Wedding Venue: St. Mark’s Cathedral Bengaluru

Summary: St. Mark’s Cathedral, Bengaluru is one of the most iconic and historic Cathedrals in Bengaluru. Since it dates as far back as the the early 19th Century British occupation of Bengaluru. The cathedral has survived for nearly 200 plus years. As a wedding venue it offers so much to couples getting married in Bengaluru. One of them being prominently a chance to embed one’s most important day within the history of this city.

St. Marks Cathedral is located on St. Mark’s Road, the west end of Mahatma Gandhi Road (or MG Road) Bengaluru.  It is flanked on one side by Cubbon Park – the defining lung space of Bengaluru. On another side is the ever bustling Church street with plenty of eateries and pubs.

It stands dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, considered the author of the Gospel of Mark. The church serves as the Cathedral (Ecclesia Matar) of the Church of South India, Karnataka Central Diocese.

History of St. Mark’s Cathedral

The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1808. It was completed in 1812. Thereafter, the Bishop of Calcutta consecrated it in 1816. It was started as a garrison church of the Madras Army of the East India Company, during the British occupation of India, and went on to become a part of the Church of South India after independence in 1947.

The Church is architecturally modeled on St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It has a dome and a semi-circular chancel. And beautiful Roman arches hold the church together. Intricate woodwork dots the entrance to the Church.

M/s Sreenivasulu Naidu & Sons, Madras created the stained glasswork that is a striking part of the cathedral. The other stained glass on the west facing window was created by the architect of St. Dunstan’s Society, England.

The Marble Pulpit

The pulpit is made of Italian Marble from Genoa by M/s Snaize & Co. Bishop Tubbs of Palayamkottai was the first to preach on the marble pulpit on 1 July 1928, delivering the sermon ‘The reunion of Christendom’. The Brass lectern (eagle with spread wings on the globe) was presented by some planters of Mysore in 1903, in memory of Harry Alexander Campbell and Montague Beaden Follett of Lumsden’s Horse Regiment who died in the Boer Conflicts of South Africa. Mrs. Laura Amelia Amaller presented the bible on the lectern.

The Cathedral through its history has witnessed expansions and collapses, repairs, extensions, and a fire caused by a short circuit in 1923. It has stood the test of time, surviving two centuries!

The Cathedral celebrated its bicentenary celebrations of a 200 year existence in 2007-2008. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in Bengaluru. Getting married here imprints your day with all the historicity of the city of Bengaluru (literally!)

Weddings at St. Mark’s Cathedral

The Knot in Frames has shot several weddings at this beautiful breathtaking Cathedral. We love going back there. Because it anchors us in what we love – this city of Bengaluru. And we know this space in and out. That makes us a safe bet to hire to shoot here since we are equipment ready for this place. Take a look at a wedding film that we made for a couple who wed in this Cathedral.

Around St. Mark’s Cathedral

The Cathedral is located in a bustling part of the city. As such if you are attending a wedding here, there’s plenty to do before and after. Some prominent things to do around here:

Koshy’s Bar and Restaurant

An iconic coffee shop and restaurant started in 1940. As such you are likely to bump into the who’s who from Bengaluru’s creative scene. They have amazing Appams and stew on Sundays. And their coffee is to die for. Not to forget the scrambled eggs on toast. This is another of Bengaluru’s much loved spaces. Open 9 am to 11pm everyday of the year.

Venkatappa Art Gallery, Kasturba Road, Bengaluru

Catch a contemporary art show or browse through their permanent collections. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Namma Bengaluru Aquarium

Located near the entrance to Cubbon Park. This is the second largest aquarium in India. This is another iconic building hosting two floors of marine life on display.

Weekdays: 11am-8pm
Weekends: 9am-8pm
Guided Tours: Thurs-Sun; 3pm & 6pm
Feeding Shows: Tues, Fri & Sun

Cubbon Park, Bengaluru

Cubbon Park is the heart of Bengaluru. Renamed as Sri Chamarajendra Park it dates back to the 19th Century. Originally created in 1870 under Major General Richard Sankey, then British Chief Engineer of Mysore State, it covered an area of 100 acres. It’s a lovely place to wander around.

St.Patrick’s Church Bengaluru

St. Patrick’s Church on Brigade Road is Bangalore’s second oldest Church belonging to the Archdiocese of Bangalore. Located at the junction of Residency Road and Brigade Road, it is one of the oldest and most iconic Catholic landmarks in Bengaluru. It is another much loved wedding venue for Christian couples getting married in Bengaluru.

To conclude

St.Mark’s Cathedral as a wedding venue would be any couple’s dream come true. Do you have any stories to share? Anecdotes? Drop it in your comments below.