The Best Registry Offices in Warwickshire: A Guide to Picturesque UK Wedding Venues

As a wedding photographer who regularly captures intimate ceremonies, I thought it would be helpful to provide more information about some of the best registry offices in Warwickshire and surrounding areas. These venues are not only among the prettiest registry offices in the UK but also offer excellent options for civil marriages in beautiful and historic settings.

The Henley Room Registry Office, Stratford upon Avon

One of the most popular and beautiful registry offices in the UK is the Henley Room, in Stratford upon Avon. This Stratford upon Avon registry office is a top choice for couples seeking Stratford upon Avon wedding venues due to its central location and attractive features. The room itself is a wood-panelled space with exposed wooden beams, housed in a historic building showcasing stunning Tudor architecture.

Another great reason for choosing the Henley Room Stratford upon Avon is its proximity to the River Avon, with the Bancroft Gardens providing ideal photo opportunities. The surrounding picturesque streets offer perfect backdrops for wedding photography, and there are numerous high-quality hotels and restaurants nearby for intimate wedding receptions. My favorites include the White Swan Hotel, located just a few minutes' walk from the Henley Street Stratford upon Avon location. This atmospheric pub, over 600 years old, features the lovely Capulet and Montague Rooms for hire. The Hotel Indigo on Chapel Street is another excellent choice with recently refurbished meeting rooms.

What are the downsides of the Henley Room Registry Office? Firstly, it lacks dedicated parking. There's a drop-off point for wedding cars on Guild Street, but you and your guests will need to find alternative parking. I recommend Windsor Street Car Park, a few minutes' walk from CV37 6NL. The biggest challenge for weddings at this venue is traffic; Stratford upon Avon, home to Shakespeare's Birthplace, is a popular tourist destination, and summer days can be particularly congested. I always allow at least an extra half hour for travel when covering weddings here. The room has a seating capacity of 31 guests, with a small step at the entrance that disabled guests should be aware of.

Wedding Blog Posts for the Henley Room

The Judges House Registry Office, Warwick

A new addition to Warwick's registry office options, the Judges House is situated next to the Historic Old Shire Hall, which housed Warwick Crown Court from 1776 until 2011. Located on Northgate Street, one of Warwickshire's most attractive streets, this venue offers a choice of three magnificent ceremony rooms: The Judges' Drawing Room, The Judges' Dining Room, and the High Sheriffs Office. All rooms feature striking portraits adorning the walls, with each space boasting a unique color scheme. My personal favorite is the white-walled High Sheriff's Office.

Like other central locations, there's no allocated parking, and Warwick can be challenging for finding parking spaces. The nearest paid car park is New Street Car Park (CV34 4RX), though it's quite small. Barrack Street car park is open for public parking on weekends. The venue can accommodate 45-100 guests and offers gardens to the rear, as well as disabled access.

St Johns House Registry Office, Warwick

Formerly housing Warwick Museum, this building has been cleverly repurposed as a new registration office for weddings. Set in a Jacobean Mansion, this registry office provides two rooms for wedding ceremonies: a large room for 40 guests and a smaller room for micro weddings with space for 8 guests. Both rooms feature wood panelling, grand fireplaces, and elegant chandeliers, opening out into the gardens for wedding photos.

Access for wedding car drop-offs is best via St Johns Close to the side of the Mansion. However, like all Warwick registry offices, there's no onsite parking for guests. St Nicolas Park Car Park (CV34 4QY) is located nearby and offers long-stay rates, but it can get busy, especially during summer months.

Reception Venues in Warwick

Warwick, like Stratford upon Avon, offers excellent restaurants and hotels for wedding receptions. The Alderson House on the High Street is an excellent choice for larger weddings, boasting a large, air-conditioned dining room ideal for escaping hot sunny days. The Warwick Arms Hotel, also on the High Street, is centrally located with excellent facilities and rooms. Thomas Oken Tea Rooms, close to the Pageant House, is ideal for afternoon tea, while The Court House is perfect for those looking to hire a space and arrange their own catering. The Court House features a large ballroom on the first floor and the smaller Chambers Room for hire at ground level.

The Bodicote House Ceremony Room Registry Office, Bodicote near Banbury

Although this blog post focuses on Warwickshire Registry Offices, Bodicote House, just over the border in Oxfordshire, is worth mentioning. It offers something that none of the Warwickshire venues do: car parking. I've visited this registry office several times; the ceremony room is located in a former dining room, featuring an ornate fireplace and oak panelling. The room opens out into spacious private gardens with Bodicote House itself as a backdrop, along with attractive outbuildings and arches ideal for wedding photography. The room offers disabled access, public toilets, and space for 48 guests. Dovecote Events is an excellent local venue for Bodicote House, accommodating both Barn Weddings and Tipis.

Conclusion

Getting married at one of these beautiful registry offices in the UK offers flexibility for those seeking an intimate, understated wedding at attractive venues while keeping costs down compared to a traditional big white wedding. These picturesque registry offices provide excellent backdrops for civil marriages and unforgettable photo opportunities.

The Warwickshire Registration Service offers a range of options for couples looking to tie the knot in historic buildings with central locations. Whether you choose the Tudor charm of the Henley Room in Stratford upon Avon or the elegant wood-panelled rooms of Warwick's registry offices, you're sure to find a venue that suits your style and needs.

We offer a flexible two-hour wedding photography package that is ideal for registry office weddings. Depending on your onward venue, half-day and all-day wedding photography packages are also available. If you would like to learn more about our wedding photography options for these beautiful registry offices in the UK, please contact us.