The Italian Gardens in Hyde Park are one of my favourite spots to photograph couples in London. Tucked at the northern end of Kensington Gardens, this hidden corner of the Royal Parks has a quiet, almost European feel that you just do not expect to find in the middle of the city. I photographed Lina and Jonathan here as part of their wedding day, and it is one of those sessions I keep coming back to when I think about why I love Hyde Park wedding photography so much.
What Makes the Italian Gardens So Special
The Italian Gardens were commissioned by Prince Albert in 1860 as a gift for Queen Victoria, modelled on the gardens at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Moreover, what you get as a photographer is four ornamental pools, classical fountains, stone urns and an elegant pump house, all set against the Long Water stretching off into the trees. The architecture has a timeless, almost European quality that creates images unlike anything else you can find in central London. Couples who want something that feels a little more refined and unexpected always love this location.
Hyde Park Wedding Photography – Why I Love Shooting Here
As a London wedding photographer, the Italian Gardens give me so much to work with in a very small space. Furthermore, the arched colonnades and the classical stonework create a natural frame for portraits, while the Serpentine and the Long Water add a beautiful softness to the background. The light here on an overcast day, which in London is most days, is actually perfect for photography. Soft, even, flattering. No harsh shadows, no squinting. Just two people and one of the most beautiful backdrops in the city.
Practical Things to Know Before You Shoot Here
The Italian Gardens sit within the Royal Parks, which means a permit is required if you are shooting in wedding attire. Additionally, weekday mornings are by far the quietest time to visit. By midday on a weekend the gardens fill up quickly, and while it is still beautiful, the intimacy of the space changes. I always recommend arriving early, ideally before 9am in summer, to have the gardens almost entirely to yourselves. The surrounding area also offers incredible variety, from the Long Water and the Albert Memorial to the wider parkland of Hyde Park itself, so it is easy to create a full hour of portraits without repeating a backdrop.
A Real Couple Session at the Italian Gardens
Lina and Jonathan’s session here was one of those mornings I will not forget. The light was soft and grey, the gardens were quiet, and the two of them were completely natural together. We moved between the colonnades, the fountains and the waterside, and every single location gave us something different. If you are getting married in London and wondering whether to include a portrait session here, the answer is yes.
Are you planning a wedding in London and looking for a photographer who knows the city inside out? I would love to hear from you. Get in touch and let’s talk about your day.
