The Savoy London Wedding Photography

Wedding Photography at St Bartholomew the Great and The Savoy Hotel London

The Savoy Hotel Wedding Venue is one of London's most iconic venues and Carrie and Sam's September wedding made full use of this stunning location. Starting with preparations in the bridal suite, the day moved to the historic St Bartholomew the Great church for the ceremony before returning to The Savoy's River Room and Lancaster Ballroom for the reception.

The day began with bridal preparations in one of The Savoy Hotel’s luxurious suites, where Egle Miseikyte worked her magic on makeup while Andrew Hales styled the bridal party's hair. The attention to detail was evident from the start, with beautiful floral arrangements by Izabella Fountain from The Blossom creating an elegant atmosphere throughout the getting-ready photographs.

The ceremony at St Bartholomew the Great was a highlight of the day. This atmospheric church, with its Romanesque architecture and soaring ceilings, provided the perfect setting for Carrie and Sam to exchange their vows. The ceremony was enriched by beautiful music, with Marcus Walker conducting the service, Robert Folkes on trumpet, and James Norrey on organ. The choir, conducted by Jonathan Schranz, added a wonderful depth to the ceremony, making it truly memorable.

After the ceremony, guests returned to The Savoy for the reception. The River Room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames, was the setting for drinks and speeches. The natural light flooding through the windows and the Thames-side views created a relaxed and elegant atmosphere for guests to mingle and celebrate.

As the afternoon turned to evening, guests moved down to the Lancaster Ballroom for dinner. The grand ballroom, with its Edwardian décor and sparkling chandeliers, provided a spectacular setting for the celebration. Jeremy Sassoon provided music during dinner before Victoria & the Foxes took to the stage for the evening party. The Lancaster Ballroom's own stage came into its own here, with the band creating an incredible atmosphere that had everyone on the dance floor.

The wedding cake by Cutter & Squidge was beautifully presented and perfectly complemented the elegant styling of the day. Throughout the celebration, Penny Hawes-Gatt from Penelope Weddings ensured everything ran smoothly, coordinating all the details so that Carrie and Sam could simply enjoy their day.

This wedding combined the beauty of London's oldest parish church with the glamour and elegance of The Savoy. From the atmospheric ceremony to the grand celebration, it was a day filled with personal touches, beautiful music, and wonderful moments.

Here are a few images from Carrie and Sam's Savoy London wedding.

Suppliers

Wedding Photography by Nick Rose Photography

Ceremony: St Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS

Reception: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

Wedding Planner: Penny Hawes-Gatt

Makeup Artist: Egle Miseikyte

Hairdresser: Andrew Hales

Florist: Izabella Fountain

Entertainment: Jeremy Sassoon | Victoria & the Foxes

Cake Designer: Cutter & Squidge

Priest: Marcus Walker

Trumpeter: Robert Folkes

Organist: James Norrey

Choir Conductor: Jonathan Schranz

About The Savoy London as a Wedding Venue

The Savoy has been setting the standard for luxury London weddings since it first opened in 1889. Located on the Strand with views over the River Thames, this five-star hotel combines Edwardian elegance with Art Deco glamour. The famous entrance, marble lobby, and spectacular event spaces throughout the hotel create an impressive backdrop for any wedding celebration.

All event spaces at The Savoy are licensed for civil ceremonies, giving couples the flexibility to choose where they want to exchange their vows. The experienced wedding team at The Savoy work with the finest suppliers to ensure every detail is perfect, and it's always a pleasure to photograph weddings here and work with the events team.

The Lancaster Ballroom at The Savoy

The Lancaster Ballroom is the largest and most impressive of the rooms at The Savoy Hotel London. Designed by French architect René Sergeant and inspired by an 18th century Parisian salon, the ballroom first opened in 1910. Named after the Duchy of Lancaster, it has been hosting grand celebrations, weddings, and events for over a century.

