Wedding Photography The Grand Hotel Birmingham | Chris & Patrick

Wedding Photos at The Grand Hotel Birmingham

The Grand Hotel is an iconic landmark in my home city of Birmingham. It’s somewhere I’ve been to for dinner and cocktails but not for wedding photos. When Chris and Patrick got in touch, I was so excited! Not only because we hit it off straight away and they’re such a lovely couple but because it meant I was going to photograph a wedding at The Grand Hotel, which had been on my wishlist for a while.

About The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Chris & Patrick wanted a wedding venue in the centre of Birmingham that was stylish and elegant. The much loved Grand Hotel Birmingham, which first opened in 1891, was an obvious choice. Oozing luxury with its stunning architecture and glamorous sweeping staircase, these two Grooms knew it was the perfect venue for their wedding. Plus, being in the heart of the city, meant that their guests could walk to their evening cocktail party, being held at Orelle on Colmore Row. This really added to the relaxed vibe of the day.

Getting Ready Photos at The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Chris and Patrick got ready together in one of the luxury suites and I popped up to see them a short while before their wedding ceremony, to photograph them putting the finishing touches to their outfits and to get some relaxed stylish photos of them together.

Stylish Tuxedos for Two Grooms

These two Grooms looked so elegant in their tuxedos. To add to the elegant feel for the day, Chris & Patrick decided on a black and white dress code for their guests.

Ceremony Wedding Photos at The Grand Hotel Birmingham

It was clear when Chris & Patrick made their entrance how adored they are by everyone. The atmosphere in the room was so joyful as they walked down the aisle together. They chose the Church Room for their ceremony and wedding meal later in the day. From a wedding photographer perspective, it’s perfect! It’s flooded with natural light with a stunning view of St Philips Cathedral, which we made use of for some wedding photos later in the day.

Couple Portraits

My main priority for my couples if to feel relaxed and comfortable when we’re taking the couple portraits. I take time to get to know you a little before the wedding and find out what’s important to you, how you met, what you like to do together etc. By the time the wedding comes around, we don’t feel like strangers and that way you’ll feel more relaxed with me. As well as the obvious posed photos, I like to take what I called planned candids, or ‘plandid’ as I call them. Although the photo will look and feel natural, I have considered the background and the light and given you some gentle guidance, such as walking together, looking back at each other or holding hands. The results look polished but still natural.

Family Group Wedding Photos at The Grand Hotel Birmingham

After everyone had enjoyed a few drinks and canapés, we ventured outside to the terrace for a few family group photos. Patrick and Chris kept their family group photos to a sensible number, which I love! I always have a chat with you before the wedding to organise a list of ‘must have’ family photos.  The outdoor terrace is a great area for group photos outside, especially if you’re having a more intimate wedding with your ceremony and drinks reception in either the Church or Colmore rooms.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Venue

The Grand Hotel in Birmingham is an inclusive venue that welcomes all couples. It’s also perfect if you’re having a smaller, more intimate wedding, like Chris and Patrick did. If the Grand Ballroom feels too big and, well just a bit too grand, you have the option to choose one of their smaller Church or Colmore rooms. Chris and Patrick chose the gorgeous Church room which holds 107 for a ceremony and 60 guests sitting down for dinner.

Evening Cocktail Party in the City at Orelle

After the meal and speeches everyone was ready to party and boy did they party! The guests made the short walk along Colmore Row to Orelle Restaurant, where the couple had hired the downstairs bar exclusively for a cocktail party to remember. I love a good party and had so much fun capturing everyone enjoying themselves.

Wedding Photography

Are you getting married at The Grand Hotel Birmingham and looking for a Birmingham Wedding Photographer? I’d love to photograph your wedding! My style of photography is relaxed,  and timeless. My editing style is light and bright, with true to life colours. If you’d like to see more of my work, head over to the portfolio page or my blog to see more weddings. Ready to find out if I’m available for your date? Get in touch on the contact page and let’s have a chat! I’d love to hear from you. Finally a huge thanks to Chris and Patrick for choosing me to be their Wedding Photographer. I had so much fun photographing your wedding.