Abney Park Chapel wedding ceremony in Stoke Newington
Abney Park Chapel is this fantastic hidden gem of an East London wedding venue. It’s literally a chapel deep in the North East London park. Although you’re in London it’s very tranquil. I was very excited to shoot the wedding of this nature loving couple as they also chose one of my favourite London Wildlife Trust wedding venues for their reception. Woodberry Wetlands in North East London is a fab little wedding venue overlooking the gorgeous Wetlands and lake, in the middle of an urban setting. The last Woodberry Wetlands wedding I photographed had their ceremony at the New Unity Church in Islington. It’s partnered with the Walthamstow Wetlands wedding venue, where I am a recommended supplier.
Bridal prep
I started the wedding day photographing the bride and her family at their home. Her hair and make up was by Lena, and she wore a Stephanie Allin wedding dress bought from the Bouquet at Morgan Davies in Islington.
Photographing both bride and groom prep
As many of my progressive couples request, I photographed both the bride and groom’s start to the wedding day. This is becoming increasingly common. It totally makes sense that people would want to see what both partners are getting up to equally! The groom is just as important to a wedding story as a bride. I can only offer this service when the locations are close together, or if a second shooter is requested. Mostly for my relaxed London weddings I will just shoot both myself. I make the couple are aware it might mean missing the end of the classic bridal prep photos.
I went on to the pub to join the groom and his family before travelling with everyone on to Abney Park Chapel for the wedding ceremony.
Abney Park Chapel wedding photos
Abney Park Chapel is a Grade II listed building that is a part of the Hackney Venues collective. It has recently undergone refurbishment. It looks quirky and old from the outside but is a warm, light, modern style chapel inside. Also Abney Park chapel is very close to Stoke Newington. Technically also hire it for your wedding drinks reception and have a wedding ceremony at Stoke Newington Town Hall. This couple chose to hold an Abney Park Chapel wedding ceremony and took their reception elsewhere. Both of the couple are musicians, so members of the groom’s band The Foo Birds performed during the wedding ceremony. The ceremony space, (and the Woodberry Wetlands wedding reception) were decorated with flowers by Abbey from Little Natures.
After the Abney Park Chapel wedding ceremony, all the guests waited outside to congratulate the couple with confetti and the venue staff served them drinks. It’s worth knowing that as Abney Park Chapel is in the middle of a public park, you should expect to see cyclists and general public walking by. However Hackney Venues are extremely on the ball and have very tight security for the venue itself, so you can be rest assured your ceremony space and any bits you bring to the ceremony are safe. After the ceremony you also have a chance to take couple photos in the pure natural surroundings of Abney Park.
Woodberry Wetlands wedding reception
After the Abney Park Chapel wedding ceremony, we all walked through the park to the waiting London bus. The wedding bus took all the guests on to the Woodberry Wetlands wedding reception!
Arriving at the Woodberry Wetlands, the wedding caterers Blame Frank served canapés and drinks in the sunshine. At this time guests are allowed to wander around the Woodberry Wetlands. It’s important to know after the drinks reception, the gates to the wetlands area are locked and guests must stay at the wedding venue. However, the couple are allowed to go through the wetlands at any time for their couple photos.
Woodberry Wetlands is a natural wedding venue that consists of a small brick building and an outside covered marquee. Usually when I photograph a Woodberry Wetlands wedding the dinner and speeches are held under the heated marquee area and the dance floor is set up inside the brick building.
Couple photos at Woodberry Wetlands
As the married couple you’re allowed to wander around the wetland lakes at dusk, so it’s a lovely London wedding venue for golden hour photos if you get lucky!
Wedding dinner at Woodberry Wetlands
Blame Frank were the amazing caterers for this relaxed London wedding. They served sharing platters of gorgeous food in between the speeches. After the speeches the first dance was performed by The Foo Birds, and the bride and groom got up and did a surprise saxophone set for the guests!
If you love the look of this London wedding in nature, check out my guide to planning a Walthamstow Wetlands Wedding. Another London wedding venue with lots of nature is Kew Gardens. If you’re looking for a fun documentary London wedding photographer don’t hesitate to get in touch!