The ballroom features a completely clear floor space with no pillars to obstruct views, which is perfect for dancing and creating those memorable first dance moments. It also has its own stage, which is unique for a London hotel ballroom and allows for live bands and entertainment. The Lancaster Ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests for a dinner dance, making it ideal for larger celebrations.

The space retains its original Edwardian décor, with elegant chandeliers, ornate detailing, and sophisticated styling. The Lancaster Ballroom is often used in conjunction with the adjoining Parlour Rooms and the River Room, allowing guests to move between different spaces throughout the evening.

The River Room at The Savoy

The River Room is one of the most beautiful spaces at The Savoy. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Embankment Gardens and the Thames beyond, it's a light and elegant venue that combines grandeur with intimacy. The double-height ceilings and fresh interior make it a bright daytime venue and a sophisticated evening space.

The room has a large central archway between the two halves, which offers flexibility in how the space is configured. Concealed floor-to-ceiling dividers can create a more private experience if required. The River Room can accommodate up to 160 guests for seated dining or up to 400 guests for a standing cocktail reception.

The River Room works perfectly as a stand-alone venue for an intimate wedding reception or as a drinks reception space before guests move down to the Lancaster Ballroom for dinner and dancing. The separate entrance on the river side of the hotel creates an exclusive feel for your wedding. In 1946, the River Room famously hosted a royal wedding reception where Princess Elizabeth was seen for the first time in public with her future husband Lt. Philip Mountbatten.

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St Bartholomew the Great Church

St Bartholomew the Great is London's oldest parish church and provides a stunning setting for a wedding ceremony. Established during the reign of Henry I, this historic church is located in the heart of the Smithfield area. The church is renowned for its wonderful Romanesque architecture and superb music.

The ceremony takes place at the High Altar, with guests walking through the atmospheric interior and past Damien Hirst's statue of St Bartholomew in the South Transept. The long aisle and soaring architecture create a truly memorable setting for exchanging vows. The lighting in the church is atmospheric and adds to the historic feel of the space.

If the church looks familiar, it's because St Bartholomew the Great has been featured in numerous films and television series, including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, and The End of the Affair.

Photographic Locations at The Savoy London

The Savoy offers incredible opportunities for wedding photography throughout the hotel. The Art Deco entrance with the famous Savoy sign is an iconic spot for arrival photographs. The marble lobby with its elegant details and grand staircase provides a classic backdrop that captures the glamour of the hotel.

The Lancaster Ballroom's Edwardian décor and grand scale create dramatic images, particularly during the first dance and evening celebrations. The River Room's floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful natural light throughout the day and stunning Thames views that work wonderfully for couple portraits and candid moments.

The hotel's elegant corridors, riverside terraces, and the front entrance on the Strand all provide additional locations for photographs. The combination of historic architectural details and Art Deco styling ensures a diverse range of photographic opportunities, from formal portraits to relaxed documentary-style images.

The Savoy London Wedding Venue Capacity and Spaces

The Savoy offers a range of impressive rooms and spaces for weddings of different sizes. The Lancaster Ballroom accommodates up to 300 guests for a dinner dance and up to 400 guests for a ceremony. The River Room can host up to 160 guests for seated dining or 400 guests for a standing reception. The Abraham Lincoln Room can welcome up to 120 people for dinner and dancing or 300 for a seated ceremony.

For more intimate celebrations, The Savoy has several smaller private dining rooms and suites, many of which offer stunning Thames views. The Royal Suite, taking up half of the hotel's fifth floor, is ideal for civil ceremonies, drinks receptions, or private family gatherings.

The hotel features luxury bridal suites and guest accommodation, making it easy for couples and their guests to stay on site. The dedicated wedding specialists at The Savoy help plan every detail and work with the best suppliers in the industry to ensure your wedding runs smoothly from start to finish.

For couples looking for a classic and luxurious London wedding venue, The Savoy delivers elegance, history, and exceptional service in one of the capital's most prestigious locations. To find out more about weddings at The Savoy, visit The Savoy weddings page or view my guide to wedding photography at the Savoy London here. To see more of my work from London weddings and venues around the world, view my wedding photography blog.