One of our Nation's most beautiful chapels

Consecrated in 1691, the Royal Hospital’s chapel is at the heart of Sir Christopher Wren’s original design. The glorious fresco by Sebastian Ricci was commissioned by Queen Anne, the organ casing is original and the kneelers are embroidered with the badges of almost every regiment in the British Army.

A breathtaking venue

The Wren Chapel is an ideal setting for concerts, music recitals and carol services, as well as for christenings. It is also home to a professional choir whose services can be engaged for events.

Capacity:

  • Seated - 320

A word on weddings and blessings

We are conscious that a great many people love the Chelsea Pensioners, the Wren Chapel and our unique community. However, as the Chapel of the Chelsea Pensioners our primary purpose is to provide them with services and pastoral care. We also welcome a local congregation and those who have served in the military to the 300 services we hold throughout the year.

For this reason, we are only able to hold a very limited number of weddings and blessings, in certain special circumstances and recommend that your first port of call for wedding enquiries is a parish church, such as Chelsea Old Church, St Luke’s with Christ Church and Holy Trinity Sloane Square. The clergy will be happy to help you, regardless of whether you know them. 

Regrettable, due to our other commitments, we can only marry couples if at least one partner can demonstrate one of the following connections with the Wren Chapel. 

  • They were christened here.
  • They were confirmed here.
  • Their parents were married here.
  • Their grandparents were married here.
  • They are a regular worshipper at our Sunday morning services.

We are legally obliged to ensure that these conditions are met and checked by the registrar.

To find out more or to book a site visit, contact us on:

E: RHCEvents@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

 

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People sat round table looking at iPads. Pink House of Memories cloth in the middle with objects from the app on.
Royal Hospital Chelsea digital collection launches on the My House of Memories app

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is thrilled to announce the launch of our new digital collection on the My House of Memories app. The My House of Memories app was created by House of Memories, National Museums Liverpool’s dementia awareness programme, by and for people living with dementia. 

Female Chelsea Pensioners stood in front of Royal Hospital long ward in scarlet uniform and shako
Celebrating Women in the Army

This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the incredible women who have served and continue to serve in the British Army. To recognise their contribution, we hear from some of our female Chelsea Pensioners about their time in the Army.