My Experience Photographing Weddings at Pembroke Lodge
**I’m taking bookings for weddings at this venue for 2027-28 now!**
This photograph of the happy couple in Pembroke Lodge’s Russell Suite demonstrates their love perfectly. Presenting it in black and white ensures there are no distractions which colour can provide.
I’ve photographed numerous weddings at Pembroke Lodge, from smaller celebrations in the Russell Suite to larger gatherings in the Belvedere. That experience means I know the venue well, including the lovely window light in the Russell Suite and opportunities for relaxed portraits in the gardens.
My approach is to give you space to enjoy your wedding while I capture the moments unfolding around you. If you’re camera shy, there’s no need to worry about knowing how to pose. I’ll offer gentle guidance when it helps, keep portraits relaxed, and leave you plenty of time with your guests.
Below, you’ll find photographs from weddings I’ve captured here, a review from one of my Pembroke Lodge couples and practical advice drawn from my experience. Whether you’re looking for a few hours of photography or coverage through to the evening celebrations, I’d love to hear about your plans.
A Russell Suite marriage photographed from the back: Light from the bay window and some tasteful decor provide fantastic wedding photography opportunities.
Guy Milnes Photography & Pembroke Lodge Weddings at a Glance
| Wedding detail | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Venue location | Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 5HX. |
| My photography approach | Natural, documentary photography, with gentle guidance for couple portraits and family groups. You can enjoy your celebration without feeling that you need to perform for the camera. |
| My photography prices |
1 hour£450
1½ hours£500
2 hours£560
Additional coverage: £160 per hour or £80 per half-hour. |
| 1 hour: ceremony essentials | A compact booking focused on your ceremony, confetti and a few quick couple portraits or small family groups. We’ll agree your priorities beforehand to make the most of the time.
For most Pembroke Lodge weddings, I recommend at least 1½–2 hours to allow more comfortable time for the ceremony, groups and portraits. |
| 1½ hours: a little more time | Some arrivals, your ceremony and confetti, followed by a few family groups and relaxed couple portraits. A little extra time gives us more flexibility than a one-hour booking. |
| 2 hours: a more relaxed pace | Arrivals, your ceremony, confetti, family groups and couple portraits, with time for some natural drinks-reception photographs. This gives you more breathing room to enjoy your guests between photographs. |
| Longer and full-day coverage | Longer bookings can include preparations, speeches and more of the reception, depending on your timetable. My full-day coverage is eight hours, with additional time available, and start and finish times planned around your celebration. |
| Choosing your coverage | These are examples, not a fixed shot list. What fits comfortably depends on your ceremony length, guest numbers and photography priorities. All arrivals, travel between locations, and portrait time need to fit within your booked coverage. |
| Camera-shy couples | You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll help with where to stand and offer simple guidance when needed, keeping portraits relaxed and comfortable. |
| Booking your ceremony | Contact Pembroke Lodge on 020 8940 8207 about venue availability. Agree your ceremony time with the venue before arranging Richmond registrars. |
| Booking your photographer | Message me to check availability with your wedding date and approximate timings. Tell me which parts of the day you would like photographed, and I’ll help you choose suitable coverage. |
The Russell Suite from the front as the bride’s father walks her down the aisle.
Professional, Efficient and Friendly
Guy blended into our wedding day really well and I had so many comments from guests afterwards about how professional, efficient and friendly he was. He took some lovely scenic shots at Pembroke Lodge and at Richmond Park. His attention to detail is fantastic and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a photographer for weddings and other occasions. He went above and beyond and I couldn’t have been happier with his services. Thanks Guy!
– Bernie & Louis
The Richmond registrars are relaxed and helpful to the wedding photographers and don't mind me moving around. Of course, I always try to do this discreetly.
Now that the register has gone online, there are no restrictions on photographing the schedule. However, they still provide a 'dummy' book to take staged portraits.
Pembroke Lodge's Wedding Ceremony Rooms
The Russell Suite:
Comprising the first floor of the Georgian Wing, the Russell Suite combines ornate elegance with incredible views. Up to 70 guests may be seated for the ceremony and reception, with a further 30 able to join for evening celebrations. The Bertrand Russell Rooms are marvellous for the drinks reception in poor weather and include a licensed bar. Evening dancing takes place in the Phantom Room, named after the Squadron based here during the war. As far as I'm aware, Pembroke Lodge has no ghosts!
The Woodland Garden:
The outside space for the Russell Suite matches the ceremony guest numbers, and you'll have both spaces to use for the day. Secluded by greenery and trees, it is an amazing spot for your wedding, and I love photographing ceremonies there.
The Belvedere:
Purpose-built, the venue at the back of Pembroke Lodge is much more modern but still elegant and striking. The conservatory building's roof has glass skylights, making it light, airy, and superb for wedding photography. Up to 140 guests may be seated at the ceremony and reception, with a further 60 catered for in the evening.
