18 September 2026
← All writingAsylum Chapel is situated in the grounds of Caroline Gardens, Peckham, South London. It is one of our most frequently requested venues. When couples call us for the wedding photography in asylum chapel, they are already armed with pictures of the crumbling plaster and stained glass. Which is why we have compiled this list of the questions that we hear before a wedding here.
Where Asylum Chapel Is and Why Couples Choose It
The address of Asylum Chapel is Caroline Gardens, Asylum Road, Peckham, London, SE15 2SQ. The walls have been retained and the building began as a chapel for retired licensed victuallers in the 1820s, and suffered damage during the blitz. It is designed by Maverick
Projects, and it is far from completed, which is what attracts couples to it.
The stained glass windows shatter color over the stone floor at various times of the day. The pealing frescoes add texture to each frame that a newly constructed site cannot duplicate. This room is designed for your wedding photographs, if that's the kind of room you want to have.
Asylum Chapel Wedding Cost
On current 2026 prices of asylum chapel hire can range from £1,500 to £1,950. Higher on the list, the dates that are more popular on the Saturday afternoon, and lower on the list, the
dates that are not that popular on the weekday and off-peak. Rates are changing from year
to year, please check the price of the venue directly before booking, to avoid
any issues.
Capacity and Ceremony Times
A maximum of 120 people can be accommodated in Asylum Chapel for a ceremony. There are two hiring sessions
per day:
- Morning: 9:00am to 2:30pm
- Afternoon: 3:30pm to 8:00pm
Southwark Registrars hold legal ceremonies here as well as your venue date, so you'll
need to book your legal appointment with Southwark Registrars at the same time.
What's Included, and What Isn't
The ceremony area is included in your hire fee, as are chairs, tables, basic
lighting and candle decor. There may be drinks and
canapés which follow immediately after in the same building, but not full
receptions are held in Asylum Chapel any longer. The wedding breakfast and
party will be held at another venue making a second rental fee in addition to
the rental of the chapel.
Where Couples Go After Asylum Chapel
As the reception will take place in another location, selecting the second venue
can be just as important as the chapel. Couples we have worked with
have all moved from Peckham to Brunswick House, 100 Barrington, One Friendly
Space, the Lordship, AMP Studios, Shoreditch Studios and the Singer Tavern. Some have booked a vintage Routemaster bus to take all of the guests from one venue to the other, and this
is often one of the more memorable segments of the day's film.
A Note for Multicultural and Multi-Faith Couples
Asylum Chapel is a civil space used for civil ceremonies and not a religious space,
which is why we have so many of our Asian and multicultural clients booking it. Having a civil ceremony in the morning here, and a Nikkah or Anand Karaj or Hindu ceremony with separate
family later, allows you to maintain the separation of each ceremony, rather
than trying to have them both in one place. This is the same interior we
have taken photos of for couples who wanted the law to be done “safely” before
the day's festivities, and the interior of the chapel is simple and unbranded,
which is perfect for any tradition you decide to use.
Getting to Asylum Chapel
No on-site parking and only residents are allowed in Caroline Gardens. The majority of visitors come
by taxi or train:
- This line is located on Queens Road Peckham, just a 10-minute walk away, and the
Overground and National Rail. - Titchfield (Overground): 20-minute walk, or easy bus journey
- Bus routes 171, 177, 436, 12, 36, and 343 all stop nearby on Old Kent Road or Queens Road. London City
- Airport is approximately 30 mins away by car and Eurostar St Pancras taxi arrives about
30-35 mins away by car.
Photographing Asylum Chapel: What We Watch For
Portraits are timed around the light from windows facing east, which changes considerably between
the morning and afternoon times. The afternoon ceremonies
usually offer a warmer, lower light in the final hour before guests move
through for drinks and we are usually on the outside with them at the end of
the day. The stone steps at the entrance also make good group shots, and provide us with a place to catch the confetti walk and not venture into the nearby residential streets, as the venue
requests couples not to venture beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire Asylum Chapel for a wedding?
The price of hiring is between $1100 (or £1500) and
$1200 (or £1950) depending on the date and when it's required, as of 2026. Always check the actual current rates with the venue.
How many guests can Asylum Chapel hold?
There is capacity for up to 120 guests for a ceremony.
Can you have a full wedding reception at Asylum Chapel?
No. It is used for ceremonies and canapés only for drinks reception. The wedding breakfast and
party takes place in a different area.
What is the history of Asylum Chapel?
It was built in the 1820s as a chapel for retired licensed victuallers and was
damaged during the Blitz. Although the building has not
been fully restored, it has retained a worn and distressed character.
Is there parking at Asylum Chapel?
There is no parking available at the location. Transport to and from guests
usually via taxi or public transport and Queens Road Peckham station is within
10 minutes walking distance.
Planning Your Asylum Chapel Wedding
If you are booking Asylum Chapel and would like a light, layout and day run specialist photography
and videography team then please contact us. We know all the ceremonies by
each tradition and can help you schedule the time between your civil ceremony,
cultural ceremony and reception location!