What do you do when you’re celebrating your wedding in Beijing? You head to the Great Wall for a magical photoshoot, of course!
That’s exactly what we did on our special day. On September 18, 2024, after Nathan and I exchanged our vows and officially were married at the British Embassy in Beijing, we had the rest of the day to create unforgettable memories—and what could be more iconic than taking wedding photos at the Great Wall of China? For me, there was no better place than my favorite section: Jinshanling.
We were blessed to have some of our closest friends with us, making the day even more special, plus our talented friend Bo (@bochenvision), who is a photographer, was there to capture every moment.
And to ensure I looked my best all day, Cat of Catherine de France, the brilliant hair and beauty salon in Beijing, came along to touch up my hair and makeup. With the perfect crew by our side, we were all set for a day of fun, laughter, and stunning photos.
Why Jinshanling Great Wall?
Jinshanling is the perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and tranquility. Unlike the more tourist-heavy sections of the Wall like Badaling or Mutianyu, Jinshanling offers a quieter, less crowded experience. It stretches across rugged mountains, and the crumbling, unrestored parts add a real sense of adventure. Plus, the views? Absolutely breathtaking!
How To Get to Jinshanling
Jinshanling is about a two-hour drive from Beijing, which makes it accessible yet remote enough to escape the crowds. For this trip we hired a van to take us and our crew to the wall. I highly recommend hiring a driver and car for a trip to Jinshanling – it’s more flexible according to your own schedule.
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A Quiet Day for Magic
When we arrived, the weather was ideal: not too hot, a little overcast, with just the right amount of cool breeze. Perfect conditions for walking along the wall in wedding attire (especially for the guys wearing suits!)
We took the cable car up, which saved us some energy for exploring the Wall itself. The first view from the top is always stunning to me. I’ve visited the Great Wall maybe 30 times now, and it never fails to amaze—miles and miles of ancient stone winding through the mountains. There was something so surreal about standing there, in our wedding clothes, surrounded by centuries of history.
Walking up the wall in my dress!
The beauty of Jinshanling is that you can walk for hours and barely see another soul. It felt like we had the Wall all to ourselves. Bo worked his magic behind the camera, capturing everything from wide landscape shots to intimate, candid moments between us—laughing, holding hands, and feeling the gravity of the day while perched on one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. (I also was a little stressed about the time, as we got to the Great Wall later than planned! I was trying not to get too worried, but really wanted to get some beautiful photos of us for the day!)
Every now and then, we would stop, touch up my makeup, fix my hair, and carry on exploring new parts of the Wall.
Photos on the Great Wall
Video with my Insta360:
Bo also helped us with trying out videos on my Insta360 camera – which turned out great!
The Adventure Down
By the time 5:30 PM rolled around, we knew we weren’t done taking photos and would miss the last cable car down. Everyone was in great spirits though, and we continued taking photos and decided to just walk down. When we were wrapping the shoot, we all grabbed a Tsingtao beer (some were carried up with us, others we bought from a little lady selling beers at the top of the Great Wall, of course).
It was the perfect way to end such a magical, unforgettable day.
A Day We’ll Never Forget
Our wedding day wasn’t just about the formal ceremony at the embassy—it was about the experience of creating lifelong memories with the special friends who joined our day. From the quiet moments on the Wall to the unexpected trek down the mountain, it all felt like a celebration of our love, our sense of adventure, and the start of a beautiful life together.
If you’re considering a Beijing destination for your wedding photos, I can’t recommend Jinshanling enough. It’s more than just a backdrop—it’s an experience. Our photos will forever remind us of the magic, the laughter, and the sense of awe we felt standing on one of the world’s most incredible wonders.
Tips for Couples Planning a Photoshoot at Jinshanling:
- Hire a local photographer: We were lucky to have our friend Bo with us, but having someone who knows the Wall can help you capture the best angles.
- Bring a stylist or go to one in advance: Catherine de France worked wonders keeping me photo-ready. Wind and long walks can take a toll, so having someone to help with touch-ups was a game-changer.
- Pack comfortable shoes: I wore comfortable shoes the whole day on the wall – best decision ever. My dress was long enough to cover my shoes so no one could even tell.
- Plan your timing: Be aware that the cable car stops running at 5:30 PM. If you miss it, be ready for a fun hike down!
- Soak in the moment: It’s easy to get caught up in capturing the perfect shot, but don’t forget to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the fact that you’re standing on the Great Wall of China on your wedding day. How many people can say that?
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Jinshanling gave us the most spectacular setting to celebrate our marriage, and the memories of that day will stay with us forever.
