Registry office weddings in Wiltshire

A registry office wedding is one of the simplest and most personal ways to get married. Wiltshire Council runs ceremony rooms in three towns, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury, and each one has its own character. I photograph many small weddings across the county, so here is a practical overview to help you plan.

Room sizes, availability and fees can change, so always confirm the details with Wiltshire Council’s registration service before you book.

Trowbridge, County Hall

The ceremony rooms are inside County Hall in the centre of Trowbridge. The Weavers Room seats around 40 guests and the larger Members Room around 70. The building has a beautiful Art Deco staircase and a grand front portico, which are both lovely spots for photos straight after the ceremony.

Chippenham, Timber Street

The Wessex Room seats around 50 guests, with space for about 10 more standing. For a very small wedding there is the Persimmon Room for up to 6 people, usually available on Wednesday mornings. There is a courtyard outside for a few relaxed photos.

Salisbury, Bourne Hill

The main ceremony room seats around 60 guests, and The Study holds up to 6 people, usually on Monday mornings. Bourne Hill sits in parkland with a secret garden, which gives you a beautiful green setting for portraits without going anywhere else.

Giving notice and the legal steps

• Give notice. Both of you need to give notice of marriage at your local register office, in person and by appointment. This must be done at least 29 days before the ceremony.
• Timing. Your notice is valid for 12 months, so you can give it well in advance.
• Where you live. You give notice in the area where you live, and you need to have lived there for at least 7 days first.
• Witnesses. You need two witnesses at the ceremony.

Getting great photos at a registry office wedding

• Ask about photography rules. Most registrars are happy for photos during the ceremony, but some moments, such as signing the register, may have rules. I always check with the registrar on the day.
• Plan 15 to 20 minutes for portraits. Right after the ceremony is the perfect time. In Trowbridge we can use the staircase and portico, in Salisbury the gardens.
• Keep the group list short. Five or six groups are plenty, and the rest can be natural photos of guests.
• Think about the light. A morning or early afternoon ceremony gives soft, even light for photos outside.

Packages for registry office weddings

My Registry Office Ceremony package is £450 for up to 1 hour, covering your arrival, the ceremony, signing the register, group photos and couple portraits nearby, with 50 edited images. Ceremony and Celebration is £850 for up to 4 hours and 150 edited images, and includes getting ready and the start of your celebration. Your sneak peek arrives within 48 hours. See everything on my small wedding photography page.