As the summer sun shines brightly upon us (bringing with it a heat wave that even has Londoners contemplating sun cream and ice cream in equal measure), June presents a myriad of photography opportunities that embody the spirit of the season. From scenic landscapes to lively festivals, this blog will guide you through ten captivating photography ideas to inspire your creative vision and ensure you don't melt away in the sizzling temperatures. Whether you're in London or exploring the UK, get ready to capture stunning images that will leave a lasting impression while you try to stay cool in the sweltering summer heat.

Embracing the Urban Jungle

Explore the vibrant cityscape of London, UK, and capture its unique charm. Photograph iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, or the bustling streets of Covent Garden. Seek out hidden gems such as colorful street art in Shoreditch or the serene beauty of Kensington Gardens.

Serenading Sunsets

Witness the breathtaking beauty of the setting sun against the backdrop of London's skyline. Head to the South Bank or Primrose Hill for stunning panoramic views and capture the vibrant hues that paint the sky during golden hour.

Seaside Splendor

Escape the city and venture to the picturesque coastal towns near London. Capture the tranquility of Brighton Beach, the charming cottages of Whitstable, or the rugged cliffs of Dover. Embrace the coastal atmosphere and photograph the seaside in all its glory.

Nature's Symphony

Discover London's lush green spaces and embrace the beauty of nature. From Hyde Park's blooming flowers to Kew Gardens' botanical wonders, find inspiration in the vibrant colors and captivating textures that June brings to the city.

Festive Delights

June is a month filled with lively celebrations and festivals. Photograph the colorful parades of the Trooping the Colour ceremony or the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival. Immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere and capture the joyous spirit of these events.

Sporting Moments

As summer kicks into high gear, sports enthusiasts take center stage. Capture the action and emotions of sporting events like Wimbledon, cricket matches, or rowing on the River Thames. Freeze those dynamic moments that define the sporting spirit.

Rooftop Magic

Head to one of London's stunning rooftop bars or terraces to capture breathtaking views from above. Whether it's the London Eye, the Shard, or Sky Garden, elevate your photography game and immortalize the city's enchanting skyline.

Floral Extravaganza

June blooms with an array of vibrant flowers. Visit the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show or explore the stunning Kew Gardens' floral displays. Focus your lens on the intricate details and breathtaking colors of these floral masterpieces.

Architectural Marvels

London boasts a rich tapestry of architectural wonders. Capture the grandeur of St. Paul's Cathedral, the modern brilliance of the Gherkin, or the historic charm of Westminster Abbey. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture their awe-inspiring beauty.

Hidden Gems

London is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Embark on a photographic journey through the city's lesser-known streets and neighborhoods, such as the vibrant markets of Camden or the charming mews houses of Kensington. Unearth the lesser-explored beauty of the city and capture its essence.

June is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, and London, UK, provides the perfect canvas for your creative vision. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, let your lens capture the essence of summer in all its glory. So grab your camera, explore the city's diverse locations, and create timeless photographs that will forever encapsulate the spirit of June.

Hello, lovely people! It's that time of year again when we bid adieu to the winter chill and say hello to the fabulousness of spring. What better way to celebrate than by talking about capturing the magic of spring weddings?

In the world of wedding photography, there's no denying that spring weddings offer a unique blend of charm, beauty, and whimsy. And that's precisely why we've put together a cheeky list of six tips to help you capture the true essence of spring weddings.

The Golden Hour: Nature's Filter

Capturing the perfect light is crucial for any wedding, but spring weddings offer a fantastic opportunity to harness the magical "golden hour." (and we can't stop talking about it). With longer days, we're treated to that splendid, warm sunlight that casts an ethereal glow on everything it touches. Be sure to schedule some time for your couple's portraits during this picturesque time of day, and you'll be rewarded with enchanting images that'll make your heart go all aflutter.

Embrace the Blossoms: Floral Galore

When we think of spring, it's hard not to picture a riot of colourful blossoms. Be sure to make the most of this vibrant natural backdrop when photographing spring weddings. Whether it's a whimsical cherry blossom arch or a delicate wisteria-draped pergola, incorporating these seasonal blooms into your shots will add a touch of fairytale romance to your images.

Don't Be Afraid of April Showers: Dance in the Rain

In true British fashion, spring weddings may come with their fair share of drizzle. But instead of fretting over the rain, why not embrace it? Encourage your couples to have a cheeky dance or twirl in the rain, or share a sweet kiss beneath a shared umbrella. Not only will these shots be unique and fun, but they'll also remind your couples that love always shines through, even in the rain.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Outdoor Portraits

With the world bursting into life around you, it'd be a crying shame not to take advantage of the gorgeous outdoor settings that spring weddings have to offer. Be it a charming woodland, a lush park, or an enchanting garden, find a lovely spot to whisk your couples away for some dreamy outdoor portraits. The natural light, combined with the colourful flora, will work wonders to create truly stunning images.

Playful Props: Add a Dash of Fun

One of the many joys of spring weddings is the opportunity to play with fun, seasonal props. Think pastel parasols, floral crowns, or even a vintage bicycle adorned with fresh blooms. Incorporating these playful elements into your photographs will not only give your images a springtime twist but will also make the experience all the more memorable for your couples.

Capture the Details: Springtime Touches

Finally, don't forget to pay attention to the delightful details that make spring weddings so unique. From delicate lace table runners to dainty flower arrangements, these intricate touches will bring a sense of whimsy and charm to your images. Be sure to document these thoughtful accents, as they'll serve as cherished memories for years to come.

So there you have it, folks - our top six tips for capturing the true beauty of spring weddings. By embracing the season's natural wonders, playing with fun props, and making the most of the longer days, you'll be able to create a wedding album that's truly blooming with love.

And if you're on the hunt for a talented photographer to help you capture these enchanting moments, look no further! Simply head over to our booking form, and let us take care of the rest. With just a few clicks, you'll have a skilled photographer by your side, ready to make your special day even more magical.

Happy snapping, and here's to a spring wedding season filled with sunshine, laughter, and of course, plenty of gorgeous photos!

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and honor the incredible women in our lives who nurture, love, and guide us. One of the most heartfelt ways to show your love and appreciation is by gifting a Mother's Day photoshoot. Not only does it create lasting memories, but it also provides a tangible and unique gift that can be cherished for years to come.

Here are 8 creative Mother's Day photoshoot ideas to make this day extra special for the mothers in your life.

1. Generational Portraits

Capture the essence of family by bringing together multiple generations in one photograph. This could include the mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, with children and grandchildren. These portraits beautifully showcase the family lineage and create a powerful keepsake that can be passed down through generations.

2. Motherhood in Motion

Capture candid moments of a mother playing, laughing, and bonding with her children. These unposed, spontaneous photos convey the joy and love that define motherhood. Choose a favorite park or playground as the backdrop, and let the family's natural chemistry shine.

3. Mom and Me Mini Session

Celebrate the special bond between mother and child with a "Mom and Me" mini session. This can include a mix of posed and candid shots, highlighting the unique relationship between the two. These intimate sessions create a heartwarming collection of memories to look back on.

4. In-Home Lifestyle Photoshoot

Capture the beauty of everyday life by organizing an in-home lifestyle photoshoot. Document the family's morning or evening routine, from preparing breakfast to reading bedtime stories. These photos serve as a beautiful reminder of the simple, everyday moments that make motherhood so special.

5. Themed Photoshoot

Choose a fun theme that the mother and her children can enjoy, such as a tea party, picnic, or a favorite movie. Coordinate outfits and props to create a whimsical and memorable photoshoot. These themed sessions add an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the experience.

