Photography during a civil ceremony (North Yokshire)

suzybaby2001

Hi All,
We gave notice last week and have received our ceremony pack with vows to pick from/how to structure the civil ceremony etc. We are getting married in a hotel in Harrogate, however it says that no photography is permitted throughout the ceremony as this "may be distracting and the registrars wish to maintain the dignity of the occasion". I'm gutted, I've heard of this in churches but not for a civil ceremony. I've seen the previous work of our photographer and there are gorgeous pictures of exchanging the rings etc. Has anyone had a civil ceremony in North Yorkshire and has this rule been enforced?

McKneff

i dont think it means that no pictures from the moment everyone is in the room. As for taking pictures during the ceremony you cant really be seriously wanting to take pictures while the registrar is talking or the bride and groom making their vows!!!!
you will be able to take pictures the moment the ceremoney is over whilst still in the room ie alongside the flowers etc and with members of family.
Ring them to clarify matters, i dont think you will be disappointed.
Good luck to you both. (im not very far away, i live in ripon

paddingtondoo

We got married at Coniston Hall in North Yorkshire in August - our photographer took photos all the way through the ceremony and some of them are fantastic - the facial expressions are priceless. :rotfl: Didn't know anything about the "rule" was it in the registrars stuff or from your venue?

It wasn't distracting at all in fact other than the posed register shots I didn't even know he'd taken them until we got the pictures back.

Our registrar was from the Settle office, was really lovely and friendly and even worked on a Monday which is normally her day off - give them a ring and see what they say.

suzybaby2001

paddingtondoo wrote: »

We got married at Coniston Hall in North Yorkshire in August - our photographer took photos all the way through the ceremony and some of them are fantastic - the facial expressions are priceless. :rotfl: Didn't know anything about the "rule" was it in the registrars stuff or from your venue?

It wasn't distracting at all in fact other than the posed register shots I didn't even know he'd taken them until we got the pictures back.

Our registrar was from the Settle office, was really lovely and friendly and even worked on a Monday which is normally her day off - give them a ring and see what they say.

Hi,
it was in the pack that they sent when we gave notice, on the back page.
thanks for your help!

ians5

Hi
Clearly your photographer has worked during ceremonies before, speak to him / her as he/she may know the officiant and their personal quirks from previous weddings they have covered together. Despite the statement being in the official paperwork I doubt this is any official ruling, more an advisory thing. It may also be aimed more at guest photography than pro.

Also, I have been aware of photographers who rush about, up and down the aisle snapping frantically during the ceremony, I guess this is what they are trying to avoid. Any photographer worth his salt will have spoken to the officient when they arrive (while you're still getting ready) and explained the kind of photography and places they would like to be in, so both they and you get the most from your day. This is what you are paying them for, not just some pictures but to organise the pictures !

once I have explained that I dont use flash and will stay pretty much in one position, there is rarely a problem, even with the old battle-axes.

Dont worry about it, go talk to your photographer (AKA wedding planner / organiser / go-between / peacifist)

paddingtondoo

suzybaby2001 wrote: »

Hi,
it was in the pack that they sent when we gave notice, on the back page.
thanks for your help!

Can't have read that .

We got married in a really small room that only held 30 people - even the bridesmaids had to stand.

As Ian said - I expect our photographer had a word with the registrar first and he didn't use flash and was in one position all the way through - off to the side at the front.

karen_newcastle

This is where you need to make sure you photographer CAN take photos without flash. You need the correct equipment to take sharp photos in low light - which most pros have but not all!! When booking a photographer ask to see examples of their work where they've had to shoot in low light situations without flash. This will soon sort the wheat from the chaff!

talulahbeige_2

When I investigated booking our wedding in Scarborough I saw that and took it to mean that guests cant take pictures. It would be awful to have flashes going from various guests. I

Yorkygirl

we got married at the Sun Pavillion in Harrogate and our photographer took pics and we also had a friend recording it, hope that helps

Brenny

I recently attended a wedding where I was NOT allowed to take photographs during the service. I managed to get the groom's face whilst the bride was approaching, and the kiss at the end (together with a "look" from the registrar ) so not too bad.

If your photographer has a long lens then may be able to sneak a few more in......

avidcameraman

Hi I Photographed paddingtondoo's wedding at coniston hall near Skipton( also Yorshire might not been the same area) and there was no problem with me taking pictures during the ceremony, I simply talked to the registrar before as Ian said and explained what and where I wanted to be.

I always check with the registrar and in Ten years of wedding photography I have never had a no, some say not at certain times.. Some even stand back so I get a better picture..

It's normally so there not all the guest flashing away while your making your vows...

I sure you'll be ok but its worth asking your photographer or ask the registrar and don't forget your paying for this service and the customer is always right... It is up to the registrar so explain it is important to you and Im sure you be allowed..