Ah, London. It's a city which I have called my home for thirteen years now. Full of beautiful green spaces, historical buildings...and a few concrete/glass monstrosities which make my eyes burn. But because London has such a variety of different neighbourhoods, scenery, and architecture, whatever your perfect engagement photo location is, you'll be sure to find it here.
I've lived in all four corners of the city during my time here, and between that and shooting hundreds of weddings across London, means I know it really well. If you have any particular ideas or areas in mind for your engagement photoshoot, send me a message and I can come up with some suggestions. Otherwise, read on to discover some of my favourites and get inspired!
Hampstead Pergola & Hill Gardens
This gorgeous location is in (as the name implies) Hampstead, where I had the pleasure of living for four years. But despite many walks around the Heath, I didn't actually discover this place until more recently. With its almost fairytale look, it's perfect for an engagement shoot.
You do need to get a permit to have your shoot here, but the cost is only around £100, so if you fall in love with it as I did, it might be money well spent! Every time I've visited it has been really quiet, so you probably won't have lots of people gawping at you either - which is the last thing you want when you're trying to relax in front of the camera!
St Dunstan-in-the-East
The old church of St Dunstan-in-the-East was bombed during World War Two, and in 1967 the City of London turned the ruins into a park! This beautiful, ethereal location is perfect for an atmospheric engagement shoot or your wedding photos - both of which I've had the pleasure of shooting here.
One of the good things about having your engagement session here is that because it is so well-located, if you wanted to add a second or third location in to the schedule you're spoiled for choice. The Tower of London, the River Thames, and Tower Bridge are all within a few minutes' walk.
Regent's Park
Regent's Park is beautiful and perfect for an engagement shoot. The Japanese Garden, in particular, is fantastic with its little bridges, waterfall and large willow tree. The nearby Rose Garden is also absolutely stunning.
Several other bonuses about having a Regent's Park engagement shoot are how central/well-connected it is, the sheer variety of backdrops for you to choose from, and if you're feeling photo-d out and want a break, there's a great café to relax at!
Isabella Plantation
This little gem is hidden inside the enormous Richmond Park in south-west London, and every time I've been it's been really quiet - and exceptionally beautiful.
Chelsea
I love my local area, and would highly recommend it for an engagement shoot! You're spoilt for choice on where to go across the whole area and wider borough, but there is a particular route around King's Road and the River Thames that I have frequently taken couples on after Chelsea Old Town Hall weddings which is brilliant.
There are lots of different spots along it, taking you down Glebe Place, past the pink cake heaven of Peggy Porschen, down into the streets leading down to the embankment which are so quiet you'll forget you're in central London!
From there you've got picturesque Albert Bridge and the sweeping view of the River Thames, before heading back up to King's Road, taking in the colourful-door lined Oakley Street and finishing almost back where to started, in a perfect loop. To finish off, why not relax in the outside area at The Ivy Chelsea Garden, enjoying some drinks and making use of their seasonal installations at the front, which often feature loads of beautiful flowers.
Holland Park
Another local (to me) gem is Holland Park, which also has a variety of backdrops for your engagement photos; from the semi-ruined stately home that used to sit there, to fountains, a Japanese-inspired garden, flowers, and even a bit that looks very much like a tiny forest.
There's a lot of variety here, and if you wanted you could also hop the short distance to Notting Hill and its colourful houses for a different backdrop!
Wapping
Despite how long I've lived in London, I'd never visited Wapping until I did a wedding there in 2022. And I completely fell in love with it! It's SO absurdly quiet for how central it is, and overflowing with character. You've got warehouses, cobbles, alleyways, and even steps right down to the river.
Because of the central location, you've also got lots of scope to include this on a multi-area engagement shoot itinerary! Why not hop up to somewhere like Shoreditch to add some shots with the incredible street art, for the ultimate urban cool engagement shoot?
I hope this blog has given you some inspiration on where to have your perfect London engagement shoot! If you think I might be a good fit for you, hit the button below to drop me a message!
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