Whether for a low key ‘ceremony only’ booking or as part of a larger wedding day celebration, the St Albans Register Office is office is without a doubt one of my most popular bookings.
Amy and Chris chose the St Albans Registry Office for their wedding ceremony. Keeping things sweet and simple, they shared their special day with just a handful of their closest family.
Low key weddings
Low key weddings such as this, typically of 15 people or less, have become known as micro weddings. These have become so popular that I have a wedding photography package specifically for them: micro-wedding package.
Micro weddings may be small but they can be just as magical and memorable as bigger occasions, perhaps even more so. I find these small weddings such a privilege to be a part of. Without all of the stresses that can come with hosting a traditional wedding I see couples truly enjoying their day together. Much freer to focus on the celebration of their relationship and the milestone of marriage. I think it really shows in the photos which are always bursting with happiness and love.
Weddings at the St Albans Registry Office are an absolute favourite booking for me as a Hertfordshire wedding photographer. It is a very elegant wedding venue. I've been part of lots and lots of really lovely wedding ceremonies there over the years. Formally a Victorian prison (even used for scenes in the TV series Porridge) now the striking gatehouse sits smartly within a pretty and well-kept rose garden that works perfectly for wedding day photographs.
Pre-ceremony shots outside the registry office
Amy and Chris booked my micro wedding package and I arrived 30 minutes before their ceremony was scheduled to take place. Usually at this point the groom has just arrived for his pre-wedding meeting with the registrar. The bride then typically turns up about 15 minutes later once he is inside the building where there is no risk of seeing her. However, the St Albans traffic happened to be unusually forgiving on this particular day.
Both Chris and Amy found themselves arriving early in their respective taxis and decided to wait outside together. They are such a lovely couple and were very relaxed about the whole thing, both beaming with happiness and excitement for the day ahead. I captured some candid moments as they waited with their guests before we were all invited inside.
The bride makes her entrance
The bride and groom completed their formal pre-wedding meeting with the registrar. Then Chris came back into the room by himself to await the entrance of his bride with her father.
Amy made her entrance on her father’s arm. Chris held back a tear as she beamed the happiest smile. It is moments like this that I love to capture, it’s such a privilege and my absolute favourite part of my job.
Introduced as husband and wife
In front of their respective parents and siblings Amy and Chris made their wedding vows and exchanged rings. Before being introduced as husband and wife to cheers and applause from the room.
Outside there were handshakes, cuddles, and kisses of congratulations all of which make for perfect candid wedding photography moments.
Confetti and smiles
The bride’s mum then handed out confetti and Amy and Chris made a traditional exit from the big gatehouse doors beneath a shower of pretty confetti. Register Offices can impose restrictions on confetti. A top tip is to check out their rules when you first meet with them. This may help avoid disappointment on the day. The St Albans Register office for instance only allow natural confetti (dried petals).
Using punchy colours and contrast
Of course, you have to take some photos in front of those iconic black gatehouse doors. They make such a striking backdrop for portraits. I love to edit my wedding photos in a very filmic style with punchy contrast and colours. A gorgeous emerald green hue sits within darker tones. It really shows up on this particular back drop in the dreamiest way.
This is the part of the day when you are quite likely to see me perched ridiculously atop the famous cannon in front of the building. I don’t mind making myself look daft if it means getting that all important group shot! (Thank you to Amy for sending me this hilarious BTS photo taken by a family member).
Family photos
With those photos in the bag we all made our way into the adjacent rose garden. I organised the family photos that had been requested by the Amy and Chris, before taking the couple themselves aside for a mini bride and groom photo session.
The garden at the St Albans Registry Office is quite a compact space. But, used creatively it is possible to create a really varied set of images within a short space of time. The garden is always very well kept and looks lovely all year round. The St Albans Register Office is definitely a Pike Photography favourite!
Cars and Taxis then arrived to take the small congregation on to a nice restaurant to continue their celebrations together as my time with them came to an end.
It was a real treat to photograph this beautiful and intimate wedding ceremony for Amy and Chris. And, it is always great to be taking wedding photos at the St Albans Registry Office.
Congratulations to Amy and Chris and thank you for letting me capture the story of your perfect ceremony!
If you are planning on getting married at the St Albans Register Office, or somewhere further afield, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to chat to me about how we can capture lots and lots of beautiful photos of your wedding!
