One Great George Street Wedding Photographer London
Westminster Wedding Photography at One Great George Street
London Wedding Venue One Great George Street in Westminster is an incredible location for a city wedding and was the perfect setting for James and Sasha's Summer Wedding in London.
This lovely couple had put together the dream wedding day which began with the bride and groom getting ready at the Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate Westminster. James and Sasha both had an incredible group of friends to spend the morning with and it was great to see how calm and relaxed everyone was before the wedding started.
After getting ready for the big day, the bride and bridesmaids headed over to the historic London wedding venue for the ceremony. One Great George Street is a beautiful Grade II listed Edwardian Building in the heart of Westminster and had been decorated beautifully for the wedding of this amazing couple. Guests were greeted by stunning florals as they entered the main lobby with a centrepiece tree that was used for messages to the happy couple.
The florals extended all the way up the staircase that led guests into the ceremony room for the emotional wedding. After the ceremony the bride and groom along with the bridal party headed over into St James Park for the couples wedding photographs before heading back to One Great George Street to join their guests for the reception which contained a casino themed room to keep guests entertained before the wedding breakfast. After the speeches and before the dancing, Sasha changed into Indian attire for the evening before the first dance and looked incredible in a stunning red Asian inspired dress. Dhol and Bass kicked of an incredible set with Indian music and Dhol Playing and guests danced well into the night.
It was lovely to work with the incredible team of wedding suppliers that Sasha had put together including Michael at Story of Eve for the videography and Sugared Saffron for the cake and TRB Floral Design for the flowers.
Here are a few images from this lovely One Great George Street wedding in Westminster London.
Wedding Venue: One Great George Street 1 Great George St, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA
Hotel: The Taj Hotel, 54 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, London SW1E 6AF
Wedding planner: Fola Salako at One Great George Street
Videography by Michael at Story of Eve
Florist name and website: Toby Roberts at TBR Floral Design
Entertainment: Totem
Cake designer: Asma at Sugared Saffron
DJ: DJ Raja from Dhol and Bass
Dress: Enzoani design
Indian dress by Roop's Couture
jewellery by The Jewellery Trunk
One Great George Street Wedding Photographer | Venue Guide
One Great George Street ranks among Westminster's finest wedding photography venues. This Grade II listed Edwardian building offers photographers an abundance of opportunities, from its magnificent Portland stone façade to its remarkable architectural details. The combination of grand period features, elegant reception rooms and a prime central London location creates an impressive backdrop for wedding photography throughout the year.
About One Great George Street
Situated in the heart of Westminster, One Great George Street stands as one of London's most prestigious wedding venues. This award-winning conference and wedding venue, home to the Institution of Civil Engineers, combines Edwardian grandeur with modern sophistication. Built between 1910 and 1913, this building has hosted countless historical events and continues to impress with its perfect balance of architectural beauty and contemporary amenities.
Location
The venue enjoys an enviable position in Westminster, mere steps from St James's Park and the Houses of Parliament. This central London location offers exceptional transport links and provides a truly iconic London backdrop for your wedding day. The surrounding area offers countless photo opportunities, with Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, and the London Eye all within walking distance.
Wedding Spaces at One Great George Street
The variety and grandeur of spaces at One Great George Street offer couples exceptional flexibility in planning their perfect day. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, each room brings its own character while maintaining the venue's signature elegance.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall stands as the venue's crowning glory, a breathtaking space that epitomises Edwardian grandeur. With its double-height ceiling, ornate chandeliers, and exquisite plasterwork, this room creates an unforgettable setting for both ceremonies and receptions. Impressive marble columns line the space, while tall windows flood the room with natural light throughout the day.
The room's proportions and layout work beautifully for both ceremonies and celebrations, with a gallery level providing perfect vantage points for photography. The built-in PA system and excellent acoustics make it ideal for live music and speeches, while the original period features create a stunning backdrop for any style of celebration.
Capacities:
Civil ceremonies: 220 guests
Wedding breakfast: 220 guests
Evening reception: 400 guests
Minimum numbers: None
The Smeaton Room
The Smeaton Room offers an elegant setting that works beautifully either as a ceremony space or for more intimate receptions. This versatile room features a magnificent period fireplace and ornate ceiling, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for celebrations. Large windows provide abundant natural light, while direct access to the Marble Hall allows for smooth transitions between different parts of your day.
The room's flexible layout options mean it can be arranged to suit various styles of celebration, from traditional ceremonies to relaxed reception gatherings. The space works particularly well in combination with the Great Hall, perhaps hosting your ceremony before guests move through to the larger space for your reception.
