The Union Club has many strings to its bow – an intimate and discreet private members’ club, a distinctive space for film shoots and interviews, an unforgettable spot for a fashion show or party… but we’re also a wonderfully unique venue for a central London wedding service or reception.
We now have over 25 years of experience (and a license to hold ceremonies!) and we adore having couples celebrate their special day with us.
Cat & Paul held their wedding reception with us last year, and we caught up with photographer Anna McCarthy to hear about their day and her experience shooting at the Club.
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I have been photographing London weddings of all sizes and styles in all seasons, venues and weathers for about 15 years. Cat and Paul’s wedding (married at Marylebone Town Hall) with reception at the Union Club was is one of my most favourite Wedding Photography memories.
They were married just before Christmas which always makes any wedding super special and exciting. It was cold but sunshiny day with a smattering of snow but they – and I – were treated to the most beautiful light at all the right moments.
After a joyous and moving ceremony at the Town Hall guests made their way to the wonderful quirky atmospheric and intimate venue that is The Union Club. I had not visited it before and my goodness I was in for a treat.
I accompanied Cat and Paul in the car to the Club via Regents Park where we hopped out to take a few first images of them together in that wonderful light as the sun dipped down by 3ish as it does in December.
London was buzzing as we rendezvous-ed with the guests and with Cat and Paul leading everyone walked to the club.
Shooting a wedding reception at the Union Club is an absolute treat for a wedding photographer and particular one who loves to use the available light.
The warm ambience, intimacy, romance and laid back bohemian chic of the place, full of interest and quirkiness is a treat in itself. The lighting is great for those period feel photographs. I was up and down those stairs like a yo yo as I moved between the bar and the dance floor and the dinning room upstairs. I loved shooting moments of connection in the nooks and crannies on the stairs.
It was a joy to shoot the speeches and the atmosphere in that beautiful elegant room when Paul gave his speech and shooting wide angle shots of the guests, intimately together at tables but comfortably so perfect. One almost felt one had gone back in time or, at least, that one was part of a very special London venue with so much history attached.
And it was great fun stepping outside to get a nighttime shot of Cat and Paul at the window.
Everyone at the Union Club was just lovely and helpful and doing everything to make this wedding one to remember. Nothing was too much trouble and yet all seemed to flow just as it should without fuss.
I can’t wait for someone to ask me to shoot their wedding there again!
by Anna McCarthy
Anna McCarthy is a photographer of people. Her personal touch makes her a wonderful choice for a special day, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Anna to anyone getting married at the Club (or anywhere else for that matter!)
As well as shooting weddings, Anna also does head-shots, portraits, children, families & family events, imagery for businesses – anything that involves people.
You can check out her work on her website, or on social media.