Wedding Photography at Fitzrovia Chapel: A Venue in Westminster, London
Every face tells a different story: as the bride and her father walk past me, I turn to capture their arrival at the ‘altar’, with the congregation and groom waiting in the background. The Chapel uses this photograph as the promotional postcard, in the brochure and on the homepage.
There was never such a beautiful wedding venue that looked so out of place as the Fitzrovia Chapel.
Once standing proudly at the heart of the Middlesex Hospital, it now sits in Central London’s Pearson Square amongst modern blocks of flats, restaurants and office buildings. Despite this, Fitzrovia is one of my favourite London wedding venues to photograph.
The light at Fitzrovia is dim and warm, which is not brilliant for photography. However, a good photographer will have no trouble taking stunning shots of your day.
Some photographers don’t like guest photography, but everyone has a camera phone these days. I encourage photography and often capture guests taking photos. It’s all part of the wedding day fun!
The bridal party usually arrives on Riding House Street and walks through Pearson Square to the Chapel. I try to be there when they do.
A shot of the Bride and her Father entering the Chapel from the south end shows more striking architecture and decor.
Are You Planning Your Wedding at Fitzrovia Chapel?I photograph discretely and unobtrusively to capture the best moments of your day. With me as your wedding photographer, your memories will be in safe hands, so please get in touch any time to discuss… |
A good demonstration of how colour can make a photograph: The blues of the dress and guests’ suits perfectly complement the Chapel’s muted tones. I shoot many sequences throughout the day and edit in a combination of both.
Fitzrovia First Impressions
On walking into Fitzrovia Chapel, one is struck by the juxtaposition between the bustling, noisy streets of the concrete world outside and the quiet (almost sacred) tranquillity and beauty of the Chapel.
I took this at the smallest of weddings during the Coronavirus pandemic. Your photographer is allowed up to the balcony for shots capturing the venue’s magnificence.
Intimate grandeur and ornate decor contradict what it should be and where it sits in corporate London. The Fitzrovia website describes it as ‘stunningly beautiful‘ and ‘glorious‘; I concur with this 100%.
The venue is secular and accepts gay weddings. This was a Christmas wedding, and the Chapel was decorated beautifully.
The Chapel accepts most kinds of ceremonies. This couple had a Humanist celebration, which included a handfasting ritual—literally, ‘tying the knot’!
Why Not?>> Build Your Wedding Photography Package.
In contrast to the above photograph, this one shows how small a wedding at the Fitzrovia can be.
Being a small wedding space means I can get close, capturing the fun and laughter a wedding day can bring.
Secular for Weddings of any Denomination
Firstly, I must stress that the Fitzrovia is not a religious building. Its chapel tag is a misnomer:
Although it looks and feels like a Christian religious building, the Fitzrovia Chapel was never consecrated. Therefore, it is secular and accepts couples from all faiths and denominations, including same-sex wedding couples. So, if you’re an LGBTQ couple looking for a church-like venue to get married in, the Chapel is ideal and worth serious consideration.
I pulled back from the couple for this shot to feature the stunning alcove ceiling.
The couple’s son wasn’t content with being the ring-bearer; he wanted to be centre-stage throughout the Ceremony! Children can be a Godsend for photographers…
There are three wedding packages that the Chapel offers:
|
The bride can hardly contain herself in this joyful shot. It is a great feeling for a wedding photographer to take a picture showing such emotion and fun.
I love the connection between the two families in this image. As the bride and groom were about to be pronounced husband and wife, the groom’s father and bride’s mother reached out to celebrate the union.
Wedding Photography at Fitzrovia Chapel in Westminster
There are no restrictions regarding photography except that public liability insurance is required. However, they request a conversation between the duty manager at the venue and the photographer before any work commencing.
As far as photographing the Ceremony is concerned, I’ve always found the registrars at Westminster to be very easygoing, with no wedding photography restrictions.
They even allow photography of the signing of the schedule, which many still do not allow.
