Unlike a lot of registry offices, St Albans Registry Office benefits from its own gardens, which are beautiful in all seasons, so there’s plenty of options for photos on site. But, I can also recommend some a little further afield.

St Albans Registry Office Gardens | 0 minute walk

As you turn right out of the main building, you’ll follow a little path to a walled garden, with plenty of space for your photos, a mix of trees, a stone bench, and even a medieval looking door.

St Albans Registry Office Entrance & Rose Gardens | 0 minute walk

This is literally outside the building. Did you know St Albans Registry Office used to be a prison and the main doors were used in the opening to TV’s Porridge? Closing those massive black doors makes for a gorgeous backdrop for portraits and confetti. You may also fancy a quick snap with the cannon. And during the summer, the roses that surround the entrance make for absolutely beautiful photos.

Sopwell Nunnery | 5 minute drive

Sopwell Nunnery is my absolute favourite photo spot near St Albans Registry Office. It is walkable, but I’d recommend hopping in a car (I’m happy to drive you, if you forewarn me so I can make sure my car is dog hair free!). Unlike most of St Albans, there’s free parking right in front, making it the perfect stop off to your reception venue.

The ruins of a Tudor Mansion from the 1500s make for a romantic and rustic backdrop for your couple portraits. Plus, an open spot of greenery, often dotted with daisies.

Bonus, I’ve literally never seen this place busy, even in perfect weather, so you’ll likely have no audience.

Verulmaium Park | 5 minute drive

A St Albans classic, if you grew up here like me, you probably spent a lot of time in Verulamium. Now, practically speaking we don’t want to traipse through the heart of the park, but, the lower portion of the park tends to be much quieter and right next to the gym carpark. This place is wonderful for photos because there’s loads of open green space, weeping willow trees, hedgerows of wild flowers, narrow paths along the river and a cute little bridge.

St Albans Cathedral & Surroundings | 10 minute drive

St Albans Cathedral is iconic and surrounded by gorgeous architecture, like The Great Gateway of the Monastery and neighbouring walled garden. Practically speaking, this one is a little trickier because parking by the cathedral is in high demand (although, in theory there is parking just by the cathedral if we get lucky). Often this works best when my couples have someone else driving so they can stay in the car. Or, if you’re driving yourself, consider parking in Gombards and walking over.

I’m a St Albans native, so if you need recommendations for local venues for an intimate wedding reception, I’ve got you.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

It’s the oldest pub in Britain, dontcha know. The Fighting Cocks fills me with memories of how steep that hill felt in my teen years after a few vodka oranges. But, it’s also hosted some of my absolute favourite wedding receptions. That beer garden is the perfect spot for a summer barbecue and those low ceilings make for a dancefloor where you feel like no one’s watching.

The Loft

This restaurant boasts some old world charm with a cosy courtyard and exposes beams. An absolute favourite, great food, lovely staff and enough space for a bit of a dance.

The Craft & Cleaver

As a vegetarian, suggesting a smokehouse maybe seems strange, but, I love it here. It’s a gorgeous space, with neon signs, industrial vibes and a courtyard to make the most of good weather.

St Michaels Manor

Want a classic wedding venue? St Michaels Manor is a beautiful hotel, with stunning grounds and a lake.

At Home

I always want to give an at home wedding a shout out because they’re so much fun. I know having your reception in your backgarden feels like it’s only for people with land, but, I promise it works in a “normal” garden too.