St James’s, London - Best Wedding Venues in the heart of London
- Katya Browne
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
A Guide to Weddings and Venues in One of London’s Most Elegant Neighbourhoods
St James’s is one of the most refined and architecturally beautiful areas of London to get married. Located between Green Park, Piccadilly and The Mall, it offers a rare mix of grandeur and calm, making it especially appealing for couples planning elegant central London weddings.
With its historic terraces, ceremonial streets and discreet private venues, St James’s suits weddings that feel timeless and understated, while still being unmistakably London.
As a London wedding photographer, I regularly photograph weddings and portraits around St James’s and know the area well, from the light along The Mall to the quieter streets and squares that are ideal for relaxed couple portraits.
Why Choose St James’s for Your Wedding
St James’s has a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other parts of central London. The streets feel spacious and ordered, the architecture is classical and elegant, and the area retains a sense of privacy despite its central location.
Couples are often drawn to St James’s because:
It offers grand and historic venues in a highly central setting
The surrounding streets and architecture photograph beautifully year round
It feels calm and contained compared to busier parts of London
Many venues are within walking distance, making timelines smoother
From a photography perspective, St James’s lends itself particularly well to polished but relaxed imagery, with space for natural moments and unhurried portraits.
Wedding Venues in St James’s
St James’s is home to some of London’s most impressive wedding venues, as well as a number of private members clubs that regularly host weddings and receptions. Below is a guide to some of the most sought after options in the area.
Carlton House Terrace is one of the most iconic wedding venues in central London. Overlooking The Mall, its grand neoclassical rooms offer scale, symmetry and a strong sense of occasion.
Ideal for large and formal weddings
Elegant interiors with high ceilings and classical proportions
Capacity varies by room, often up to around 200 guests
Its location also makes it ideal for portraits along The Mall and nearby St James’s Park.
Situated at Burlington House on Piccadilly, the Royal Academy of Arts offers a distinctive venue option for couples looking for something cultural and design led.
Historic architecture combined with contemporary art spaces
Flexible layouts depending on the galleries in use
Guest numbers vary by space and event format
This venue suits couples who want a wedding that feels creative while remaining rooted in London’s heritage.
Private Members Clubs in St James’s That Host Weddings
St James’s is synonymous with London clubland, and several private members clubs in the area host weddings, receptions and private celebrations. These venues are particularly popular for couples seeking a classic London feel with a more intimate and discreet atmosphere.
Located on St James’s Square, The In & Out offers grand interiors and historic character, making it a popular choice for elegant wedding receptions and celebrations.
Situated on Pall Mall, the Army & Navy Club provides traditional club interiors and formal dining spaces suited to classic wedding receptions.
Part of the Royal Over Seas League, Six Park Place is a well known wedding venue in St James’s, offering elegant rooms and a rare private garden in central London.
The Reform Club on Pall Mall is known for its grand rooms and historic interiors, which can be hired for weddings and private celebrations.
One of the most recognisable clubs in St James’s, the Carlton Club offers traditional interiors and a strong sense of London clubland heritage for private events.
These venues are often well suited to:
Smaller to mid sized guest lists
Formal dining and receptions
Couples who value privacy and tradition
Wedding Photography Around St James’s
From a photography point of view, St James’s is one of the strongest areas in London. The wide streets and classical buildings create clean backdrops, while nearby green spaces and quieter roads allow for relaxed portraits away from crowds.
The Mall, in particular, offers symmetry and scale that photographs beautifully at different times of day, while the surrounding streets provide more intimate settings for couple portraits.
Because many venues are close together, it is often possible to step outside briefly for portraits without disrupting the flow of the day, helping the photography feel calm and unforced.
My Approach to Wedding Photography in St James’s
My style is polished but relaxed, with a documentary led approach that focuses on real moments alongside natural, elegant portraits.
For central London weddings, I work unobtrusively and efficiently, allowing events to unfold naturally while offering gentle guidance when needed. This balance is especially important in areas like St James’s, where couples often want their day to feel seamless and enjoyable rather than over directed.
I focus on:
Natural storytelling
True to life colour with timeless black and white
Elegant, unforced portraits
A calm and considered experience throughout the day
Planning a Wedding in St James’s, London - Best Wedding Venues in the heart of London
If you are planning a wedding in St James’s, London - discover the best Wedding Venues in the heart of London. Choosing a photographer who understands both the area and the pace of central London weddings can make a significant difference.
Knowing where to find quiet moments, how to work with light between buildings, and how to keep timelines flowing smoothly is just as important as the final images.
If you are getting married at Carlton House Terrace, the Royal Academy of Arts, or one of the private members clubs in St James’s, I would love to hear more about your plans.
You can view more of my London wedding photography on my website, or get in touch to check availability and discuss your day.
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