Your Old Marylebone Town Hall Wedding
Photography guide for the most chic London town hall wedding
Let's Rock and Roll!
Congratulations on getting married at London's most iconic spot!
How exciting, you are getting married at the Old Marylebone Town Hall! Did that sink in yet?
You are here because you want to create the most unforgettable wedding day that is truly and uniquely YOU. A day focused on you two and people and things you love, with no compromises on your individuality.
My goal? To create a day focused on you two, free from pressure, rushing, and obligations, and full of love and joy instead.
Sounds good? All right, Allons-y!
Hello there! I'm Alina!
Your Wedding Photographer + Planning Consultant
I believe that I have an extremely important job - witnessing the most important moments of your life, shinning light on your deep connection, and telling your unique story.
My journey as a photographer started in my childhood, with my father - a photographer, being my first teacher, inspiration, and role model. However, I was born as a photographer when I became a mother, and my art was born out of a very personal struggle. Learning how to navigate motherhood, identity shift, and body-image issues, I turned to my camera, which gave me a whole new life. Once a part of my life, photography became a gift that I can extend to others. I do this because that is my way of being a part of something bigger and better than myself, of capturing someone's happiest moments and preserving their precious memories.
I love deep conversations and always will choose genuine connection over small talk. I hate compromises and seek to find the way for you to get exactly what you want on your own terms, because that's what I strive for for my family and friends and for myself. That's why you can count on me to work quickly and guide you to the best shot spots, keep the persistent town hall ushers at bay, keep the times and organise your guests for photos, climb high, and run fast to get the best shot for you.
As featured in
Let’s get to know each other
I am more than just a photographer
Sure, my title may say a "wedding photographer", but I do so much more than just take and deliver your pictures. Actually, there is a whole list (below) of things that I can and will help you with.
My job is so much more than a set of tasks to prepare for, capture your day, and deliver your pictures; it is to create a safe, comfortable, and caring environment for you to focus on each other and be yourselves. Which is why I always include a pre-wedding photoshoot with all my packages. It is my way to show you how much I care to create and maintain the warm presence and encouraging environment for you to have the magical day you deserve.
My My
A step-by-step guide to my process
Here is how everything works
I. Congrats! You've got your date and your venue
You now have your date and time for your ceremony at the iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall (OMTH). Now you need to plan your day around the ceremony time.
II. I help you plan your day
You got in touch with me, so I will help you plan your timeline in the first instance of contact - during the free consultation with me. During the call I will tell you about how everything works at the OMTH, exactly how much time you will need for what pictures, and build the rest of the day based on your plans and wishes. We can discuss when and where to plan the getting ready shots, whether you would like to capture the first look, when is the best time for group photos and how exactly to organise them, where and how to follow up the rest of your day from there. You can schedule the free consultation here.
After you book me, I can help you even further. Do you need a local florist or a make-up artist? Would you like to create an activity that is very YOU and out of the box of the traditional wedding day idea? I'm here to share my experience with you, generate ideas and make things happen.
III. We meet for a tea and a mini-photoshoot
My favourite part of the wedding planning process is meeting you in person, connecting with you, and getting you comfortable in front of the camera. No one is born with the talent of being comfortable with the camera; because we are observed, we naturally tense up. It is a skill that comes with practice, and I am absolutely determined to create the environment in which you can extend your bubble to include me and be yourselves focusing on each other. We will schedule the pre-shoot shortly after you book me.
IV. We have the run-through call, adding any finishing touches and tweaks to your timeline and logistics
We will have another video call to go over everything before your wedding day. I will make sure you have the appropriate logistical support in place. This meeting can also be done together with your wedding planner. I will explain what I will do on the day and when, and what to expect in any certain moment at the OMTH. I work there all the time and can make sure you have all the information you need.
V. You get married; I document your day
Your wedding day won't feel like a rushed, stressful, and exhausting all-day photoshoot, not with me at the steering wheel! I mean, at the camera. I work as both a firm and caring guide to organise everyone and make sure people are exactly where they should be at any given time and a fly-on-the-wall, documenting the most intimate and candid moments. I will guide you to get the most beautiful shots and will be always discreet enough for you to feel relaxed and be yourself while focusing on each other. My clients always love the photos that they had no idea were even being taken in the moment.
VI. You receive your gorgeous photos
I will send you high resolution highlights from your day within the first 3-4 days from your wedding day in a beautiful online gallery. The gallery will be shareable with your guests, who can view and download the photos directly from there. I will then get to editing the rest of your photos, which you will receive within 12 weeks from your wedding.
