Wedding Venue: St. Patrick’s Church Bengaluru

Summary: St. Patrick’s Church located at the junction of Brigade Road and Residency Road is a wedding venue that we look forward to shooting in. It is a much loved wedding venue for the simple reason (other than one’s faith) it has stood here for nearly 200 years steeped in the history of this city.

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.

History of St. Patrick’s Church

British Commissioner Mark Cubbon, with permission from the Maharaja of Mysore gifted the land on which the Church stands. The land was formerly used as a stable for army elephants and camels. The foundation of the church was laid on July 22, 1841. The project was led by Father Jacques-Henry Gailhot, a French military chaplain. The church was completed by late 1844 despite facing funding challenges.

It was initially dedicated as the ‘Church of the Assumption’ and dedicated to Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. Irish troops who worshipped there started calling it St. Patrick’s Church after their patron saint. Saint Patrick, known as the “Apostle of Ireland, was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian Bishop of Ireland. And that’s how this church came to be called St.Patrick’s Church.

The church has five altars, the main altar and 4 other altars dedicated to the patron, St. Patrick’s, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Mary and St. Joseph.

A simple structure. Under Fr.M.Tabard it was embellished in the Gothic Revival movement style between 1894 and 1899. The twin steeples, a belfry and tall arches were added during this time giving it such a striking and remarkable appearance. The interiors feature high ceilings and stained glass windows, hallmarks of Gothic design. The interior of the church has twelve graceful pillars which symbolise the twelve apostles.

The church underwent significant renovations in 2000 to increase capacity, and again in 2012, when artisans from Tamil Nadu carefully restored its exterior, preserving its historic charm.  It can accommodate 550 people. Furthermore its central location makes it an attractive tourist must do in the city.

The Shrine of St. Anthony

The church houses a popular shrine to St. Anthony, which draws thousands of devotees from all faiths, especially on Tuesdays.

Notable Burials

The church is the final resting place of several prominent figures from the colonial era, including Lady Bowring, the wife of Lewin Bentham Bowring (the Commissioner of Mysore).

St. Patrick’s Church stands testament to Bengaluru’s British colonial past – a slice of history that has imprinted itself into the city that we know of today. Moreover this history is deeply intertwined with the city’s British military past and the Irish soldiers who once served there.

Weddings at St.Patrick’s Church Bengaluru

The Knot in Frames has shot several weddings at this beautiful Church. It lends itself to such cinematic beauty. Much like St. Mark’s Cathedral which is another favourite wedding venue to shoot in. We know the Church intimately. That makes us a safe bet to hire to shoot here since we are equipment ready for this place. Take a look at a two wedding films shot at this beautiful church below.

Around St.Patrick’s Church Bengaluru

The Church is located in the bustling centre of the Business District in Bengaluru. As such there is absolutely loads and loads to do here before or after attending a wedding.

Sapper War Memorial

Built in 1928, this is the oldest war memorial in Bengaluru. It was in commemoration of the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Located in a beautiful little island of peace and tranquility, this is a must see.

St.Mark’s Cathedral

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. It is just a few minutes drive from here. This is another much sought after wedding venue.

Cubbon Park

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.

To Conclude

This Church as a wedding venue is an absolute delight to shoot in for any wedding photographer/ wedding videographer. Do you have any stories to share? Anecdotes? Drop it in your comments below.