More and more couples getting married in London in 2026 are quietly rewriting the rulebook. Instead of squeezing everything into one day, they are choosing to split things up.
The legal bit happens at one of London’s beautiful town halls with just their closest people, followed by a separate celebration later on. For many couples, this approach feels calmer, more personal, and far more intentional. As a London wedding photographer specialising in town hall weddings, elopements, and celebrant led weddings, I see this approach growing every year.
If you are planning a London town hall wedding or elopement in 2026, this guide is for you.
Why couples are separating the legal ceremony and the celebration
London town halls are iconic, but they are also practical. Ceremony slots are short, guest numbers are limited, and the focus is on the legalities rather than the flow of a full wedding day.
By separating the legal ceremony from the celebration, couples get the best of both worlds.You get a meaningful, low pressure moment to actually get married, followed by a celebration that can look however you want it to. That might be a celebrant led wedding in a warehouse, a restaurant wedding, a weekend away, or a big party months later. From a photography point of view, this approach allows your town hall wedding photography to feel relaxed and intentional, without rushing through important moments
What does the legal bit actually look like?
The legal ceremony is exactly that. The paperwork, the vows required by law, and the moment you are officially married. Most London town halls offer ceremony slots of around 20 to 30 minutes. There is usually time before or after for photographs inside the building and just outside, which is where town hall wedding photography really comes into its own.
This is where two hour wedding photography coverage works perfectly for a London elopement or town hall wedding. It allows time for the ceremony itself, relaxed portraits, group photos with your witnesses or closest people, and a wander nearby if the location allows.
London Town Halls that are perfect for the legal bit
London has some genuinely stunning town halls, each with its own personality. These are some of my favourite locations as a London town hall wedding photographer.
Islington Town Hall
Islington Town Hall is one of the most popular choices for a London town hall wedding, and for very good reason. It feels grand without being stuffy, is full of light, and is beautifully looked after.
The Council Chamber is a favourite for couples wanting something elegant and timeless, while the smaller rooms work perfectly for more intimate London elopements.
Outside, the steps and surrounding streets are ideal for relaxed, documentary style wedding photography.
Old Chelsea Town Hall
Chelsea Town Hall feels classic and understated. Clean lines, calm interiors, and a real sense of occasion without ever feeling overwhelming.
It is particularly popular with couples planning a small London town hall wedding followed by lunch or drinks nearby. The surrounding streets work beautifully for natural, candid wedding photography.
Old Marylebone Town Hall
Old Marylebone Town Hall is an icon of London elopement photography. Those confetti moments on the steps are instantly recognisable.
Inside, the ceremony rooms feel warm and traditional. Outside, it is lively, joyful, and full of energy. It is ideal for couples planning a short legal ceremony with a longer celebration later on.
Old Marylebone Town Hall is an icon of London elopement photography. Those confetti moments on the steps are instantly recognisable.
Inside, the ceremony rooms feel warm and traditional. Outside, it is lively, joyful, and full of energy. It is ideal for couples planning a short legal ceremony with a longer celebration later on.
Hackney Town Hall
Hackney Town Hall is known for its stunning art deco interiors and strong sense of character. It is a brilliant choice for couples looking for something a little different from a traditional London town hall wedding.
From a photography perspective, it offers bold backdrops and plenty of options for relaxed portraits.
Photography for the legal bit, why two hours works so well
For couples, two hours of wedding photography coverage is ideal for a London town hall wedding or elopement. It allows time for: Arrival and guests gathering, the legal ceremony itself, group photos with witnesses or immediate family, natural, relaxed portraits, and time to soak it all in without being rushed.
Two hour town hall wedding photography keeps things simple and cost effective, while still giving you a complete and meaningful set of images.
The celebration later, celebrant led and completely personal
Once the legal bit is done, many couples go on to plan a celebrant led wedding that reflects who they are and how they want their wedding to feel.
Celebrant led weddings are written from scratch, centred around your story, and designed to flow naturally. This is usually where couples book longer wedding photography coverage, from a few hours through to a full day, depending on the celebration.
From a storytelling point of view, celebrant led wedding photography allows space, emotion, and connection to shine.
Planning a London wedding in 2026 and doing things differently?
If you are planning a London town hall wedding, elopement, or legal ceremony in 2026, and you are separating the legal bit from the celebration, I would love to hear about it. I offer relaxed two hour wedding photography coverage for London town hall ceremonies, Check out my wedding photography packages as well as longer coverage options for celebrant led weddings and celebrations later on