AN ELEGANT WEDDING IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR
Dartmouth House in Mayfair is a beautiful wedding venue and one that means a lot to me. Not only am I a recommended Dartmouth House wedding photographer but I also got married there myself. Every time I return to Dartmouth House it brings back memories of the most fantastic day and it is such a privilege to be able to capture all the wonderful moments for other couples saying I Do here.
In this blog, I share images from Lee and Joanne’s Dartmouth House wedding, and share tips and advice for couples who have chosen Dartmouth House as their London wedding venue.
My husband and I knew as soon as we entered Dartmouth House that it was the perfect central London wedding venue for us. Every room looked beautiful without feeling ostentatious and we were given such a warm welcome from the staff. Our wedding took place in October, and whilst the stunning courtyard really caught our attention, we felt confident that even if the weather was less than perfect, the interior was so photogenic we wouldn’t feel compromised.
Once inside Dartmouth House you forget that you are in central London and every room has a calm, quiet atmosphere as well as incredible attention-to-detail. All of our guests were blown away by Dartmouth House, and told us that they were made to feel really special as soon they walked through the door.
One of the things I love about photographing weddings at Dartmouth House is how beautifully individual each room is, yet each one lends itself to incredible imagery. Ceremonies and first dances take place in the Wall-panelled Churchill room, drinks receptions take place in the aforementioned courtyard, and wedding breakfasts are enjoyed within the baroque walls of the Long Drawing room. The staircase is a particular highlight and the layout of the venue means that your wedding day flows beautifully.
This helps to create a wedding gallery that is cohesive yet gives each part of your wedding day a unique look and feel. Couple portraits can be captured throughout the venue, from the marble steps of the staircase, to the classical fountain in the courtyard meaning that should you choose to, you do not need ot leave the venue to have incredible wedding photos.
One of the biggest advantages of getting married at Dartmouth House is that you can spend the entirety of your wedding at one venue. This takes away a huge amount of worry regarding travel between venues, and gives you more time to enjoy the day. Work with the fantastic team at Dartmouth House on your timeline, making sure you allow enough time for the group photos, couple portraits and spending time with your guests. Always factor in more time for certain aspects of the day to allow for things to overrun and little hiccups to be smoothed out.
Chat with your photographer about how much time you need for various shots and plan for several 5 minute ‘breathers throughout the day to step back and take it all in together.
Find out more about how to curate a relaxed wedding morning here.
Provide your guests with all the information they need on transport and accommodation and check for any tube strikes or closures on the date of your wedding. Ahead of your day decide little things like who will look after your phone on the day, who will look after the marriage certificate, and who suppliers should contact in case of emergency (you’ll be far too immersed in the moment to want to be co-ordinating).
I would also recommend choosing a Mayfair wedding photographer who knows the location and how to make the most from the local architecture and unique backdrops.
Below you will see the gallery of Lee and Joanne’s wedding. What I loved about this day was the attention to detail, the way celebrating family was weaved into every element, and the insane energy and focus on fun that the couple and their guests brought the the venue. These people loved to party and everyone had come ready to celebrate Jo and Lee’s wedding in the biggest boldest way.
Dartmouth House is a versatile venue and can suit both big bold celebrations and more intimate occasions. It’s perfect for people prioritising gorgeous interiors, incredible food and a touch of class.
If you’re seeking a lot of green space, and to spend the majority of your day outdoors, other venues may be more to your liking. It is also not the most accessible of venues, and whilst it has the use of next door’s Chesterfield Hotel’s lift access, other venues may be better for couples and guest with mobility restrictions.
Dartmouth House is located in Charles Street in Mayfair, next door to the iconic Chesterfield Hotel.
Yes Dartmouth House is licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies. Couples can marry in the beautiful wall-panelled Churchill Room.
Dartmouth House is a fantastic venue for wedding photography. Each room lends itself to beautiful wedding photos.
There are many great spots for wedding photography at Dartmouth House, including the stunning staircase, the courtyard and the Long Drawing Room.
I recommend planning for two 20 minute couple portrait sessions at different times of the day. This allows you to spend lots of time with your guests, and be captured in different lighting conditions as the day progresses.
It’s a good idea to choose a Dartmouth House wedding photographer who knows the venue, owing to its range of rooms and lighting situations. Your photographer needs to have experience of shooting both darker wood-lined rooms, and brighter spaces and be able to adjust camera settings quickly when moving between these spaces.
Enjoy viewing the gallery of Lee and Joanne’s Dartmouth House wedding and click the contact button below the gallery to get in touch about your own London wedding plans.
You can also read more about my approach to wedding photography HERE.
If you are getting married at Dartmouth House an are looking for a photographer who knows and loves this wonderful venue then please get in touch. I would love to chat to you about making sure you get the most incredible photos of your Mayfair wedding venue.
If you are still looking for wedding photography advice and information, view more of my blogs below featuring guides on various elements of wedding planning and venue-specific galleries and information.