Syrus and Bibi married at Old Marylebone Town Hall on a hot summer afternoon, in the Westminster Room, with a room full of family and friends.
They had already had a Persian ceremony on Lake Como the year before. London is home, though, so this was the legal part, done properly in the city they live in. They came to me through two other couples whose Persian weddings I’d photographed, which is the nicest way to get a booking.
Guests on the front steps
Everyone gathered outside first. The front of the town hall is a good place to wait: there is room on the steps, shade under the columns, and it’s where guests naturally start talking and taking selfies.
I use this time for the candid pictures of family and friends. Nobody is posing yet, and these are often the photographs couples look at most once the day is over.
The ceremony in the Westminster Room
The Westminster Room is the biggest of the seven ceremony rooms here, walnut-panelled and with space for a hundred guests. Syrus and Bibi filled it.
With a full room it pays to stay wide for the vows, so you see the faces around the couple and not just the two of them. The registrars here are very good and run a tight ship, and I work around them quietly from the side.
Confetti on the steps
Confetti is only allowed outside on the front steps, and it has to be biodegradable. This lot had plenty, and they threw it properly, which makes all the difference. A thin sprinkle barely shows in a photograph.
Straight after the confetti I did the big group photo, while everyone was still on the steps. The steps tier people naturally, so every face is visible without much organising.
Between the columns
The colonnade along the front is one of my favourite spots in London for bridal portraits. On a bright day it gives soft, even light, and the Portland stone columns do most of the work.
Bibi’s dress was simple and fitted, which suits the building. It’s also right by the front door, so you can slip away for a few minutes without leaving your guests.
Portraits in Regent’s Park
From the town hall we walked across Marylebone Road into Regent’s Park. It’s a few minutes on foot, so there’s no need for a car.
It was a properly hot afternoon, so we looked for shade under the trees and around the rose garden. We kept it to about twenty minutes so they could get back to their guests.
Syrus & Bibi
Congratulations to you both, and thank you to the friends who sent you my way.
Getting married at Old Marylebone Town Hall?
For the seven ceremony rooms, timings, confetti rules and prices, see my Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding photographer guide.
More on Persian wedding photography in London, half day wedding photography and micro weddings.
More weddings at Old Marylebone Town Hall
A few more weddings I’ve photographed here. For the ceremony rooms, prices and a live date checker, see my Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding photographer page.
Patricia & ThomasA half-four ceremony in the Knightsbridge Room with immediate family, before their celebration in Italy.
Gayathri & PranavA 7pm ceremony in the Paddington Room, confetti in the dark and portraits by lamplight on the cobbles.
Khilan & PiaA half-one ceremony, confetti outside, photos around the streets, then a short walk to The Landmark.
Nathalie & RutgerA late November ceremony that finished after dark, and a sparkler send-off down the front steps.