6. Maternity and Newborn Photoshoot

For expectant mothers or those who recently gave birth, consider a maternity or newborn photoshoot. Capture the beauty of pregnancy, or the tender moments between a mother and her newborn baby. These photographs will serve as a reminder of this miraculous and fleeting time in a mother's life.

7. Mother's Day Brunch Photoshoot

Organise a Mother's Day brunch and capture the special moments as the family gathers to celebrate. Photograph the beautifully set table, the family toasting, and the delicious food being shared. These images will not only commemorate the day, but also highlight the importance of family traditions and togetherness.

8. Outdoor Adventure

Take the photoshoot outdoors and plan a family adventure, such as a nature walk, a day at the beach, or a visit to a botanical garden. The beautiful scenery will provide a stunning backdrop for the photos, while also allowing the family to enjoy a fun and memorable day together.

Why Gifting a Photoshoot is a Great Idea

Gifting a Mother's Day photoshoot is a thoughtful and meaningful way to celebrate the amazing women in our lives. It not only captures beautiful memories, but it also creates a unique and personalised gift that will be cherished for years to come.

Photographs have the power to transport us back in time, allowing us to relive precious moments and revisit the emotions and feelings that accompanied them. By offering a Mother's Day photoshoot, you are not only giving a gift of beautiful images but also the gift of preserving memories that can be looked back on and shared with future generations.

So, this Mother's Day, think beyond traditional gifts and consider these creative photoshoot ideas to create unforgettable memories and show your love and appreciation to the amazing mothers in your life.

As winter draws to a close and the days start to get longer, many families start to think about booking a family photoshoot. Late March is the perfect time to book a family photoshoot in London, as the weather starts to warm up and the city comes alive with the colors of spring. In this blog, we will discuss why booking a family photoshoot in late March is a great idea.

Perfect Weather

Late March is the time when the winter blues start to fade away and the weather begins to get warmer. This is the perfect time for a family photoshoot in London, as the sun starts to come out more frequently and the temperature starts to rise. This means that you can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant photoshoot with your family without worrying about the weather being too cold or too hot. The beautiful natural light at this time of year is perfect for capturing stunning family portraits that you can cherish forever.

Spring Blossoms

One of the most beautiful things about London in late March is the abundance of spring blossoms. From the stunning cherry blossom trees in Greenwich Park to the colorful tulip fields in Hyde Park, London is full of vibrant and colorful backdrops for your family photoshoot. A professional family photographer can help you find the perfect location that will complement your family’s style and capture the essence of this beautiful season.

Capture Special Memories

A family photoshoot is an opportunity to capture special memories that will last a lifetime. From the silly moments to the sweet ones, a family photoshoot can help you create a collection of images that tell your family’s unique story. By booking a family photoshoot in late March, you can capture the joy and excitement of the new season, and create beautiful images that you can treasure for years to come.

Beat the Summer Rush

March is a great time for a family photoshoot because it allows you to beat the summer rush. During the summer months, family photographers are in high demand, which can make it difficult to book a shoot at your desired location and time. By booking your family photoshoot in late March or early April, you can avoid the crowds and have more flexibility in choosing your location and photographer. This means that you can create beautiful images without having to worry about the stress and pressure of a busy summer schedule.

It's Now So Much Easier

A family photoshoot with a professional family photographer can be a stress-free experience. With a good photographer, you don't have to worry about choosing the perfect location or poses, as they will take care of everything for you. This means that you can relax and enjoy the experience with your family, knowing that you are in good hands.

Booking a photographer with Perfocal can make the process even easier. Perfocal connects you with experienced and professional photographers who can help you create stunning family portraits that you will love. The booking process is simple and easy to use, allowing you to book a family photographer in London in just a few clicks. All of the photographers are vetted and reviewed, ensuring that you get the best possible experience. With Perfocal, you can create beautiful images without the stress and hassle of trying to do it all yourself.

In conclusion, going for a family photoshoot in March is a great idea. The beautiful weather, spring blossoms, and less-crowded, stress-free experience make it the perfect time to capture special memories with your loved ones. So why wait? Book your family photoshoot today and start creating memories that will last a lifetime.

If you're looking to capture beautiful memories of your family in London, there are plenty of amazing locations to choose from. Whether you want a natural setting or a cityscape, London has it all! In this blog, we'll be highlighting some of the best places for family photoshoots in London in 2023.

Before we dive in, we highly recommend that you book a professional photographer to capture your family's special moments. A professional photographer has the experience, skills, and equipment to produce stunning photographs that you'll cherish for a lifetime. You can book a photographer in a few minutes via the online booking form.

Without further ado, here are some of the best places for family photoshoots in London (with Google Map links!)

1. Richmond Park

Richmond Park is a stunning natural setting located in southwest London. With over 2,500 acres of space, there are plenty of spots for a family photoshoot. The park is known for its beautiful deer and incredible views of the city skyline. The Isabella Plantation is also a popular spot for family photos, with its vibrant flower displays and pretty ponds. Google Maps link

2. South Bank

South Bank is a bustling area along the River Thames that offers plenty of opportunities for family photos. You can capture some iconic shots with the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament in the background. The area is also home to the famous street performers, which can add a fun element to your family photoshoot. Google Maps link

3. St James's Park

St James's Park is a stunning green space in the heart of London. With its beautiful lake, colourful flowers, and resident pelicans, this park is a popular spot for family photoshoots. You can capture some great shots with Buckingham Palace in the background, too. Google Maps link

4. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a botanical garden located in southwest London. With over 300 acres of space, there are plenty of picturesque spots for a family photoshoot. The gardens are known for their stunning glasshouses, which offer a unique backdrop for photos. If you're looking for a more natural setting, the Japanese garden and the treetop walkway are both great options. Google Maps link

5. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a large, hilly park located in north London. The park offers stunning views of the city skyline and plenty of natural backdrops for family photos. The park is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold. Google Maps link

6. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a vibrant and colourful area of London that's perfect for a family photoshoot. With its lively street performers, colourful shopfronts, and pretty cobbled streets, there are plenty of opportunities for unique and creative photos. You can also head to the nearby Neal's Yard for some colourful and quirky shots. Google Maps link

7. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic landmark in London that offers a stunning backdrop for family photos. You can capture some great shots with the bridge in the background, or you can take a stroll along the Thames for some additional photo opportunities. Google Maps link

8. Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a picturesque and colourful area of London that's perfect for a family photoshoot. With its pretty pastel houses, vibrant street art, and charming boutiques, there are plenty of opportunities for unique and creative photos. You can also head to the nearby Portobello Road Market for some additional photo opportunities. Google Maps link

9. Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is a stunning green space located in southeast London. The park offers incredible views of the city skyline and plenty of natural backdrops for family photos. The park is particularly beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Google Maps link

10. The South Kensington Museums

South Kensington is home to some of London's most popular museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The museums offer stunning backdrops for family photos, with their impressive architecture and exhibits. You can also head to the nearby Exhibition Road for some additional photo opportunities.

Google Maps for the museums:

• Natural History Museum: Google Maps link
• Science Museum: Google Maps link
• Victoria and Albert Museum: Google Maps link

Conclusion

London is full of amazing locations for family photoshoots, and these are just a few of our top picks for 2023. Remember to book a professional photographer to capture your family's special moments. We hope you have a wonderful time capturing memories with your family in London!

If you're planning your wedding, you may well be considering a register office for your ceremony. Register offices are seeing a rise in popularity, with civil ceremonies increasingly outnumbering religious marriages every year since 1992. Nowadays many registries are beautiful, ornate rooms softly lit and filled with flowers, and the perfect place for an intimate ceremony with family and friends.