VII. Order your albums and prints
I will create a complimentary digital album design for you that will tell the story of your day. You can choose to keep it digitally or order an album with me. If you choose to order the album, we can customize the cover, size, and materials. You and your family and friends can print photos directly from the easy-to-navigate online gallery, so you can cover your walls with the beautiful memories you created on your wedding day.
What's it like to have me as a wedding photographer?
"Exceeded what we thought possible"
"Absolute Pro"
"Captured the day and the feel of it"
"Alina really does care so much about capturing your special day"
"I felt comfortable with Alina and so did my family"
"I genuinely shed a tear"
What's the end result? See for yourself
View Full Client Galleries from the Old Marylebone Town Hall
What actually happens at the Old Marylebone Town Hall?
Here is what you need to know about getting married at OMTH
You've got your date and ceremony time in a specific room at the OMTH, now let's go over what happens and when you should arrive.
Depending if you and your partner are arriving together, the meeting with registrars will be scheduled within the 30-minute window before the ceremony.
If you arrive separately, one of you will have a meeting 30 minutes before the ceremony, and the other - 15 minutes before. If you arrive together, you will have one meeting, starting around 15-20 minutes before the ceremony.
The ceremony will start on time and will last around 15-20 minutes, including the signing, depending how many readings you have.
After your ceremony finishes, you will come out into the hallway, where we will have an opportunity for a few photos (roughly 5 minutes). In the meantime, the registrars will lead your guests out onto the front steps and prepare for the confetti throw.
I will come out and brief your guests on when and how to throw the confetti and will signal you when we're ready for you to walk out. I always recommend taking a few steps forward, and once you are in line with your guests and on the first/second step of the stairs, pause, look at each other, and share a kiss while being showered in confetti. This makes for a fantastic centerpiece photo from your wedding day.
We will have around 5 minutes on the front steps before the ushers move us to either side of the stairs for group photos. As soon as we're done with confetti, I will get everyone to group around you for a large group photo. Then we will proceed with group photos.
A tip for the day - no matter who you hire as a photographer, give them a list of the group photos ahead of time and have one nominated person to help get the next group of people while one is being photographed. The list should look like "1. Couple + Parents, 2. Couple + Siblings, Couple + Uncle John, etc." This is important so you don't miss or forget anyone and that no one wonders off before getting a more formal shot with you. I recommend keeping the list to under 15 groups, as we won't have a lot of time and it is quite challenging for you to stand statically for longer than 20-30 minutes. After your group shots are done, we will do some of those iconic photos of just the two of you on the steps and in the arches on the side. We can also do a couple portrait session before the ceremony if you intend to arrive together or do a "first look". Otherwise, we will move onto the 30-40min long couple portrait session around the OMTH after the group photos. Please fill in the form below and book a consultation to learn more.
Can't we just have our friends take photos? I'm sure we won't need longer than an hour.
The fact that you chose to have an intimate (under 100 guests) ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall means that a lot of your family and friends will only experience your wedding day through the pictures. Look at it this way, you must have a reason for choosing this stunning venue, you are inviting your close ones from far and wide to see you tie the knot, you are getting the elegant outfits, so, whether this is "just a civil ceremony" before your big day elsewhere, or THE big day that you want to keep intimate and special, someone to guide you through the process, keep everything running smoothly on the day, AND document every detail in a stunning yet subtle storytelling style is going to make all the difference. Keeping the details of your day forever in the best possible light is the best decision you can make for your future selves and the generations to come. You are not just putting signatures down, you are having an adventure of a lifetime, and each part of it is worthy of being documented.
Your dreams, moodboards, and hours of planning are about to become reality, all that I have to do is capture it seamlessly and candidly, so you can relive those moments and share them with your loved ones again and again.
Fill in the form to get in touch for your initial inquiry. You can also schedule a consultation call below right away.
Old Marylebone Town Hall Wedding & Elopement Packages
Your easy, stress-free, once in a lifetime celebration
I strive to create unique packages for my couples as much as possible; that is something I value and find my clients value the most. I absolutely believe that you deserve everything to be crafted to your needs and wishes, and that can't be done with the "one size fits all" approach. My proposition is simple - let's book a call and I will walk you through everything I know about planning an intimate wedding in London, the inner-workings of Old Marylebone Town Hall, photography, and anything you might need in the process. During the call, you can tell me more about yourselves and what you envision about your special day, and I can walk through some ideas and create a package that would work with your unique vision of your wedding day. Below I illustrate some packages that I have created for my couples. There are a few things that I always include with everything I do, and that is a pre-wedding mini-shoot, a planning meeting, a run-through meeting, a digital gallery, any recommendations for other suppliers and locations, and my travel—always included. Once we are on the video call, I will walk you through some of the packages and pricing based on the number of hours, that I set as an example, that can be modified to your specific needs. You can see the examples here as well, so you know what could be possible. In the meantime, you can book the call below
Here is what i include with every package:
PRE-Wedding Mini Shoot
As I mentioned previously, it is an absolute must for me to offer all my couples a pre-wedding mini shoot. The shoot should be booked for at least 4-6 weeks before the wedding and is offered if you are booking 3 or more months before your big day.