Capacities:
Civil ceremonies: 150 guests
Wedding breakfast: 120 guests
Evening reception: 200 guests
Minimum numbers: None
The Telford Theatre
The Telford Theatre offers something truly unique for couples seeking a different style of ceremony space. This impressive theatre, with its professional lighting system and excellent sight lines, creates a dramatic setting for wedding ceremonies. The space proves particularly popular for cultural ceremonies where guest viewing is paramount, with every seat offering a perfect view of proceedings.
The theatre's built-in AV equipment makes it ideal for couples wanting to incorporate multimedia elements into their ceremony, while the professional lighting ensures everyone is seen in their best light. The tiered seating creates a natural focus on the ceremony, making every guest feel part of the celebration.
Capacities:
Civil ceremonies: 240 guests
Theatre-style seating only
Perfect for larger ceremonies requiring clear viewing
The Library
For those seeking an intimate setting full of character, the Library provides a sophisticated space perfect for smaller ceremonies or drinks receptions. Beautiful book-lined walls and original oak shelving create a warm, intimate atmosphere that works particularly well for winter weddings.
The room's period lighting features and traditional décor create a cosy yet elegant environment while still offering plenty of space for a comfortable celebration. The Library can work beautifully either as a standalone ceremony space or as part of a multi-room celebration, perhaps serving as a quiet retreat during evening receptions.
Capacities:
Civil ceremonies: 70 guests
Wedding breakfast: 60 guests
Evening reception: 120 guests
Minimum numbers: None
Combining Spaces for a One Great George Street Wedding
One of the venue's greatest strengths lies in how seamlessly these different spaces can work together. Many couples choose to use multiple rooms throughout their day, perhaps having an intimate ceremony in the Library before moving to the Great Hall for their reception. The venue's layout allows guests to flow naturally between spaces, creating different atmospheres as your day progresses.
Catering at One Great George Street
The venue works with a selection of approved caterers who understand the high standards expected at this prestigious location. The professional kitchen facilities allow for exceptional service and flexibility in menu planning.
Catering highlights:
Choice of approved quality caterers
Kosher and Asian catering permitted
Fully equipped professional kitchens
Multiple service areas
Experienced waiting staff
Flexible dining options
Full drinks licence until 11pm
Champagne reception capabilities
Accommodation Near One Great George Street
While the venue doesn't offer on-site accommodation, its central London location means there are numerous excellent hotels within walking distance.
Luxury Options
Conrad London St James (0.2 miles)
St Ermin's Hotel (0.4 miles)
The Corinthia (0.5 miles)
The Rubens at the Palace (0.6 miles)
Mid-Range Hotels
Hub by Premier Inn Westminster (0.3 miles)
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (0.7 miles)
Citadines Trafalgar Square (0.5 miles)
The Grand at Trafalgar Square (0.4 miles)
Budget-Friendly Choices
Premier Inn County Hall (0.6 miles)
Travelodge Waterloo (0.8 miles)
Z Hotel Victoria (0.7 miles)
Recent Weddings on the Blog
Planning Your Wedding at One Great George Street
Access and Timing
The venue typically allows access from 8am on your wedding day, with events finishing at 11pm. Earlier access can be arranged for suppliers and setup teams when needed.
Transport and Parking
Planning transport for your wedding at One Great George Street benefits from the venue's central London location. The surrounding area offers multiple transport options for guests arriving from across London and beyond. The proximity to major transport hubs makes it particularly convenient for international guests or those travelling from outside London, while the central location means most London-based guests can easily reach the venue by public transport.
For those driving, the venue can arrange limited parking for key members of the wedding party, though it's worth noting that most guests find public transport more convenient given the central location. Several public car parks operate within walking distance, and the venue team can provide detailed parking information for guests who need to drive.
The venue's transport links include:
St James's Park Underground Station (2-minute walk)
Westminster Underground Station (5-minute walk)
Victoria Station (15-minute walk)
Charing Cross Station (15-minute walk)
Limited parking available by arrangement
Several public car parks nearby
Easy access for suppliers
Wet Weather Planning
Weather considerations are often top of mind when planning a London wedding, but One Great George Street's thoughtful design means you can remain confident regardless of the forecast. The venue's impressive interior spaces provide numerous options for photography and guest comfort throughout your day, while covered entrances ensure smooth arrivals even in inclement weather. The building's large windows flood spaces with natural light even on overcast days, ensuring bright, airy photographs, whatever the weather.
The venue's wet weather features include:
Covered entrance for arrival
Beautiful indoor photo locations
Flexible space usage
Plenty of natural light
Multiple backup options
Asian Weddings at One Great George Street
One Great George Street has established itself as one of central London's most prestigious venues for Asian weddings, combining architectural grandeur with practical versatility. The venue's understanding of different cultural traditions, alongside its stunning spaces and central location, makes it particularly appealing for couples planning traditional Asian celebrations.