Many modern couples choose to marry in civil ceremonies at a town hall or register office as they feel more comfortable with a less strongly religious ceremony. Registry ceremonies are also more customisable, and can have their choice of music and speeches. (You can even have a dog as your ring bearer!) Holding your wedding at a registry office can be far more budget friendly, with a ceremony costing as little as £400 in contrast with bigger events.

Here at Perfocal, we get to see a lot of wedding photos! We wanted to use our knowledge of the prettiest, most popular and most unique town halls and register offices to help couples planning their big day.

To continue our series, we're introducing our next pick of the best town halls for a registry wedding. This week it's Islington Town Hall.

Though we may be slightly biased (Perfocal HQ is based just down the street), Islington Town Hall is a significantly popular town hall for civil ceremonies. In a bustling part of town, easily accessible and beautifully decorated, Islington Town Hall is easily the next pick for the best register offices for any ceremony.

If you're short on time, here is  the quick you must know about the Islington Town Hall:

The Town Hall has three ceremony rooms.

• The Council Chamber (the biggest room which has 160 guest capacity):
  Tuesdays to Friday        £500
  Saturdays                        £700
• The Room 99 (Medium size, 208guest capacity) :
  Tuesdays to Thursday   £190
  Saturdays   £240                                     Sundays   £290
• The Mayor's Parlour (the smallest, 12 guest capacity):
  Monday to Friday from 9 am - 6 pm                     £620
  Saturday from 9 am - 6 pm                                     £700
  Monday to Saturday from 6 pm - 10 pm              £800
  Sunday and Bank holidays  from 9 am - 6 pm    £800
• You can book your marriage online or book a civil partnership through appointment booking system
• Bring your own photographer! You can book a wedding & civil ceremony photographer here, starting at £99.

Read on for the story and more details!

A brief history of Islington Town Hall

Islington Town Hall was built in 1923, while the adjoining Islington Assembly Hall (which is perfect for post-ceremony receptions) was added in 1929. The art-deco style makes Islington Town Hall's both exterior and interior a great setting for your pre and post ceremony photos. The front of the building is  Islington Town Hall also hosted the UK’s first same-sex marriage in March 2014.

Room 99

Room 99 at the Islington Town Hall is a medium-sized ceremony room, seating up to 28 guests. It is furnished in red and gold, with large windows allowing for lots of natural light.

Because of the popularity of this room, the allotted times for ceremonies are much shorter. Therefore if you have your ceremony in this room, you will not be allowed to add readings or personal vows, or any other customisable features.  

Fees for a ceremony in the Room 99 range from £190 on Monday - Thursday, £240 on Friday and £290 on Saturdays.

The Mayor's Parlour

This smaller room accommodates up to 12 guests, for more intimate ceremonies. The cosy parlour features oak panelled walls and a fireplace (in front of which couples usually make their vows), as well as red leather furnishings.

Fees for a ceremony in the Mayor's parlour range from £380 on weekdays to £580 on Saturdays.

The Council Chamber

This grand hall sits at the top of Islington Town Hall's marble staircase. The impressive room can fit up to 160 guests (100 in the main hall as well as 60 on the balcony).

The hall features wooden panelled walls, topped by a stately vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. Guest seating is made up of plush leather padded pews, as well as chairs, which are all arranged in a horseshoe shape.

Fees for a ceremony in the Council Chamber range from £500 on weekdays to £700 on Saturdays.

Islington Town Hall is easily one of the countries most popular and most beautiful town halls. Nestled in a busy and high-end part of town, this historic north London building hosts classically intimate and beautiful ceremonies, and makes for some great photography along the way.

You can book a beautiful chamber for your wedding ceremony at the Islington Town Hall here.

Are you getting married and considering booking a wedding photographer?

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and for most people a once-in-a-lifetime event. Make sure you don’t fork out a fortune for your photos. You can hire a pro photographer simply and affordably with Perfocal instead.

We guarantee quick and simple booking, an amazing professional photographer who will travel to you, and 48 hour photo delivery every time.

We do all this so you can have amazing wedding photos without the price tag.

• Frances' red winter wedding
• Alex and Sabrina's fairytale London wedding
• Kris' contemporary Manchester wedding

• The best London register offices - Hackney Town Hall
• The best London register offices - The Old Marylebone Town Hall
• The best London register offices - Chelsea Old Town Hall

If you're planning your wedding, you may well be considering a register office for your ceremony. Register offices are seeing a rise in popularity, with civil ceremonies increasingly outnumbering religious marriages every year since 1992. Nowadays many registries are beautiful, ornate rooms softly lit and filled with flowers, and the perfect place for an intimate ceremony with family and friends.

Many modern couples choose to marry in civil ceremonies at a town hall or register office as they feel more comfortable with a less religious ceremony. Registry ceremonies are also more customisable, and can have their choice of music and speeches. (You can even have a dog as your ring bearer!) Holding your wedding at a registry office can be far more budget friendly, with a ceremony costing as little as £275 in contrast with bigger events.

Here at Perfocal, we get to see a lot of wedding photos! We wanted to use our knowledge of the prettiest, most popular and most unique town halls and register offices to help couples planning their big day.

We've used some photos from real-life weddings shot by Perfocal photographers, that we hope will help you get to see your potential wedding venue in a new light!

As the next part of our series, here's our next choice for the best town halls for a registry wedding. This week it's Hackney Town Hall.

If you're short on time, here are the quick facts about the Hackney Town Hall:

• The Lanchester suite is the only room for civil ceremonies and registries.
• There are four rooms for receptions and weddings (not for civil ceremony): The Assembly Hall,  The Committee Rooms, The Council Chamber and The Atria (North and South)
• Bring your own photographer! You can book a wedding & civil ceremony photographer here, starting at £99.
• The ceremony suite still can accommodate 14 guests including the couple which in total 16 people in the room, for the health and safety purpose.
• You can book the Lanchester suite for your ceremony online by completing this online form, starting at £275 from 1st April 2021- 31st March 2022. If you would like to reschedule for your appointment, there will be an administration fee £50.

A Brief History of Hackney Town Hall

Built in 1937 to replace the 'Old Town Hall', Hackney Town Hall sits at the top of Mare Street behind the Hackney Empire theatre. The Grade II listed building has a large open space on its doorstep, which was the site of the now-demolished Hackney Vestry Hall.

The grand building is simple yet beautiful in its Art Deco in style, and built in a wonderful pale Portland stone.

We love the space outside of Hackney Town Hall which gives you ample room to play and get some amazing photos (with or without guests), as well as its beautiful facade which compliments photos beautifully.

The town hall has just a single registry room, called the Lanchester Suite.

The cost for hiring out the Lanchester suite for your ceremony goes as low as £275 if you pick a Tuesday or a Thursday.

On Saturdays, prices are higher, but you'll be able to customise the ceremony with your own vows etc. Weekday ceremonies at Hackney Town Hall are very simple and are not available for customisation.

Inside the Town Hall

Once through the main doors of Hackney Town Hall, you arrive in a large Art-Deco foyer space, which has made for some great photo opportunities for Perfocal customers. Meeting arriving guests, getting dressed, and making final preparations before the ceremony are all done in this attractive space.

The Lanchester Suite

The Lanchester Suite is currently the only room available for civil wedding ceremonies at Hackney Town Hall.

It has been recently renovated, with pleasing deep-blue walls and dark wood panelling and embellishment. The dark colour scheme of this room is not common at many wedding registries, but we think it perfectly compliments these couples' photos. The blue of the walls and the soft lighting warms and gives depth to these precious pictures.

