Nathalie and Rutger married at Old Marylebone Town Hall on a December evening. By the time the ceremony finished the light had gone, and they left down the front steps in a sparkler send-off before walking round the corner to their hotel for dinner with family and friends in a private dining room.
An evening ceremony
A late ceremony in winter means you come out of the town hall into the dark. Couples often worry about that, but evening weddings look completely different to daytime ones, and in some ways better. Inside, the building’s own lighting gave the ceremony a warm glow, with the dark outside the windows.
Sparklers on the steps
The best thing about finishing in the dark is what you can do outside. Nathalie and Rutger had a sparkler exit on the front steps of the town hall.
Sparklers only really work once it’s dark. A slower shutter speed picks up the light trails, and a little off-camera flash keeps their faces clear. The steps of the town hall give it a raised platform.
Dinner round the corner
From the steps they walked round the corner to their hotel, for an intimate dinner in a private dining room. Small dinners like this often give some of the best photographs of the day: real laughter, speeches to people who know you well, and unguarded moments between family.
Hotel dining rooms usually have mixed light, warm chandeliers and cooler spotlights, so they take a bit of care.
Congratulations to Nathalie and Rutger.
Planning a winter wedding at Old Marylebone Town Hall
- Decide on the dark on purpose. A late afternoon or evening slot in December or January means you’ll come out after sunset. Plan for it rather than finding out on the day.
- Plan the exit. Biodegradable confetti is allowed on the front steps. In the dark, sparklers are the stronger picture, so check with the venue what’s allowed.
- Keep dinner close. A hotel a short walk away means nobody stands around in the cold.
- Bring two witnesses. They need to be 16 or over.
- Winter dates are easier to get. Off-season dates can usually be booked closer to the day.
I was named one of the top 10 winter wedding photographers in the UK by Professional Photographer Magazine. There’s more on the season in my guide to winter wedding photography in London.
For the ceremony rooms, portrait spots nearby and hourly prices, see my Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding photographer page. More weddings there: Khilan and Pia, Anos and Yanos and Syrus and Bibi. There’s more on the area on my Marylebone page, or have a look at my prices and send me your date.
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.
Syrus & BibiA summer ceremony in the Westminster Room, then portraits in Regent’s Park.
