Royal Hospital Chelsea | Charles & Shane

Royal Hospital Chelsea wedding

Royal Hospital Chelsea, is home to those famous scarlet-coated pensioners, as well as the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The London wedding venue, on a sunny Saturday in September, for Charles and Shane. A venue that had a family connection for Charles. The first time I’ve shot a wedding here. The hospital was founded by King Charles II – a shiny gold statue of him in one of the large forecourts – in 1682 as an almshouse. It now houses 300 British Army veterans and something I didn’t know, it is where the ashes of former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, are interred.

State Apartments

Coverage began a bit early at the Hospital. There were some pictures with their dog and also a few family shots before the wedding guests arrived. Everyone gathered in the sunshine, in the southeast corner of the forecourt—a view across to Battersea Power Station—before being invited into the State Apartments for the wedding ceremony. Surrounded by old paintings of Royalty and notable people from history, Charles and Shane were married by the Registrar from Chelsea. (when we walked past Chelsea Town Hall later, the same registrar was on the steps dealing with another wedding couple). The wedding ceremony complete, Charles and Shane grabbed their sunglasses before welcoming the guests back outside. A chance for people to catch up before heading out to the wedding bus. Charles and Shane walked to the restaurant – a few quick portraits en route.

Stanley’s Restaurant wedding reception

The drinks reception and meal were at Stanley’s, just off the Kings Road. Guinness especially brought in. I photographed another Irish couple here just last year. A series of speeches before the main course was served and my cue for the coverage to finish.

Here are a few images from this Royal Hospital Chelsea wedding, with a reception at Stanley’s…