Engagement photography shoots have become part of the fabric of weddings. They are a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, a wonderful keepsake and brilliant to use in your wedding stationery. Save the dates, table numbers, your first Christmas card as newlyweds, there is no end to the options!
Whether you’re going for goofy, romantic, casual or elegant, London is sure to have the perfect spot for your engagement photo shoot. If you need any ideas deciding which incredible London spot you’d like to be the backdrop of your happy moment, I’m here to help! I’ve compiled a list of ten beautifully romantic London spots that serve as idyllic settings for such a moment.
1. Tower Bridge, London
You only have to drive over this famous bridge, and you will see either newlyweds or engaged couples having their photos taken. If you want your wedding to be synonymous with London, you really can’t get any more London, than Tower Bridge. This iconic London landmark is steeped in history and looks so beautiful at night covered in shimmering lights.
2. Kew Gardens
If you’re looking for a venue abundant in flowers and greenery, look no further than Kew Gardens. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew is a beautiful, verdant space to capture your new chapter.
3. Gunnersbury Park
This gorgeous park in the West of London provides a stunning setting to take engagement photos. This memorial park is situated close to Chiswick. The grounds contain luscious lawns and an idyllic pond for the most romantic of shots.
4. Canary Wharf
Look at this beautiful shot, by award winning photographer, Natalie J Weddings Photography. Canary Wharf has great architecture, tall buildings and the Winter Gardens for an abundance of fauna and foliage. There is also the added bonus of the River Thames flowing along serenely in the background.
5. Primrose Hill
Want to catch the sunrise, as it lights up the city? Primrose Hill is one of London’s most iconic spots. The picturesque hill boasts panoramic views of London, and the surrounding streets are colourful and quintessentially London! This beauty spot means you can get rolling green hills and sleek city streets in one photo shoot. With the nation’s favourite bear, Paddington, releasing a new film in coming weeks, I suspect Primrose Hill is going to be a popular choice for photo shoots next year.
6. Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the biggest Royal Park in London. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some deer in the background as you pose. How enchanting! The park is vast, with multiple ponds, and gardens. Whether you’re looking for open spaces or to be enclosed by trees, there’ll be something for you at Richmond Park. Beautiful wedding venue Pembroke Lodge sits amidst this generous space, so it would be a good option for wedding photos, as well.
7. Hampstead Heath Pergola & Gardens
Hampstead Heath is one of London’s secrets. Housing beautiful landscaped gardens, architectural details and foliage covered pillars, it’s simply magical. There are views a plenty, and with it’s open spaces, it takes on the charm of every season beautifully.
8. Somerset House
9. St James’ Park
Somerset House, the location of dreams. Famous in Winter for it’s iconic skating ring, it is a delightfully romantic setting for your engagement photos.
Historic and iconic all at once, it’s such a cultural hub, it is the home of London Fashion Week.
During the warmer seasons, you get the benefit of the courtyard for your photos. Located just near the Strand, it’s one of the best settings London has to offer.
St James’ Park, right in the heart of London is another green space that is charming and whimsical.
On one side of the park, you have a back drop of ducks swimming serenely in a pond, and on the other side, you get the city scape. Amazing.
St James’ Park is home to an array of wildlife and flowers, making it a perfect space for a varied photoshoot.
10. St Dunstan in the East
Ohhh, and last but not least, St Dunstan in the East. The words “hidden gem” are overused when it comes to describing venues in London, but seriously. Did you know about this beautiful old church? Considering the location, once inside, you’d have no idea that this brick and stone oasis is a stone throw from the centre of London. St Dunstan’s is a Grade 1 listed building with great historic significance. Having borne witness to The Plague & the English Civil War, it was hit by a bomb in WW1. The decision was made to leave it be, and so what remains are ruins. From those ruins, a natural garden has developed, and it is incredible.
Looking at the beautiful photo above, that golden hour peeking through the trees is enough to make one swoon. Look how the curved brickwork seems to be enclosing this newly engaged couple – a dream. Whispering branches appear to be leaning in, keen to celebrate with the couple.
I hope in this list you’ve found some inspiration for your engagement photo shoot. Once this very fun and exciting part of the engagement process has finished, I’d love to hear from you. Perhaps your engagement shoot will give you some inspiration for your wedding – if so, I’ll be right here when you get to the planning the cake.
Until next time,
Jasmine