Lucy and Georgina’s intimate wedding at Burton Registration Office was a beautiful, relaxed celebration in the heart of Burton upon Trent, with a cosy evening reception at the Spread Eagle in Rolleston.
They selected my half-day (5-hour) wedding photography package, which is perfect for shorter wedding timelines, or where you want the key moments from your day documented, without committing to a full-day of photography.
“Grant was phenomenal in every possible aspect. He guided us through each step comfortably and supportively. He made expectations clear and still exceeded them. He gave the impression of melting out of the walls anytime a photo opportunity came up, somehow simultaneously omnipresent and unobstrusive. On top of all of that they are the most stunning photos! I cannot recommend his work highly enough.”
Burton Upon Trent Registration Office Wedding Photography
Burton Registration Office is set in the picturesque Washlands area of Burton upon Trent, overlooking the River Trent, next-door to Burton Library and the Washlands Water Tower. Just a few minutes from the town centre, it’s a great location for couples planning their ceremony in Burton upon Trent, and can accommodate around 50 people, which is compact but perfectly sized for most ceremonies.
Photographing the Ceremony at Burton Registrations
From the moment Lucy and Georgina walked down the aisle together, the room was full of happy smiles. Their ceremony was short (around 15 mins), yet full of love and emotion. During moments like these, I focus not only on the couple, but also on the reactions of their guests - documenting those genuine smiles, laughter, and happy tears that help tell the complete story of the day.
Once the ceremony was complete, and they were officially announced as wife and wife, we headed outside, where Lucy and Georgina were congratulated by their friends and family. I then organised everyone for a handful of group photographs. I always work with my couples ahead of time to determine whether group photos are desired, and who will be in them. I typically recommend limiting this to 5-6 different combinations, to keep the day flowing, and to place more emphasis on the documentary coverage.
Couples Portraits
Whilst the wedding party headed off to the pub, I took Lucy and Georgina for some relaxed portraits in the surrounding grounds, which included a circuit of Hay Walk and Andresey Bridge - only a stones throw from the registry office, and make great backdrops for post ceremony photos.
My approach is documentary-led, so I avoid overly staged moments, or awkward posing, instead taking a more natural approach. I gently guide my couples, starting with a short walk together so they can feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, before pausing for a few lightly posed portraits, where I will give gentle direction as needed.
This time together is often the first quiet moment of the day that you get as newlyweds, so I always encourage my couples to take a moment to appreciate this moment of calm together. We only needed around 20 minutes together, before heading off to their evening reception venue, to re-join their guests.
Pub Wedding Reception Photography at the Spread Eagle, Rolleston
The evening reception took place at The Spread Eagle, in the charming village of Rolleston on Dove, just a short drive from Burton upon Trent.
This cosy, historic pub sits on the main bridge, and dates back to the 16th century. Over the years, it has served as a schoolhouse, and even a local court before becoming a pub - eventually becoming The Spread Eagle in 1851, as it’s now known. It’s believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the village, making it a unique and characterful wedding reception venue.
Lucy and Georgina booked the upstairs private function room, which includes its own bar and staff, conveniently situated above the main pub, where all of their guests were waiting for their grand entrance together…
Tip - Irrespective of size of venue, a private/integrated bar is a great choice if your venue allows for it, as it helps to keep your guests together and maintain the atmosphere throughout the evening!
A Perfect Start To The Season for this Staffordshire based Wedding Photographer
This was such a relaxed and enjoyable wedding to photograph, and a brilliant way to kick off the busy wedding season ahead, even better when working in my home town of Burton Upon Trent. Intimate weddings like this are always a great reminder that you don’t need to plan a huge wedding to have an amazing day, and create meaningful memories with your loved ones - just ensure you have a professional photographer there to document it for you!
If you like what you see, and you’re planning your own wedding, please contact me today to check availability, and to see more of my work, click here.
Congratulations again to Lucy and Georgina, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!
