“The creative quality and attention to detail in Ross’s pictures is second to none… our personalities shone through beautifully. Truly outstanding, this album will be treasured for the rest of our lives. Not only is he a thoroughly lovely chap, behind the lense I would recommend Ross Willsher to any wedding couple looking for a Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photographer – LGBTQ+ or otherwise. Although our ceremony was only small and intimate, the photos Ross took showed how big, bold and beautiful it was to us! We can’t thank him enough.” – PETE & WILL
Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photographer
As a Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photographer, I’ve captured a range of incredible London weddings at this iconic venue. However, Pete and Will’s LGBTQ+ wedding was truly memorable for me for a number of reasons. They chose to have a small ceremony surrounded by only their closest people, followed by a celebratory lunch at The Ivy. Once I captured the toasts and speeches, I stepped away and met them early the following morning for a London wedding shoot across some of the capital’s most iconic backdrops.
Chelsea Old Town Hall provided a stunning backdrop to their vows and confetti moment, and it is a wedding venue I would recommend to any London couple, yet it was the combination of an intimate wedding followed by an epic shoot that really appealed to my creative instincts.
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. As someone who captures a lot of LGBTQ weddings, it is another reason why I love being a Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photographer.
Pete & Will’s ceremony was intimate, relaxed and full of warmth; the kind of atmosphere where guests are caught up in the emotion as much as the couple and the vows exchanged are really felt (check out the tearful ceremony moments in the gallery below).
LONDON WEDDING STYLE AT CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL
One of the most striking parts of this day was Will’s outfit – a piece of art he designed himself. As a costumier for film and TV – including Bridgeton – Will knew exactly how to put his wedding look together and he opted for, pearl-enhanced crinoline. a handmade crown and a flowing veil that caught in the wind on the Chelsea Old Town Hall steps.
Statement wedding looks like this make my job as a Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photographer so much fun. I love the individuality that couples bring to their London wedding, and capturing all of the details that has gone inti crafting a look.
AFTER THE CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL CEREMONY - A LONDON WEDDING SHOOT
The next morning, while the rest of London slept, we met at 5am for a portrait session that created images worthy of a magazine cover. The early start meant that we had empty streets, golden hour light and freedom for Pete and Will to express themselves freely. We moved through the city in that soft early light, starting at Westminster and The London Eye and onto St Pauls, before finishing at Tower Bridge.
If you are looking for a Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding photographer who will go the extra mile for iconic wedding portraits, I would love to chat about how we can do something similar for your wedding day.
Why Chelsea Old Town Hall Is Perfect for LGBTQ+ Weddings
As a London LGBTQ+ wedding photographer, I love this venue for many reasons. It’s welcoming and inclusive so couples from every identity, background and expression see themselves reflected here It is perfect for micro weddings and elopements, and small ceremonies feel just as significant as large ones. The beautiful steps lend themselves to iconic portraits. It is only a short walk to incredible locations – Sloane Square, the river, Belgravia and King’s Road all within reach. There are easy travel connections which is perfect for couples and guests coming from across London and the UK.
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
LOOKING FOR A Chelsea Old Town Hall Wedding PHOTOGRAPHER?
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.