Capturing a Heartwarming Ring Warming Ceremony at Marylebone Old Town Hall – London Wedding Photography

Jay Shaw-Baker
Apr 7
2 min read

Before photographing this beautiful wedding at the iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall in London, I had never encountered the touching tradition known as the blessing (or warming) of the rings. It quickly became one of my favourite moments to capture as a London wedding photographer.

wedding photography. a ring warming ceremony during a wedding ceremony in Marylebone old town hall

Also sometimes called a ring warming ceremony, this heartfelt ritual has roots in Irish and Celtic wedding traditions. The couple’s wedding rings are gently passed around to family and friends, who each hold them for a moment and offer a silent prayer, blessing, or warm wish for the couple’s future together. By the time the rings return to the bride and groom, they have been “warmed” with love, good intentions, and the collective support of everyone present. It transforms two simple bands into something deeply meaningful — a symbol not just of the couple’s commitment, but of the entire community blessing their marriage.

In this particular ceremony at Marylebone Old Town Hall, the moment felt especially intimate and emotional. I loved watching the rings being passed from guest to guest in the elegant ceremony room. One of my favourite shots from the day shows the bride’s mother and father tenderly holding the wedding rings before carefully passing them on. Their expressions were full of pride, love, and quiet emotion — a perfect example of how this tradition brings multiple generations together in one beautiful, shared act.

As a wedding photographer based in London, I specialise in capturing these genuine, unscripted moments that make every wedding unique. Whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate civil ceremony like this one at the historic Old Marylebone Town Hall (with its stunning architecture and famous steps), I focus on storytelling through natural, documentary-style photography. The soft light filtering into the venue, the close-up details of hands holding the rings, and the subtle smiles and tears — these are the details I live for.

If you’re planning a wedding in London and considering adding a ring warming ceremony (or any personal ritual) to your day, it creates incredibly photogenic and emotionally powerful images. It’s a wonderful way to involve your closest family and friends and gives me, as your photographer, the chance to document something truly special.

I’ve been fortunate to photograph many weddings across London — from elegant town hall ceremonies in Marylebone and Westminster to beautiful venues across the city. Every couple brings their own traditions, personality, and love story, and it’s my job to preserve those memories in timeless, heartfelt photographs.