Cutty Sark in Greenwich recently hosted a stunning wedding styled shoot. As a unique location that beautifully blends historical grandeur with contemporary elegance, the venue was perfect for a theme centred around a classic black-and-white colour scheme, reflecting the sleek architecture of the Dry Berth. Gold accents were integrated to highlight the ship's copper hull, adding a touch of glamour to the setting.
Cutty Sark, the world's last surviving tea clipper, is an unparalleled testament to maritime history and an extraordinary space that redefines the event experience. Docked in Greenwich since the 1950s, this 19th-century sailing ship creates an unparalleled setting for your special day. Stepping aboard is like embarking on a time travelling journey back to Victorian elegance.
Our bride wore a graceful ball gown from Victoria's Bridal Boutique. The dress featured a floral brocade fabric, a modern square neckline, and a low back. A matching belt defined the natural waist completed with covered buttons extending to the end of the train. The final touch was a pearl headband, perfectly complementing the beautiful necklace and earrings from COO Jewellers. She carried a stunning multi-height hand tie bouquet of white roses and delicate white sweet peas to add texture.
Following the monochrome theme, our groom wore a classic black 'Benetti' tuxedo from Bennetts Menswear.
For the wedding breakfast set-up, elegant Venice mirrored dining tables from Options Greathire ran underneath to reflect the hull of the ship, with black Victoria Ghost chairs adding a contemporary touch. Gold-beaded charger plates, elegant glassware with gold detailing and gold cutlery elevated the table setting. Each place setting featured a black napkin with a contemporary black and white menu card from ByBlossom Stationery, finished with a long trailing black satin bow.
Royal Museums Greenwich's accredited events and weddings caterer, Food Show, suggested an exquisite sample wedding breakfast menu from their Spring-Summer Collection. Guests are welcomed with botanical Avant-Garden cocktails or chilled fizz, accompanied by a selection of delectable canapés, including meat-free options such as black pepper shortbread with goat's cheese, candied pecan, caramelised fig, and vegan risotto primavera with asparagus, broad beans, peas, and mint. Other options included harissa-marinated chicken skewers with lime crème fraîche, crisp salt cod croquettes with garlic and dill dipping sauce, and Food Show's signature canapé: aged steak and chips with warm béarnaise.
Once seated, guests would enjoy a starter of Nutbourne tomatoes, compressed summer peach, stracciatella, black garlic tuile, and basil. These delicious starters were followed by a main course of Organic Rhug Estate rump of lamb, potato terrine, olive caramel, seasonal baby vegetables, and jus, or a vegan option of wild mushroom and truffle pithivier, wilted greens, baby courgette, and 'parmesan' snow. To finish, guests would be served a tonka bean-infused chocolate tart with coconut tuile and raspberry sorbet, or a delightful vegan option of piña colada panna cotta with lime-macerated pineapple, coconut clusters, and rum sorbet.
Chic Weddings & Events' floral arrangements were a focal point, featuring tall centrepieces filled with blousy white roses, hydrangeas, and peonies, complemented by trailing Phalaenopsis orchids in tall statement vases. A mix of bud vases holding single stems of flowers run through the centre of the table creating depth and variation. The end of the table, a focal point as guests enter, was finished with a show-stopping cascading arrangement finished with twinkling candles that added a magical touch.
Inspired by the sharp lines of the ship's hull and the industrial look of the dry dock, the cake created by Shelley's Cakes featured a tall, sleek design iced in white. It was softened with iced stencilling echoing the detailing on the wedding dress and finished with an oversized black chiffon bow and tails, mirroring the elegance of the tables cape.
A freestanding contemporary table plan added to the aesthetic, featuring a gorgeous fresh floral arrangement at the base, complemented by candles.
This shoot at Cutty Sark showcased how timeless romance and modern sophistication can seamlessly come together, creating a breathtakingly beautiful wedding setting.
Now it's your turn! Say "I do" beneath the ship's magnificent copper-clad hull and celebrate with your guests in this historical one-of-a-kind setting.
Get in touch with Royal Museums Greenwich's wonderful events team.
Styled Shoot Credits
