THE MARBLE STAIRCASE
13th April 2023
Stockport Town Hall is a popular choice for a variety of couples due to its fantastic location and versatility as a venue. There are multiple rooms in which to get married. The Bennett's chose "The Marble Staircase" which certainly did not disappoint.
About the venue - a photographer's POV
Although elegant and beautiful, any photographer that has worked here before knows the venue can prove difficult to photograph. As photographers, we work with light and the light that enters the room during the ceremony shines mostly from the windows upstairs. On a bright, sunny day this creates a brighter environment and casts dramatic shadows through the grand stained glass windows. On a dull day - well it's just neither here nor there.
The couple stand either at the bottom or middle of the staircase during the ceremony, with the registrar to the side. Guests are sat further back into the room, some behind large marble pillars. As a photographer, you definitely need to get your positions and angles perfected in this space.
Prep space
There's an impressive room for which the bride (or groom) can sit and take a minute before their entrance. Here, a few legalities will be covered before the wedding (during an interview) and afterwards the photographer can spend 5(ish) minutes creating a magical pre-wedding moment. If you were really hoping for a few 'prep' moments but not a full day of photography, this space is perfect for this!
The Ceremony
Photographers - it's important to pick a spot for the ceremony and generally stick with it. Otherwise, you could end up being a distraction whilst climbing up and down the stairs which are ultimately 'centre stage'. I tend to move during the natural transitions of the ceremony, such as 'the ring exchange' and 'signing of the documents'. You'll also have to pick a side for the bride or groom's entrance. Unless you have a second photographer of course.
The doors at the back of the ceremony room open up after the ceremony, allowing the couple to 'exit'. This is a great opportunity to have a moment to yourselves as newlyweds and allow your photographer to arrange your guests if you plan on having a confetti throw.
Confetti
Confetti can be done on the outside steps - ideal if you are a smaller party. If there's quite a few of you, there is the option of the grass to the left-hand side of the hall. Perfect on a sunny day!
Group Photographs
Group photographs can be taken on the staircase inside, but be aware of how many guests you have and the time. The venue can be busy - especially at weekends, and a 15 minute gap generally will not suffice for a combination of group photographs. If you are wanting group photographs on the staircase and have enough time, I'd highly recommend keeping your combinations on the smaller side, for example five shots of groups of up to eight people. This allows for everybody to be seen (and not squashed) in the photo! Photographers - that light that shines from the top of the staircase will be of no use for group shots on the staircase. So make sure you bring a flash or video light.
You can also get a few of the group shots during or after the signing of the marriage.
And here's an impromptu full guest shot from outside. (Yes, I did run over to the crossing in the middle of the road for this...
The Newlyweds
And finally, when the guests are off to the next venue (or head back inside) to celebrate, there's a little time for the newlyweds.
So, if you're looking for a wedding photographer to capture your special day at Stockport Town Hall, why not get in touch to see if I have availability on your date? I've photographed this venue multiple times before, and every wedding here brings something different and unique!
My ceremony-only package (up to two hours of photography) is perfect for capturing the essence of your day but if you're wanting to capture that little bit more why not opt for my half-day or full day package?
I'd love to hear all about your plans!