved forever.

The Bridal Gown

The bride stepped out of her bridal ensuite in a chic, sheath Gabriela Hearst dress with cap sleeves. Rather than adding a veil, which may have been difficult to walk the streets of London in, she added a matching floral headband. 

It was incredible to capture a bride that looked as if she had just stepped out of an classic, timeless film! And with the traditional style of London in the background, she created such magical photographs that you can hardly take your eyes off of.

Minimal, Lush Fresh Floral Touches

For a minimalist London elopement, the bride opted for small touches of lush fresh florals. Her bridal bouquet and those of her bridesmaids were filled to the brim with full, soft peonies in white, cream, and pink.

The Chelsea Old Town Hall Ceremony

After the first look, I piled into the car with the bride, groom, and bridesmaids. On the drive, I captured some of the sweetest moments of the day. These “in-between” moments throughout the wedding day always make for the most gorgeous photographs because they’re often the most genuine!

The Chelsea Old Town Hall was a quaint, charming building that fit the overall aesthetic of the London wedding perfectly. With hardwood floors, antiquated brass chandeliers, and sky blue walls with plenty of natural light, it served as a beautiful ceremony site.

Luncheon at The Cadogan 

After the ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall, the bride, groom, and their families made their way to The Cadogan for a British-style luncheon menu. 

Sitting at a banquet table, they continued their desire to have an intimate celebration with everyone they cherish. 

Bright fresh florals of yellows, pinks, and whites lined the banquet-style table and created the perfect tablescape.

Couple’s Portraits in the Quaint Streets of London

One of my favorite parts of the day was right after the ceremony. The bride, groom, and I took to the streets of London for gorgeous couple’s portraits. 

Whether it was on rooftops for an exciting, fresh take of London. Or it was finding the perfect angles with historic elements such as grand, ornate iron gates, we captured the essence of London in these breathtaking photographs!

The Bridal Jumpsuit

Right before we captured their portraits together, the bride slipped away for a quick outfit change. 
She reappeared wearing a sleek, modern Galvan bridal jumpsuit that was stunning for photographs. Paired with the same headband that she wore at the ceremony, and a gorgeous white trench coat, the two were the epitome of fashionable and elegant.

Chic Dinner at 5 Hertford Club

Rather than finding a venue and transforming it, the couple opted for a favorite local dinner club and allowed it to do the talking for them. 

The newly married couple and their guests took to the 5 Hertford Club for cocktail hour and the wedding reception. With bright red, velvet seating and antique rugs, the club created such a chic atmosphere. 

Of course, the couple and their families looked the part in gorgeous cocktail wear. All of the elements combined created luxe photos for their London elopement gallery that looked as if they were torn out of vintage copies of Vogue.

This classic courthouse ceremony was such a wonderful ode to the love the couple shared. From the intimate first look to the gorgeous reception, my team and I are thankful we were there to capture every moment as their London wedding photographer.

Find more elopement wedding inspiration on our blog! 

Wedding Day Vendors: 

Ceremony Venue: Chelsea Old Town Hall
Luncheon Venue: The Cadogan
Reception Venue: 5 Hertford Club
Wedding Dress: Gabriela Hearst
Wedding Shoes: Aquazzura
Bridal Jumpsuit: Galvan