Within Hackney Town Hall, there are several other large and extravagant halls in which you are able to have your ceremony or reception. These rooms are available for weddings, too, but not civil registries.

These rooms include the Assembly Hall, the Committee Rooms, the Council Chamber, and the North and South Atria.

The Assembly Hall

The Committee Rooms

The Council Chamber

The Atria (North and South)

These stunning event spaces within Hackney Town Hall have recently undergone a major re-vamp worth millions of pounds. They certainly look the part for an extravagant wedding or reception. Each space can fit anywhere from 30 to 300 guests.

Regardless of the grandiose reception and wedding spaces, Perfocal loves Hackney Town Hall for its intimate registry and civil weddings hosted in the Lancaster Suite.

We think Hackney Town Hall is one of the UK's best register offices because of its prime location in one of London's most vibrant boroughs, surrounded by the some of the coolest venues in the city. The architecture is simple and beautiful, such is the classic Art-Deco style. Some of our coolest, yet most chic weddings have taken place and been captured beautifully, here.

Are you getting married and considering booking a wedding photographer?

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and for most people a once-in-a-lifetime event. Make sure you don’t fork out a fortune for your photos. You can hire a pro photographer simply and affordably with Perfocal instead.

We guarantee quick and simple booking, an amazing professional photographer who will travel to you, and 48 hour photo delivery every time.

We do all this so you can have amazing wedding photos without the price tag.

Read more relevant articles:

• Frances' red winter wedding
• How to arrange the perfect small wedding
• Kris' contemporary Manchester wedding

Other articles in this series:

• The best London register offices - Islington Town Hall
• The best London register offices - The Old Marylebone Town Hall
• The best London register offices - Chelsea Old Town Hall

If you're planning your wedding, you may well be considering a register office for your ceremony. Register offices are seeing a rise in popularity, with civil ceremonies increasingly outnumbering religious marriages every year since 1992. Nowadays many registries are beautiful, ornate rooms softly lit and filled with flowers, and the perfect place for an intimate ceremony with family and friends.

Many modern couples choose to marry in civil ceremonies at a town hall or register office as they feel more comfortable with a less religious ceremony. Registry ceremonies are also more customisable, and can have their choice of music and speeches. (You can even have a dog as your ring bearer!) Holding your wedding at a registry office can be far more budget friendly, with a ceremony costing as little as £400 in contrast with bigger events.

Here at Perfocal, we get to see a lot of wedding photos! We wanted to use our knowledge of the prettiest, most popular and most unique town halls and register offices to help couples planning their big day.

To continue our series, we're introducing our next pick of the best town halls for a registry wedding. This week it's the Chelsea Old Town Hall.

Situated on London’s famous and fashionable King’s Road, Chelsea Old Town Hall is the perfect place for all kinds of special occasions, including your registry wedding.

You can book a wedding photographer for your Chelsea Old Town Hall ceremony here.

The building is late-Victorian in structure and style, and provides a beautiful backdrop for registry weddings and receptions. Its central position at the heart of the coveted borough of Kensington and Chelsea makes the Chelsea Old Town Hall one of the UK's best town halls for wedding ceremonies.

There are three main rooms for holding ceremonies:

• The Brydon Room - the largest room for medium wedding
  Capacity:38 guests
  Price: starting from £800 (2021-2022)
• The Rossetti Room - the most popular room for intimate ceremony
  Capacity: 12 guests
  Price: £650 (2021-2022)
• The Harrington Room -  the smallest room for intimate wedding
  Capacity: 8 guests
  Price: starting from £250 (2021-2022)

And Small Hall, Main Hall, Cadogan Suite for larger ceremonies or reception:

• Summer season 1 April 2022 to 31 October 2022
  Price: starting from £560
• Winter season, 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023
  Price: starting from £550
  

A brief history of Chelsea Old Town Hall

Designed by Leonard Stokes, the Chelsea Old Town Hall was completed in 1908 and houses the Chelsea Registry Office, the Sports Centre and Chelsea Library. It is named the 'Old Town Hall' to distinguish it from the Chelsea Town Hall (slightly less pretty and located on the opposite side of the borough).

The Chelsea Old Town Hall is an affordable yet elegant setting for a diverse range of events. Wedding ceremonies and receptions, antique and art fairs, concerts, film, television and radio filming and recording, business conferences and product launches have all been hosted by Chelsea Old Town Hall.

Pricing for hiring one of the town hall's five wedding rooms are available upon request.

Outside and around Chelsea Old Town Hall

Located in the affluent and elegant borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Chelsea Old Town Hall is just a short walk from a variety of scenic spots and venues. Green spots such as St Luke's Garden and Dovehouse Green are mere metres away from the town hall, as well as a slew of London's loveliest restaurants and venues.

Chelsea Old Town Hall is easily one of the most glamorous and coveted town hall for weddings and registry ceremonies, not just in London, but the entire United Kingdom. It's prime location on one of the trendiest streets in London and its timeless decor makes it one of Perfocal's choices for best town halls for your ceremony.

Are you getting married and considering booking a wedding photographer?

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and for most people a once-in-a-lifetime event. Make sure you don’t fork out a fortune for your photos. You can hire a pro photographer simply and affordably with Perfocal instead.

We guarantee quick and simple booking, an amazing professional photographer who will travel to you, and 48 hour photo delivery every time.

We do all this so you can have amazing wedding photos without the price tag.

See similar stories here:

• Frances' red winter wedding
• Alex and Sabrina's fairytale London wedding
• Kris' contemporary Manchester wedding

Other articles in this series:

• The best London register offices - Islington Town Hall
• The best London register offices - The Old Marylebone Town Hall

Dating is hard. If it isn't sifting through the deadwood and spending hours of your life swiping, you find yourself wasting time engaging in months of texting without ever meeting the person that will sweep you off your feet.

If these frustrations sound familiar, Thursday may just be the dating app you've been waiting for. Launched in early 2021, Thursday is all about seizing the day and making most of the opportunities to socialise in person. After all, we've all had our fair share of isolation over the course of various lockdowns.

The app essentially works by only allowing its users to look for love on one day of the week from 0.01 am to midnight on...you guessed it! Thursday. With over 100,000 users signing up in the first few months since its inception, it's clear that Thursday offers the fresh take on dating that people are after.

While the free and standard version of the app allows users to match with up to 10 people a day, investing in the VIP membership package for £14.99 per month will enable users to boost their profiles, have unlimited likes and access to view all members with no restrictions (well, except all of this still needs to happen on a Thursday.)

How To Use Thursday

So how does Thursday work? Well, that's easy. Start by downloading the app from Google Play or Apple Store. Then sign up by entering your basic user information such as name, phone number and email address or speed things up by connecting with your Facebook account.

Additional features of Thursday include integration with Instagram, chat and messaging functions, voice note features, and the ability to add stories and GIFs to your profile. To differentiate itself from other dating apps on the market, such as Bumble, Hinge and Tinder, Thursday's developers have implemented a protocol whereby all users are requested to verify their profile by uploading their ID. However, verification data is deleted after 30 days which enhances security.

Stuck with your Thursday photos? Hire a professional to help you get some amazing snaps.

Making Your Profile Stand Out

Anyone who has had any experience in the online dating arena will understand the importance of having a good profile photo. After all, you are looking to catch the eye of potential suitors. And in this instance, Thursday is similar to most other platforms. While it is totally possible to pull photos in from connected apps such as Facebook and Instagram, if you are looking to make the most of the limited time you have to use the Thursday app each, it is best to carefully curate your profile with a range of photos.

