Chelsea Old Town Hall LGBTQ+ Micro Wedding
Some weddings stay with you because of their scale. Others stay with you because every choice feels intentional, thoughtful, expressive, and deeply personal.
Pete and Will’s LGBTQ+ micro wedding at Chelsea Old Town Hall was one of those days. A ceremony surrounded by only their closest people, a celebratory lunch at The Ivy, and then – as London slept – a sunrise portrait session across the city that felt cinematic, still and unforgettable.
Chelsea Old Town Hall is already iconic among London wedding venues, but their celebration brought something uniquely theirs: style, courage, artistry and a quiet devotion to each other that shaped every frame.
A Micro Wedding at Chelsea Old Town Hall
Chelsea Old Town Hall has always been a place where couples can shape their own story – whether that’s a grand celebration or a simple, heartfelt “I do.”
For Pete and Will, the Old Town Hall offered the perfect backdrop for a ceremony centred on connection, not spectacle.
The building itself carries a sense of London charm: elegant stone steps, symmetrical architecture and a heritage feel that suits both classic and fashion-forward couples. It’s welcoming, versatile, and beautifully inclusive; a venue where every kind of love is celebrated.
Their ceremony was intimate, relaxed and full of warmth; the kind of atmosphere where people settle into themselves and the emotion becomes quietly powerful.
Will’s Dressed-to-Express Ensemble - Crown, Pearls & Crinoline
One of the most striking parts of this day was Will’s outfit – a piece of wearable art he designed himself.
A pearl-enhanced crinoline.
A handmade crown.
A flowing veil that caught the wind on the Town Hall steps.
Styling that blended theatre, fashion, romance and identity in a way that felt both bold and deeply personal.
It wasn’t costume, and it wasn’t performance. It was expression – the kind that wedding photography is meant to honour.
Pete’s presence grounded the visual story beautifully: calm, steady, affectionate, and entirely himself. Their balance – one expressive, one serene – made the portraits feel alive with contrast and harmony.
Lunch at The Ivy - Quiet Celebration Before Dawn
After their ceremony, Pete and Will shared a relaxed lunch at The Ivy – a fitting choice for an elegant city wedding. Their day unfolded without hurry, without pressure, and without the expectations that can so easily overwhelm a larger wedding. It was a reminder that intimacy isn’t about numbers; it’s about intention.
London at Dawn - A 5AM Portrait Session Before the City Woke Up
The next morning, while the rest of London slept, we met at 5am for a portrait session that became the heart of their wedding story.
Dawn gave us empty streets, quiet air, a soft, pearlescent sky, the kind of calm that lets people be fully themselves.
We moved through the city in that soft early light. Westminster was still and dignified. The London Eye gleaming against a pastel sky. St Paul’s timeless, architectural, beautifully silent at sunrise
Dawn suits couples like Pete and Will: expressive yet grounded, modern yet deeply connected to the emotional truth of the day.
Why Chelsea Old Town Hall Is Perfect for LGBTQ+ Micro Weddings
As a London LGBTQ+ wedding photographer, I love this venue for many reasons:
It’s welcoming and inclusive – Couples from every identity, background and expression see themselves reflected here.
Perfect for micro weddings and elopements – Small ceremonies feel just as significant as large ones.
Beautiful steps for iconic portraits – There’s a reason these steps have become a London wedding symbol.
A short walk to incredible locations – Sloane Square, the river, Belgravia and King’s Road all within reach.
Easy travel connections –Perfect for couples and guests coming from across London and the UK.
A timeless aesthetic – It works whether your style is classic, editorial, fashion-forward or understated.
Pete and Will’s celebration reminded me of how wonderfully adaptable Chelsea Old Town Hall is. It becomes whatever the couple needs it to be.
A Calm, People-First Approach to London Wedding Photography
Whether photographing a micro wedding, city elopement or full-day celebration, my approach stays the same:
gentle direction
no stiff poses
space for people to feel comfortable
emotional honesty over trends
images that feel elegant, intimate and true to who you are
London can be busy, loud and fast which is why the approach matters even more. You deserve photographs that feel like you, not a performance for the camera.
READ MORE ABOUT MY APPROACH TO LGBTQ+ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY HERE.
FAQs - Chelsea Old Town Hall Weddings (LGBTQ+ & Micro Weddings)
Is Chelsea Old Town Hall LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes – it is one of the most inclusive and welcoming registry venues in London. All identities, orientations and expressions are celebrated.
How many guests can we bring to the ceremony?
The Old Town Hall offers rooms for very small ceremonies as well as larger celebrations. Perfect for micro weddings and intimate gatherings.
Can we take photos on the famous steps?
Absolutely. The steps are iconic and a favourite spot for couples – especially LGBTQ+ couples looking for bold, expressive portraits.
Is Chelsea Old Town Hall good for elopements?
Yes. Its central location and intimate ceremony rooms make it ideal for London elopements.
Are there good portrait locations nearby?
Yes – Sloane Square, Chelsea Embankment, Belgravia, and King’s Road are all close. Many couples also choose to travel to Westminster, St Paul’s or the river for wider London portraits.
What is the best time for portraits in Central London?
Early morning (sunrise) is perfect – soft skies, empty streets and beautiful light.
How do we get there?
Located on the King’s Road, Chelsea Old Town Hall is easy to reach by bus, tube and taxi. Nearest tube station is South Kensington.
WEDDING SUPPLIERS
A huge thank you to the following suppliers for making the day so special and easy to photograph.
Venue – Chelsea Old Town Hall
Wedding photographer –Ross Willsher Photography
Rings – Alan Bick
Pete’s Outfit – Frencheye
Will’s Outfit – Designed himself
Planning a Chelsea Old Town Hall LGBTQ+ Micro Wedding?
If you’re drawn to New York-style editorial portraits, calm direction, early-morning stillness and photography that honours who you are, I’d love to document your story.
Get in touch to check availability for your date.