Hall Place. Why o why is no one talking about the massive topiary heads in the gardens. I see reems of text detailing the four hundred year history and explaining how the Tudor kitchen is perfect for ceremonies…I’m sure it is, it is a wedding venue right? There are many things that irk me in this modern world, not focusing your marketing on oversized shrubbery is definitely one of them.
Having lived in south east London you would have thought that I’d be fairly well exposed to the majority of wedding venues in my local area. Oddly it just aint so. I travel all over the UK shooting weddings, sometimes the venue is ten minutes drive, sometimes it’s a days drive or even a flight. I couldn’t believe it however that Hall Place had escaped my attention, it’s actually bloody brilliant.
Maybe because it’s a part of communal space for the majority of the year or maybe i’m just an idiot. Either way, there is a gem of a wedding venue tucked away in south east London, but a stones throw from the likes of Blackheath and Greenwich. You can have your ceremony in the historic Tudor grounds and cocktail hour in the ancient courtyard admiring the wonky beams and hand built stonework, then venture off into cosmopolitan Blackheath in South East London and hit a wine bar for the evening festivities.
What do you need to know about this venue? From a photographic point of view, it’s quite dark, so bear that in mind if you’re thinking of having a winter wedding. Oak beams and panelled walls do look fantastic, particularly in winter actually when the fires are roaring, but it does mean that your pictures will be grainy because of the low light, I go into lots of detail about that in my post on low light wedding ceremonies and candlelight.
The public can’t see you! This is always worth knowing as the grounds are largely enjoyed by the public as they wonder through the rose gardens. Personally I think it’s wonderful that it is open to the public as it means that after your wedding day you can come back and take tea in the cafe, wander the grounds and reminisce. That’s an issue I have with the venue I chose to get married at, I can’t pop in for a coffee…
Much like the Tudor barn in Eltham (another gem I might add), this venue is steeped in history. Every corridor, fireplace and floorboard has lived. There are stories in these walls. Fortunately, thanks to plenty of love from national heritage, you too can be a part of the story of this building and hold your wedding ceremony there. So what are your choices?
How many guests have you got?
Is it up to one hundred people? Then the great hall and the Tudor kitchen are going to be your choices. Both can hold a max of 100 people and are both equally stunning, take your pick!
High ceilings, wood panelled walls and chandelier lighting are hallmarks of the Great Hall and the Tudor kitchen is defined by it’s stone lined walls, leaded windows and a Tudor-style beamed ceiling. Remember, it can be dark with black beams and stone walls, but this might be your vibe, get creative with lighting and maintain a sense of intimacy by getting married by candlelight.
Having a much smaller wedding? Up to 50 guests? The Great Chamber is the one for you. With views across the West Lawns and of the Queen’s Beasts (the aforementioned shrubbery). The long gallery gives you options should it rain as there’s plenty of space to be exploited. One of the great features of the entire venue has to be the courtyard, perfect for group pictures and for having a Pimms in the sunshine. This part of the venue is completely private, by all means have a wander through the extensive grounds, but always knowing you’ve got a little pocket of history all to your self.
Check out some more weddings.
One Whitehall Place, Horniman Museum, Hill Gardens and Pergola, Blackheath, Greenwich