The Bride and Groom kiss for the first time as a married couple: The beautiful background makes the moment somehow even more special.
Another kissing shot but this time an impromptu one after they have walked back down the aisle: I like this as it shows their guests enjoying the moment.
Although photographers can photograph the signing, the registrars still allow time for some posed photos.
Read More>> Find Out How I Can Help if you are Having a Short and More Intimate Wedding Day.
Westminster Registrar Neil presents the wedding certificate to the couple at the end of the Ceremony. This no longer takes place, as the register is now online.
Also Consider>> Wedding Photography on the London Eye.
The Fitzrovia Chapel includes a Champagne drinks reception after the Ceremony so the couple can socialise with their guests before the wedding breakfast.
The couple toast their guests. Having their little boy their made the day even more special.
My favourite kind of group shot: I love it when something more is happening than just posing. The children, combined with the adult reactions, make this shot.
Fitzrovia Chapel – A Potted History:
-
-
- 1745 – The Middlesex Infirmary first opened on Windmill Street. In 1757, it moved to Mortimer Street, where it stayed until its demolition in the 1980s.
- However, Victorian architect John Loughborough Pearson did not design the Chapel in an Italian Gothic Style until 1891.
- The Chapel was finished in the 1920s by his son, Frank.
- The original hospital was demolished and rebuilt around the Chapel from 1927 to 1929.
- In 1929, the Fitzrovia Chapel was officially opened.
- 1970 – Grade II listed status was awarded, ensuring its place as a historic venue for future generations.
- 2005 – The Middlesex Hospital is finally closed and demolished. Once again, the Fitzrovia Chapel stands alone on the site while developers decide what to do with the area.
- 2015 – The Chapel reopened to the public following a £3 million restoration.
-
This is another group shot, and this time, I used full colour to show off the guests’ colourful dresses and the golden details in the architecture.
Group photos don’t all need to be formal, and the more fun you have doing them, the more fun they’ll be.
Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding FAQs
Q. WHY GET MARRIED AT FITZROVIA CHAPEL?
A. The Fitzrovia Chapel is the most popular wedding venue in Westminster. It is a real gem, and the ornate splendour inside (albeit small) is jaw-dropping. The wedding team is attentive and determined to ensure you and your guests have the best experience.
Q. IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED AT OUR WEDDING CEREMONY AND VOWS?
A. Absolutely, yes… The registrars at Westminster will conduct your Ceremony and are amongst the most helpful and relaxed in London. They are happy for the photographer to move around (despite limited space) to get the best shots. They also allow photography of the marriage register signing, which many boroughs do not allow.
Of course, fun portraits are the best, and it’s always good when couples and guests are up for a bit of fun.
Q. IS CONFETTI ALLOWED AFTERWARDS FOR A NICE SEQUENCE OF PHOTOS?
A. Generally, no, but I have attended one wedding where confetti was allowed. If it’s important to you, it might be worth asking. Bubbles and sparklers (when it’s dark outside) are popular alternatives and photograph well.
Q. WHAT IS THE LIGHT LIKE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY INSIDE THE FITZROVIA?
A. Generally, the lighting is poor, but this increases the ambience and highlights the ornate marble features and colours. A good professional photographer will have no problem dealing with poor light to create great photos for you.
It is essential to take a group shot of everyone present. The balcony at the back is a good vantage point.
At the drinks reception, a guest gives the bride a congratulatory hug. I use this time to capture reportage shots, and the results can be striking.
Chapel weddings are very child-friendly, and my natural photographic style allowed me to capture this father playing with his children.
The newlyweds leave the Chapel after the reception. The doorway is deceptive as it does not indicate the grandeur inside.
The Chapel doesn’t usually allow wedding confetti, but in Lindsay and Graham’s case, they relented and let them have this beautiful moment. Bubbles are a popular alternative.
Fitzrovia Chapel,
Fitzroy Place,
2 Pearson Square,
London.
W1T 3BF.
