Harpreet & Jora // Painted Hall – Old Royal Naval College
Harpreet & Jora’s wedding reception at the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich was an absolute joy to photograph from start to finish.
Set in the heart of Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College is one of those places that instantly feels special. The architecture, the history and the scale of the buildings are incredible, but nothing quite prepares you for walking into the Painted Hall. It’s grand, dramatic and completely breathtaking – the kind of space that gives a wedding an incredible sense of occasion before the party has even started.
And what a party this was.
After the calm and serenity of Harpreet & Jora’s Sikh wedding ceremony in Leeds, their London reception was the complete opposite in the best possible way. The whole evening was full of energy, emotion and so much personality. Beautiful moments with family, brilliant speeches, plenty of laughter and a room packed with people who were completely there to celebrate them.
Once the dancing started, the Painted Hall completely transformed. What had felt elegant and grand suddenly became this incredible, chaotic party, with everyone letting loose and filling the dance floor. I love that contrast – beautiful surroundings, incredible architecture and then all the completely unscripted madness happening right in the middle of it.
It’s exactly the kind of wedding I love photographing. A spectacular setting, but ultimately a day that was all about the people, the atmosphere and the moments happening between everything else.
An unforgettable celebration for two wonderful humans, in one of the most incredible rooms in London.
Weddings at THE PAINTED HALL – Old Royal Naval College
The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is one of London’s most spectacular wedding venues. Located in the heart of Greenwich, this historic riverside setting combines incredible architecture, centuries of history and one of the most impressive interiors you’ll find anywhere in the city.
Often described as Britain’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, the Painted Hall creates an unforgettable setting for a wedding reception. The huge painted ceiling, grand proportions and dramatic architecture give the room an incredible sense of occasion, while still allowing a celebration to feel warm, energetic and full of personality once it fills with your favourite people.
For wedding photography, the Old Royal Naval College offers so much variety. Beyond the Painted Hall itself, there are the beautiful colonnades, historic buildings and open courtyards, as well as the surrounding streets of Greenwich and the River Thames. It means you can create elegant, editorial wedding portraits without having to travel away from the venue, while still having plenty of opportunities for natural, documentary photographs throughout the day.
What I particularly love about photographing weddings at the Painted Hall is the contrast. You have this incredibly grand and historic backdrop, but within it are all the real moments that make a wedding personal – hugs, laughter, emotional speeches, families coming together and, once the formalities are finished, a packed dance floor.
That combination works perfectly with the way I photograph weddings. I want to create beautiful portraits that make the most of somewhere as extraordinary as the Old Royal Naval College, but the majority of the day is still about documenting what is actually happening around me. The people, energy and unscripted moments will always matter more than simply photographing a beautiful venue.
If you’re planning a Painted Hall wedding at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and are looking for a London wedding photographer who combines natural documentary photography with a more editorial approach to portraits, I’d love to hear what you have planned.
Contact me about your wedding photography
If you’re planning a wedding at he Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College or beyond and want timeless, relaxed, storytelling images that reflect you and your celebration, feel free to get in touch.
Being a wedding photographer it is a real pleasure to document your special day anywhere in the world. If my approach seems like the style you’re looking for your big day , then give me a shout. I only capture up to 25 weddings per year to make sure that I give every single one of my couples 110% of my energy, effort and creativity. You can read what other couples have said about me either via my google reviews or by my kind words page. Get in touch and I look forward to talking to you soon.
To me, love knows no boundaries, and I wholeheartedly celebrate and embrace every facet of your being. Your sexuality, gender identity, race, religion, age, body size, ability, or music taste are all integral parts of who you are, and they are all welcome here. If you have any suggestions on how I can improve to ensure that everyone feels secure, acknowledged, and embraced on this platform, please don’t hesitate to share. I am constantly learning and committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
