When Hayley messaged me to say that she and her fiancé, Alistair, had decided to elope in London at Chelsea Old Town Hall, and asked if I would be available to capture that for them, I was absolutely delighted to say that I was free. I love all weddings, but there is something truly special about being a part of an elopement.
I say simple, and I do mean that as you are able to get married exactly how you want to with only yourselves to please. Weddings, however, always require some kind of organisation and although small and intimate, Hayley and Alistair still needed to plan their day. To get married at Chelsea Old Town Hall, you need to choose your room and date, before making a provisional booking which will allow you to then give notice of your intention to marry. You need to do this at least 1 month before your wedding date and you will need to provide two witnesses as well. Chelsea Old Town Hall have actually partnered with Kensington and Chelsea’s librarians (who Hayley and Alistair opted to use), to offer friendly witnesses for you but this does have a fee. You could always ask strangers in the street if you preferred and I’m also happy to help and have been a witness before! So although eloping is whimsical and romantic, there is still a little bit of planning attached!
It was a delight to meet Hayley and Alistair. Having traveled down from Wales, the couple decided to stay in a nearby hotel the night before and to take in all of the sights that Chelsea and Kensington have to offer. They had planned to stay for one night in London before the ceremony and to hop on the Eurostar to Paris shortly afterwards where they could continue to celebrate together.
Having signed on the dotted line, we began by capturing the two of them on the steps as they left the Harrington Room at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Hayley held a beautiful, delicate bouquet that she had chosen from the Chelsea Flower Stand moments before their ceremony and they both looked amazing in their wedding suits. In fact, at the end of our time together, Hayley handed me her bouquet as she didn’t want to travel to Paris with it, and as I walked to the station, a lady stopped me and asked if I had photographed the ‘cool’ couple that she had seen with the flowers earlier that day. Absolute show stoppers!
After taking some couple portraits on the steps of Chelsea Town Hall, we then walked a short way to The Ivy Chelsea Garden, where Hayley and Alistair toasted their newly married status – I also helped to toast them – while capturing their celebrations. It was just lovely and relaxed. Having raised a glass before heading to Paris, we wandered towards St Luke’s Gardens for a few last moment portraits of the very happy couple. Such a lovely day celebrating two lovely people in the simplest and most stylish way.
Kind Words
You’ve really captured what a great day it was. Thanks again for being wonderful. xx
Hayley & Alastair
Get in touch
If you are planning your wedding day, be it a micro wedding, elopement or full-day celebration, then I would love to help. For more wedding day inspiration, you are welcome to take a look at my journal page. Here you will find some amazing venues, suppliers and ideas to get you thinking! If you would like to chat about your plans so far, I am more than happy to! To get in touch, you just need to fill out my contact form which you can find here. I’d love to hear about your plans so far and we can go from there. Looking forward to hearing from you!
You can find a full list of the wonderful suppliers that helped to make Hayley and Alistair’s London elopement so perfect for them at the end of their gallery. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse of a contemporary, stylish and simply beautiful London elopement at Chelsea Old Town Hall.