If you want our professional opinion on the matter, we'd suggest starting with a natural headshot (and remember to flash that beautiful smile, of course). A full-length photo is great when it comes to providing more context. With your remaining photos (Thursday asks for a total of 4 photos, at least), include shots that give others an insight into your lifestyle. From the exotic holidays you've been on to action shots of you playing sports, remember photos that show you in your element can provide an excellent conversation starter.

What Users Say

Sure, in the grand scheme of things, Thursday is the new kid on the block in the world of dating apps and its easy to be sceptical, but you just need to take a look at some of the reviews to see why it has attracted such a remarkable following in a short space of time. Check out what the users have to say in the following snippets:

"After 4.5 years of (potentially hundreds of) dating app dates and hours of boring small talk, Thursday allowed me to find someone who lived nearby and matched my vibe."

In short, Thursday has been a breath of fresh air for disillusioned daters. And the timing of its launch couldn't have been more appropriate. Having spent over a year living in relative isolation, we've all learnt to appreciate the value of real-life connections, and Thursday epitomises this very sentiment by encouraging users to cut to the chase and meet in real life. So, if you are done wasting time on small download Thursday, connect with people ready for an in-person meet-up.

If you are ready to take the plunge and eager to get going on your Thursday dating journey but want to give yourself the edge over other users, why not engage the services of a professional photographer to present you in your best light and help you grab the attention of potential suites. Perfocal can find you such a pro at short notice and for a great price, starting from £99!

One thing is for sure, a beautifully captured shot will give you the confidence to date without any qualms. Perfocal can do it for you!

Check out out series of dating apps and profile photos tips here:

• The Best Dating App Make the First Move - Bee’s Knees of Bumble
• The Best Dating App designed to delete - Hinge
• Top 5 tips | Dating profile pictures for guys
• 5 Must-have Photos for Your Dating Profile - A Guide for Girls

Suppose you're feeling disillusioned by the disposable nature of modern dating. In that case, Hinge may just be the tool to help you find your happily-ever-after. This location-based dating app is designed to be deleted, making it perfect for those in search of the right partner for a serious relationship instead of the flings that have become synonymous with dating apps.

Since its launch back in 2012, Hinge's developers have used a cleverly thought-out algorithm to help users find quality matches. With over 6 million users worldwide, Hinge is one of the top three most downloaded dating apps across the USA, UK and Australia. In October 2021, Hinge added a unique audio recording feature. It became the first dating app to allow users to add voice clips to their profiles.

While the free membership allows users to have 10 likes per day, opting for the preferred membership provides access to numerous additional benefits such as unlimited likes and advanced features. Hinge's preferred membership option costs between £13.83 - 27.99 per month, depending on the length of the subscription.

How To Use Hinge

Hinge is available on iOS and Android, so it can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once they've downloaded the app, users sign up using their phone number and/or Facebook account. They will then be required to fill in some basic information such as height, ethnicity, family planning, occupation, education, religious and political beliefs, and information on their vices like smoking, alcohol and drugs. Unlike on Tinder, users can't bypass writing a bio, but once that's done, you are good to go.

Stuck with your Hinge photos? Hire a professional to help you get some amazing snaps.

Making Your Profile Stand Out From The Crowd

Well, almost. Hinge's developers acknowledge that adage that a picture speaks a thousand words. In fact, they don't ask users to just upload one, but 6, which sets the app apart from many of its counterparts. While it's easy enough to pull in photos from your Instagram profile, we'd advise you to include a broad range of shots if you want our professional opinion on the matter.

Start with a headshot (and remember to smile). Then give it more context with a full-length picture. With your remaining photos, try to include shots that demonstrate elements of your lifestyle and habits. For instance, if you love travelling, post some pictures from recent holidays. Likewise, if sports are your thing, try to include a few action shots. Another good idea would be to include group photos, which will show your social side.

What People Say

While Hinge might be the new kid on the block when it comes to dating apps, if you are looking to make meaningful connections, this is the app for you. Sure, you'll need to invest a fair amount of time curating the perfect profile. Still, the advanced features available on Hinge explain why it has become so wildly popular.

Naturally, as photographers, we like the way Hinge acknowledges the importance of good profile pictures, but it is by no means a superficial platform. Don't believe us. Let's look at what a few of Hinge's users have to say.

"Hinge allows you to actually bring forth more of your personality...more information on your profile increases the chances of connecting with people over something other than just their looks. I found that this has led to much more engaging and relatable matches."

Summary

Hinge is a great app for people looking to buck the trend and find a meaningful connection. The way in which the app is structured in a way requires users to think more deeply about their preferences and dealbreakers when creating their profile. Furthermore, the app encourages its users to have more engaging conversations through the use of prompts.

However, despite the substance behind the app, the developers acknowledge the importance of visuals and photos and videos form an important aspect of a Hinge users profile. Understanding that profile pictures are the aspect of dating profiles that most people struggle with, we are here to help.

From as little as £ 99, Perfocal can connect you with a professional photographer who can capture your best angle and help you grab the attention of more potential matches, and 48 hour photo delivery every time!

Learn more dating profile photos tips here:

• Top 5 tips | Dating profile pictures for guys
• 5 Must-have Photos for Your Dating Profile - A Guide for Girls
• Amazing dating profile photos with Perfocal

We see a lot of personal photographs here at Perfocal! We wanted to help you select the ideal dating app by using our expertise of the greatest, most popular, and most distinctive dating applications.

This is the first in a series of articles on the top dating apps to use in the UK. We're going to start with the Bumble - the revolution of how people connect.

If you are tired of the usual dating channels, Bumble is a dating app with a difference. Sure, it has similar functions as the likes of Tinder, whereby enthusiastic singles create a simple profile and allow potential suitors to swipe till they find a match. However, there is a significant difference that gives Bumble a special edge. Bumble puts the ladies in charge by encouraging them to make the first move. Once a match has been made, the woman has 24 hours to send the first message. If she doesn’t, then the match is lost.

With over 40 million users worldwide in 2021, Bumble is one of the most popular online dating apps on the market. The basic version of the app, which is available at no cost, allows users to swipe as much as they like. However, the premium version offers additional features such as the ability to see who swiped right on you, incognito functions, advanced filters and the option to change location and match with people while on holiday. Depending on the length of the premium subscription, it is priced between £2.99 (1 day) to £149.99 (Lifetime).

How To Use Bumble

Bumble is a user-friendly app that is available on both IOS and Android. Users can download the app onto their smartphone and use the Facebook account to sign up. Then the easy-to-follow steps will ask for some basic data such as age, location and a short blurb. And once you’ve uploaded those all-important photos, you are good to go and have time to get swiping. All you need to do is peruse other user profiles, swiping left to reject a candidate and right to show that you are interested. If both parties indicate they are interested, you have a match, and it’s time to get the conversation started.

Stuck with your Bumble photos? Hire a professional to help you get some amazing snaps.

How To Make Your Bumble Profile Photo Stand Out

Of course, you can argue that looks don’t matter when it comes to true love. However, in the age of internet dating, your success in those initial matches will depend on your profile pictures. Bumble requests that users have at least one photo where the subject is visible to pass the moderation process. However, stats show that user profiles which feature more than three photos are 43% more likely to get a match.

Remember, your photos won’t just show potential suitors what you look like (regardless, don’t be afraid to flash them a winning smile), but they provide a little insight into your interests and lifestyle. Seeing that portrait photography is something we specialise in here at Perfocal, we’ve come up with some top tips to help you curate the perfect set of dating profile shots for your Bumble account.

What Bumble Users Say

Bumble is not just a great dating app. With the additional Bumble BFF and Bumble Biz elements, it has something for everyone. So whether you are looking for love, new friends or business contacts, this is an app with a difference.