Hindu Ceremonies
The Great Hall provides an exceptional setting for Hindu ceremonies, with its impressive ceiling height of over 8 metres offering plenty of space for even the most elaborate mandap designs. The room's period features create a magnificent backdrop for traditional ceremonies, while the abundant natural light through tall windows ensures ceremonies are beautifully illuminated throughout the day.
The venue's layout works particularly well for Hindu wedding traditions, with the spacious Marble Hall providing an ideal location for welcome ceremonies and traditional games. The grand entrance and impressive stone staircase create perfect backgrounds for those all-important family photographs, while multiple spaces allow for smooth transitions between different parts of the celebration.
For smaller Hindu ceremonies, the Smeaton Room offers a more intimate setting while still maintaining the venue's characteristic elegance. Its proximity to the Great Hall means it can work beautifully as part of a multi-room celebration, perhaps hosting the ceremony while the Great Hall is transformed for the reception.
Multicultural Celebration Features
One Great George Street excels at accommodating the various elements that make Asian weddings so special. The venue's impressive entrance on Great George Street provides an excellent setting for baraat processions, with plenty of space for dhol players and dancers. The surrounding area offers excellent photo opportunities, with iconic London landmarks creating an unforgettable backdrop for wedding photographs.
Multiple preparation rooms throughout the venue ensure comfort and privacy for both families throughout the day. These spaces are well-appointed with plenty of natural light - essential for hair and makeup artists working their magic before the ceremonies begin. The venue's experienced team understands the importance of timing in Asian weddings, particularly when multiple ceremonies are taking place throughout the day.
Catering and Practical Considerations
The venue works closely with several approved Asian caterers who understand the importance of authentic cuisine in cultural celebrations. The professional kitchen facilities are well-equipped for large-scale Asian catering, with separate areas available for vegetarian food preparation - an essential consideration for many families.
The Great Hall can comfortably accommodate up to 400 guests for a standing reception or 220 for a seated dinner, making it suitable for most Asian weddings. For larger celebrations, the venue offers the flexibility to use multiple spaces, creating natural flow between different areas as your day progresses.
The venue's central London location proves particularly convenient for guests traveling from across the city and beyond. Early access can be arranged for decorators and suppliers, with a dedicated loading bay making setup and breakdown smooth and efficient. The team's experience with Asian weddings means they understand the complex logistics involved, from managing multiple suppliers to coordinating various ceremonies throughout the day.
The combination of historical grandeur, practical amenities, and experienced staff makes One Great George Street an excellent choice for couples seeking a central London venue for their Asian wedding celebration. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the venue offers the perfect blend of flexibility and elegance to create your perfect day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes One Great George Street unique for weddings?
The venue combines Edwardian grandeur with a central London location, offering impressive architecture and period features alongside modern amenities. Its Westminster location provides iconic London backdrops while maintaining an atmosphere of exclusivity and elegance.
How many guests can One Great George Street accommodate?
The Great Hall can host up to 400 guests for a standing reception or 220 for a seated dinner. Multiple other spaces can accommodate between 70-240 guests depending on the room and setup style.
Is One Great George Street licensed for civil ceremonies?
Yes, multiple rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies, including the Great Hall, Smeaton Room, and Library, offering flexibility for different sized gatherings.
What about parking and transport?
The venue is ideally located near St James's Park and Westminster Underground stations. Limited parking is available by arrangement, and there are several public car parks nearby.
Can we bring our own caterers?
The venue works with a selection of approved caterers but is flexible with cultural and dietary requirements, particularly for Asian and Kosher catering.
What time can suppliers access the venue?
Standard access is from 8am on the day, with earlier access possible by arrangement for setup teams and suppliers.
Are there any sound or timing restrictions?
Events typically end at 11pm, with a full drinks licence until this time. The venue's central London location means some sound restrictions apply, but the building's construction allows for excellent sound insulation.
Can the venue accommodate cultural ceremonies?
Yes, the venue regularly hosts cultural ceremonies including Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim weddings, with flexible spaces and experienced staff to support different traditions.
What backup plans exist for wet weather?
The venue offers multiple stunning indoor spaces, meaning weather won't impact your day. The covered entrance and beautiful interior provide numerous photo opportunities regardless of weather.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, One Great George Street is fully accessible with lift access to all floors and accessible facilities throughout the building.
You can find out more about using One Great George Street as your London wedding venue on the dedicated wedding venue page. Find out more about me as an international wedding photographer on the homepage and view more of my weddings from London and around the world over on my wedding photography blog.
On Instagram
