The Banqueting House Wedding Photography Whitehall
Wedding Photography at the Banqueting House in London
As the events manager for Kensington Palace, Milan certainly knows his stuff when it comes to putting together a luxurious event so it was an honour to be chosen to tell the story of his wedding to Jai. Managing high-end events for one of the most prestigious venues in London, the expectations were high for Milan and Jai to put together something special and they exceeded in abundance with one of the most incredible wedding days.
I have been lucky enough to have been photographing events at Kensington Palace for a number of years and so know Milan well and just how much attention to detail he takes and so it was incredible to see such a beautiful day coming together so perfectly. Jai and Milan are such a lovely couple and I loved playing a small part in their day.
Milan and Jai chose the Banqueting House in Whitehall London as their wedding venue which is one of Historic Royal Palace’s stunning venues and they couldn’t have picked a more amazing location to celebrate their wedding. Both Jai and Milan are of Indian heritage and they chose to incorporate a number of traditional elements into the day such as being led down the aisle by a Dohl player and wearing traditional Indian attire for the day.
Guests were greeted by royal footmen and following the emotional and joyous ceremony in the undercroft they were led up to the Main Hall of the Banqueting House which had been decorated in colour and stunning flowers by Royal florist Simon Lycett. Florals, table decorations and all of the styling blended perfectly to create a beautiful scene that welcomed guests to the start of the celebrations.
The speeches were emotional and touching and it was so lovely to see the amount of support that Jai and Milan have from all of their family and friends. Gay Indian weddings are unfortunately a rare event and I know that Milan and Jai have had a tough journey to get to this day. It is so inspiring to see that they have overcome many obstacles and raised eyebrows from the Indian community and it is clear to see that much of the strength that they have as a couple is down to the level of support that they have received from the people that love them the most.
Following the speeches, guests were led back down to the undercroft for cakes and desserts before a surprise flash mob dance started the party off and there was dancing well into the night as Mr Vish kept the dance floor filled.
Milan had put together a dream team of suppliers and it was great to work with many of these again. Here are a few images of this incredible Banqueting House wedding in Whitehall.
Venue: Banqueting House, Whitehall, Westminister, SW1A 2ER
Event Management: Jess Davies
Photography: Nick Rose Photography
Videography: Kate and Brent at By Lumiere
Production: Wise Productions
Flowers: Simon Lycett
DJ: Mr Vish at Musical Movements
Entertainment: Prelude Entertainment
Catering: Blue Strawberry
Groom’s Outfits: Sonas Couture
Wedding rings: Tiffany & Co
Stationery: Serif London
Cake: Unique Cakes by Yevnig Davies
Furniture: Great Hire
About the venue:
The Banqueting House in Whitehall is one of Historic Royal Palace’s hidden Gems. Unassuming from the outside and breathtaking on the inside, the Banqueting House is a perfect venue for weddings of all style and sizes. The London wedding venue has two incredible spaces and both of these are licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. The Undercroft is an atmospheric vaulted space suitable for ceremonies, receptions and dancing and has a capacity of up to 380 guests. The Main Hall is one of the most impressive entertainment spaces in London and is accessed by the grand stairway which leads to Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ stunning painted ceiling which has been hailed as one of the worlds great masterpieces. The Main Hall has a capacity of up to 400 guests and the flexibility of the two spaces in the Banqueting House makes it suited for most types of weddings.
To find out more about weddings at the Whitehall Banqueting House then visit the wedding venue page here. To find out more about me as a London and international wedding photographer then look through some more of my work on my International Wedding Photographer page or look through lots more of my weddings over on the blog page.
Recent Weddings on the Blog
Wedding Photography at The Banqueting House in Whitehall
The Banqueting House in Whitehall is one of London’s most iconic wedding venues. With its incredible history and stunning architecture, it offers a grand and unique setting for your wedding day. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing couples in this incredible venue, and every time I’m amazed by the beauty and atmosphere it provides. From its magnificent ceiling painted by Sir Peter Paul Rubens to its grand spaces filled with natural light, The Banqueting House is a dream location for couples who want a sophisticated and timeless wedding.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a large celebration, The Banqueting House can accommodate various wedding styles. Its central London location, rich history, and unique photogenic qualities make it a standout choice for couples looking for something truly special.
Venue Location and Travel Options
Located in the heart of Whitehall, The Banqueting House is part of the historic Palace of Whitehall and sits just moments away from iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. It’s easily accessible by public transport, with Westminster and Charing Cross stations both within walking distance. Guests arriving by car will find several parking options nearby, though being in central London, public transport is usually the most convenient option.
