London Registry Office Weddings: a Photographer’s Guide to the Best Venues
Over the past 12 years, I’ve photographed many registry office weddings across London, and they remain some of my favourite days to capture. These weddings are often intimate and deeply personal, with the focus firmly on the couple and the people closest to them. They can also feel more relaxed, without the pressure of a large schedule, creating space for even more genuine moments and fun spontaneity.
London itself often feels like an extra guest on the day, bringing its own character to the story, from the streets outside the register office to the places you choose to celebrate afterwards. As a London local, I know how to make the most of its rich and playful identity.
My approach is always calm and unobtrusive (most guests think I’m a camera-enthusiastic friend of the couple), allowing you to enjoy the experience while I focus on capturing it honestly. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate celebration or part of a bigger day, registry office weddings offer a wonderfully meaningful way to get married.
Why Registry Office Weddings Work So Well in London
London is particularly well suited to registry office weddings because so much is close together. Many popular venues, such as Islington Town Hall, Chelsea Old Town Hall and Hackney Town Hall, are surrounded by quiet streets, parks and interesting architecture, making it easy to move from ceremony to portraits without travelling far.
The city also offers a wide choice of venues, from grand historic buildings to smaller local register offices, giving couples plenty of flexibility. With good transport links, nearby places to celebrate, and a wide range of photo locations within walking distance, London makes it easy to plan a relaxed, fun wedding day that feels personal and unhurried.
Choosing the Right Registry Office for your Celebrations
Some things you should consider when trying to find the right Registry Office for your wedding celebrations:
- The styling and vibe of the Town Hall
- Nearby locations for celebrating afterwards
- Capacity – how many guests can you have
- Opportunity for photos nearby
- How accessible is it for guests travelling via public transport
- Time allowance – how long you have the room
- Cost
Top 5 Registry Offices for London Weddings
Marylebone Town Hall
Central London, NW1 5PT
My Experience with Marylebone Town Hall Weddings
I’ve photographed over a dozen weddings at Marylebone Town Hall and have even attended twice as a guest. It is often the first Registry Office I recommend to friends getting married.
From the staff to the building itself, Marylebone offers a fantastic experience for couples and their guests.
The wide front steps on Marylebone Road are one of its standout features, and they’re often used for confetti and group photos after the ceremony.
Inside, there are several ceremony rooms, including the Westminster Room and the larger Council Chamber, giving couples flexible options depending on guest numbers. Having worked in each space, I’m familiar with how they’re laid out and how ceremonies usually run, which helps everything feel calm and unhurried.
Fun fact: Marylebone Town Hall was Paul and Linda McCartney’s venue of choice when they got married in 1969.
Nearby Photo Locations
Salisbury Place & Thornton Place: a couple of quiet, picturesque streets around the back of Old Marylebone Town Hall, perfect for intimate and creative portraits.
Nearby Post Ceremony Recommendations
Character Rich Pubs: The Harcourt, Allsop Arms, The Larrik.
Fancy Cocktails: The Mirror Bar, inside the Landmark Hotel.
Upscale Restaurants: Kitchens at Holmes, The Greenhouses, Trishna (Indian), Mielo Restaurant (Mediterranean), Orrery (French).
Islington Town Hall
North London, N1 2UD
My Experience with Islington Town Hall Weddings
A close second London favourite of mine – Islington Town Hall, which is one of the most popular registry offices in London. The grand entrance hall and sweeping staircase are instantly recognisable and often used for group photos and portraits after the ceremony, giving couples a classic setting without feeling overly formal.
Inside, the building offers several ceremony rooms, including the Council Chamber and Richmond Room, which suit different guest numbers and styles of celebration. On busy days, multiple ceremonies can take place, so knowing how the building operates helps me guide couples smoothly from the ceremony to photos without feeling rushed.
One of the reasons Islington works so well is its surrounding area. With Upper Street, quiet residential roads and nearby green spaces close by, there are plenty of options for relaxed portraits within a short walk, keeping the day flowing naturally.
Nearby Photo Locations
In addition to the space in front of the Registry Office, Richmond Grove offers a few nice spots for intimate wedding portraits. If you’re looking for greenery, Milner’s Square is your best bet.
Nearby Post Ceremony Recommendations
Pubs: The Vineyard Pub (directly opposite the Town Hall).
The Drapers Arms (the most popular option with my couples getting married at Islington Town Hall, they have a private dining room upstairs and the food is fantastic).
Upscale Restaurants: Humble Grape (Wine Bar & Restaurant), Frederick’s (Modern European), Trullo (Italian).
Chelsea Old Town Hall
West London, SW3 5EE
My Experience with Chelsea Old Town Hall Weddings
Chelsea Old Town Hall is one of the most iconic registry offices in London, and I’ve photographed many weddings here over the years. The impressive stone façade and wide front steps are a real highlight, and they’re often used for confetti and group photos straight after the ceremony.
Inside, the ceremony rooms are elegant and well organised, allowing weddings to run smoothly even on very busy days. The layout makes it easy to move guests in and out efficiently, which is especially helpful for shorter ceremonies and tighter schedules.
The building is also well known for hosting celebrity weddings over the years, including those of Judy Garland and Hugh Grant, which adds to its appeal for many couples. Its location near the King’s Road and surrounding streets also makes it easy to find quieter spots nearby for relaxed portraits before heading off to celebrate.
Nearby Photo Locations
St Luke’s Gardens is great for intimate portraits amongst nature. Walking west along King’s Road offers some interesting urban vibes for photos.
Nearby Post Ceremony Recommendations
The Ivy Chelsea Garden has been a favourite for my couples getting married at Old Chelsea Town Hall.
