Wedding photographers at Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Hall Wedding Photographer
Tommy and Laurene are award winning husband and wife photographers, capturing relaxed, natural photographs of small weddings at Belfast City Hall. Both of us at every wedding.
- Based inLisburn, Co. Antrim
- TeamHusband and wife
- CoverageTwo photographers
- Gallery deliveredWithin six weeks
- Coverage options2 or 4 hours
Lisburn · Husband and wife team
Photographers who know Belfast City Hall inside out
Belfast City Hall is one of the most photogenic wedding venues in Northern Ireland, and it is a favourite of ours. The marble staircases, the Rotunda dome, the stonework and the city centre setting. It all looks beautiful in any weather, which matters in Belfast.
A City Hall ceremony runs to a clock. Ceremonies start on the hour, there is a short window for photographs on the staircase, and your guests are usually a small, close group. That suits the way we work. Quietly, calmly, always a step ahead, so you can be present while we take care of the rest. We have photographed weddings here, and we know how to plan the day around the council timings.
We are a husband and wife team, and we have been photographing weddings across Northern Ireland since 2014. At City Hall that means one of us is with you as you walk in, while the other is watching your partner's face. Looking for more in the city? Have a look at our Belfast wedding photographer page too.
Relaxed, natural photography, planned around your ceremony time.
Recognition
Award winning wedding photographers
Iconic locations
The best places to photograph at Belfast City Hall
As Belfast City Hall wedding photographers, we know where the light falls best, which spots are most dramatic, and where couples look most natural. Here are the places we love most.
The Grand Staircase
The most iconic spot in the building. Dramatic, architectural and generous with its space, the Grand Staircase photographs beautifully in almost any light. It is where most couples have their staircase photographs after the ceremony, and it gives you that sweeping, timeless feel straight away.
The White Staircase
Softer and more romantic than its grander neighbour, the White Staircase is a favourite for quieter portraits of just the two of you. The pale stone and gentle light give your photographs a calm, elegant look, with plenty of room to move naturally.
The Rotunda
Look up and the Rotunda dome does the work for you. It is perfect for wide, dramatic frames that show off the scale of the building, and it keeps its character on the greyest Belfast day, so you can count on beautiful photographs whatever the weather does.
The Grounds and Belfast City Centre
Step outside and the stonework of City Hall, the gardens and the buzz of Belfast city centre give you a different feel again. Relaxed, natural portraits with the building behind you, and a lovely way to celebrate with your guests once the ceremony is done.
Planning your ceremony
What to know about getting married at Belfast City Hall
A City Hall wedding is simple and beautiful, but it does run to a clock. Here is what couples ask us most, so you can plan your photography with confidence.
Up to 80
A City Hall ceremony can have up to 80 guests, or you can keep it as small as the two of you and two witnesses. Either way, it is a lovely fit for a micro or small wedding, and we photograph both.
On the hour
Ceremonies are held on the hour, and the council runs several a day. Your time slot sets the shape of the whole day, so we plan your photography around it as soon as you know it.
A short window
After the ceremony there is a short window for photographs on the marble staircase. It goes quickly, which is exactly why having two photographers helps. We know what to capture and where to stand.
A few simple rules
Confetti, rice and candles are not allowed inside City Hall. The registrar will also make a short announcement about photographs, so your guests know when to put their phones away and let us work.
Two needed
You need two witnesses over 16 for the ceremony. If you are eloping or do not have any, tell us when you enquire. We can talk through the options with you.
At least 28 days
Both of you give notice to the registrar, at least 28 days before your ceremony. Book your photographer as soon as your ceremony date is confirmed, as popular dates go first.
Ceremony fees, times and rules are set by Belfast City Council and can change, so please check the latest details on the council website or with the Registration Office. We are always happy to talk it through when you enquire.
Your day, planned out
How a typical 2 hour Belfast City Hall wedding unfolds
A City Hall ceremony runs to a clock, so we plan around it. Here is how we typically structure two hours of coverage, so you get arrivals, the ceremony, staircase photos and portraits without feeling rushed.
Arrivals & Pre Ceremony
We arrive ahead of your guests to capture the anticipation as everyone gathers outside City Hall and makes their way in for your ceremony time.
The Ceremony
We photograph your entrance, the ceremony itself, the ring exchange and that all important first kiss. All without flash or disruption, and with one of us watching each of you.
The Marble Staircase
Straight after the ceremony comes your short window on the staircase. We know exactly what to capture here, so you get the group photographs and the celebration shots without feeling rushed.
The White Staircase & Rotunda
Then we find the quieter corners for relaxed portraits of just the two of you, on the White Staircase and under the Rotunda dome. Rain or shine, these are some of our favourite frames.
The Grounds & City Centre
We finish outside with natural portraits using the City Hall stonework and the city centre around you, then leave you to head off and celebrate.
Extend Your Coverage
Want to visit Botanic Gardens or the Cathedral Quarter for a drink and some relaxed city portraits? We also offer a dedicated 4 hour micro wedding package for couples who want a little more breathing room. Just let us know when you enquire and we'll talk through the best option for you.
Real weddings at Belfast City Hall
View our work at Belfast City Hall
City Hall weddings are intimate, joyful and over in a flash. From the staircases to the city streets, every wedding is edited in the same natural, true to life style, with real moments and no stiff posing.
