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 is using this photograph as the promotional postcard, in the brochure and on their 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.
A shot of the Bride and her Father entering the chapel from the south end shows more of the striking architecture and decor.
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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 through 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 some 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‘, and I would concur with this 100%.
The venue is secular and accepts gay weddings: This was a Christmas wedding, and the chapel was decorated beautifully.
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In contrast to the above photograph, this one shows just how small a wedding at the Fitzrovia can be.
I went in close to capture Anna & Lucy holding hands during their vows. They didn’t notice me as they only had eyes for each other…
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, accepting couples from all faiths and denominations and same-sex wedding couples. So if you’re an LGBTQ couple looking for a church-like venue you can get married in, the Chapel is gay-friendly and worth serious consideration.
I pulled back from the couple for this shot to feature the stunning alcove ceiling.
Light at the Fitzrovia is dim and warm but not brilliant for photography. A good photographer will have no trouble taking stunning shots of your day.
There are three wedding packages that the chapel offers:
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- A Ceremony and Toast for up to 50 guests.
- Traditional Ceremony for up to 60 guests.
- Intimate Midweek Ceremony with Champagne for up to 15 guests.
Contact the venue on 02034 099895 to discuss more bespoke requirements.
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.
The Westminster registrars clap the couple following the register signing.
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 easy going with no wedding photography restrictions either.
They even allow photography of the signing of the register which many 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.
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Westminster Registrar Neil presents the wedding certificate to the couple at the end of the ceremony.
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.
An overview of the small drinks’ reception looking towards the back of the chapel.
My favourite kind of group shot: I love it when there is something more going on than just posing. The children here combined with the adult reactions make this shot.
Fitzrovia Chapel – A Potted History:
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- 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, it wasn’t until 1891 that Victorian architect John Loughborough Pearson designed the chapel in an Italian Gothic Style.
- The chapel was finished in the 1920s by his son Frank.
- The original hospital was demolished and rebuilt around the chapel from 1927-1929.
- In 1929 the Fitzrovia Chapel was officially opened.
- 1970 – Grade II listed status was awarded, assuring its place as a historic venue for future generations to enjoy.
- 2005 – The Middlesex Hospital is finally closed and demolished. Once again, the Fitzrovia Chapel stands alone on the site while developers decide what should be done with the area.
- 2015 – The chapel reopened to the public following a £3 million restoration.
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Another group shot this time in full colour: I purposefully used it to show off the coved ceiling’s brilliant architecture and golden colour.
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 of a venue, and the ornate splendour inside (albeit small) really is jaw-dropping. The wedding team are attentive and determined that you and your guests have the best experience.
Q. IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED OF 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 (although there is limited space for this) to get the best shots. They also allow photography of the marriage register signing which many boroughs do not allow.
The just married brides walk back down the aisle at their Covid-19 socially distanced wedding.
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 in dealing with poor light to create a great set of photos for you.
A group shot of everyone present is an important photo to take. A good vantage point is the balcony at the back.
At the drinks’ reception, a guest gives the Bride a congratulatory hug. I use this time to capture reportage shots such as this, and the results can be striking.
Chapel weddings are very child friendly and my natural photographic style meant I could capture this father at play with his children.
The newly-weds leave the chapel after the reception. The doorway is deceptive as it does not indicate the grandeur inside.
The chapel doesn’t normally 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.
