Kirsty & Jamie sharing a kiss on the famous balcony of The Trafalgar Tavern with Thames views
Venue spotlight

A photographer's guide to Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich

Sarah & Teddy · Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich
Why we love it here

Why couples choose Trafalgar Tavern

Trafalgar Tavern sits right on the Thames in Greenwich, with its unique balconies and huge windows that look straight out over the iconic river. It's a five-minute walk from the Old Royal Naval College and Queen's House, which are perfect options for couples portraits following your ceremony.

The Trafalgar Tavern has been part of Greenwich life for close to two centuries and it's gorgeous interiors adorned with floor-to-ceiling naval artwork make a wonderful backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. Several distinct rooms means your ceremony, dinner and dancing each get their own atmosphere rather than one space doing everything.

Your day here won't stay in one room, and neither will your guests: some in the Nelson Room, some on the balcony, some at the bar, some outside. That's the real benefit of two photographers: one can stay with you while the other stays with whatever's happening elsewhere.

Trafalgar Tavern is one of our absolute favourite venues to photograph. Weddings here are always full of energy and laughter, partly because the spaces themselves encourage guests to move, mingle and make the most of the river and the rooms and that sense of celebration carries through every photograph.

Six stunning backdrops

The unique spaces at Trafalgar Tavern

Trafalgar Tavern has a number of unique spaces that you can use on your wedding day. Here are a few of our favourites.

Wedding breakfast table details in a historic reception room at The Trafalgar Tavern
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Nelson Room

The grandest space at Trafalgar Tavern, where the bi-folding doors open to create one expansive room lined with Regency-style balconies and 19th-century naval artwork. Perfect for large wedding breakfasts and celebrations.

Wedding breakfast table details in a historic reception room at The Trafalgar Tavern
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Dreadnought Room

A standalone ceremony space with elegance and intimacy, or an extension of the Nelson Room for a larger reception. The river-facing windows flood it with natural light, making it perfect for vows or an intimate dinner.

Kirsty and Jamie sharing drinks at the bar during their Trafalgar Tavern wedding reception
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Hawke & Howe Bar

A light-filled private space with its own bar and cloakroom, well suited to a self-contained drinks reception or a medium-sized wedding breakfast. The natural light through its windows carries well into portraits taken indoors.

Couple on the iconic Trafalgar Tavern balcony
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Iconic Balconies

The wrought-iron balconies over the Thames are often where couples sneak a quiet ten minutes together. It's a must-have photography opportunity for those unique Trafalgar Tavern balcony golden-hour portraits.

The Thames Riverside near Trafalgar Tavern
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The Thames Riverside

Right on the Thames with hundreds of colourful flags that create an instantly recognisable backdrop. Where guests gather between events and couples sneak quiet moments, with a joyful atmosphere unique to this spot.

Old Royal Naval College near Trafalgar Tavern
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Old Royal Naval College

Five minutes' walk away, the colonnade and courtyard offer incredible portrait backdrops with historic architecture and beautiful light reflected off the water. Perfect straight after your ceremony.

Real wedding days

A look at what a day is like here.

Every photograph below is from weddings we have recently documented at Trafalgar Tavern.

Sarah and Teddy sharing a kiss during their Trafalgar Tavern wedding ceremony in Greenwich, London

We wanted the photographs to feel natural and honest, and Chloe and Joe made the whole experience feel calm from start to finish.

On the day they blended in so easily, captured moments we never would have seen ourselves, and gave us photographs that take us straight back to how it all felt.

Sarah & Teddy

Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

Portrait of Chloe Luck, documentary wedding photographer
Chloe
Portrait of Joe Luck, documentary wedding photographer
Joe
The advantage of two

Why two photographers suit Trafalgar Tavern.

Weddings at Trafalgar Tavern fill several spaces at once: multiple rooms, a separate bar, a balcony and the iconic Thames riverside. One photographer would have to choose which room to be in at any given moment. With two of us, we don't.

Trafalgar Tavern's rooms all have something worth photographing at the same time: the balcony, the bar, the riverside, the dance floor later on. Rather than choosing one, we split between them, so a portrait walk with the two of you doesn't mean missing what's happening back at the reception.

Two photographers means two vantage points on a day that's genuinely happening in more than one place at once.

Meet Chloe and Joe
Good to know

A few questions couples ask about Trafalgar Tavern

Where's the best spot for a large group photo at Trafalgar Tavern?

The Nelson Room, with its bi-folding doors opened out into one space, gives the best backdrop and capacity for a full wedding party or family group. For a smaller group or a couple's portrait, the riverside balcony works well and puts the Thames and Canary Wharf in the background.

How easy is it for guests to get to Trafalgar Tavern, and is there parking?

Trafalgar Tavern sits in central Greenwich, close to Cutty Sark DLR station and Greenwich riverboat pier, and most guests find public transport or a taxi more straightforward than driving given how central the location is. On-street parking nearby is limited, so it is worth checking current guidance directly with the venue when you book.

What happens to the photography if the weather turns?

The Nelson Room's windows and balconies, along with the artwork-lined interiors throughout the venue, mean there's genuine light and character indoors if a riverside portrait walk isn't possible. Photographs taken inside on a wet day at the Trafalgar Tavern still look incredible.

What's the best time of day for couple portraits at Trafalgar Tavern?

The balcony and river-facing rooms make the most of the afternoon light coming off the Thames, so a short portrait window straight after the ceremony or during the drinks reception tends to work best, before the light softens into early evening.

How much does a wedding photographer cost for a Trafalgar Tavern wedding?

A full day of coverage at Trafalgar Tavern is £1500, or £1000 for a half day if your celebration is shorter or more intimate. Both include Chloe and Joe photographing together. Our pricing page breaks down what each package includes.

View packages
Keep exploring

More ways to get to know Trafalgar Tavern

Kirsty and Jamie entering their Trafalgar Tavern reception while guests cheer around them
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A closer look

Browse full galleries from real Trafalgar Tavern weddings we've photographed, start to finish.

Sarah and Teddy
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How the day unfolds

From guest arrival to last dance, our guide maps out a typical Trafalgar Tavern wedding day.

Chloe and Joe
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Ask us anything

Venue questions, timing questions, anything at all. Get in touch and we'll help.

Work with us

Getting married at Trafalgar Tavern?

If you're getting married at Trafalgar Tavern, we'd love to hear about your day and talk through how we'd cover it.

We'll reply personally and help you make the most of this unique venue.