I have seen a rise in Registry Office weddings over the past two years. With more couples looking for cheaper wedding options, and alternatives to ‘traditional’ weddings, it’s not hard to understand why. So with that in mind here are what I consider the best Registry Offices in Hertfordshire to help you in the search for your perfect registry office ceremony…..
WEDDING VENUES IN HERTFORDSHIRE
Couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to Hertfordshire wedding venues. And whilst Registry Offices generally get a bad rap there are some I consider to be great. For me the best Registry Offices in Hertfordshire provide ample parking and locations close to town with restaurants and pubs. Registry Offices are a great venue option for couples that want an alternative wedding authentic to them.
THE BENEFITS OF A REGISTRY OFFICE WEDDING
Firstly, there’s no doubt weddings held in Registry Offices are cheaper than ‘traditional’ weddings. In 2023 the average cost of a wedding in the UK was £20,700, up by 12.5% on the previous year. And cost is reported to be the single most important factor in decision-making for most couples planning their weddings.
Secondly, they tend to be smaller and more flexbile, and ideal for couples wanting a more intimate and private ceremony on their terms.
Thirdly, Registry Office weddings are legally recognised and have the same legal status as ceremonies that are held in established wedding venues. This is also the biggest difference between a registrar-led ceremony versus a celebrant-led ceremony. You can find out more about Celebrant-led weddings here.
And finally, and probably the most obvious, there are no religious or cultural connotations.
HERTFORD REGISTRY OFFICE
Hertford Registry Office is connected to County Hall offices in Hertford, which is a Grade 2 * building. I consider Hertford Registry Office one of the best in Hertfordshire for several reasons.
Firstly Hertford Registry Office has a large car park so there’s no problem getting parked. Their ceremony room is spacious and can accommodate up to 50 guests. But by far the biggest appeal to the Hertford Registry Office is the outdoor space, particularly to have photos under the archways.
As well as the archways there is a small garden to the rear for photos with your guests. Or if you prefer a larger outdoor space perhaps for a picnic, then the grounds of Hertford Castle, (a 10-minute walk away) are open to the public 7 days a week.
Furthermore, Hertford registry office is a short walk, (or even shorter drive!) into Hertford town centre. With a huge choice of restaurants and pubs, some with private rooms to cater for small wedding receptions. And finally, also consider the option of using a local village hall for larger alternative wedding receptions, as one of my couples did here: COUNTY HALL REGISTRY OFFICE WEDDING IN HERTFORD
ST ALBANS REGISTRY OFFICE
Along Hertford Registry Office, St Albans Registry Office is one of my best registry offices in Hertfordshire because of the photo opportunities it gives photographers..
‘The Gatehouse’ as it is more commonly known, was formerly a Victorian prison, but don’t let that put you off! Their traditional ceremony room can accommodate up to 60 guests. And the surrounding gardens and red brick buildings are beautiful backdrops for photos after your ceremony.
Parking at St Albans Registry Office is managed by a private company and is enforced. Therefore you will need to make sure your vehicle is recorded and you are parked in the correct spaces allocated to avoid a ticket. Parking is limited, so you may need to use one of the many other public parking facilities nearby.
Alongside parking, one other equally important thing to mention with St Albans Registry Office – it is a very popular Registry Office. In peak wedding season, there can be several weddings in one day. So you may find yourselves arriving as the last wedding party is finishing their photos. In my experience it has never been an issue, but something to be mindful of, especially if you would like to use their outdoor space.
CHESHUNT REGISTRY OFFICE
I photographed my first wedding at the Cheshunt Registry Office during the pandemic. Since then I have been back several times to photograph small intimate weddings.
Their ceremony room can accommodate up to 50 guests, and its quirky octagonal space is appealing to couples looking for something a bit different.
But the reason I think the Cheshunt Registry Office is one of the best is the beautiful surrounding grounds alongside the lake. It is a great space for photographs after the ceremony.
Parking is shared with other buildings in the surrounding area and therefore parking spaces are not guaranteed. Equally, like St Albans, you will need to pay for your parking space and the area is warden enforced.
ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES TO A REGISTRY OFFICE WEDDING?
Of course! The most obvious compromise is that you cannot have your whole wedding day in one location. You will likely need transport between your ceremony and reception space. Also as many Registry Offices share parking with other buildings, parking is not always guaranteed.
If you think you’d prefer a ceremony and reception under one roof then a celebrant wedding may be more suited to you, as the venue can be much more flexible. Take a look at a recent Celebrant-led wedding ceremony in Hertfordshire here.
Celebrant-led wedding ceremonies are also on the rise in the UK, and I have written a blog all about it here.
WHY BOOK ME FOR YOUR HERTFORDSHIRE REGISTRY OFFICE WEDDING?
Registry Office weddings are perfect for smaller, intimate weddings. My flexible micro wedding packages start from 2 hours of coverage, capturing the key moments of your day. So GET IN TOUCH if you are planning your Registry Office Wedding, I’d love to hear all about your plans and discuss what I can do for you.
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