The Belvedere Terrace:
Numbers match those for The Belvedere, but in an outdoor setting, ideal for summer wedding ceremonies. The terrace also provides an outdoor setting for your drinks reception.
At Pembroke Lodge, confetti is thrown inside after the ceremony, which is unusual, but great fun for the couple and guests!
Wedding Photography at Pembroke Lodge: Registrar Rules
At weddings I’ve photographed here, the registrars have allowed signing photographs. I always check their instructions before the ceremony and work within any restrictions on the day.
At Richmond weddings I have attended, the registrars have been very forthcoming, clearly communicating any different requests the couple has made, so I can adjust my vantage point.
Pembroke Lodge also caters for civil partnerships, vow renewals, and baby naming ceremonies.
The happy couple with the Russell Suite side of Pembroke Lodge in the background: The ornate facade and vast gardens provide many creative wedding portrait photography opportunities.
Richmond Park provides many opportunities for couples' portraits, especially if there's a vintage car on hand to pose beside.
I took this quirky photograph from a first-floor window of the Russell Suite. Passers-by waiting to pass started to wave, too, so I zoomed out to include them. I've added it here as it clearly shows the size of the woodland garden that comes with the Russell Suite and is ideal for drinks receptions and canapés in nice weather.
The Bride and groom enter the Russell Suite for their wedding breakfast. This part of the day presents an excellent photo opportunity as they go between the tables to their guests' applause and cheers.
Sunlight streamed through the bay window throughout their wedding. So, I used lens flare to produce some interesting photographic effects as the Bride's father gave his speech.
Read More>> My Favourite London Wedding Venues and What Makes Them Special.
Window light also creates a pleasing effect when photographed from the side. The speeches and toasts are essential to their special day, and I try to capture them from many angles.
Good wedding photography is all about those special moments that celebrate family love. Here, the Groom and his Best Man/Brother share an intimate moment after the speeches.
A different wedding now: This overview photograph shows the other side of Pembroke Lodge and the back of the Belvedere - much more suitable for larger parties.
During the summer, the doors at the back of the Belvedere are left open as the couple and their guests dine late into the evening.
Pembroke Lodge wedding photography FAQs
Can we book just a few hours of photography at Pembroke Lodge?
Yes. I offer coverage from one hour through to a full day. One hour is a compact option for the ceremony and a few photographs afterwards, while 1½ or 2 hours gives us more flexibility for arrivals, family groups and couple portraits. If you would like preparations, speeches or evening celebrations photographed, we can arrange longer or full-day coverage around your timetable.
We are camera shy. How will you help us feel comfortable?
You don’t need to know how to pose or keep smiling at the camera. For most of the day, I’ll photograph you naturally enjoying your wedding and spending time with your guests. When we take couple portraits, I’ll suggest where to stand and give gentle guidance, so you’re never left wondering what to do.
Have you photographed weddings in both the Russell Suite and the Belvedere?
Yes. I’ve photographed numerous weddings at Pembroke Lodge, including celebrations in both suites. The photographs on this page show examples from ceremonies, portraits and receptions, along with observations about the light and how I captured particular moments.
How much time should we allow for family groups and couple portraits?
As a starting point, I suggest around 10–15 minutes for a small selection of family groups and another 10–15 minutes for couple portraits. Larger groups, a longer portrait walk or guests needing extra time to move between locations will need more breathing room. We’ll discuss your priorities beforehand and keep the list manageable, so you can enjoy your reception too.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
We’ll plan around the indoor spaces available with your booking and stay flexible if there are dry spells. Several photographs on this page show how I’ve used the Russell Suite’s window light during ceremonies and speeches. We can discuss suitable indoor options for your portraits and groups without assuming we’ll have access to every part of the building.
Can we have confetti photographs at Pembroke Lodge?
Yes. Pembroke Lodge currently permits paper confetti inside the ceremony rooms, but not outside in the grounds. Confetti cannons are not permitted. Check the venue’s current confetti guidance before buying yours, and we can discuss how to photograph the moment within those arrangements.
Can we go into Richmond Park for our wedding portraits?
We can include time for Richmond Park portraits within your booked photography coverage. We’ll agree on suitable locations beforehand, taking into account walking distances and your timetable, and confirm any required permissions.
Can you photograph us getting ready before we arrive at Pembroke Lodge?
Yes. If you’re getting ready at home or a nearby hotel, we can include preparation photographs in your booked coverage. Pembroke Lodge does not have on-site accommodation or a bridal suite, so we’ll include travel time from your preparation location when planning the day.
Can we keep the portraits close to the venue?
Absolutely. You don’t need a long walk to have a lovely set of wedding portraits. Tell me about any mobility needs or preferences beforehand, and we can plan photographs close to your celebration. Confirm access to your chosen ceremony and reception spaces directly with Pembroke Lodge.