And, if you don’t believe us, just have a look at what some of its users say:

"As a woman, it is nice to be able to take the first step to initiate the conversation. I had three dates with really nice guys before finding my current boyfriend (we’ll soon be celebrating our first anniversary!)"

In short, Bumble has become synonymous with female-led dating, but this is much more than a dating up. With its user-friendly, streamlined features, it’s an app that is revolutionising the way we interact. It puts the individual at the heart of the whole process and allows people to connect in various ways. So whether you are looking for love, platonic friends or your next business opportunity, Bumble does have it all!

Now, we know that profile pictures are the aspect most people struggle with. So why not let the professionals at Perfocal help you out. From as little as £99, you can have a professional photographer capture you in your element and help you catch the eye of those potential matches.

Learn more dating profile photos tips here:

• 5 Must-have Photos for Your Dating Profile - A Guide for Girls
• Top 5 tips | Dating profile pictures for guys
• Amazing dating profile photos with Perfocal

Here at Perfocal, we get to see a lot of wedding photos! We wanted to use our knowledge of the prettiest, most popular and most unique town halls and register offices to help couples planning their big day.

This is the first part in a series we will be writing on the best register offices around the UK to get married. We're starting out with the Old Marylebone Town Hall.

If you're short on time, here are the quick facts about the Old Marylebone Town Hall:

• The Town Hall has 7 ceremony rooms. The Westminster room (100 guest capacity), the Soho room (20 guest capacity) and the Marylebone room (15 guest capacity) are the most popular.
• You can book your ceremony room online or in-person, with prices ranging from £565 - £1181 in April 2021 - March 2023
• Bring your own photographer! You can book a wedding & civil ceremony photographer here, starting at £99.
• The most popular months are March, April and December. You can book up to 2 years in advance, but bear in mind that prices are more expensive in peak months.
• Peak months are April to October, and the last 2 weeks of December.
• The Old Marylebone Town Hall is across the road from Regents Park, which is convenient for your post-registry photos.

Read on for the story and more details!

You already may well be considering a register office for your ceremony. Nowadays many registries are beautiful, ornate rooms softly lit and filled with flowers, and the perfect place for a small and intimate ceremony. Holding your wedding at a registry office can also be far more budget friendly while being just as visually striking.

A brief history of the Old Marylebone Town Hall

The Old Marylebone Town Hall was built on Marylebone road, in London from 1914 to 1920, and is a grade II listed building. Its grand front is decorated with columns inspired by classic Roman and Greek architecture, making for some lovely photo opportunities.

From its opening in 1920, it hosted the marriages of over 120,000 couples. Closed for refurbishment in 2013, the hall reopened in 2018. It has already married 1070 couples since its reopening - making it a very popular registry office for London couples!

We think the Old Marylebone Town Hall is one of Londons best register offices for your wedding because of its historic beauty and grandeur, its central location and proximity to some of London's most beautiful parks: Regents Park and Hyde Park. It is an extremely popular town hall amongst Perfocal's customers. We've put together this guide to the Old Marylebone Town Hall based on our customers' experiences.

Old Marylebone Town Hall is a grand building, and every corner of it is beautiful. Everything from its front steps, to its hallways and balconies are photo-worthy. If you need group shots or couple photos outside the ceremony, there are plenty of options provided by Old Marylebone's historic walls. Here are some of our Perfocal favourites to demonstrate:

The town hall has seven registry ceremony rooms, each named after an area of London; Westminster, Knightsbridge, Paddington, Marylebone, Soho, Pimlico and Mayfair. The Westminster room is the most popular room, followed by the Soho room.

You can book a ceremony room at the Old Marylebone Town Hall online, or if you'd like to see the venue in-person, you can register to attend an open evening here.

The most popular time of year for registries at the Old Marylebone are March, April and December, during which times prices tend to peak. They range anywhere from £454 to £11181 for year 2021 to year 2023, depending on the time you book. You can book all of these rooms up to two years in advance.

Westminster

The Westminster ceremony room is the biggest and most popular registry room. It has space for up to 100 guests. It is luxuriously lined with wood panels and ornate ceiling decorations.

The warm lighting in the Westminster room paired with the wooden wall panelling make for visually stunning shots of brides, grooms and guests. It is certainly the most grandiose and classic ceremony room.

The Westminster room has a premium ceremony fee, making it more costly than the other rooms. You can book this room from £659.

Soho

The Soho registry room is the second most popular option amongst couples. It is smaller and more relaxed than the Westminster room, with pale-grey walls and wooden floors as well as a mixture of chairs and sofas for registry guests. Its capacity is 20 people, with 14 sitting and 6 standing.

The decor of this room makes for a much brighter and more modern wedding registry, as well as the photos. The modern chandelier is certainly magical and brings a warmth to your ceremony. More casual and intimate ceremonies are certainly done justice by this room!

Pricing for this room starts at £565.

Knightsbridge

The Knightsbridge room is perfect for mid-size wedding registries, with capacity for 30 seated guests. It, like other rooms, has a grand fireplace as its centrepiece. The walls are a subtle and soft grey colour, and and the seats all compliment this with dark grey crushed velvet cushions. All of this is finished by beautifully simplistic circular chandeliers.

The more muted and crisp style of the Knightsbridge room will complement your wedding beautifully, without detracting attention away from the most important thing (you!) This room goes best with contemporary couples and wedding styles.

Pricing for this room starts at £565.

Paddington

The Paddington room at the Old Marylebone Town Hall is one of the smaller ceremony rooms, holding maximum 15 people.

The intimate ceremony room has a traditional style, again complete with wooden panels, ornate decoration and lighting. The seating is limited, so guests will mainly end up standing.

The bright light in the Paddington room comes from both the window and the chandelier, and is reflected off the dark panelled walls. Therefore the photos are always bright and warm, and we love how intimate the little room's photos come out!

The Paddington room has a premium ceremony fee, making it more costly than the other rooms. Pricing for this room starts at £659.

Marylebone

The Marylebone room is, here at Perfocal, the most popular room at the old Marylebone Town Hall. It can hold an intimate ceremony of up to 15 people (12 seated and 3 standing), in its traditional yet chic space.

As with all the other wooden panelled rooms, the warm glow from the chandelier fills the whole room. We love the way these close ceremonies look bathed in golden light - nothing is more flattering!

The Marylebone room has a premium ceremony fee, making it more costly than the other rooms. Pricing for this room starts at £659.

Pimlico

Sisters with the Soho room, the Pimlico room will seat up to 20 guests in blue velvet chairs. While they look virtually identical, this room differs to the Soho room with off-white walls and more traditional individual seating in a deep blue velvet. The Pimlico room will more comfortably sit 20 guests.

Pricing for this room starts at £565.

Mayfair

The Mayfair room is sisters with the Knightsbridge room, with little discernible difference between the two. Both seat 30 guests, and are virtually mirror photos of one another. The Mayfair room has a slightly deeper grey colour theme, as well as maroon velvet seat cushions.

Pricing for the Mayfair room starts at £565.

Outside the Old Marylebone Town Hall

The Old Marylebone Town Hall sits right on the edge of Regents Park, meaning your post-registry photos could be just a walk across the road. Many couples who book their wedding photographer with Perfocal choose to go to either the Regents Park or slightly further to Hyde Park for some beautiful couple photos after their ceremonies.

If you're considering the Old Marylebone Town Hall for your wedding registry, you wouldn't be the first. This beautiful historic location in central London is the perfect setting for many city registries and civil partnerships. The hall has many different ceremony rooms to choose from, each with a different look and feel. The building is also near to a handful of scenic London parks to top off your ceremony photography with some outdoor shots.