ALL YOUR Photos in a digital gallery
You will get your full shareable gallery of edited, high resolution photos (photos are backaged up for a year for you), with unlimited downloads, sharing and printing rights. You will also have options to buy any prints and albums.
planning assistance + Resources and recommendations
I will be there with you every step of the way of your planning process. I will help you to create your timeline, recommend you venues and other suppliers, plan the locations for the portrait shoots and first look, organise your group photos and brief you on all the inner-workings of the Old Marylebone Town Hall.
My Travel is Covered
No matter where in and around London you are having the rest of your celebrations, my travel is always already included.
Two-Day Wedding and Elopement Experience
Especially great for those who have family coming from overseas or have more than one day of events
I will tell the story of your wedding or an elopement over the course of two days. It is true that your wedding doesn't start on the morning you wake up and get ready for your ceremony in a cozy hotel room. It starts with your family and friends coming together from far and wide, buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the big day. This package is designed specifically for those who want to capture something extra the day before, like a family dinner or an adventurous photoshoot around London's landmarks, or in nearby picturesque country locations like the lavender fields, country estates, or parks. You can split the hours between two days depending on your plans (which I can help with fleshing out).
Full Day Wedding Experience
The full day coverage service will truly capture the full story of your intimate wedding or elopement from start to finish. Imagine a morning filled with butterflies in your stomach, getting ready as you prepare to embark on your journey to the town hall, perhaps stopping on the way for some heart-stopping city shots and revealing your first look at each other in a location that truly describes you. Then, after your ceremony, whether you join more of your guests at a beautiful venue for reception and dinner, or a restaurant or pub for an intimate meal, I will follow you and document all of the special details that you and your guests have inspiringly planned for your big day. This gives you the chance to have the full story of your wedding day told.
Half-Day Wedding
Whether you choose to capture more of the start or the finish of your day, I will tell the story of your intimate wedding day or elopement with the full force of my heart. This package will be enough to cover either from getting ready, first look, your stunning ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall, reception drinks and dinner with speeches, or start at the ceremony and cover for up to first dance or a pointed adventure around the city's favourite spots finishing with a unique celebration of your love (for example, attending a show at the West End)
Mini Wedding
I will tell a part of the story of your intimate wedding. This could be enough time to capture the first look, the ceremony, and your arrival at your reception venue.
Not Sure how much coverage you need?
"Alina was the best choice we could make"
"Alina was an absolute lifesaver when we were stressed trying to find a photographer for our wedding. Working with Alina was a pleasure from start to finish. We could tell from the moment that we sent an inquiry that Alina was the best choice we could make. She immediately made us feel at ease, taking the lead when needed to guide us on what we should be thinking about, getting to know us and most importantly, looking forward to the big day.
Her communication has been fantastic throughout, giving us advice and feedback over email, whatsapp messages and video calls. Along with prompt return of many beautiful photos, delivered in sets for our convenience. She put her all into making our wedding special, going above and beyond before, during and after our wedding. We couldn't be happier with how it went, thanks in part to her personal touch on the day, as well as her guidance in the lead-up. Her communication was fantastic, always available if needed and put a lot of thought and effort into how she could make everything the best it could be. Thanks again Alina."
-Max
"Absolutely loved"
"We worked with Alina for both our pre wedding ceremony and the wedding itself. We chose her based on what we saw on her website and loved the fact that she’d worked with parents and children before. We were not disappointed and absolutely love our final photos. Alina was organised, communicative and accommodating of our needs. She was really good at capturing candid, beautiful moments without us even noticing and made everyone feel really comfortable, particularly our camera shy selves. The pictures are absolutely beautiful, and we can’t wait to get some framed for our home. We particularly loved how she captured our daughter on the day.
Alina is so lovely and we really enjoyed having her there on our special day (s) - we would definitely recommend working with her if you want someone professional, creative and calm. Thank you Alina!"
-Kamala
I feel the happiest doing this job and sharing your most precious moments!
I cry at your ceremonies with you, I laugh with you, I study and I share your experience, finding the best moments, angles and ways of telling your story. I can't wait to meet you and hear what you have in mind for your magical day. My former clients often become my friends, as I approach every wedding as a process of building a very special connection. Your lifetime together begins on your wedding day, and I will be absolutely honoured to document and share that step with you.
Lots of love.
Alina
Ready to get started?