London Wedding Photography at Kensington Roof Gardens

Kensington Roof Gardens in London is one of the most unique and stunning wedding venues in the world and Sham and Nat's stunning wedding at the roof gardens was certainly fitting for such an amazing wedding venue.

It's hard to believe that you are high up on the 7th floor in central London when you step out into the Babylon Roof Gardens. There are trees, bridges, ponds and even other buildings and it is clear to see why this is one of London's best wedding venues. As you walk around admiring one of the largest roof gardens in Europe, you are greeted by the resident flamingos and the whole experience becomes even more surreal.

Nat had gone to every effort to ensure that every detail of their Kensington wedding was perfect and it really showed all through the day. Although the weather was wetter and windier than I had ever seen in London,  one of the amazing features of the roof gardens is the amount of covered garden area which meant that we were able to capture some amazing outdoor images without getting wet.

Here are a few photographs from Sham and Nat's Kensington Roof Gardens Wedding which has been one of my favourite weddings of the year and such a fun and amazing couple to work with.

Kensington Roof Gardens: A Unique London Wedding Venue

Planning a wedding in London can be overwhelming with so many incredible venues to choose from, but Kensington Roof Gardens truly stands out as one of the most memorable places to tie the knot. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing couples’ big days at this venue, and it’s always a joy to work here. Located high above bustling Kensington High Street, the Roof Gardens offer a stunning blend of sophistication and charm, making it perfect for couples looking for something extraordinary. With beautiful views, lush greenery, and a unique setting, it’s no wonder this venue is a favourite among London couples.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Kensington Roof Gardens such a remarkable place for weddings, covering everything from its spaces to its practical features.

The Location and How to Get There

Kensington Roof Gardens is located in the heart of West London, on Kensington High Street. Its central location makes it accessible for both London-based guests and those travelling from further afield.

• Nearest Tube Stations: High Street Kensington (Circle and District Lines) is just a 5-minute walk away, making public transport the easiest option for most guests.

• Car Travel: While parking in central London is always limited, there are a few nearby car parks, and taxis or rideshare services are always available for convenience.

Its location also means that out-of-town guests have plenty of hotel options nearby, from luxury stays like The Royal Garden Hotel to more budget-friendly options.

Spaces for Weddings at Kensington Roof Gardens

One of the most unique aspects of Kensington Roof Gardens is the venue itself—it’s quite literally a garden in the sky. Spread across 1.5 acres and sitting 100 feet above the ground, it offers several stunning spaces for your ceremony, reception, and everything in between.

• The Spanish Garden: Inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, this space is ideal for an outdoor ceremony. The beautiful fountains, vibrant flowers, and Mediterranean design provide a romantic and intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for exchanging vows.

• The Tudor Garden: With its manicured hedges and historic touches, this is a great spot for post-ceremony drinks or smaller receptions.

• The English Woodland Garden: Complete with a pond, trees, and even flamingos (yes, real flamingos!), this space is great for quirky and creative photos.

• Indoor Spaces: For receptions and dining, the venue also offers stylish indoor rooms with a modern, sophisticated feel. These spaces can be transformed to suit your wedding style, whether that’s formal or relaxed.

Kensington Roof Gardens can host up to 500 guests, making it suitable for both large celebrations and more intimate gatherings. Whatever the size of your wedding, the flexibility of the space allows couples to truly personalise their day.

Catering and Accommodation Options

Catering at Kensington Roof Gardens is always top-notch. The venue’s dedicated team works with some of the best caterers in London to ensure your guests enjoy an incredible dining experience. From creative canapés to full sit-down meals, the options are vast, and dietary requirements are easily accommodated.

Although there’s no on-site accommodation, its central location means guests can choose from a wide range of hotels nearby. For couples, this also means there are plenty of luxurious options for your wedding night or a pre-wedding stay.

The Wedding Team

The team at Kensington Roof Gardens is highly experienced and approachable. They’re experts in creating seamless, stress-free wedding days and will guide you through every step of the planning process. Whether you’re organising an elaborate celebration or something more understated, they’ll work with you to ensure everything runs smoothly.

I’ve always found their team a pleasure to work with, which makes a huge difference as a photographer. When the team is well-organised, it gives couples the peace of mind to enjoy their day, and it allows me to focus on capturing those unforgettable moments.

Why This Venue is a Photographer’s Dream

From a photographer’s perspective, Kensington Roof Gardens is fantastic. Its outdoor spaces are filled with natural light, which is perfect for capturing vibrant, bright photos. The Spanish Garden is especially photogenic, with its symmetrical design and water features creating a dramatic backdrop for portraits and group shots.

The English Woodland Garden adds a completely different feel, with its lush greenery and unique touches like the flamingos—perfect for couples who want a fun, relaxed vibe in their wedding photos. Even the indoor spaces are beautifully styled, providing elegant backdrops for evening photography.

Having shot weddings here in all seasons, I can say the venue works beautifully year-round, though summer and spring are particularly stunning when the gardens are in full bloom.

Practical Tips for Couples Planning a Wedding at Kensington Roof Gardens

• Book Early: Kensington Roof Gardens is a sought-after venue, so book as early as possible to secure your preferred date.

• Consider Your Guest List: With a capacity of up to 500, the venue works best for medium-to-large weddings, but smaller celebrations can also be beautifully arranged.

• Plan for the Weather: While the gardens are beautiful, it’s always good to have a wet weather plan for outdoor ceremonies or drinks.

• Use the Venue’s Expertise: Trust the experienced wedding team to help you with planning. They know the venue inside out and can offer valuable advice.

• Time Your Photos: Golden hour (just before sunset) is stunning here, with soft light making the gardens look even more magical.

Final Thoughts

Kensington Roof Gardens is truly one of London’s most unique wedding venues. Its combination of breathtaking gardens, central location, and incredible versatility makes it a perfect choice for couples looking to celebrate in style. Whether you’re drawn to the Spanish Garden’s elegance, the fun of the flamingos, or the stunning views over London, this venue offers so much to fall in love with.

If you’d like to learn more about Kensington Roof Gardens, visit their website at Kensington Roof Gardens. And if you’re searching for a wedding photographer to capture your day there or at any other London venue, take a look at more of my work on my website.

FAQ Section

1. How many guests can Kensington Roof Gardens accommodate?

The venue can host up to 500 guests, making it suitable for both large and smaller weddings.

2. Is there parking available at the venue?

While there’s no on-site parking, there are nearby car parks, and public transport options are excellent.

3. Are there indoor spaces available in case of bad weather?

Yes, Kensington Roof Gardens has stylish indoor spaces that can accommodate ceremonies and receptions.

4. Can I bring my own caterers?

The venue typically works with its own approved caterers, but it’s worth discussing specific needs with their team.

5. Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, but it’s a good idea to confirm specific details with the team during your planning.

6. What makes Kensington Roof Gardens unique?

Its rooftop location, beautiful gardens, and quirky features like flamingos make it unlike any other wedding venue in London.

7. Can I have an outdoor ceremony at Kensington Roof Gardens?

Yes, the Spanish Garden and other outdoor spaces are perfect for ceremonies, weather permitting.

8. What’s the best time of year to get married here?

Spring and summer are ideal when the gardens are in bloom, but the venue is beautiful year-round.

9. Are there accommodation options nearby?

Yes, Kensington has a wide range of hotels, from luxury options to more budget-friendly choices.

10. How far in advance should I book the venue?

It’s best to book at least a year in advance, especially for popular wedding dates.

For more details or to discuss your wedding plans, visit the venue's official page, and feel free to explore my wedding photography portfolio for inspiration!