Hackney Town Hall Wedding

A Fashion-Forward East London Wedding at Hackney Town Hall and the Royal Inn on the Park

Looking for an unforgettable East London wedding filled with character, style, and a healthy dose of fun? Let me take you inside Ian and Gabrielle’s big day—a celebration that proves you don’t need tradition to have a truly memorable wedding. Shot with a documentary approach and a fashion photographer’s eye, this wedding had it all: laughter, jerk chicken, taxidermy mice, and a late bride who made a statement just by being herself.

As a London wedding photographer, I’ve documented many beautiful ceremonies—but this one stood out not just because I was behind the camera, but because I was also a guest. And one with a camera always ready for the next unexpected moment.

Hackney Town Hall Wedding Ceremony: Stylish, Relaxed, and 27 Minutes Late

Gabrielle and Ian tied the knot at the iconic Hackney Town Hall, one of East London’s most popular registry wedding venues. Grand, civic, and unmistakably London, it’s a dream setting for couples wanting a no-fuss ceremony in a building full of character.

Of course, the ceremony became even more memorable when Gabrielle arrived fashionably late—27 minutes into a 30-minute slot. But that’s what made it brilliant. Unbothered and elegant, she brought the drama (and the vibe) as she walked into the ceremony room like she owned it.

From Ceremony to Pub Party: Royal Inn on the Park Wedding Reception

After the vows, guests strolled through London Fields to the Royal Inn on the Park, one of Hackney’s favourite local pubs and a seriously underrated East London wedding venue. The reception was the kind of party you hope all weddings will be—relaxed, rowdy, and personal.

Highlights included:

• Jerk chicken for the wedding breakfast

• A bright green wedding cake (yes, green!)

• A cake topper featuring top-hatted taxidermied mice

• A guest mysteriously wearing a pig nose for the final hour of the night

• And my wife—always the icon—falling down the stairs and still landing like a Vogue model at the bottom

Bridal Prep Meets 70s Fashion Photography

Before the ceremony, I photographed Gabrielle’s bridal prep, and these moments set the tone for the day: elegant, intimate, with a retro twist. The look was more boudoir meets 70s fashion editorial than your traditional “buttoning-the-dress” type shots. Her confidence and styling made it feel like we were shooting something out of The Face or French Vogue.

And yes, I may have snuck in a few shots of her legs that could qualify as full fashion spread material. Editorial meets East London bridal—what’s not to love?

Photographing as a Guest: Wearing Two (Metaphorical) Hats

Being both a guest and the wedding photographer is a balancing act. You’re switching between being part of the celebration and documenting it. Do you grab a drink or a candid? Toast the couple or catch the moment?

But that was the brief:

“Get some lovely photos of the ceremony, then get stuck into the dancefloor.”
And I did exactly that—with a camera in one hand and a drink (later) in the other.

Why East London Weddings Are the Best

This Hackney wedding proves you don’t need castles or stately homes to have a meaningful, stylish, and unforgettable celebration. With personality-packed venues like Hackney Town Hall and Royal Inn on the Park, and a fashion-forward approach to wedding photography, your day can be as real, raw, and cool as you want it to be.

If you’re planning a non-traditional wedding in London, and want relaxed, stylish, story-led photography (that looks just as good as it feels), let’s talk.

Hair by Izumi at The Painted Lady

Makeup and mice by Samantha Bull