A guide to getting married in Kensington and Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea is a highly sought-after location for weddings in London, offering a range of venues and amenities. The borough's iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and picturesque parks provide a beautiful setting for weddings.

The best wedding venues in Kensington and Chelsea

If you are planning to get married in Kensington and Chelsea, here are some of the best wedding venues that you should consider:

The Orangery at Kensington Palace - The Orangery is a stunning venue located within the grounds of Kensington Palace. It is a Grade I listed building that was originally built in the 18th century as a greenhouse for Queen Anne. Today, it is a popular wedding venue that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The venue features beautiful gardens, elegant interiors, and stunning views of the palace.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea - The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a historic venue that is located in the heart of Chelsea. It was founded in the 17th century as a home for retired soldiers, and today it is a popular wedding venue that can accommodate up to 400 guests. The venue features beautiful gardens, elegant interiors, and stunning views of the Thames.

Chelsea Physic Garden - Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful venue that is located in the heart of Chelsea. It is a botanical garden that was founded in the 17th century and today it is a popular wedding venue that can accommodate up to 400 guests. The venue features beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and stunning views of the Thames.

The Natural History Museum - The Natural History Museum is a stunning venue that is located in South Kensington. It is a world-renowned museum that features a stunning collection of natural history specimens. The venue can accommodate up to 1,200 guests and is perfect for couples who are looking for a grand and impressive wedding venue.

The Ivy Chelsea Garden - The Ivy Chelsea Garden is a luxurious wedding venue located in Chelsea, London. Its elegant and romantic ambiance is perfect for a sophisticated wedding ceremony and reception. The venue offers various spaces that can accommodate both small and large weddings, with menus featuring modern British cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. The team at The Ivy Chelsea Garden provides exceptional service and attention to detail to make each wedding a memorable and unique experience for the couple and their guests.

The best wedding photographers in Kensington and Chelsea

There are many talented wedding photographers in Kensington and Chelsea who can capture your special day beautifully.

Here are some of the best wedding photographers in the area:

Douglas Fry Wedding Photographer - Douglas Fry specializes in capturing candid, natural, and creative photographs that tell a story. His portfolio includes wedding photography, corporate photography, and family photography. Douglas is known for his unobtrusive approach and ability to capture authentic moments that reflect the personality of his subjects.

Zaki Charles Photography - Zaki Charles Photography is a wedding photography company founded by Zaki Charles, who specializes in capturing candid, artistic, and intimate moments during weddings. Zaki's photography style is a mix of natural, documentary-style photography, and artistic portraiture. He has won several prestigious awards in the photography industry, and his approach is to make his clients feel comfortable and relaxed while capturing the moments they will treasure forever.

Janis Ratnieks Photography - Janis Ratnieks Photography focuses on providing candid and innovative wedding photography services. Janis expertly blends artistic portraiture with a documentary-style approach to create images that are both distinctive and ageless. With numerous awards and features in prestigious publications under his belt, Janis is highly respected within the industry. He employs an unobtrusive method that enables couples to relax and relish their special day, while he artfully captures those unforgettable moments.

Tiffany Lin Photography - Tiffany Lin Photography is a professional photography service based in Kensington, run by Tiffany Lin, an experienced photographer with a personalized approach. She connects with her clients to understand their vision, tailors her approach to their needs, and captures beautiful and emotionally resonant images. Tiffany's warm and friendly approach, professionalism, and dedication make her a standout choice for high-quality photography services.

Amy Fanton Photography - Amy Fanton Photography is a professional photography company that specializes in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. The owner, Amy, has over ten years of experience and is known for her creative and artistic approach to photography, capturing natural and emotional moments. Amy takes a personalized approach, tailoring her services to her clients' specific needs and making them feel at ease during the photo session.

Getting a wedding dress in Kensington and Chelsea

There are several excellent places to get a wedding dress made in Kensington and Chelsea.

Here are some of the best places:

Phillipa Lepley - Phillipa Lepley is a renowned bridal designer who has been creating bespoke wedding dresses for over 30 years. Her studio is located in South Kensington, and she is known for her luxurious fabrics and intricate details. Phillipa's dresses are timeless and elegant, with a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Sassi Holford - Sassi Holford is a luxury bridal and occasion wear designer based in Kensington, London. Her designs are known for their elegance, timeless appeal, and high-quality craftsmanship. Sassi Holford is committed to providing personalised service to her clients, working closely with them to ensure that each garment is tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Suzanne Neville - Suzanne Neville is a British fashion designer known for her elegant and timeless bridal and eveningwear designs. Her commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail is reflected in her custom-made gowns, which range from understated to ornate and cater to a wide range of styles. Neville's designs are versatile and often incorporate modern trends while maintaining a classic, timeless aesthetic. Her dedication to quality has made her a beloved figure in the bridal industry.

Emma Victoria Payne - Emma Victoria Payne is a highly experienced bridal designer who has been creating custom wedding dresses for over 25 years. Based in the fashionable district of Chelsea, she is widely recognized for her romantic and feminine design aesthetic. Emma's wedding gowns are meticulously crafted from the finest materials, featuring delicate fabrics and intricate details that showcase her exceptional attention to detail and skill.

Katya Katya - Katya Katya is a bridal fashion brand and boutique located in Chelsea, known for creating beautiful and unique bridal gowns that combine modern and vintage styles. The brand's founder, Katya Shehurina, focuses on craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that each gown is designed and made in-house using high-quality materials and techniques. Katya Katya offers a personalized shopping experience, with private appointments and expert stylists who work closely with each client to find the perfect gown for their wedding day.

The best wedding catering companies in Kensington and Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea are home to many catering companies that specialize in weddings.

