What Actually Happens at the Old Marylebone Town Hall?
Planning your wedding at the Old Marylebone Town Hall (OMTH) in London? Here’s a detailed rundown of what to expect on your big day, from pre-ceremony logistics to that iconic confetti moment on the front steps. I already have my detailed guide to a wedding at the Old Marylebone Town Hall here but here is a rundown for what to expect for your ceremony at the OMTH, how much time you will need, when you will need to arrive, and when you will be wrapping - including the time for the photos!
What to Know Before Getting Married at Old Marylebone Town Hall
So, you’ve got your wedding date set, your ceremony room booked, and a rough idea of the day’s flow. Here’s everything you need to know about what actually happens on your wedding day at the OMTH, including timing, photography, and tips for the best experience.
Arriving and Meeting with the Registrars
When you arrive at OMTH will depend on whether you and your partner come together or separately:
- Arriving Separately: The first person to arrive will meet with the registrars about 30 minutes before the ceremony. The second person will have their meeting around 15 minutes before the ceremony.
- Arriving Together: You’ll meet the registrars as a couple roughly 15-20 minutes before your ceremony begins.
These meetings are quick check-ins with the registrars to go over the final details before the ceremony.
Ceremony Timing and Flow
The ceremony itself is short and sweet, typically lasting about 15-20 minutes, including the signing of the marriage documents. If you’re including any readings, the timing may vary slightly, but expect everything to run on schedule.
What Happens After the Ceremony
Once the ceremony wraps up, you’ll step out into the hallway where we’ll have a few moments to capture some intimate post-ceremony photos (about 5 minutes). Meanwhile, the registrars will lead your guests out to the front steps and prepare them for the confetti throw.
The Confetti Throw – Capturing That Iconic Moment
I’ll be there to brief your guests on how and when to throw the confetti, and I’ll signal you when we’re ready for you to walk out. Here’s a pro tip to capture that perfect confetti shot:
Take a few steps forward onto the steps, pause once you’re in line with your guests, and share a kiss while the confetti falls around you. This moment makes for an unforgettable photo that captures the joy and energy of your wedding day.
Group Photos and Family Pictures
After the confetti throw, we’ll have about 5 minutes on the front steps before the ushers kindly guide everyone off to the sides for group photos. At this point:
- Large Group Photo: We’ll arrange everyone for a big group photo.
- Specific Group Shots: Now’s the time for more formal family and friend photos.
Pro Tip: Before the wedding day, give your photographer a list of group photos you want. Assign someone from your family or wedding party to help organize the next group while one group is being photographed. For example, “1. Couple + Parents, 2. Couple + Siblings, 3. Couple + Uncle John, etc.” This keeps the flow smooth, ensures no one is missed, and reduces the time everyone needs to stay gathered.
Time Considerations: I recommend keeping the group shots to around 15 combinations. We won’t have a lot of time for static shots, and standing still for too long can be tiring on your big day.
Iconic Couple Portraits
After the group photos, we’ll capture some iconic couple shots on the front steps and in the beautiful arches around OMTH. These photos are timeless and add a touch of elegance to your wedding album.
- Arriving Together or Doing a “First Look”? If you’d like, we can start with a couple portrait session before the ceremony.
- Post-Ceremony Portrait Session: If not, we’ll plan for a 30-40 minute session around OMTH after the group shots.
Getting married at the Old Marylebone Town Hall is a streamlined, intimate experience with so many chances for stunning photos. I’ll be there every step of the way to make sure we capture each special moment, from the confetti throw to those iconic portraits that capture the elegance of OMTH.
With a bit of planning and a clear timeline, your day at OMTH can be seamless, joyful, and beautifully captured from start to finish.
