James & Patrick’s Trafalgar Tavern Wedding in Greenwich

A riverside wedding at one of Greenwich’s most recognisable venues.

gay wedding photographer

James and Patrick got married at The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich - a historic riverside venue sitting directly on the Thames. It’s one of those London wedding venues that gives you architecture, light and skyline views without needing to go anywhere else.

It suited them perfectly. Relaxed but still special. Classic without feeling stiff.

Ceremony at The Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

The ceremony took place in the Nelson Room. Tall windows, natural daylight and enough space for everyone to feel involved without it feeling cavernous.

The atmosphere was easy from the start. A few emotional glances. Plenty of laughter. Guests fully switched on and present.

When they signed the register, they were grinning the whole time. No stiffness. Just enjoying it.

That kind of light in the Nelson Room works perfectly for natural wedding photography - you don’t need to overcomplicate it.

Two grooms in cream tuxedos holding hands and celebrating after their indoor wedding ceremony.
Two grooms in cream tuxedos holding hands and celebrating after their indoor wedding ceremony.
The historic Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich London featuring outdoor seating and nautical flags.
The historic Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich London featuring outdoor seating and nautical flags.
A blue wooden barrel with Trafalgar Tavern lettering outside the historic Greenwich pub in London.
A blue wooden barrel with Trafalgar Tavern lettering outside the historic Greenwich pub in London.
Ceremony room set-up at The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich
Ceremony room set-up at The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich
a large flower arrangement on a table
a large flower arrangement on a table
Trafalgar Tavern ceremony room
Trafalgar Tavern ceremony room
Professional florist arranging white wedding flower centerpieces in an elegant gallery venue.
Professional florist arranging white wedding flower centerpieces in an elegant gallery venue.
Groom reading wedding vows to his partner during a black and white ceremony.
Groom reading wedding vows to his partner during a black and white ceremony.
Groom in white tuxedo and bow tie looking at his partner during a wedding ceremony.
Groom in white tuxedo and bow tie looking at his partner during a wedding ceremony.
Groom in a white tuxedo exchanging vows at a black and white wedding ceremony.
Groom in a white tuxedo exchanging vows at a black and white wedding ceremony.

Drinks Reception in the Trafalgar Tavern Bar

After the ceremony, everyone stayed inside and moved next door to the bar area. That’s one of the advantages of a Trafalgar Tavern wedding in Greenwich - the transition feels seamless.

Drinks started immediately. People gathered in small groups. Proper conversations, hugs, catching up.

Because there’s no travel between ceremony and reception, the energy doesn’t dip. It builds.

From a photography point of view, it’s ideal. You get natural interactions instead of staged moments.

Portraits Around Greenwich and the Thames

While guests were mingling, I took James and Patrick out for some portraits.

One of the best things about getting married at The Trafalgar Tavern is that you step outside and you’re instantly in Greenwich. The Thames on one side. Historic buildings on the other. Open sky and river light bouncing around.

We kept it simple. A short walk along the riverside. A few quiet frames away from the crowd. Nothing overly posed. Just giving them a breather before heading back inside.

Greenwich gives you variety without effort - which is exactly how it should be.

Groom couple kissing in white suits before a heart-shaped vine wall at an outdoor wedding venue.
Groom couple kissing in white suits before a heart-shaped vine wall at an outdoor wedding venue.
same-sex couple walking along the riverside next to The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich
same-sex couple walking along the riverside next to The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich

Confetti on the Trafalgar Tavern Stairs

When we returned, everyone was ready for the confetti shot on the staircase.

It’s one of those spots at Trafalgar Tavern that just works. Elevated angle. Movement. Slight chaos. Good reactions.

Confetti rarely behaves neatly - which is half the point.

