How to Elope in England

As a documentary wedding and elopement photographer based in the UK, I've had the privilege of capturing countless love stories against the backdrop of England's stunning landscapes. Today, I want to share with you how to turn your elopement into a true adventure in this beautiful country.

England is a treasure trove of breathtaking locations, perfect for a hiking or adventure elopement. From stunning mountains to serene beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the possibilities are endless. Picture exchanging vows atop misty peaks, or along rugged coastal cliffs as the sun dips below the horizon.

But before you lace up your hiking boots and head for the hills, there's an important logistical detail to consider: legalities. In order to elope in one of England's picturesque outdoor locations, you'll need to take care of the legal aspect first. This means getting legally married at a UK registry office prior to your adventure elopement. While it may seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, think of it as the necessary paperwork to kickstart your epic love story in the great outdoors.

Once the legalities are sorted, it's time to plan your adventure elopement. Here are a few tips to ensure your day is as memorable as the scenery:

1. Choose Your Location Wisely: Research and explore the diverse landscapes England has to offer. Whether you're drawn to the rugged beauty of the Lake District, the windswept cliffs of Cornwall, or the rolling hills of the Peak District, there's something for every adventurous couple.

2. Embrace the Elements: British weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Pack weather-appropriate attire, from waterproof jackets to sturdy boots. Embrace the elements and let them add an extra layer of magic to your elopement photos.

3. Capture the Moment: As a documentary photographer, my goal is to capture the raw emotions and genuine moments of your elopement. Forget stiff poses and forced smiles – let your love shine through as you explore the great outdoors together.

4. Plan for Intimacy: One of the beauties of eloping is the intimacy it affords. Whether it's just the two of you or a small group of loved ones, cherish the opportunity to celebrate your love in a meaningful way, surrounded by nature's splendour.

5. Leave No Trace: Finally, as you embark on your adventure elopement, remember to leave no trace. Respect the environment and leave it as you found it, so future couples can experience the same beauty you did.

An adventure elopement in England offers the perfect blend of romance and excitement, set against some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. With a bit of planning and a sense of adventure, you can create memories that will last a lifetime – and stunning photographs to match. So, why not embark on your own epic love story in the heart of England's great outdoors?

Photographs: Gemma Sandell @gemmasandellevents

Hair: @ohyouprettythingshair https://www.ohyouprettythings.uk/

Make-up: @kudzibeauty https://www.kudzibeauty.com/

Celebrant: @ceremoniesbyleni https://www.ceremoniesbylenirobson.co.uk/

Florist: @wildbynatureflorist https://wildbynatureflorist.co.uk/

Mayfair Library Wedding Photographer

Hello, lovely couples and wedding enthusiasts! It's your friendly neighbourhood London wedding photographer here, and I've got a juicy little secret to spill. If you're considering an intimate London wedding or even an elopement in the heart of the city, look no further than the Mayfair Library. This hidden gem offers you a delightful dose of charm, history, and elegance – all in one package.

When it comes to registry office weddings, the Mayfair Library is a fantastic option. This stunning building is a true testament to London's architectural beauty, with its classic Georgian design. You'll feel like you're stepping into a Jane Austen novel as you tie the knot in the grand and elegant surroundings.

As a top London wedding photographer, I can attest that the Mayfair Library provides the perfect backdrop for capturing those precious moments. The soft natural light that filters through the large windows creates a dreamy atmosphere that's every photographer's dream.

Now, let's talk about those post-ceremony snapshots. After saying your "I do's," you and your loved ones can head over to the nearby Mount Street Gardens for a delightful photo session. This quaint green space is an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of Mayfair. The vibrant greenery, seasonal blooms, and charming pathways make for some truly magical photographs.

As an elopement photographer who loves to capture candid, unscripted moments, the Mount Street Gardens is a paradise. Imagine frolicking among the flowers, stealing kisses under the shade of the trees, and having your love immortalized in the most authentic way possible. No need to pose, just be yourselves and let the magic happen.

One of the best things about Mayfair Library is its convenient location. It's nestled right in the heart of Mayfair, one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods. After your ceremony and photoshoot, you and your guests have a smorgasbord of options for celebrating your love. Whether you want to indulge in a luxurious wedding breakfast at a nearby hotel or explore the culinary delights of Mayfair's restaurants, there's something for everyone. With gem’s like Claridge’s nearby you can spend the morning before and the night of your wedding in true luxury.

So, if you're considering an intimate London wedding, or just want to elope in London, do yourself a favour and check out the Mayfair Library. As your trusted documentary wedding photographer, I can't recommend it enough. It's where history meets love, where elegance meets authenticity, and where your London wedding dreams come to life.

Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever afters in the heart of London! 📸💕🏰

Old Marylebone Town Hall Wedding Photographer

Today I’d love to tell you all a little bit about one of my favourite places for London town hall weddings. If you're planning a London elopement or a city chic registry office wedding, you're in for a treat because I'm about to spill the beans on why the Old Marylebone Town Hall in Mayfair, London, is hands down one of my absolute favourite venues to photograph in. As a top London wedding photographer with a passion for capturing natural and documentary-style wedding moments, this place is a dream come true! Here's why:

1. Picture-Perfect Beauty: The Old Marylebone Town Hall is an absolute stunner. The architecture is a perfect blend of elegance and charm. From its iconic portico entrance to the grand marble staircase and the beautiful ceremony rooms, you'll be surrounded by classic London elegance. As a wedding photographer, this place is a dream canvas for capturing timeless moments, with so many intimate little corners for making emotive wedding photography. This blog post wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the infamous arched domes that make for the most special photographs. I love using these as a playful backdrop for some small group photos, as well as the classic epically-in-love, freshly-wed couples photos.

2. Staff That Feels Like Family: One of the things that truly sets this place apart is the warm and welcoming staff. They go out of their way to ensure your day is perfect, and they have a knack for keeping couples relaxed, which is so important for helping you to enjoy your big day and take in every moment. Plus, calm and comfortable couples make for fantastic, natural wedding photography.

3. Variety of Room Sizes: Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the Old Marylebone Town Hall has you covered. With a variety of ceremony rooms, you can choose the one that perfectly suits your guest list.

4. Fantastic Reception Options: You are truly in one of the best spots for nearby reception venues with iconic hotels like The Landmark a few minutes walk away. Mayfair is a hub of London's finest hotels and restaurants, so you're spoilt for choice. Whether you want a cozy, intimate dinner or a full blown all-night-long party, there's something for everyone just a stone's throw away.

5. Quaint Cobblestone Streets and Gorgeous Parks: For a wedding photographer like me, it's all about finding those picturesque spots for couple photographs. Old Marylebone Town Hall is a treasure trove for that! The cobbled streets and nearby parks provide a perfect backdrop for capturing your love in its purest form. Your London wedding album will be filled with beautiful photographs of the two of you set against the background of stunning Mayfair.

So, there you have it! If you're dreaming of a London elopement or a charming registry office wedding, the Old Marylebone Town Hall in Mayfair is an absolute gem. I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite registry offices in London.

As a top London wedding photographer specialising in natural and documentary wedding photography, I can't recommend this venue enough. It's a place where love stories begin, and I'm always thrilled to be part of the magic. So, get ready for your enchanting journey because the Old Marylebone Town Hall is waiting to turn your wedding day into a fairy tale!