Why Couples Choose The Berkeley Hotel for a London Wedding

TLDR:

This London wedding shows why The Berkeley Hotel works so well for a city celebration. With a ceremony literally just next door in Knightsbridge and the reception in the stunning hotel ballroom. Your guests comfortable and close throughout. A lovely example of how a London hotel wedding can feel relaxed while still feeling special.

A London Wedding at The Berkeley

Katy and Rob came up from Cardiff for their London wedding and it could not have been more perfect. Elegant, relaxed and full of charm, their day at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge was everything a London wedding should be. The ceremony took place just a few steps away at St Paul's just next to the hotel, making the whole day feel beautifully relaxed. With their young son present, it was going to be an emotional day.

Why The Berkeley Hotel felt just right for them

The Berkeley is in the heart of Knightsbridge, near Belgravia and Hyde Park. It has the perfect balance of elegance and proper London style. It is known for its beautiful interiors, amazing food and excellent service. For couples who want something luxurious without being too formal, it really is perfect.

For Katy and Rob, who came from Cardiff, it gave them their London wedding that felt like a treat for everyone. The bridal suite, the ballroom, the food, the atmosphere. It was all just gorgeous!

Morning prep in the bridal suite

When I arrived, Katy was getting ready with her bridesmaids in The Berkeley’s bridal suite. She had chosen a beautiful Pronovias gown which hung in the window, her Jimmy Choo shoes were tucked neatly beside it. Hair and makeup were by the incredible team from Botias. The styling was pure film star glam - hair swept high on the brides' head, glowing makeup, and a real sense of old Hollywood. It suited Katy so well. Elegant, confident and completely unforgettable.

I have photographed weddings at The Berkeley many times over the years and it always felt like coming home. The staff are so welcoming and the rooms have a calm, elegant atmosphere that works beautifully to keep a bride calm on the day of their wedding.

Everyone looked absolutely amazing! There was this lovely mix of excitement and calm. Katy's mum was right there beside her and the whole room had a really relaxed feel. These moments are always some of my favourites to photograph. People laughing, little glances between friends, the quiet thrill of the day building. The thrill of getting ready - just before the ceremony starts and time seems to speed up.

Ceremony just across the road

St Paul''s is the beautiful church next door to the Berkeley - so just a short walk from the hotel which made the whole thing so easy. No traffic jams. No stress. Just a lovely few minutes walk from the Bridal Suite to the church. Dresses swishing, bouquets in hand, big smiles on faces, my bride left the hotel and entered the church to marry her groom. Katy’s father was able to walk so her lovely brother walked Katy down the aisle towards Rob to give her away.

The ceremony was so lovely and very moving in the best way. Simple and full of happiness. I watched as Katy and Rob took their vows, photographing the moment for them to look back on with their little boy in the future.

Confetti time

Once outside, there was a flurry of confetti and happy shouts. London gave us perfect weather that day. Blue sky and a warm breeze. I snapped one of my favourite shots of the day right then. Pure joy.

portraits of the bride and groom

Katy and Rob took a few minutes for portraits nearby. They were such a stylish couple to photograph and with Katy's amazing styling, she was ever the Hollywood bride! Just the two of them soaking it all in, with a quiet elegance of the Berkeley setting. Then we headed back after a short time to the hotel and their guests for their wedding reception.

The ballroom looked stunning

The Berkeley's ballroom had been dressed by the team from Planned to Perfection and Larry Walshe Flowers and it looked incredible. Long tables, elegant floral trees, soft lighting, and the wedding cake set up beautifully at the far end. It felt romantic but not overdone. Classy but still full of warmth. Everyone came in and you could hear the gasps of appreciation.

Katy and Rob made their entrance and the room just lit up. People were clapping and cheering and it was all so full of joy.

Speeches that had everything

The speeches were one of my favourite parts. Rob spoke so tenderly about Katy. There were tears from her and from her mum too. Then there was laughter as the best man had his turn. A perfect mix.

I was able to move quietly through the room, catching people’s reactions. Those moments when people laugh with their eyes or wipe away a quick tear. Those are the bits that make the photos feel alive.

Their first dance as husband and wife

After cutting their amazing cake - Katy and Rob’s first dance was everything a first dance should be. They held each other close and everyone watched on with smiles. It was a lovely end to a beautiful day.

Why this wedding feels so special

I love photographing weddings at The Berkeley. The day flows so easily. The team are kind and so welcoming. Having St Paul’s just next door keeps everything close and unhurried. Katy and Rob trusted me completely and let the day be exactly what it was. Relaxed and happy.

For couples planning a London wedding, this is a great example of how good it can feel. You do not need to rush between places. You do not need to do too much. You can keep things simple and still have a day that feels full and fun.

If you are thinking about a hotel wedding in London, The Berkeley is always a favourite of mine. It has a lovely balance of elegance and warmth. And if you want your wedding to feel beautiful without being fussy, it is well worth a look.

Rob and Katy review said

“Gill was absolutely brilliant. She made us feel so relaxed on the day and got such a great mixture of photos. They were such great memories of an amazing day and we were spoilt for choice when it came to the photos we wanted for our album. The albums she produces are excellent quality, would highly recommend”

Thank you, Katy and Rob for choosing me to cover your wedding day.

Stunning ballroom by Planned2Perfection

Flowers by Larry Walshe Floral Design.

Wedding cake Peggy Porschen

Hair and Make up -Botias

If you’d like to find out how I photograph weddings like this one in London, Surrey or Berkshire, take a look at my wedding photography pricing page.