Asylum Chapel Wedding
Photographer
Asylum Chapel Wedding Photography
Asylum Chapel is all glorious decay — weathered stone, peeling plaster, stained glass throwing colour across a room that survived the Blitz. If you want a ceremony space with soul and texture rather than polish, this Peckham gem is one of the most photogenic in London.
The light in the chapel does half my job for me — soft and coloured through those windows, candles flickering against old stone. I work quietly around the edges of your ceremony, catching the emotion in the room without ever becoming part of it. Afterward, the chapel’s corners give us portraits full of mood in minutes.
Want to see more?
Have a little scroll down for some more examples of my work, and some of my favourite venues. Or you can click below and check out my portfolio.
Asylum Chapel Weddings
Asylum Chapel, an unconventional, yet highly sought-after wedding venue in Peckham, London, is renowned for its distinctive and dramatic aesthetics. Built in 1826, the characterful Georgian Chapel offers an alternative wedding space brimming with historic charm. Encapsulating an enchanted, romantic ambience, it’s rich in antique character and grandeur, with features including colourful stained-glass windows and weathered stone walls. Available for hire seven days a week, the venue provides couples with a selection of facilities inclusive of a licensed bar, sound system, and seating for up to 120 guests, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved. Despite the building’s age, the Chapel is comfortably equipped with modern amenities such as in-house lighting and heating. However, one of its unique selling points is its policy of offering the option to bring your own caterers and decorators, providing brides and grooms with the capacity to completely personalise their nuptials. With a comprehensive range of nearby accommodation options from budget-friendly inns to luxury hotels, guests have a variety of places to choose from to rest after celebrating the memorable event. Asylum Chapel’s blend of history, flexibility and an ethereal atmosphere, makes it an unforgettable wedding venue offering a truly unique experience for wedding ceremonies, receptions and photographs. Thus, it is one of Peckham’s most celebrated locations for creating romantic wedding memories.
The History of Asylum Chapel
Commissioned in 1827, the Asylum Chapel in Peckham, London has an intriguing history that enhances its charm as a preferred wedding venue. Initially, it served as a sanctuary for retired pub landlords, operating under the Licensed Victuallers’ Benevolent Institution. However, the chapel was severely damaged during the World War II Blitz. Despite this, its history remained preserved in architectural remnants that survived the attack, such as the stained-glass windows and distinctive stone structure. After languishing in ruin for decades, the building was salvaged from its dereliction in 2010 by Jo Dennis and Dido Hallett, who established it as a unique wedding venue. Asylum Chapel today stands a symbol of resilience, weaving its rich past into each celebration it hosts. This Grade II listed building, with its soulful rustic charisma, has been attracting couples from around the globe, providing a distinctive setting that blends history and romance. Its dramatic backdrops offer an ideal canvas for creative wedding photography, further enhancing its appeal in the wedding industry.
How To Find Asylum Chapel
The Asylum Chapel, a popular wedding venue, is strategically located in Peckham, London. Specifically, it can be found within the Caroline Gardens complex, formerly known as the Licensed Victuallers’ Asylum. Conveniently stationed at Asylum Road, it presents easy access for visitors coming from different parts of London. Its postal code is SE15 2SQ for those navigating with GPS. The distinct metropolitan charm of Peckham seamlessly blends with the vintage appeal of this 19th-century chapel, making it a photographically appeal venue for couples looking for a unique fusion of modern city vibes and historical rustic elegance.
About Peckham
Peckham, located in the South East region of London, is a vibrant urban town known for its rich multicultural atmosphere and dynamic art scene. It’s an area that has witnessed significant regeneration over the years, transforming it into a hub for art, culture, and gastronomy. Well-known for the Peckham Library, which won the Stirling Prize for architectural innovation, the town provides an ideal setting for innovation and ingenuity. Peckham is also home to several independent galleries and studios, contributing greatly to the rising artisanal culture. The culinary offerings in Peckham reflect its diverse demographic, featuring cuisines from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond. Locals and visitors alike can make use of the green spaces adorning the town, such as Peckham Rye Park and Common. While it has undergone significant development, Peckham retains its character and uniqueness – a quintessential example of modern yet historical London.
Other Wedding Venues
I cover weddings at unique venues throughout London and the entire region.
Blog Posts
My latest blogs on real weddings I’ve covered in London and beyond.
-
Alternative vs Traditional Wedding Photography: Which Is Right for You?
Here’s the short version: traditional wedding photography gives you a planned set of posed, formal images, while alternative wedding photography documents the day as it actually unfolds. Around 90% of my coverage is purely documentary, with a short, relaxed window set aside for the family photos that genuinely matter to you. Most couples don’t need…
-
What is Creative Wedding Photography?
Every couple wants their wedding photos to be special—more than just a collection of moments, but a work of art that reflects their day in all its glory. This is where you might want to look at a wedding photographer who takes a more creative approach to their work comes in. It goes beyond traditional…
-
The Best Alternative Wedding Venues in London: A Photographer’s Guide
London is genuinely spoilt for alternative wedding venues: ruined chapels, converted warehouses, Victorian music halls, private islands and even a tea clipper in Greenwich. Every venue below is somewhere I’ve photographed weddings myself, so alongside the descriptions you’ll get a photographer’s honest take on what each one is like on the day. If ballrooms and…
What Clients Say
“Your photos are INCREDIBLE!!!! We’ve just been crying with laughter. So many shots caught at the picture perfect moment! We are absolutely blown away!”
Megan + Matt
FAQs
What’s the light like for ceremonies at Asylum Chapel?
Beautiful and atmospheric — daylight filtered through stained glass and candles against weathered stone. I shoot with fast lenses that thrive in exactly this light, keeping the chapel’s moody character intact rather than blasting it with flash.
How many guests does Asylum Chapel hold for a wedding?
The chapel seats around 120 for ceremonies, which keeps things intimate. From a photography perspective that closeness is a gift — every emotion is within reach of my camera without me needing to intrude.
Where do couples take portraits around Asylum Chapel?
The chapel’s own textured walls and arched windows are the stars, but Caroline Gardens outside offers elegant Georgian backdrops too. Peckham’s colourful streets are minutes away if you want something grittier and more urban.
Get In Touch
Drawn to the beautiful decay of Asylum Chapel? So am I — tell me about your plans via my contact page.