NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM WEDDING
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Wedding PHOTOGRApher
EMILY & JAMES’S BLACK TIE WEDDING AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
As one of the most well known museums in the UK, I was so honoured to photograph this lovely couple’s big black tie wedding celebrations at the iconic Natural History Museum. It was one of my favourite museums to visit as a child and being part of a huge wedding and seeing the museum behind the scenes, was an unforgetable night to remember.
Crisp November Wedding Day in Knightsbridge
Some weddings stay with you long after the day is over—and Emily and James’ celebration is absolutely one of them. Held on a crisp November evening a few years ago now, this was one of the biggest and most memorable weddings I’ve had the privilege of photographing. Set in the iconic Natural History Museum in central London, it was a day filled with elegance and an incredible sense of occasion. Emily and James were referred to me by a previous couple whose countryside wedding I’d photographed the year before, which always makes a booking feel extra special. From our first conversation, I knew their day was going to be something really special and very unique!
A Classic London Church Ceremony
Coverage began later in the day, with the ceremony set for 5pm. That soft November light and transition into evening gave the celebration a very atmospheric feel.My coverage began mid-afternoon at Emily’s family home, a short walk from the museum. Their apartment was filled with natural light, and buzzing with excitement. Emily was getting ready with her bridesmaids – their hair and makeup artists worked their magic, whilst the florists were tying together the bouquets. Lots going on in one place -my favourite kind of prep! Meanwhile, my second photographer was with James and his ushers at the Alfred Tennyson pub nearby. After lunch (and a bit of dutch courage), they made their way to the church nearby. The ceremony took place at St Paul’s, Wilton Place, as guests began arriving in black tie and winter coats—perfectly suited to the elegant, seasonal setting.
MY HIGHLIGHTS
Here’s a selection of my favourite images from James & Emily’s wedding at the Natural History Museum
An Evening Ceremony & Sparkling Send-Off!
I left Emily to finish her prep and headed to the church, where guests were already gathering. Emily and James had officially married the year before, so this ceremony was a meaningful blessing for them. After the service, the doors opened onto the dusky London evening, where guests lit their sparklers as the couple made their way through the crowd to the bus!
Routemaster Buses, Champagne in Fossil way, Portraits in an Iconic Setting
Waiting just outside were no less than four traditional Routemaster buses, to transport guests across town. The couple joined their guests onboard for the short trip, as G&T’s were served!. On arrival at the iconic Natural History Museum, guests were guided through the museum shop into a champagne reception in Fossil Way, surrounded by incredible displays that set the tone for the evening ahead. Meanwhile, I took Emily and James, along with their families, into the breathtaking Hintze Hall. With its soaring architecture and iconic exhibits. It provided the perfect backdrop for group photographs while the final preparations for dinner were underway—tables set, candles lit, everything was ready to welcome the evening’s celebrations. Once the formalities were complete, I stole a little time away with my couple to explore the museum for portraits, including a few outside.
A Grand Entrance – Dinner & Dancing and Final Thoughts
After all 200 plus guests were seated for dinner, Emily and James made a truly unforgettable entrance. Descending the grand staircase of Hintze Hall, passing the statue of Charles Darwin, they were welcomed with rousing applause. It was a moment that perfectly captured the scale and grandeur of the venue. What followed was an evening celebrating this lovely couple – dinner, speeches, cutting the cake with a ceremonial sword and then dancing The night continued with their first dance, and as the band started, the dance floor was packed out. One of my fave images from this wedding stands out above all others: Emily and James descending the grand staircase, with the blue whale skeleton suspended above them. It perfectly captures the scale, the atmosphere, and the sheer uniqueness of this iconic venue. We finally left close to midnight after a long and incredible day. Photographing a wedding at the Natural History Museum is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been chosen to document such a special celebration. Kudos to the wedding planners and event organisers of this incredible wedding – the organisation that went on behind the scenes was incredible If you’re planning your own wedding at the Natural History Museum or looking for a London wedding photographer to capture your day in a natural, elegant and timeless way, I’d love to hear from you. Explore more of my work here or get in touch to start planning your photography. Want a bit more London wedding inspiration? Take a look at Martha & Benedict’s Marylebone Town Hall & Darby’s wedding or Ottilie & Paul’s Holland Park Orangery & River Cafe wedding. You can get in touch HERE.
ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED AT
THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
If you’re getting married at the Natural History Museum or other London venue, and my relaxed style of discreet, candid wedding photography speaks your language, I’d love to hear more about your wedding plans and chat about working with you!
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