CHIJMES Photoshoot Guide: Best Spots, Time & Tips

CHIJMES (say “chimes”) is one of the most elegant places in Singapore for photos. It was once a convent school, and its white Gothic chapel, arched corridors and courtyards now sit in the middle of the city, surrounded by restaurants and bars. It feels a little like Europe, a little like old Singapore, and very photogenic.

This guide covers the best photo spots at CHIJMES, when to go, what to wear, and how to combine it with other spots nearby.

CHIJMES photoshoot: quick guide

• Nearest MRT: City Hall (East-West and North-South lines) or Bras Basah (Circle line), about a 5-minute walk
• Best time: early morning (around 8am) for empty courtyards; 4–6:30pm for soft side light
• Cost: free to walk around the grounds
• Time needed: about 1 hour; add nearby spots to fill a 2-hour shoot
• Best for: couples, pre-wedding, birthdays, graduation and elegant solo portraits
• What to wear: white, cream, champagne, black; lace, light dresses and simple suits

Why CHIJMES is great for photos

CHIJMES was the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, founded in the 1850s. The Gothic chapel, completed in the early 1900s, is now CHIJMES Hall, a popular venue for weddings and events. The whole complex is painted white, which works like a giant reflector: the light bouncing off the walls is soft and flattering on faces.

The architecture is strong and clean: pointed arches, long corridors, balustrades, patterned tiles and neat lawns. You don’t need props or complicated poses here.

Best photo spots at CHIJMES

1. The chapel facade

The front of the chapel, with its spires, rose window and white Gothic detail, is the signature shot. Stand back to fit the whole facade in, and walk towards it, or away from the camera, for a natural moment.

2. The arched corridors

The long white corridors with patterned floor tiles and pointed arches are my favourite spot here. The arch at the end frames the greenery outside, and the repeating columns create depth. The light inside is soft and even, even at midday.

3. The balustrades and the chapel side

On the upper walkway, the white balustrades with green railings look out onto the side of the chapel, with its stained-glass windows and flowering bushes below. Lean on the balustrade for a relaxed, elegant portrait.

4. The courtyards and lawn

The sunken courtyard and lawn are surrounded by white buildings and palms. In the evening the restaurant lights come on and it takes on a warm, date-night mood.

5. The mural wall

Tucked in the complex there’s a hand-painted mural of old shophouses and tropical plants, a nice colourful change from all the white.

Best time for a CHIJMES photoshoot

Early morning, around 8am. This is my favourite time. The courtyards are empty, the restaurants aren’t open yet, and the light is soft. You can see an example in this 8am birthday photoshoot at CHIJMES and Raffles Hotel.

Late afternoon, 4–6:30pm. Warmer side light gives the architecture more depth. It gets busier as the dinner crowd arrives.

Blue hour and evening. The lights along the arches and restaurants make a romantic evening atmosphere, good for couples.

What to wear

• White, cream and champagne blend beautifully with the white architecture for a soft, dreamy look
• Black or a strong colour stands out against the white walls if you prefer contrast
• Lace, light dresses and long skirts suit the Gothic style
• Simple suits or shirts for partners
• Hats and small bags make nice, subtle props

Tips for better photos

• Keep poses simple. The arches and lines are already strong; walking, turning and looking out are enough.
• Use the arches as frames and the corridors for depth.
• Watch the scale. Leave space above the person when shooting the chapel so the spires aren’t cut off.
• Respect diners and events. CHIJMES is a working dining and event venue; avoid blocking restaurant tables, and skip the areas that are closed for private events.

For photographers: a 35mm is the most versatile here, a 24mm for the full chapel and courtyard, and an 85mm for portraits in the corridors.

A simple photo route

City Hall MRT → CHIJMES (chapel, corridors, balustrades) → Raffles Hotel → St Andrew’s Cathedral → National Gallery Singapore

These are all within a few minutes’ walk. See my guides to St Andrew’s Cathedral and National Gallery Singapore.

FAQ

Is CHIJMES free to visit? Yes, the grounds, corridors and courtyards are free to walk around. CHIJMES Hall (the chapel) is an event venue and is not always open to the public.

What is the best time to take photos at CHIJMES? Early morning, around 8am, for empty courtyards and soft light; late afternoon for warmer light.

How do I get to CHIJMES? It’s about a 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT or Bras Basah MRT, at 30 Victoria Street.

Book a CHIJMES photoshoot

• S$200 for 2 hours, with as many spots as we can fit in
• CHIJMES pairs perfectly with Raffles Hotel, St Andrew’s Cathedral and the National Gallery
• 50% deposit to book, balance paid after the shoot, and photos sent to you on the spot

See how a Singapore photoshoot works, browse more travel portraits, or send me a message with your dates.