St Albans Registry Office or ‘The Gatehouse’ as it is more commonly known, is a former Victorian prison. And one of the most popular registry offices in Hertfordshire. It is used for civil registrations of births, deaths, and marriages in St Albans, and is a small wedding ceremony venue. As a recommended wedding photographer for St Albans Registry office heres what I hope is a useful lowdown on this great ceremony venue.
The Gatehouse is located in the heart of St Albans opposite the train station. There are good limited time parking facilities however, parking is limited on weekdays. As with many Registry Offices, commercial office buildings also share communal parking, and all vehicles are recorded and monitored. There are of course lots of other options for parking being so close to St Albans town. You will need to pay for most parking facilities around St Albans, and traffic wardens are on regular patrol, so don’t get caught out.
ST ALBANS IN HERTFORDSHIRE
St Albans is a very busy and attractive market town. As a result, the Registry Office is a popular choice for lots of couples. In peak wedding season over the summer months expect it to be busy at weekends. If you are looking to have a longer time using their outdoor space you should consider quieter times at the end of the day, or during weekdays.
Overlapping weddings and use of the outdoor space have never been an issue in my experience, but it is something to consider when planning your day especially during peak wedding months such as July, August and December.
THE CHARACTER OF ST ALBANS REGISTRY OFFICE
Who knew getting married in a prison could be so appealing, but St Albans Gatehouse is arguebly the most popular registry office in Hertfordshire, and its former prison status holds a lot of the appeal. The red brick walls and imposing former prison doors have appeared in TV shows such as the BBC 1970’s sitcome ‘Porridge’
THE REGISTRY OFFICE INTERIOR
In 2025 St Albans registry office had a makeover, and now has a modern interior with soft neutral tones that are guaranteed not to clash with any wedding colour scheme. The intimate ceremony room accommodates up to 60 wedding guests for wedding ceremonies.
CONFETTI THROWS AT ST ALBANS REGISTRY OFFICE
No artificial confetti is allowed at The Gatehouse so this rules out faux petals, tissue, metallic confetti, and cannons. Only dried natural flowers are permitted (and of course bubbles if confetti isnt your thing).
THE GATEHOUSE OUTDOOR SPACE & GARDENS
The side gardens offer a modest outdoor space but with plenty of photo opprtunities so you dont have to walk a long way to get some beautiful garden photos. The red brickwork and imposing black front gates provide fantastic backdrops to your photos.
The paved outdoor space at the front of the building is perfect for confetti throws (& high heels). Its original doors with a 1840 siege cannon standing tall give the registry office a characteristic feel compared to most registry offices.
DOGS AT THE GATEHOUSE
No pets are permitted inside The Gatehouse, but your furry best friends are welcome to meet you for outdoor photos after the ceremony.
ST ALBANS WEDDINGS
St Albans Town Centre is a short walk or drive from the Registry Office, and has a huge choice of pubs and fine dining restaurants. This is ideal for couples looking for a low-key reception with their guests. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants offering private hire room for larger reception parties. Equally, the grounds at St Albans Cathedral are a great location for picnics. There are plenty of options available to you to tailor your wedding day exactly as you wish.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN ST ALBANS
If you are looking for a St Albans wedding venue there are some great options for you. Take a look at some recent weddings in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
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