7 beautiful churches for grand weddings and photos
Whether for your wedding portraits or the solemnisation ceremony, churches are beautiful places that are also chock full of meaning. These ones stand out for their heritage, unique details or majestic structure, and each one is as unique as the other.
By Dewi Nurjuwita -
If you're thinking of tying the knot in either one of these, just make sure that the church is open to holding weddings for non-members, if you're not one.
Photo: Instagram
1. St Andrew's Cathedral
The largest cathedral (and oldest Anglican church) in Singapore stands out in the middle of the City Hall district with its impressive colonial-style structure amidst the urban landscape and lush gardens on the grounds. The cathedral's whitewashed neo-Gothic facade, towering spires, as well as elaborate columns make a beautiful backdrop for a pre-wedding shoot outdoors.
If you're dreaming of a royal-worthy solemnisation, the cathedral's interior, with its 68m-long aisle (according to this site), is just as impressive.
Photo: Pinterest
2. Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
For photos infused with plenty of history and charm, a photo shoot or wedding at oldest church in Singapore would be apt. The building's design brilliantly fuses the symmetry of Palladian architecture with the practical details of Eastern architecture - like louvres (window blinds and shutters) and wide verandahs. It also has a distinctive circular shaped roof that makes it unique and elegant.
A solemnisation ceremony here would have to be a small one though, as the church seats about 100 guests only.
Photo: Instagram
3. Saint George’s Church
If you’re not all for whitewashed or dramatic church buildings, Saint George’s Church is another alterative. The 106-year-old church, located near Dempsey Road boasts gorgeous red brick walls that'll make gorgeous, rustic-styled photos. Inside, the church offers an almost urban aesthetic with its exposed metal ceiling structures. And, instead of a red carpet, the royal blue carpet is another striking feature, especially for photos.
Photo: Instagram
4. Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Though the church isn't as imposing or grand as the rest, it comes with its own charm, too. Located along Ophir Road, the church features whitewashed walls and beautiful stained glass panels. Do note though, that only Catholic brides or grooms may wed here. For more, see real bride, Jade Seah’s wedding here.
Photo: Steve Thio
5. Church of St Teresa
For European-style wedding photos, the Church of St Teresa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful churches in Singapore. It has a Renaissance-inspired architecture - featuring high ceilings, traditional wooden pews and an altar at the end of the aisle backed by stain-glass windows. Real couple, Jonathan Leong and Jeneen Goh, had their wedding here. See more photos here, and read more about it in Her World Brides March 2016.
Photo: Jonathan Leong
6. Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
This Cathedral, which stands at the junction of Queen Street and Bras Basah Road, is Renaissance-styled with Roman Doric pillars, and is also reminiscent of famous London churches, St. Paul's, Covent Garden and St Martin-in-the-Fields. The 183-year-old church, which has undergone two major restorations (one in 1997 and the other in 2013) has a simple, rustic charm that makes a lovely backdrop for dramatic pre-wedding photos. Again, only Catholic brides or grooms may wed here.
Photo: Pinterest
7. St Peter’s and Paul Church
After a year-long restoration which began in 2015, the 146-church has opened its doors again. Located in the civic district of Queen's Street, the Catholic church boasts a Gothic style with its impressive naves and stained glass windows - that reflects the colonial period architecture in Singapore. Whether indoors (featuring five stained glass windows made in France and installed around 1870) or outdoors (an towering facade with a rose window), you'll be guaranteed beautiful and dramatic photos for your wedding album.
Photo: Instagram