By Alex Beckett Photography

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Of course, Old Marylebone Town Hall is an extremely busy wedding venue, with many couples getting married there on the same day. However, they are really incredible at managing this and making each couple feel special. As a photographer, if I'm shooting a wedding at Old Marylebone Town Hall, I know I will be a little time constricted but that they're not going to be hurrying us out of the door and off the steps as some venues seem to. Lots of my couples hold their civil ceremony in one of the rooms here: each has its own ambience from the pretty painted Soho and Pimlico Rooms to the warmth of the oak in the Paddington and Marylebone Rooms, and the more modern and bright Mayfair Room; with the legal particulars done, they then host a large wedding reception, and possibly a second ceremony, at a big country house wedding venue. Recently, some of my couples getting married at Old Marylebone Town Hall with just their closest family and friends in attendance, have moved onto one of the great London hotels nearby, such as The Landmark, for afternoon tea (with champagne for the toasts!) to celebrate in quiet elegance.

No matter how many times I return, I always love to take the classic post-wedding photograph on the steps at Old Marylebone Town Hall. It's the confetti shot that always seems to be full of exuberant happiness, where passing London seems to smile and offer support to the newly-weds. I particularly love the fact that you can marry in the most intimate of ceremonies but still have an absolutely iconic shot taken here to commemorate your special day - that the building ensures there's a real sense of occasion, no matter how few the guests. And, of course, you're holding your wedding in the heart of London, which opens up lots of other photographic locations...

The great thing about Old Marylebone Town Hall weddings is that we're right in the centre of London with opportunities for some quiet time-out, taking photographs to commemorate the day in nearby Regent's Park. It's so simple to walk up the road and take some special images in the first official moments of marriage in this green sanctuary. It also allows a couple a moment to let it all sink in. And of course I've photographed a number of weddings where guests have been transported from the steps of the town hall to wherever the reception is being held in an iconic red London bus.

Postscript from an Old Marylebone Town Hall Wedding Photographer