Whether you’re planning on eloping or just prefer the idea of an intimate registry office wedding, choosing the right location in Yorkshire is still really important. So here is a guide for everything you need to know about registry office weddings. I’ve also included a few photos of registry office weddings I’ve photographed in the Yorkshire area.
So what are the advantages of a registry office wedding?
- The cost! You can get married for as little as a few hundred pounds. Each registry office has its own fees so please check your local council’s website for an up to date price list. Generally speaking, the fewer guests you have the less it will cost. Prices are often cheaper on weekdays too, so bear this in mind when planning your wedding.
- The stress-free experience. Does the thought of planning a large, expensive wedding fill you with dread? A simple registry office ceremony could be the answer. I photographed so many lovely intimate ceremonies in Yorkshire during the pandemic and I can say with 100% certainty that they are no less special or exciting!
- The flexibility. You don’t have to get engaged and wait 2 years to get married. As long as you’ve given notice at least 29 days before your ceremony, you can get married as fast as you like!
What you need to know when planning your Yorkshire Registry Office Wedding
Do I need to get married at my local registry office?
No! You can have your wedding ceremony at any registry office you like and Yorkshire has plenty to choose from. Before any wedding, you need to give notice at your local registry office, regardless of whether you’re having your ceremony there or not. This needs to be done at least 29 days before your wedding date but can be done earlier. It generally costs around £40 per person to give notice. Please note that your notice will expire after 12 months so your ceremony needs to take place during this time.
How do I go about booking a registry office in Yorkshire?
Once you have given notice, you can choose where you’d like to hold your ceremony! Registry offices will require a non-refundable deposit to book. Prices range from £50-£300+ depending on the area, number of guests, and day of the week. You will need to bring proof of identity with you when you visit your registry office to book. The documents required will vary depending on the area so please use your local council website to check what you need to bring! If you’d like to check out the registry offices in a certain area, you can use this handy tool on the government website:
How long does a registry office wedding take?
Anywhere from 10-30 minutes depending on how much you choose to say. The registrars will need to interview you separately beforehand so arriving 15-20 mins before your timeslot is advisable. Remember you need to have at least 2 witnesses present over the age of 18. Your photographer can be one of them!
Can we add a personal touch?
Of course! Although you won’t be able to decorate the ceremony room, you will be able to personalise your ceremony in other ways. You can arrange to say your own vows and choose your own music if you like. Remember, any reference to religion in your vows or music choice is not permitted in a registry office setting.
What should we wear for a wedding in a Yorkshire registry office?
Just because it’s a simple short ceremony doesn’t mean that you have to comprise your dream wedding outfit! So wear whatever you want whether it’s a traditional wedding dress/suit or something more informal and city-chic like a jumpsuit or blazer and pants. Hitched has some great wedding dress inspiration here. There are no rules about style or colour so wear whatever you feel comfortable and confident in.
Should I book a photographer for a Registry office wedding?
Yes! After everything else is over the photos are all you will have to remember the day. Registry offices usually allow around 15 minutes to get photos outside before the next wedding comes along. This is a great time to do any small family photos, couple photos, and a confetti exit if your registry office allows it.
Afterwards, it’s a great idea to spend some time with your photographer wandering around the local area. If you’re getting married in an urban setting you’ll be able to get lots of cool couple photos. City portraits always look amazing! Here are a few examples of cool city portraits from last year!
I offer a bespoke photography package for couples choosing to have a no-fuss Yorkshire Registry Office wedding. My intimate wedding package for 2023 includes:
- A pre-wedding chat via phone/video call so we can get to know each other better. This will help you feel more relaxed on the day!
- 2 HOURS of continuous coverage of your beautiful intimate wedding – with me as your wedding photographer! This is the perfect amount of time to capture your guests’ arrival, ceremony, family photos and a few couple portraits too!
- A sneak preview of your amazing wedding photos within 1 week of your big day.
All for just £500. Available Monday-Thursday and only in the Yorkshire area. One location only.
If you’d like to book or just want some more info, check out my intimate wedding photography brochure!
REGISTRY OFFICES IN YORKSHIRE
Bilton House, Harrogate Register Office
Bilton House looks out over The Stray in Harrogate which is the perfect space for photos after your ceremony! It has on-site parking and the ceremony room holds 32 guests. They allow Bio-degradable confetti too!
Wakefield Town Hall
There are two rooms available at Wakefield Town Hall. The Lofthouse suite will seat 45 guests and Room 1 (pictured) will seat 20. The steps outside the building are the perfect spot for photos.
York Registry Office
Most ceremonies take place in the Bootham Suite. There is a garden area outside for photos but why not make the most of the city and walk down to York Museum Gardens as well!
Leeds Civic Hall
Leeds Civic Hall is right in the middle of the city centre. It is a gorgeous white stone building that looks great for photos. The Banquet Hall can seat 90 guests and the West Room (pictured) can seat 38.
Huddersfield Town Hall
The Town Hall has a few rooms to choose from, including the Old Court House (pictured). You can also have your wedding reception here and confetti is allowed too!
I hope this helps you plan your Yorkshire Registry Office Wedding! Remember that you can always plan a big celebration or party with all of your family and friends later on or another day. The benefit of having the legal part out of the way means that you can be more flexible with your plans. If you’ve always dreamed of having an outdoor ceremony, why not take the opportunity to have a celebrant-led wedding instead!
If you’re having a Yorkshire registry office wedding and you’re looking for a photographer, I’d love to hear from you! You can get in touch via the button below.