Ravens Ait Island Wedding Photography Kingston on Thames
Wedding Photography at Ravens Ait Island in Surbiton
As unique London wedding venues go, Ravens Ait Island in Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames has to be right up there with the best. This civil wedding and reception was the perfect follow-up to Viral and Angeli's beautiful Hindu wedding at Hampton Court Palace, and the day was filled with sun, smiles and incredible moments.
Ravens Ait is an island in the Thames River and is a stunning setting for unique wedding events. The only access is by boat across the Thames which creates an incredibly unique experience for guests and some amazing wedding day memories.
The day began with a boat trip to access the venue and Viral and his family enjoyed the sunshine on the dock as they greeted the arriving wedding guests. Angeli also arrived by boat once guests had been seated and the ceremony took place in the Thames suite with views over the river.
Following the ceremony, we took advantage of the stunning riverside location for the couple's wedding photographs and spent some time in the unique setting with Thames River views before Viral and Angeli joined their guests for the marquee reception.
After the speeches, guests moved outside into the warm summer evening for drinks, dancing and fun before the couple made a stunning sparkler exit before being whisked away by boat.
Here are a few images from this beautiful Ravens Ait Island wedding.
Venue: Ravens Ait Island, Raven's Ait, Portsmouth Rd, Surbiton KT6 4HN
Photography: Nick Rose Photography
About the venue: Ravens Ait is a River Thames island that can only be accessed by boat and is one of the most unique London wedding venues. The Island is located in the Thames between Surbiton, Kingston and Hampton Court in the Kingston upon Thames, London, England.
The venue is the perfect place for any type of wedding and the venue boasts several incredible spaces that give the venue incredible flexibility for any type of wedding day plan.
Capacity at Ravens Ait Island is up to 400 guests for receptions and the spaces include the Thames Suite, with a theatre capacity of 120, the Britannia with a capacity of 250 and the marquee with a banqueting capacity of 320 or reception capacity of 400.
You can find out more about unique weddings at this exclusive island wedding venue over on their dedicated wedding page here.
Ravens Ait Island Wedding Venue Guide
Ravens Ait Island is a truly unique wedding venue in London. Located on the River Thames in Surbiton, this private island offers incredible views, exclusive hire, and a stunning backdrop for wedding photography. It’s a perfect choice for couples who want something different—an island wedding without leaving the city.
I’ve photographed weddings at Ravens Ait Island, and it’s always a fantastic experience. The boat ride to the venue sets the tone for the day, creating a real sense of occasion. The combination of riverside views, elegant indoor spaces, and open-air terraces makes it a dream for wedding photography. Whether it’s a bright summer’s day or a crisp winter wedding, this venue delivers.
Ravens Ait Island Wedding Venue Overview
Location: Private island on the River Thames, Surbiton, London
Capacity: Up to 250 guests for a seated wedding breakfast, 400 for a reception
Exclusive Hire: Yes, full island hire available
Outdoor Spaces: Riverside lawns, terrace, and gardens
Indoor Spaces: The Marquee, Thames Suite, Britannia Suite
Accommodation: No on-site accommodation, but nearby hotels available
Catering: In-house catering with custom menu options
Getting to Ravens Ait Island for Weddings
The venue is located in Surbiton, just outside central London. It’s easily accessible by train, with Surbiton Station around a 20-minute journey from London Waterloo. The unique part? Guests arrive by boat! Ravens Ait Island provides a private ferry from the shore, making the entrance to the wedding both fun and memorable.
Train: Surbiton Station (20 mins from Waterloo)
Car: Limited parking available nearby
Boat: Private ferry service to the island
Wedding Spaces at Ravens Ait Island
The Marquee
Capacity: Up to 250 seated guests
Best for: Large wedding breakfasts and receptions
Features: Clear sides for river views, chandeliers, fairy lights
Photography Tip: Golden hour light reflects beautifully off the Thames, perfect for couple portraits.
The Thames Suite
Capacity: 80 guests seated, 180 standing
Best for: Intimate weddings and evening receptions
Features: Floor-to-ceiling windows, private terrace overlooking the river
Photography Tip: The natural light here is fantastic for candid shots.
The Britannia Suite
Capacity: 120 guests seated
Best for: Indoor ceremonies or smaller receptions
Features: Classic décor, neutral tones for personal styling
Photography Tip: Works well with both natural light and evening uplighting.
The Riverside Lawn & Terrace
Best for: Outdoor ceremonies, drinks receptions, and sunset photos
Photography Tip: The riverside setting makes for stunning wide-angle shots. The London skyline and passing boats add to the atmosphere.
Ravens Ait Island Wedding Catering and Accommodation
Ravens Ait Island provides in-house catering with flexible menu options, from formal sit-down meals to relaxed BBQs and buffets. They cater to all dietary requirements, and the food is always top quality.
While there’s no on-site accommodation, plenty of great hotels are nearby, including:
The Holiday Inn Kingston (5-minute drive)
The Mitre Hotel, Hampton Court (stylish boutique option)
Premier Inn Surbiton (budget-friendly and convenient)
For couples needing overnight stays for guests, block bookings can be arranged at local hotels.
Why Choose Ravens Ait Island for Your Wedding?
Exclusive private island location – a wedding venue like no other
Beautiful riverside views – stunning for both summer and winter weddings
Multiple spaces – suitable for both large and intimate weddings
Arrival by boat – a unique and unforgettable experience for guests
Amazing photography spots – natural light, river reflections, and scenic backdrops
Wedding Photography at Ravens Ait Island
As a wedding photographer, I always look for venues with a variety of settings, and Ravens Ait Island has it all. The riverbank, open terrace, and landscaped lawns give plenty of choice for photos. Sunset by the water is always a highlight, and night-time shots with the venue lights reflecting on the Thames create a beautiful finishing touch to the album.
If you're considering Ravens Ait Island for your wedding, I’d love to chat about how we can capture your day in the best way possible. Visit their official website for more details, and feel free to check out my London wedding photography page for more inspiration.
Ravens Ait Island Weddings: FAQs
How do guests get to Ravens Ait Island?
Guests arrive by private ferry from the riverside in Surbiton, which is included in the venue hire.
Can we have an outdoor ceremony?
Yes! The Riverside Lawn is perfect for outdoor ceremonies with views over the Thames.
What is the maximum capacity for a wedding at Ravens Ait?
The Marquee can host up to 250 guests for a seated meal and 400 for a standing reception.
Is there accommodation on the island?
No, but there are several hotels nearby, including The Mitre at Hampton Court and the Holiday Inn Kingston.
Can we bring our own caterers?
No, Ravens Ait Island provides in-house catering with a variety of menu options.
Is the venue suitable for winter weddings?
Yes! The indoor spaces are warm and stylish, and the winter lighting on the river creates a beautiful atmosphere.
How much does it cost to hire Ravens Ait Island?
Pricing depends on the season, day of the week, and guest numbers. It's best to contact the venue directly for a quote.
What time does the wedding need to finish?
Most weddings finish by midnight, but late extensions may be available on request.
Is there parking available?
There is limited parking near the ferry departure point in Surbiton. Guests are encouraged to use public transport where possible.
What are the best photo spots at Ravens Ait Island?
The riverside lawn, the private terrace, and the boat arrival area are all fantastic for wedding photography.
If you’re planning a wedding at Ravens Ait Island and want stunning, natural photography to capture your day, feel free to get in touch. You can also check out my latest wedding photography work on my website or check out my Instagram below.