WEDDINGS AT THE ASYLUM
VENUE GUIDE
Light, atmosphere and crumbling elegance.
ASYLUM CHAPEL WEDDINGS.
With its amazing light, texture and totally unique ambience The Asylum Chapel is a Grade II listed building that was originally built as the chapel for the residents of the Asylum, a charitable foundation established in the 19th century. The chapel has a unique and atmospheric interior, featuring beautiful distressed walls and stunning stained glass windows. It has become known for its character and charm, making it a sought-after location for weddings, photography shoots, and other events.
The PERFECT location for an Alternative London Wedding.
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT AND TOTALLY UNIQUE
The Asylum Chapel, located in Peckham, London, is a unique and historic venue known for its stunning architecture and rich history. The chapel is part of the Caroline Gardens Chapel complex, which also includes almshouses and a school.
The Asylum Chapel was originally built in the 19th century as the chapel for the Caroline Gardens Almshouses, which were established in 1827 by the Licensed Victuallers’ Benevolent Institution. The chapel was designed by architect James Savage in a Gothic Revival style and was consecrated in 1838.
The chapel is characterised by its impressive architecture, featuring a nave with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and decorative details typical of the Gothic Revival style. The building has a sense of grandeur and solemnity, making it a popular choice for various events and perfect for a Wedding Ceremony.
Over the years, the chapel fell into disrepair, but it underwent extensive restoration in the late 20th century. The Friends of the Asylum Chapel, a charitable trust, played a crucial role in the restoration efforts, ensuring the preservation of this historic space.
Today, the Asylum Chapel serves as a unique venue for weddings, cultural events, and artistic performances. Its atmospheric and aesthetically pleasing setting has made it a popular choice for couples seeking a distinctive and memorable location for their wedding ceremonies.
The Asylum Chapel is situated in the heart of Peckham, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in South London. Its location adds to its appeal as a venue that combines historical significance with a contemporary and lively atmosphere.
WEDDINGS AT THE ASYLUM
THE CEREMONY AND BEYOND
As the whole building is registered for marriages its entirely your choice how you set up the ceremony? Most commonly couples will arrange seating to face the nave with the option of candles being lit and florals placed on the two large plinths. Entrance can then be from the rear down a central aisle.
Tower Hamlets offer Registrar services BUT of course you can (as many couples do) choose a celebrant lead ceremony OR even a family member or friend can conduct your ceremony. Although both these options require the legal part being conducted at a Town Hall at some stage it allows for a longer and more personal ceremony with zero restrictions (swearing in your readings..and guests watching with a drink i hand etc etc) and when in such a stunning location why rush????
Once the ceremony is completed there is usually still a good hour remaining in your allocated am or pm slot to throw some confetti out the front, grab a handful of family group photos and drink and chat in this beautiful space.
Once your guests begin to head off to your reception venue its lovely to hang back in the empty space and grab 10 minutes to capture some couple shots (see gallery below)
WHERE NEXT?
THE PERFECT ASYLUM COMBO?
As The Asylum only offers time for a ceremony and drinks reception it usually requires an additional venue to be booked to have your reception. Most couple arrange transport for their guests so pretty much any other London venue is an option?
More commonly couples will endeavour to find a venue within 30 minutes travel time so ideally staying in South London works best.
Here’s a list of venues I have shot at after the Asylum that work perfectly as a combo:
Tanner Warehouse in Bermondsey
WEDDINGS AT THE ASYLUM
I feel I know, intimately, every inch of The Asylums crumbling walls. The opportunity for atmospheric ceremony images and cool portraits and group photos seems ever changing based on time of day and time of year. Here’s some of my favourite Weddings at the Asylum:
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