What is Live Wedding Painting?

Live Wedding Painting is a unique and creative way to add a special element to your wedding or event. Using oil paint, I paint a portrait of the newlyweds. Your guests can watch your artwork come to life throughout the night as they visit and revisit at each step of the process. Some guests enjoy sitting close-by with a glass of wine and watching the artwork unfold in real time. This is a great break from the dancefloor and a talking point which can break the ice between friends and family who may not have met before.

At the end of the night, your painting comes with me to my studio to complete details and background before being varnished and prepared for collection or delivery.

How long does it take?

• Live Painting: I paint for a minimum of 4 hours at the venue although I normally paint for a little bit longer as I don't like to stop mid-flow. I typically arrive before your ceremony to set up and spend some time before painting taking reference images. Following your wedding day, I can normally complete your painting within 4 weeks (depending on time of year and workflow).
• Commissioned Portraits: Depending on work load at the time, these can take 4-6 weeks. Usually I can complete these within the 4 weeks but that cannot be guaranteed. Please take this into consideration if planning a gift for anniversary, birthdays or Christmas

How much does it cost?

• Live Wedding Painting (Typical canvas size: 40x50cm): 
  • 2025 Introductory offer: £500
  • 2026: £800
  • 2027: £1000 (10% discount if booked before 01/01/2026)

• Commissioned Portraits: 

  • 10x10cm: (Usually wooden panel but can use canvas if preferred): £150

  • 40x50cm canvas: £400

  • Alternative sizing can be discussed

Do we need to pose?

• Live Wedding Painting: Typically I snap your reference image as you leave your ceremony or I follow you to your photography location to take some shots there. You can let me know your preference for the image location if you have one. Once I have the perfect reference image, I return to my easel where I have set up prior to your ceremony and I begin painting. I do my best to take reference images without interrupting the flow of your day and this can mean working along-side your photographer for 5 or 10 minutes. 
• Commissioned Portraits:  Clients typically send a range of images and between us we are able to decide on which will translate into the best portrait. In some cases, I can come to photograph the couple or child.

Any other Questions

Email LivePortraiture@outlook.com for further information

Check out Instagram @RachaelPaintsWeddings