Wedding Spaces at The Banqueting House
The Banqueting House is designed to impress and offers two main spaces for weddings:
The Main Hall
The Main Hall is the crown jewel of the venue, with its towering ceilings, large windows, and Rubens’ breath-taking ceiling painting as its centrepiece. This space is ideal for both ceremonies and receptions, accommodating up to 300 seated guests or 500 for a standing reception. The hall’s grandeur provides a dramatic backdrop for your vows, first dance, and wedding breakfast.
The Undercroft
For a more intimate setting, The Undercroft offers a cosy yet elegant space perfect for drinks receptions or smaller gatherings. Originally designed as a drinking den for King James I, this vaulted space is full of character and charm. It’s ideal for pre-dinner drinks or as an additional area for guests to enjoy during the day.
The combination of these two spaces gives couples the flexibility to design a wedding day that flows seamlessly from one part of the venue to the next.
Catering and Accommodation Options
The Banqueting House works with a selection of trusted, high-quality caterers to ensure your wedding menu is tailored to your tastes. From formal multi-course meals to creative canapés and food stations, there are plenty of options to suit your style. Their catering partners are experienced in providing exceptional food and service to match the venue’s grandeur.
While The Banqueting House doesn’t offer on-site accommodation, its central location means that some of London’s finest hotels are just a short walk away. Hotels like The Corinthia, The Savoy, and The Royal Horseguards offer luxurious stays for you and your guests, making it easy to continue the celebration late into the night.
The Wedding Team
The Banqueting House’s dedicated wedding team are true experts in their field. They’re approachable, knowledgeable, and highly experienced in hosting weddings of all sizes. From your initial enquiry to the big day itself, they’ll be on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their professionalism and attention to detail make planning your wedding at The Banqueting House a stress-free experience.
Photogenic Locations Within The Banqueting House
From a wedding photographer’s perspective, The Banqueting House is packed with photogenic opportunities. The Main Hall’s natural light is perfect for capturing timeless portraits, while the Rubens ceiling provides an extraordinary backdrop for wide-angle shots. The Undercroft’s intimate atmosphere adds another dimension, creating warm and romantic photographs.
Outside, Whitehall’s historic surroundings, including the nearby Horse Guards Parade and the Thames, offer additional opportunities for stunning wedding portraits. The combination of classic architecture and vibrant London life makes this venue one of my favourites to shoot in.
Tips for Couples Planning a Wedding at The Banqueting House
Book Early: As one of London’s most popular venues, The Banqueting House tends to book up quickly, especially for weekends.
Consider Lighting: The venue’s high ceilings and large windows mean natural light plays a big role in daytime weddings. If you’re planning an evening event, consider enhancing the atmosphere with uplighting or candles.
Maximise the Location: With so many iconic landmarks nearby, plan a little extra time for portraits outside the venue. It’s worth it!
Work with Recommended Suppliers: The Banqueting House’s preferred suppliers know the venue inside out, which can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth day.
The Banqueting House is truly one of London’s most iconic wedding venues, offering a blend of history, elegance, and flexibility. For couples who want a wedding day that feels grand yet personal, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting location.
For more details about The Banqueting House, visit their official website. And if you’re looking for wedding photography at The Banqueting House or other venues across London and the UK, feel free to check out my portfolio on my wedding photography website.
The Banqueting House Whitehall Wedding Venue: FAQs
What is the guest capacity at The Banqueting House?
The Main Hall can host up to 300 seated guests or 500 for a standing reception. The Undercroft is perfect for smaller gatherings.
Does The Banqueting House allow outdoor weddings?
No, all ceremonies and receptions take place indoors in The Main Hall or The Undercroft.
Is there parking available?
While there’s no on-site parking, there are public car parks nearby, and the venue is well-served by public transport.
Can I bring in my own caterer?
The Banqueting House has a list of approved caterers, so external catering is generally not allowed.
How far in advance should we book?
It’s recommended to book at least a year in advance, especially for popular wedding dates.
Is the venue accessible for disabled guests?
Yes, The Banqueting House is fully accessible, with lifts and facilities for disabled guests.
Can we use confetti?
Only biodegradable confetti is allowed, and it must be used indoors.
Are there restrictions on decorations?
Yes, due to the historic nature of the venue, decorations must be approved in advance, and some restrictions may apply.
Are pets allowed at the venue?
Pets are not permitted inside the venue, except for service animals.
Can we have a live band or DJ?
Yes, The Banqueting House allows live music and DJs, but sound levels may need to be managed to comply with regulations.
For more tips and ideas about planning your wedding at The Banqueting House, get in touch with me, and I’d be happy to help!
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