Grooms in white tuxedo jackets walking up a blue carpeted staircase at their wedding reception.
Grooms in white tuxedo jackets walking up a blue carpeted staircase at their wedding reception.
Grooms in white tuxedo jackets walking down stairs as guests throw pink wedding confetti.
Grooms in white tuxedo jackets walking down stairs as guests throw pink wedding confetti.
Grooms in white tuxedo jackets celebrate their wedding walking down a grand staircase while guests throw confetti.
Grooms in white tuxedo jackets celebrate their wedding walking down a grand staircase while guests throw confetti.
Two grooms in white tuxedo jackets walking down a staircase as guests throw pink flower petal confetti.
Two grooms in white tuxedo jackets walking down a staircase as guests throw pink flower petal confetti.

Wedding Breakfast, Speeches and Cake Cutting

After that, everyone settled in for food. Long tables, steady conversation, the kind of atmosphere that feels relaxed rather than formal.

Speeches landed well - funny in the right places, sincere where it mattered. The room felt engaged the whole time.

Then came the cake cutting. Quick, efficient, no over-dramatising it. Straight into the evening.

Smiling groom in a white tuxedo giving a wedding speech while holding notes at a reception.
Smiling groom in a white tuxedo giving a wedding speech while holding notes at a reception.
Grooms in white tuxedos laughing at a formal wedding reception dinner table with floral arrangements.
Grooms in white tuxedos laughing at a formal wedding reception dinner table with floral arrangements.
same-sex couple enjoying speeches after their wedding at The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich
same-sex couple enjoying speeches after their wedding at The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich
Grooms laughing during wedding speeches at a formal reception dinner table with floral decor.
Grooms laughing during wedding speeches at a formal reception dinner table with floral decor.
A happy groom couple in white tuxedos cutting their black and white tiered wedding cake.
A happy groom couple in white tuxedos cutting their black and white tiered wedding cake.
Grooms in white tuxedos eating cake at their wedding reception with guests watching.
Grooms in white tuxedos eating cake at their wedding reception with guests watching.

Dancing and “In The Box” at Trafalgar Tavern

Once the music started, the dancefloor filled quickly.

Trafalgar Tavern works well in the evening because the ceremony space transforms naturally into party mode. Same room, completely different energy.

During the dancing I set up my “In The Box” setup - which always works best when people are fully relaxed. We ended up with a brilliant collage from that part of the night. Slightly chaotic. Proper fun. Completely them.

It added something different to the gallery without interrupting the flow of the evening.

LGBTQ+ wedding couple have their first dance at The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich
LGBTQ+ wedding couple have their first dance at The Trafalgar Tavern Greenwich
Groom in a white tuxedo shares an intimate first dance at a wedding reception.
Groom in a white tuxedo shares an intimate first dance at a wedding reception.
Female DJ in a gold sequin top performing a live set with a mixer and laptop at a night event.
Female DJ in a gold sequin top performing a live set with a mixer and laptop at a night event.
wedding dance floor with guests dancing
wedding dance floor with guests dancing

Why Trafalgar Tavern Works for a Greenwich Wedding

For couples planning a wedding in Greenwich, The Trafalgar Tavern makes sense because:

  • Ceremony and reception happen under one roof

  • The riverside terrace adds atmosphere without effort

  • Natural light works in your favour

  • You’re already in the centre of Greenwich


No complicated logistics. No unnecessary moving parts. Just a day that flows.

If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in the area, you can see more venues and real celebrations on my South London wedding photographer page.

LGBTQ+ Weddings at Trafalgar Tavern

James and Patrick’s wedding is one of several LGBTQ+ weddings I’ve photographed in Greenwich. The Trafalgar Tavern works particularly well for relaxed, personality-led celebrations.

You can see more LGBTQ+ wedding photography here.

Planning Your Own Trafalgar Tavern Wedding?

If you’re getting married at The Trafalgar Tavern - or anywhere in Greenwich - you can also take a look at my Greenwich Wedding Photographer page for more venues and real weddings.

If your plans involve good people, a bit of river air, and a dancefloor that actually gets used, we’ll get on fine.