Are you getting married and considering booking a wedding photographer?

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and for most people a once-in-a-lifetime event. Make sure you don’t fork out a fortune for your photos. You can hire a pro photographer simply and affordably with Perfocal instead.

We guarantee quick and simple booking, an amazing professional photographer who will travel to you, and 48 hour photo delivery every time.

We do all this so you can have amazing wedding photos without the price tag.

Read more on London's town halls:

• Islington Town Hall
• Hackney Town Hall
• Chelsea Old Town Hall

We have been through nearly 2 years lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These have sent engaged couples and wedding planners into a state of chaos. Venues have closed, leaving couples with no choice but to postpone their big day. For some, this means they’ve been able to save up more to really “make a splash”. For others, it’s meant reevaluating budgets and careful planning in the midst of uncertainty.

Do you want an amazing wedding? Of course, you do! It’s going to take some creative refocusing.

Saving on the venue means you will have a little more left to spend on things like amazing food, stunning decorations and wedding photography you will cherish for years to come. It also means that if plans change due to the pandemic, the financial impact is less of a worry.

Should I Plan a Wedding in 2022?

With lockdowns still taking place up and down the country, it’s difficult to predict what will happen next. What we do know is that weddings is resuming with no restrictions and the government has set out plans for autumn and winter 2021/22 in England in response of COVID-19. But as we’ve seen – this could all change in an instant.

In most cases, venues should offer refunds, but they may be entitled to hold some expenses already incurred. If you’re planning a wedding, it’s best to bear this in mind.

Booking a cheaper venue means that if things do go wrong, the loss will be smaller than if you had gone big. If some of your wedding guests are unable to attend due to flight restrictions or other pandemic regulations, your cost per person loss won’t be as drastic.

To help you pick the perfect spot, here’s our guide to the best reasonably priced wedding venues in London in 2022-2023

From lavish libraries to cool underground cellars, we’ve got you covered with this list of 15 affordable venues that don’t compromise on style.

1. Queen Mary University London

Constructed in 1888, this stunning venue used to be the original Queen Mary Library, designed by Victorian architect ER Robinson. Impressive three-storey domed ceilings, sculptures of some of Britain’s most eminent wordsmiths (think Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Chaucer) plus a garden and courtyard complete this unique wedding setting.

Key facts:

The venue offers micro packages for lockdown, ranging from £2250-£3,000 for 15 guests. In addition, they still offer: The Octagon, Ceremony Only and Dry Hire in 2021 packages and 2022 packages starting from £115 per adult guest on Friday and £3000 venue hire for 4 hours.

2. The Petersham Hotel

Built in 1865, this historic venue has a view of the Thames – perfect for watching the sunset over a glass of bubbly. This grand venue is bursting with Victorian character, including a stunning Portland stone staircase, ornate chandeliers and marble-tiled floors that would make the perfect backdrop for some truly elegant wedding photos.

Key facts:

A 4-star hotel in leafy Richmond, Surrey—with a special restriction-compliant package from £2021 for 15 guests or £135pp and a luxury wedding package starting from £195 pp in 2021, £205 pp in 2022.

3. RSA House

Voted one of London’s best wedding venues by the Evening Standard, this opulent Georgian townhouse provides a sumptuous setting for your wedding. Soak up the atmosphere in the bright, high-ceilinged Benjamin Franklin rooms or head down into the brick vaults for some truly atmospheric wedding photographs.

Key facts:

Central London venue from £600, including ceremony-only package, intimate weddings package and Vaults-only intimate wedding package for up to 15 guests with in-house catering in four licensed venues: Benjamin Franklin Room, The Great Room, The Vaults and The Tavern Room. They also have Sunday wedding special offer while you host your wedding on Sunday and get 15% off your package.

4. Dukes Hotel

A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, the historic DUKES LONDON is an elegant luxury 5-start hotel nestled in the heart of St James’s Mayfair. The retreat of writers and royalty alike, this sumptuous venue offers period detailing with contemporary comfort. Couples will get their very own personal wedding planner to help guide them through the journey, while the team’s executive chef is on hand to create a bespoke menu for the big day.

Key facts:

Mayfair location, price from £95 pp. Two-night weekend wedding packages available.

5. Tattershall Castle

Mingle with guests on the deck of a charming boat moored in a prime spot on the Thames. With idyllic views overlooking the Houses of Parliament and the iconic London Eye, this refurbished venue blends old character with contemporary style. Sip champagne out on the sunny deck, then head inside for a delicious three-course meal in the cosy interior.

Key facts:

Embankment location with London Eye views. Prices from £75 pp.

6. Linden House

This elegant four-storey hideaway is thought to date back to 1685. It’s currently used as a sailing and rowing clubhouse – activities made possible thanks to its picturesque riverside location. A charming south-facing façade means guests will be wined and dined in bright, sunlit rooms full of charm and character.

Key facts:

Hammersmith location, room hire £400, wedding packages from £55pp.

7. Hackney Town Hall

A short stroll away from London Fields and Hackney Central station, this award-winning venue comes with five wedding spaces. Two stunning curved wooden staircases make the perfect photo op spot, while the refurbished 1930s event spaces come with an art glass-roofed atria that flood the spaces with natural light.

Key facts:

Central Hackney location, a choice of rooms, registration guidance. Prices are dependent on the venue, starting from £275 for any ceremony happens between 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022. The ceremony suite can accommodate up to 16 people.

8. Grand Junction

You don’t get closer to a fairytale wedding than this. This 19th-century hall makes the perfect setting for an unforgettable first dance. The venue also boasts an atmospheric vaulted underground space that’s perfect for candlelit dinners, while beautiful lawns outside make a dreamy spot for guests in the sunshine.

Key facts:

Three unique settings in central London. Venue hire including food & drinks from £2500. Contact venue for per person rates.

9. South Place Hotel

From secret gardens to speakeasy-style bars, there are many choices of perfect settings for your big day. Oozing with style, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural herringbone wood floors and dazzling chandeliers provide a luxurious feel.

Key facts:

£2,500 for 15 guests, including VAT;  £5,000 for 30 guests, including VAT. Contact South Place Hotel for more details.

10. Altitude London

Three unique venues give you a variety of options for getting married amongst the city’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the city in chic modern surroundings while the venue’s in-house events team takes care of every detail.

Key facts:

Prices start at £70 for up to 15 guests in 2022. Choose from a range of packages or opt for the DIY hire option and use your own caterers and suppliers.

11. The Bull and Gate

An iconic 80s music venue, this historic pub was once filled with the sounds of Blur, Oasis and Nirvana, who all performed here. Famed for its fantastic catering, this traditional pub is nestled in the heart of Kentish Town. Chat with guests in its decadent cocktail bar, then sit down to a sumptuous wedding lunch in the stunning dining room with its exposed stone walls and wooden beams.

Key facts:

Kentish Town location from £50 for venue hire, £500 for the dining room, from £83 per person.

12. Kachette

Hidden away in East London’s street art district, Kachette is everything you’d expect from a venue in one of London’s hippest quarters—think exposed brickwork, industrial detailing and a pared-back interior that will make for some seriously cool wedding photos. Once a working ticket station, this railway arch building is now a popular working music venue nestled amongst the bars, pubs and clubs of Shoreditch.

Key facts:

Host wedding receptions without restrictions in 2022. Shoreditch London’s railway arch wedding venues are licensed with Hackney Council, Kachette dry hire from £2,750 for Arch 1 or £4,250 for whole venue.