Characterful Pubs: The Pig’s Ear, The Cadogan Arms.
Upscale Restaurants: Rabbit British Bistro, Bluebird (Modern European).
Hackney Town Hall
East London, E8 1EA
My Experience with Hackney Town Hall Weddings
I’ve photographed many weddings at Hackney Town Hall, particularly in its beautifully restored Art Deco spaces. The Assembly Hall and surrounding ceremony rooms have a distinctive 1930s style, with high ceilings, strong lines and excellent natural light, which works especially well for photography.
The building is larger than many other London registry offices, which means it handles busy wedding days very efficiently. Even when several ceremonies are taking place, things tend to feel well organised and calm, helping couples enjoy the experience without unnecessary pressure.
Hackney Town Hall also benefits from its location, with London Fields and quieter residential streets close by. This makes it easy to step outside for portraits after the ceremony and get a good variety of images without travelling far.
Nearby Photo Locations
After making the most of the beautiful 1930s vibes inside the town hall, head outside for photos on the iconic wide stone steps. Don’t forget about those signature palm trees. If you have time, the railway arches and street art towards London Fields offer great urban vibes for photos.
Nearby Post Ceremony Recommendations
Characterful Pubs: The Crown Pub, The London Fields
Upscale Restaurants: Lardo (Italian), Da Terra (Modern European).
Stoke Newington Town Hall
North East London, N16 0JR
My Experience with Stoke Newington Town Hall Weddings
Stoke Newington Town Hall is well known for its bright, modern ceremony rooms and relaxed atmosphere, and I’ve photographed many weddings here over the years. Couples are often drawn to its simple, contemporary feel, which offers a more understated alternative to some of London’s grander venues.
The large windows in the ceremony rooms provide plenty of natural light, helping ceremonies feel open and unhurried. This also makes it a comfortable environment for photography without needing artificial lighting or intrusive equipment.
One of the venue’s biggest advantages is its location directly opposite Clissold Park. Being able to step straight across the road for portraits is something many couples really value, as it keeps everything close together and allows for a mix of greenery and architectural backgrounds without adding extra travel time.
Nearby Photo Locations
The Grade II listed building has plenty to play with for wedding photos, both inside and directly outside the building. For photos with nature, head around the corner to Clissold Park. For city vibes, Stoke Newington Church St has plenty of photo opportunities.
Nearby Post Ceremony Recommendations
Characterful Pubs: The Auld Shillelagh, The Clarence Tavern, The Rose & Crown (directly across the road).
Tasty Restaurants: Escocesa (Tapas), Calong (Korean-European), Schnitzel Forever (Modern European).
Real London Registry Office Weddings
Example of a Typical Registry Office Wedding Timeline
11:30 Guests + Couple arrive at the Registry Office/ Town Hall.
11:45 Couple’s interview (this can be done together or separately)
12:00 Ceremony
12:30 Ceremony ends. The couple is led out for a moment together while the guests are lined up on the steps outside for confetti.
12:35 Confetti (optional) and cheers as the couple exit the building. Followed by hugs and congratulations.
12:45 Group Photos (optional), usually taken on the steps of the Town Hall.
13:00 Portraits of the couple at some nearby locations (optional)
13:20 Head to a venue for celebratory drinks/food.
Registry Office Weddings FAQs
What is the difference between a wedding and a civil partnership?
A wedding results in a marriage, while a civil partnership is a legal relationship that offers similar rights and responsibilities. Both can take place at a registry office, and the ceremony itself is very similar in structure, with the main difference being the legal wording used. Most guests wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two.
What steps are needed to get married at a registry office?
To get married at a registry office, you’ll need to give notice at your local register office, usually at least 29 days before your ceremony. Once notice has been given, you can book your chosen venue and date, and finalise any details directly with the register office.
How much does a registry office ceremony cost?
The cost of a registry office ceremony in London varies depending on the venue, the type of room you choose and whether it’s a weekday or weekend. As a ballpark, the cost can range from £200 for a small room during the week, to £1400 for the larger rooms on the weekend. Prices typically include the legal ceremony and registration, with additional costs for guest numbers, certificates and optional extras.
Can you personalise a registry office wedding ceremony?
Yes, to a certain extent. While the legal wording must be included, many registry offices allow you to choose readings, music, and personal touches to make the ceremony feel more meaningful and reflective of you as a couple.
How far in advance do you need to book?
Well-known London registry offices such as Islington, Chelsea and Hackney often book up several months in advance, especially for Fridays and weekends. If you have a specific venue or date in mind, it’s best to enquire as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Do you have to live in London to get married there?
No, you don’t need to live in London to get married at a London registry office. You can give notice at your local register office wherever you live in the UK, and then have your ceremony in London. Foreign nationals can also marry in London, as long as they meet visa and residency requirements.
How long do you need a photographer for a registry office wedding?
Most couples book between one and three hours of photography for a registry office wedding. This usually allows time for arrivals, the ceremony, group photos, and relaxed portraits nearby, without taking up too much of your day.
Can we take photos inside the registry office?
Most London registry offices allow photography during the ceremony, although some have restrictions on movement or flash. I’m familiar with these guidelines and always work discreetly within the rules of each venue.
How would you describe your wedding photography style?
My approach is natural, relaxed and documentary in style. I focus on capturing real moments as they happen, while blending in unobtrusively, so your photographs reflect what it genuinely felt like to be there. Alongside this, I keep portraits and group photo time to a minimum, allowing you to maximise celebrations with your friends and family.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture your celebrations in London, and think my fun, emotive and unobstrusive approach would be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you.
Below is the link to my full day pricing and packages. However, if you’re only looking for 2 hours+ of photography coverage, check out my Micro Wedding Pricing here.
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