A civil ceremony can be twenty minutes long and still be the most important twenty minutes of your life. We photograph and film register office weddings and civil ceremonies so that every word, every glance and every signature is there to keep.
Some couples choose a civil ceremony because it is simple. Others love the grandeur of a London town hall, or want a legal ceremony before a larger religious or cultural celebration. Whatever the reason, the day deserves the same care as any other wedding, and a short ceremony asks for a photographer and filmmaker who know exactly where to stand and when.
London register offices and approved venues
London’s register offices are some of the finest ceremony rooms in the country. Chelsea Old Town Hall, Marylebone, Islington and Westminster each have their own character, their own rules and their own rhythm, and the next couple is often waiting in the hall. We arrive early, find the light, photograph your family and guests as they gather, and are ready the moment the doors open.
Civil ceremonies can also take place at approved venues: hotels, restaurants, country houses, galleries and riverside spaces licensed for weddings. There the ceremony might be followed straight away by drinks, dinner and dancing, and we simply carry on with you. See our London city weddings for the kind of places we love.
A short ceremony, fully covered
- Before the ceremony. Arrivals, the last few minutes of nerves, and the people who came to see you married.
- The ceremony itself. Your entrance, your vows, the exchange of rings and the first kiss, photographed and filmed quietly and without interruption, always within the registrar’s guidance.
- The signing. The register, your witnesses and the moment it becomes official, a set of photographs every family wants.
- Confetti and portraits. The steps outside, then a short walk to a garden square, a quiet street or the King’s Road for relaxed portraits of the two of you.
- Lunch or dinner afterwards, if you would like us to stay for the toasts and speeches.
A small team, a calm day
Register office ceremony rooms are intimate, so we keep our team small: one photographer, and one filmmaker if you would like a film. We move quietly, use no flash during the ceremony and never stand between you and your guests. Coverage starts at two hours, which is often all a civil ceremony and some unhurried portraits need. For very small weddings and elopements, see our intimate weddings.
If you are holding a religious or cultural celebration on another day, we can cover both, so the legal ceremony and the big celebration sit together in one set of photographs and one film. Our fusion weddings page explains how many couples plan it.
Midweek value
Midweek ceremonies are often the easiest to book at London register offices, and our Monday to Thursday rates make them even better value. Wedding photography starts from £830 and wedding films from £1,430. If you just want your vows and speeches on film, our simple wedding film is made for exactly this kind of day. See all our collections.
Your questions, answered
Are we allowed to photograph and film a register office ceremony?
In most cases, yes. Each register office and registrar has its own guidance, and some ask that the legal declarations or the signing itself are not filmed. We always check with the registrar on the day and work within their rules.
How much coverage do we need for a civil ceremony?
Two hours is often enough for arrivals, the ceremony, the signing, confetti and portraits. If you are going on to lunch, dinner or a party, add the hours you need and we will stay with you.
Do you cover civil ceremonies at venues outside London?
Yes. We are based in London and regularly travel to Kent, Surrey and beyond, and to weddings abroad.
Is a weekday wedding cheaper?
Our Monday to Thursday rates are lower than our weekend rates. Get your price for your date and you will see the difference straight away.
