If you've found yourself here because you're planning a wedding at Brighton Town Hall, firstly – congratulations!
I photograph intimate weddings and registry office ceremonies across Sussex, and Brighton Town Hall is one of my favourite places to work. It's right in the heart of the city, with so many incredible photo opportunities just a short walk away, and it's perfect for couples who want a relaxed wedding day without all the fuss of a traditional wedding.
Yvette and Darren's June wedding was exactly that.
They chose a ceremony in the beautiful Regency Room at Brighton Town Hall before celebrating with their closest family and friends at the Leonardo Hotel Brighton. They weren't interested in spending hours away from their guests or turning their wedding into one long photoshoot – they simply wanted to get married, spend time with the people they love and have beautiful photographs to remember it all.
A Ceremony That Was All About Family
One of the things I loved most about Yvette and Darren's wedding was just how personal it felt.
Yvette's eldest son had the honour of walking her down the aisle, which was such an emotional moment for everyone in the room.
During the ceremony, all three of their children took part in readings before becoming the official witnesses to their marriage. It was such a lovely reminder that intimate weddings often create space for the moments that matter most.
There was another really special touch too.
The registrar conducting the ceremony wasn't just any registrar – she was Darren's aunt's partner. Having someone they already knew made the ceremony feel even warmer and more personal, and you could really feel that throughout the room.
A Few Things I'd Tell Any Couple Getting Married at Brighton Town Hall
Having photographed weddings here, there are a few little things that are really worth knowing before your day.
Don't miss the staircase photographs
If you've seen photographs taken on the beautiful staircase inside Brighton Town Hall and you'd love some yourself, make sure you mention it to your photographer before your ceremony.
Once your ceremony has finished, couples are usually escorted outside, and in most cases you won't be able to go back into the building afterwards.
Depending on your registrar, you may be able to stop for a couple of quick photographs on the staircase before heading out for confetti, or immediately afterwards before leaving the building. Every registrar manages things slightly differently, so it's always worth asking on the day.
It's such a simple thing, but if nobody tells you beforehand, it's really easy to miss.
If you're having the ceremony livestreamed...
Brighton Town Hall offers a livestream option for guests who can't attend in person, which is a lovely way to include family and friends.
It's worth knowing, though, that the livestream equipment does affect where your photographer can stand during the ceremony.
It doesn't stop us capturing everything that's important, but it does mean we have to work within the space that's available. Knowing in advance that you've chosen the livestream means I can plan for it and make sure we still capture all those emotional moments from the best possible angles.
Twenty Minutes Was All We Needed
After the ceremony, hugs and confetti outside the Regency Room, we headed off for portraits.
Yvette and Darren knew exactly what they wanted.
They weren't interested in walking all over Brighton ticking off landmarks. They wanted to stay close to the Town Hall, spend as much time with their guests as possible and have photographs on the beach with Brighton Pier and the promenade in the background.
We had around twenty minutes together.
That's it.
And honestly? That's often all you need.
One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding photography is that you have to disappear for hours to get beautiful photographs. You really don't.
By keeping things simple, staying in one location and making the most of Brighton's incredible seafront, we created a gallery full of relaxed, natural photographs before heading back to continue celebrating.
Celebrating at the Leonardo Hotel Brighton
After our short walk along the seafront, everyone made their way to the Leonardo Hotel Brighton for the reception.
Choosing a reception venue close to Brighton Town Hall keeps the whole day feeling really relaxed. Guests don't have to travel far, there's no long gap between the ceremony and celebrations, and you get to spend more time enjoying your wedding instead of worrying about logistics.
It's something I'd always recommend if you're planning a Brighton Town Hall wedding.
Photography That Fits Around Your Day
Yvette and Darren booked three hours of photography, which worked perfectly for their plans.
Although my most popular collections are two, four and six hours, I know every wedding is different.
That's why I'm always happy to create a bespoke package if your plans don't quite fit those options.
Whether you're planning a ceremony for just the two of you, a small family celebration or something completely unique, I'd much rather help you find the right amount of coverage than squeeze your day into a package that doesn't quite fit.
Planning Your Own Brighton Town Hall Wedding?
If you're planning an intimate wedding at Brighton Town Hall, I'd absolutely love to hear about it.
Registry office weddings have such a special place in my heart. They're relaxed, meaningful and completely centred around what matters most – the two of you.
If that sounds like the kind of wedding you're planning, get in touch. I'd love to help tell your story.
Chelsea's Brighton Town Hall Tips
✓ If you want photographs on the iconic staircase, mention it before your ceremony – you probably won't be able to go back inside afterwards.
✓ If you've booked the ceremony livestream, let your photographer know beforehand so they can plan around the camera setup.
✓ You don't need hours for couple portraits. Yvette and Darren's beach and Brighton Pier photographs took around twenty minutes.
✓ If you're having a reception afterwards, choosing somewhere central like the Leonardo Hotel Brighton keeps the day flowing beautifully.
✓ Most importantly, don't feel like your wedding has to follow a traditional timeline. One of the best things about Brighton Town Hall weddings is that they can be completely your own.