Here are some of the best wedding catering companies in Kensington and Chelsea:

The Garden Catering - The Garden Catering is a catering company in Chelsea that specializes in bespoke catering services for events and occasions of all sizes. They create unique and personalized menus using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on sustainability and ethical food production. The company works closely with each client to understand their vision and preferences, tailoring their services to meet their specific needs and requirements.

Wild Peacock Catering - Wild Peacock Catering is a catering and events company based in Kensington. They specialize in providing bespoke catering services for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other special occasions. The company's commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create unique and flavorful menus, and their ability to create personalized dining experiences for every event, sets them apart from other catering companies. In addition to catering, Wild Peacock Events also offers event planning and management services, providing end-to-end event planning services to ensure that every detail is taken care of.

All in Hand Catering - All in Hand Catering is a boutique catering company situated in the heart of Chelsea, London. They specialize in crafting personalized menus that utilize locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, while emphasizing elegant presentation. Whether it's weddings, corporate events, or private parties, their team works closely with clients to ensure a bespoke menu that suits their needs. They are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, exceptional service, and unwavering commitment to delivering a memorable catering experience.

Pirosmani Catering - Pirosmani Catering is an exclusive boutique catering company that specializes in serving authentic Georgian cuisine. Their focus on using only the freshest and locally sourced ingredients, combined with personalized menus that cater to each client's unique requirements, makes them a popular choice for a wide range of events - from intimate get-togethers to large-scale corporate events. Their commitment to authenticity, quality, and personalized service sets them apart, making them a sought-after option for anyone looking to indulge in the distinct and delightful flavors of Georgian cuisine.

Getting a wedding cake in Kensington and Chelsea

There are numerous well-known cake designers and bakeries in Kensington and Chelsea that specialize in crafting exquisite wedding cakes.

Here are some of the best places to get a wedding cake made in Kensington and Chelsea:

Chelsea Cake Company - Chelsea Cake Company is a boutique bakery that offers bespoke cakes and cupcakes using high-quality and locally sourced ingredients. They offer a wide range of flavors and decoration options, tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each client. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and personalized service make them a top choice for anyone looking for a visually stunning and delicious cake for weddings, birthdays, or any other special occasion.

Maitre Choux - Maitre Choux is a renowned patisserie that specializes in creating beautiful and intricate French choux pastries. They offer a wide range of flavors and styles, from classic cream puffs to more modern and exotic flavors like matcha and yuzu. Maitre Choux is a great choice for couples who want a cake that is both unique and elegant, and who appreciate the artistry of French pastry.

Gail's Bakery - Gail's Bakery in Kensington is a popular bakery that focuses on organic, locally sourced baked goods made with traditional techniques and no artificial additives. Their wedding cakes are customizable and made with high-quality ingredients, and they also offer a variety of other treats for weddings. Gail's Bakery is an excellent choice for couples looking for a personalized, delicious, and high-quality wedding cake.

Molly Rose Bakery - Molly Rose Bakery in Kensington is a bespoke bakery that excels in creative, high-quality cakes and sweet treats for all occasions. They are known for their custom designs, attention to detail, and use of natural ingredients. Molly Rose Bakery offers a wide range of flavors, fillings, and decorations that can be tailored to suit the couple's preferences, and they can accommodate various dietary needs. They are an excellent choice for couples looking for a unique and delicious wedding cake that reflects their individual style and taste.

Aux Merveilleux de Fred - Aux Merveilleux de Fred is a boutique bakery located in Kensington that specializes in traditional French pastries and baked goods, with a focus on the Merveilleux, a Belgian pastry. The bakery uses high-quality ingredients to create visually stunning and delicious desserts. For couples looking for a wedding cake, the bakers can customize a cake or create a dessert table featuring a variety of Merveilleux flavors and toppings.

The best hotels in Kensington and Chelsea

There are several excellent hotels in Kensington and Chelsea that are ideal for wedding guests. Here are some of the best options:

The Kensington - The Kensington is a luxury boutique hotel located in a historic townhouse in South Kensington. The hotel's elegant interiors are inspired by the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage, with plush furnishings, antique artwork, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Kensington also boasts an award-winning restaurant, a cozy bar, and a stunning private garden.

The Franklin Hotel - The Franklin Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel located in a beautiful Victorian mansion in Knightsbridge. The hotel's stylish and sophisticated interiors feature contemporary Italian design elements and impeccable attention to detail. The Franklin also offers a Michelin-starred restaurant, a luxurious spa, and a 24-hour fitness center.

The Egerton House Hotel - The Egerton House Hotel is a five-star boutique hotel located in a beautifully restored Victorian townhouse in Knightsbridge. The hotel's elegant and classic interiors feature traditional English furnishings and artwork, along with modern amenities and personalized service. The Egerton House also offers a cozy lounge bar, an award-winning afternoon tea, and a private garden.

The Ampersand Hotel - The Ampersand Hotel is a stylish and contemporary boutique hotel located in a Victorian townhouse in South Kensington. The hotel's interiors are inspired by the neighborhood's cultural heritage, with bold colors, playful patterns, and whimsical design elements. The Ampersand also offers a trendy cocktail bar, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and a unique Science Afternoon Tea.

The Milestone Hotel & Residences - The Milestone is a five-star luxury hotel located in a beautiful Victorian mansion in Kensington. The hotel's elegant interiors feature classic British furnishings, antique artwork, and modern amenities. The Milestone also offers a Michelin-starred restaurant, a cozy lounge bar, and a luxurious spa.

Getting married in Kensington and Chelsea can be an unforgettable experience for couples who are looking for a beautiful and elegant location to tie the knot. With its stunning venues, charming streets, and rich cultural heritage, Kensington and Chelsea provides a unique backdrop for a wedding celebration that is both romantic and memorable.