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Relaxed London pub wedding inspiration at Wandsworth Town Hall & The Duke's Head, Putney


Bride and groom by the River Thames with dramatic sky during Putney wedding

I really love a London pub wedding - and not just because the food is always fab! All the pub weddings I've shot across London have been in venues with such a lot of character that they make great backdrops for photos, and they're usually blessed with some outdoor space, which can be all too rare with urban wedding venues. For Anna and Darren's big day at the beginning of September, I got to check out one not that far from me - the lovely Duke's Head, by the river in Putney. (And if you're wondering, yes, I did very much enjoy my dinner of a caesar salad and chips while looking out over the Thames)!

Personalised champagne flute on desk in Chiswick during bridal preparations
Bride having makeup done before wedding in Putney, London
Bride having makeup done in Chiswick London hotel
Bride laughing during wedding preparations in west London
Bride and bridesmaids clinking champagne glasses on a hotel bed
Smiling bride and bridesmaids lounging on hotel room bed before wedding
Bridesmaids in sage green dresses reacting to bride during first look at Putney hotel

The bride and bridesmaids looked relaxed and chic in their personalised pyjama sets while getting ready, and the shorts and short-sleeved shirts were much-needed on a sticky, hot summer's day (though, mercifully, it was no longer 41°c - I shot a wedding that day and am still surprised I didn't keel over). Matching loungewear or dressing gowns are a great way to add some style to your wedding preparations - and far look better in photos than my pre-wedding outfit of checked pyjama bottoms and a Little Mermaid sweatshirt (and huge dark circles from being up half the night icing the wedding cake).

Groom smiling before wedding ceremony at Wandsworth Town Hall
Bridesmaid walking into the Grand Chamber at Wandsworth Town Hall wedding
Mother walking bride down aisle in wedding at Wandsworth Town Hall
Bride and groom smiling during wedding ceremony at Wandsworth Town Hall
Bride giving groom ring during wedding in the Grand Chamber in Wandsworth Town Hall
First kiss at wedding in the Grand Chamber at Wandsworth Town Hall
Bride and groom signing the register at wedding at Wandsworth Town Hall

The wedding ceremony took place in the appropriately-named Grand Chamber at Wandsworth Town Hall which I love shooting in as there is so much room for taking photos - I always stand on the raised bit at the front and then you can easily sidestep either way to get a variety of angles without disturbing anyone or being too disruptive. Following the ceremony, the bride and groom and their gorgeous little girl emerged out into the sun through a large confetti tunnel of cheering guests.

Bride and groom and daughter leaving Wandsworth Town Hall wedding with confetti
Confetti tunnel at Wandsworth Town Hall wedding
Wedding guests taking group photo at Wandsworth Town Hall cheering
Guest hugging bride at Wandsworth Town Hall wedding
Candid photo of bride and bridesmaids outside Wandsworth Town Hall
Groom and groomsmen laughing outside Wandsworth Town Hall
Bride and groom outside Wandsworth Town Hall after wedding
Couple walking down stairs inside Wandsworth Town Hall
Bride and groom kissing on the art deco stairs at Wandsworth Town Hall wedding

Wandsworth Town Hall's art deco surroundings are great for photographs, both inside and out. Every time I work there I make sure we have time to take some photos on the huge staircase, and I love shooting through the decorative bannisters for a slightly different shot. The registry office's vast courtyard is also ideal for a confetti tunnel and group photographs, and as you don't exit onto the street like at some other town halls, you don't get disturbed and/or stared at by passing pedestrians.

Bride, groom, and daughter with white vintage Routemaster wedding bus
Polo wedding favour at Duke's Head Putney
Bridesmaid taking silly photo at wedding photobooth
Couple kissing by the River Thames in Putney
Bride and groom at Putney wedding by River Thames with dramatic sky
Bride and groom cuddling and laughing by Thames at Putney wedding
Bride and groom outside the Duke's Head Putney

After Wandsworth Town Hall, the wedding party travelled a short way down the road to The Duke's Head in Putney on a classic white Routemaster bus, the easiest (and most stylish!) way to get around London if your ceremony and reception are in different locations. The Duke's Head is situated right by the embankment with amazing views of the River Thames in the Coxswain Riverside Restaurant - a large section of the pub available for private hire and with space for up to eighty people seated. With all the windows thrown open to let the much-needed breeze in, and the flattering shade of green of the walls (which also tied in with the wedding theme), the restaurant was perfect for a relaxed wedding reception.

Bride and groom making wedding speech at Duke's Head Putney London
Wedding guests toasting during groom's speech at Duke's Head Putney wedding
Little wedding guest at Duke's Head Putney
First dance at Duke's Head Putney wedding
Bride and groom laughing during first dance at Duke's Head Putney
Groom dipping bride during first dance at Putney, London wedding
Laughing guest dancing at Duke's Head Putney wedding
Bride and groom dancing at Duke's Head Putney wedding
Man and baby on dance floor at Duke's Head Putney London wedding
Couple dancing at wedding reception at London pub

The colours the bride and groom chose for their wedding were sage, neutral pinks, and gold; a lovely soft summery palette perfect for the time of year. They were keen on giving the wedding a bit of a bohemian twist, which Anna's loose, wavy hair suited well. The most important aspect of the day to them was that everyone was happy and created some amazing memories, and their top wedding planning tip is to give yourselves lots of time to plan - and while things may go wrong, there is always a solution.

Bride and groom cutting cake at London pub wedding
Cheering couple cutting wedding cake at Duke's Head Putney
Wedding guests dancing at Duke's Head Putney pub reception
Baby laughing on dance floor at west London pub wedding reception
Groom hugging wedding guest at west London pub reception
Bride and bridesmaids on dance floor at Duke's Head Putney pub wedding
Wedding guests dancing at Duke's Head Putney London

The amazing suppliers who helped Anna and Darren's perfect day come together are:

 

If you're planning your own relaxed London wedding and are looking for a photographer, I'd love to hear from you! Hit the button below to contact me and tell me all about your plans.


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