Have you photographed a wedding at St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral before?

Yes, I have photographed at St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral as a second shooter. This means I know the layout of the church, how the ceremony flows and how to work with the light and space in a respectful way.

What is your photography style for Greek Orthodox weddings at St Sophia?

My style at St Sophia is natural, documentary and elegant. I focus on real moments, true to life colour and thoughtful details, while giving gentle direction for portraits so you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Can you capture all the main parts of the Greek Orthodox ceremony?

Yes, I am familiar with the key moments of the Greek Orthodox ceremony, including the crowns, the common cup and the ceremonial walk around the altar. I work discreetly so I can capture these without disturbing the service.

Do you need extra lighting inside St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral?

The interior of St Sophia is atmospheric with mixed natural and ambient light. I primarily use fast lenses and careful exposure to keep the mood of the space. If extra lighting is needed for parts of the day, I use it in a subtle way that does not distract from the service.

Do you work with a second photographer for St Sophia weddings?

A second photographer can be very helpful at St Sophia, especially if you would like both of you covered in the morning or more angles during the ceremony. I am used to working in a team and can include a trusted second photographer in your coverage if you would like.

Can we have portraits near St Sophia and at our London reception venue?

Yes, many couples choose to have some portraits near St Sophia after the ceremony and then a second short portrait session at their reception venue or a nearby London location. We can plan this around your timings so it feels smooth and relaxed on the day.

St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Wedding Photographer

Katya Browne
Jan 5
3 min read

St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bayswater is one of the most atmospheric churches in London. Tucked away on Moscow Road, the exterior feels understated, but the moment you step inside you are surrounded by colour, gold detail and the glow of candlelight. It is an incredible setting for a Greek Orthodox wedding and a dream to photograph.

I have photographed at St Sophia as a second shooter, which meant I could really focus on the moments, the details and the way the light moves through the space during the ceremony. It is a church that feels grand and intimate at the same time.

A cathedral with history and drama

St Sophia is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom and has been at the heart of the Greek community in London for generations. The architecture is Byzantine in style, with a domed roof, richly painted icons and marble details.

From a photography point of view, it gives you strong lines, deep colours and layers of texture everywhere you look. The red aisle runner, the chandeliers and the icon screen all add to the sense of drama as guests arrive and take their seats.

Morning preparations and Greek traditions

Many Greek Orthodox weddings include beautiful pre ceremony traditions such as the stolisma, where close family help the couple to get ready, often with music and plenty of emotion. These moments make for some of my favourite images of the day. I tend to photograph preparations in a very documentary way, focusing on connection, small gestures and the atmosphere in the room.

Whether you are getting ready at home, in a London hotel or somewhere close to Bayswater, this part of the story sets the tone for the whole gallery.

The wedding ceremony at St Sophia

The ceremony at St Sophia is full of meaning and symbolism. From the exchange of rings to the placing of the stefana crowns and the ceremonial walk around the altar, there is always something happening. As a photographer, my role is to move quietly, respect the sacred space and capture the flow of the service without distraction.

The cathedral has a beautiful mix of natural and ambient light, with soft light filtering from the windows and the warm glow of candles and chandeliers. This creates rich, atmospheric images that feel true to the experience of being there.

Candid moments and guests

Because the church is so striking, it is easy to forget how many small human moments are happening in between the formal parts of the ceremony. Guests arriving, greeting family they have not seen for years, lighting candles and taking everything in. I love to document these quieter scenes as much as the big moments.

After the service, there is usually time outside the cathedral for confetti, hugs and family photos before you head on to your reception venue elsewhere in London.

Portraits after the ceremony

Most couples who marry at St Sophia choose to travel to a separate reception location, which means we can plan portraits either near the cathedral or at a park or landmark on the way. Locations like Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens or a favourite London street can all work beautifully for relaxed portraits that balance the formality of the church with something a little softer and more open.

My approach to portraits is gentle and unfussy. I will guide you into flattering light and give you just enough direction so you feel comfortable, but I want you to look like yourselves and enjoy a few quiet minutes together.

My approach to Greek Orthodox weddings

Greek Orthodox weddings are full of emotion, ritual and family connection. My aim is to respect that fully while creating a gallery that feels elegant, modern and timeless. I work in a documentary led way, using true to life colour and clean composition so that the beauty of the church and the meaning of the ceremony come through clearly.

Having photographed at St Sophia as a second shooter, I understand how the ceremony flows, where the key moments happen and how to work with the light and space in a respectful way.

Planning your St Sophia Cathedral wedding and looking for a St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Wedding Photographer?

If you are looking for a St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Wedding Photographer who captures your day in a natural, documentary led photography with a romantic, modern feel, I would love to hear from you. Whether you are keeping things intimate or planning a large celebration with a London reception, we can shape the coverage around what matters most to you.

My Wedding Prices & Packages