13. Bingham Riverhouse

Located on the banks of the Thames, the historic Bingham Riverhouse is hidden away in leafy Richmond and surrounded by English gardens that have inspired poets and novelists alike. Special events take place in the garden rooms, which open out onto the riverside terrace where the sounds of clinking glasses mingle with music and rushing water. Choose from mouth-watering seasonal wedding menus, sharing platters, garden barbecues—or just opt for elegant tipples and nibbles on the big day.

Key facts:

Richmond location. Host up to 90 guests seated or 150 guests standing and offer full package from £5000 including venue hire, food and drinks etc.

14. Burgh House & Hampstead Museum

Steeped in history, this Grade-1-listed Queen Anne House is nestled away on the cobbled streets of Hampstead Village. This once privately owned 300-year-old house is now an elegant museum and gallery, filled to the rafters with fascinating artwork and objects. Elegant period interiors with wood panelling, a library and lofty windows with magnificent views over the Heath provide a truly magical setting for your wedding.

Key facts:

A historic building with a central Hampstead location. Prices starting from £765, up to 70 guests for ceremonies.

15. The Colonnade Boutique Hotel

Birthplace of Alan Turing and home to one of the oldest operating lifts in the UK (true story!), this history-steeped hotel embodies quintessential British charm. Lavish interiors, mouth-watering menus and a sunny terrace make this an opulent setting for your big day.

Key facts:

Little Venice location, venue hire starting from £350 venue hire,  package starting from £50 pp.

Don’t Forget the Photos...

Perfect wedding photos are a lifetime keepsake of your special day. From the venue to the decor, to the happy couple and their guests, ensure that every moment and detail is beautifully photographed and commemorated, without costing a fortune.

If you are looking for a flexible and affordable photographer without compromising on quality, contact us to book a great wedding photographer, hassle-free.

More articles in the best London register offices series:

• The best London register offices - Islington Town Hall
• The best London register offices - The Old Marylebone Town Hall
• The best London register offices - Chelsea Old Town Hall
• The best London register offices - Hackney Town Hall

Welcoming a new child into the world is a pivotal moment in a family's life and one of those milestones that need to be captured for the sake of posterity.

To do just that, Jonathan decided he wanted to organise a fun family photoshoot to celebrate the imminent arrival of his baby daughter.

So in April 2021, Jonathan contacted Perfocal and described his requirements. His wife was already five months pregnant at the time, so they wanted to ensure that the photoshoot was as relaxed as possible.

They also wanted to make sure their young son also got to be part of the action, so they decided they'd like the shoot to take place close to their home in the lovely leafy London suburb of Islington.

After receiving Jonathan's request, the team at Perfocal got to work straight away, matching the family with our fabulous London-based photographer, Giulia.

Within a few hours of his request, Giulia contacted Jonathan, and they arranged for the photoshoot to take place at beautiful Highbury New Park, which is a stone's throw away from the couple's home in Islington.

With it being springtime in London, it made sense to make the most of a spell of good weather and arrange the photoshoot as soon as possible.

Type of shoot: Family

Location: Highbury New Park, Islington, London

Package: 2 hours (£189)

Add-ons: All original files (£19)

Photographer: Giulia L

On the day of the shoot, Giulia arrived in Islington fully equipped and bursting with ideas of capturing the family having fun in their local environment.

Having spent time talking with the couple, Giulia had built a great rapport with them in advance, and the whole family felt comfortable from the get-go. She even managed to put the family's toddler at ease and get him to have fun in front of the camera.

Giulia did a magnificent job shooting the family. She managed to strike the perfect balance between candid shots of the family having fun and playing outdoors and more formal portraits of the family members.

Over the course of a 2-hour photoshoot, not only did Giulia snap a diverse range of shots featuring various interesting backdrops, she even allowed the family to do a costume change and took a few extra relaxed photos of them in their home!

All in all, it was a fantastic afternoon out in Islington celebrating this lovely family and their much-anticipated new addition.

Perfocal was so glad to have the pleasure of working with this beautiful little family. We were delighted to hear that Jonathan and his wife were so happy with the service provided that they are looking to book another session with us for a 'welcome to the world' newborn photoshoot when their baby girl arrives in August.

Congrats to the family. We can't wait to meet your new arrivals soon and wish you all the best for the future.

If you've got a little one on the way or would like to treat your family to a fun photoshoot like the one featured here, check out Perfocal's range of family photography packages.

Welcoming a new tiny human into the world is a huge step. So be sure to give this milestone the recognition it deserves with a professional photoshoot.

Perfocal's photography packages are simple and affordable, which means you can immortalise these ever-so-precious moments without spending a small fortune.

We guarantee a fast and simple online booking, a top-notch professional photographer who'll travel to meet you at the location of your choice, and a 48-hour photo delivery every time.  

At Perfocal, we always go the extra mile to give you family photos that you can proudly display on your wall for years to come.

• Isla's Snapshots for Tiny Twins
• Adorable family shoot, from pregnancy to infancy
• Summer maternity shoot in Bromley

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world up in ways we could never imagine. The virus not only forced us to retreat into our homes, but it forced us to become increasingly isolated from our friends, family, and broader social networks.

With that being said, however, COVID-19 has not been able to stand in the way of love. Even though many couples across the globe were forced to postpone their nuptials or reevaluate wedding plans, this hasn't stopped the most resilient of couples from celebrating their love.

One example of such a couple is that of Mariko and her now-husband. Lovely Mariko contacted Perfocal back in early 2021 when she was looking for a wedding photographer who would be capable of capturing her more intimate wedding celebration.

Despite the fact that COVID-19 restrictions limited the number of guests allowed, this couple wasn't going to allow a pandemic to put a dampener on their big day. They were to find a professional photographer who would capture the magic of their love under what could be said to be the most unique of circumstances.

Within a few hours of getting in touch with Perfocal, we connected Mariko with Mark, an experienced photographer. He specialises in shooting weddings and engagement ceremonies.

Type of shoot: Wedding

Location: Limehouse, London

Package: 3 hours (£279)

Add-ons: None

Photographer: Mark C

From the moment Mark touched base with Mariko, she could tell he was the right photographer for the job. He had an instant rapport with both Mariko and her husband, putting them at ease.

On the day of the wedding, Mark arrived at the stunning church venue ahead of time to assess the location and establish the best angles for the shots.

During the intimate wedding ceremony, Mark managed to be a discreet presence where he strategically captured all beautiful moments of the nuptials.

From Mariko adjusting her husband's buttonhole to the couple's smiling as they said their vows, Mark managed to catch some stunning candid images.

After the proceedings, Mark went on to have the couple and their small wedding party pose for some formal photos outside the wonderful church venue.

All in all, being witness to Mariko's fantastic wedding was an absolute privilege for Perfocal, and we are absolutely delighted that Mariko chose us to play a part in memorialising the highlights of their big day.

We wish this wonderful couple all the best as they embark on their next chapter together as man and wife.

Thanks to a successful vaccine rollout, COVID restrictions are slowly being lifted, and weddings are beginning to go ahead!

If you are planning on tying the knot and looking to get a professional photographer to capture the highlights of your big day, check out Perfocal's broad range of wedding packages.

Getting married is a pivotal moment in a person's life. Be sure to do those memories justice by having a professional do the job.

Perfocal's photography packages are simple and affordable, which means you can have someone capture those special moments on camera without having to fork out a small fortune.

We guarantee a fast and simple online booking, a top-class professional photographer who'll travel to meet you at the location of your choice, and a 48-hour photo delivery every time.  

At Perfocal, we promise to go the extra mile to ensure you have beautiful wedding photographs that the family can look back on in years to come.

See more real Perfocal wedding shoots:

• Chane’s Whimsical Wedding
• Alex and Sabrina's fairytale London wedding
• Kris' contemporary Manchester wedding