| Policy on Photography at Civil Marriages and Civil Partnership Ceremonies |
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| Warwickshire Registration Service aims to provide an excellent service every time, that meets the individual needs and wishes of our clients. Our policy on photography at civil marriage and partnership ceremonies is intended to reflect the importance of the formal and legal aspects of the ceremony and the central role of the bride and groom or partners in the event. |
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| We understand that clients do wish to have a photographic record of their event, and we aim to work with them and professional photographers to make this possible, without detracting from the enjoyment of the formal ceremony. |
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| Photography will only be permitted at the following points in the civil ceremony: |
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| Entrance of bride, bride and groom or partners (up to the point at which the registrar speaks, to start the formal ceremony) |
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| Exchange or giving of ring(s) | |
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| Bride & groom or partners kiss / embrace | |
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| Signing of register or civil partnership schedule. Please note that no photographs are allowed of the signing of the actual register/schedule in which the marriage or partnership is recorded – a dummy or blank page is provided if this is required. |
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| Signing the register signals the end of the formal ceremony. There is no limitation on photographs after this point, but please be aware that there may be another wedding scheduled immediately after the current one ends, so the wedding party may be asked to move to the garden/antechamber. |
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| Please note we will not pause the formal part of the ceremony, once it has begun, to pose for photographs. It is our intention that the pace of the ceremony should enable sufficient time for photographs to be taken at the above points without holding up the proceedings. |
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| Guests and family members are required not to take photographs during the ceremony. The Registrar will inform the assembled guests of this prior to the start of the ceremony. |
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| Flash photography can be disruptive for the Registrar, readers, bride and groom or partners. However, we recognise that in some of our approved premises, flash photography may be required occasionally in certain areas. Photographers will need to agree this with the Registrar in advance of the ceremony if flash is thought to be needed. |
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| Photographers are requested to move around as little as possible during the formal part of the ceremony, in order not to distract from the central role of bride & groom or partners. Our Registrars will make every effort to speak to photographers before the ceremony starts, and agree with them an appropriate position in the room from which photographs may best be taken. |
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Video recordings may be taken throughout the ceremony, provided that arrangements have been made with the Superintendent Registrar prior to the day of the ceremony. Only one video camera may be used during a marriage ceremony. The equipment must be battery operated and mounted on a stand, or the operator must remain still during the ceremony. The recording may only be made using the light available, no artificial lighting is permitted. Please note that the actual register/schedule signed by the bride & groom or partners cannot be videoed. The Superintendent Registrar may ask any photographer or video camera operator to leave the marriage room at any time if the above guidelines are not followed.
Warwickshire County Council does not accept responsibility for any damage or loss to any equipment or any damage caused to video recordings, or photographic films. |
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| If you have any queries about this policy, please contact Sylvia Benton, Superintendent Registrar, on 01926 413724 or by e-mailing her at warwickro@warwickshire.gov.uk |