There’s something quietly brilliant about a small wedding at Claridge’s.
Gemma and Christopher chose January. Seventeen guests. The St James’s Room. No fuss, no theatre – just family and the people who matter most.
I met Gemma for the first time that morning in one of Claridge’s beautiful suites. It didn’t feel like a “wedding morning” in the traditional sense. No chaos. No production. Just warmth. Her children played the grand piano in the room while she got ready beside her mum, a completely unplanned, genuinely sweet moment that set the tone for everything that followed.
Hair and makeup was by Lauren Garfitt, who brought that calm, steady energy every bride needs. The florals were by Claridge’s in-house team — soft, elegant and perfectly in keeping with the winter light.
The ceremony in the St James’s Room was intimate in the truest sense. When there are only seventeen guests, every smile feels personal.
A very London moment
Afterwards, we stepped outside the front of Claridge’s for a few portraits. And then – mid-photo – a passerby shouted, “Hello, Chris!”
He burst out laughing and waved back. Completely random. Completely London. And somehow perfect. There you are, standing outside Claridge’s on your wedding day, and someone just casually knows you.
Portraits Inside Claridge’s
We wandered back through the Art Deco interiors for a few more portraits before returning upstairs, where Gemma changed into a chic little mini dress for dinner – because comfort wins, always.
They booked just a few hours of photography, but small weddings don’t need more. What they need is attention to detail and the vibe of the day. Claridge’s does intimate celebrations to absolute perfection.
Seventeen guests. January light. A grand piano. The people who know you best in one room.
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