Click a photo to read the full wedding, or browse our real weddings gallery for whole days from venues across Northern Ireland.
Sun, cloud or Belfast rain, City Hall looks beautiful, and the staircases and Rotunda keep your portraits dry.
While one of us photographs you, the other watches your partner and your guests, so no reaction is missed.
We blend in, stay quiet and never drag you away from your guests for shot after shot of stiff posing.
What our couples say
Kind words from our couples
What couples say about having Tommy and Laurene photograph their wedding day.
I can't recommend Pure Photo NI enough. The most amazing couple who make your day so effortless whilst capturing the most incredible moments. They truly know their stuff. Best in the business.
A perfect duo! Tommy and Laurene were amazing from start to finish and so easy to get on with. We had such a laugh throughout the day. My photos are beautiful and were exactly what I had envisioned.
If it rains
Rain on your City Hall wedding day? We are ready
Rain is part of life in Northern Ireland, and it is nothing to worry about. Belfast City Hall is one of the best venues you could choose for a wet day, because so much of what makes it beautiful is indoors.
Your ceremony is inside, the marble staircases are inside, and the Rotunda is inside. So we can plan your photography with confidence, whatever the forecast says.
Every kind of weather makes its own kind of photograph.
The staircases and Rotunda
Your ceremony and your staircase photographs happen inside, so the weather cannot touch them. The White Staircase and the Rotunda dome give us beautiful indoor portrait spots too, and they look just as good on a grey day.
Soft light, moody skies
Overcast skies make soft, even light, which is kind to skin and wedding dresses alike. Some of our most atmospheric City Hall photographs have been taken under cloud, with the stonework looking richer and darker.
A plan, not a panic
We always walk in with a wet weather plan, and we shape your portraits around the showers. If you would like an umbrella, a clear or neutral one makes a lovely prop. We will turn it into part of the story.
After the ceremony
Where to celebrate after Belfast City Hall
City Hall cannot host a reception, so most couples head somewhere close by for dinner and drinks. Here are places we know well, and we are happy to photograph wherever you choose.
The Merchant Hotel
A grand Belfast hotel for dinner and drinks, just a short way from City Hall. See how we photographed a City Hall ceremony followed by the Merchant for Sheena and Rajesh.
See the weddingJust outside BelfastLa Mon Hotel
A popular choice for a relaxed celebration with your guests after a City Hall ceremony, with plenty of room to spread out.
La Mon Hotel photographyCounty DownClandeboye Lodge
Gardens, a lodge feel and a relaxed atmosphere in Bangor, a lovely second location for a small wedding.
Clandeboye Lodge photographyBotanic Gardens and the Cathedral Quarter
Many couples add time for a short walk in Botanic Gardens, or a drink and relaxed portraits in the Cathedral Quarter. Just ask us when you enquire.
Frequently asked questions
Your Belfast City Hall questions answered
The things couples ask us most about photography at Belfast City Hall. If yours is not here, send us a message, read our guide to the most popular wedding venues in Northern Ireland or have a look at our wedding FAQ.
How much does a Belfast City Hall wedding photographer cost?
Every photographer prices differently, so it is worth looking at what is included, not just the headline figure. For City Hall weddings we offer two options, Essential with 2 hours of coverage and Extended with 4 hours, and both Tommy and Laurene photograph your day. We would rather talk you through it personally, so message us on WhatsApp and we will send you a quote for your date. You can also read about our micro wedding packages.
How long does a Belfast City Hall ceremony take?
Ceremonies are held on the hour and the ceremony itself usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. After it there is a short window for photographs on the staircase. We recommend booking at least 2 hours of coverage, so we can include your arrival, the ceremony, the staircase, portraits inside City Hall and a few relaxed photographs outside, without anyone rushing.
How many guests can we invite to a City Hall wedding?
The council allows up to 80 guests at a ceremony, and you can also keep it as small as the two of you and two witnesses. We photograph both and love the intimacy of small weddings. Ceremony details can change, so please check the latest guidance with Belfast City Council.
Are there photography rules at Belfast City Hall?
The registrar makes a short announcement about photographs before the ceremony, and confetti, rice and candles are not allowed. Rules can change, so we always recommend checking with the Registration Office on 028 9027 0455 when you book your date. We will talk you through anything that affects your photographs when you enquire.
What do we need to do to get married at Belfast City Hall?
Each of you gives notice to the registrar, at least 28 days before your ceremony, and you need two witnesses over 16. Fees and requirements are set by Belfast City Council, so please confirm the details with them directly. Once your date is confirmed, get in touch and we will check our availability for you.
Where are the best places for wedding photos at Belfast City Hall?
The Grand Staircase is the most iconic spot and photographs beautifully in almost any light. The White Staircase is softer and more romantic, and the Rotunda dome is wonderful for wide, dramatic frames. Outside, the grounds and the city centre give us lovely natural portraits. We guide you through every spot in a relaxed way, with no stiff posing.
Can we add time for other Belfast locations?
Absolutely. Many of our City Hall couples add time for Botanic Gardens, or for a drink and some relaxed portraits in the Cathedral Quarter. If you would like more breathing room, our 4 hour Extended option gives you plenty of time to explore without rushing. A permit may be needed for some places owned by Belfast City Council, so we will talk it through when you enquire.
Do I need two photographers for a City Hall wedding?
You do not have to choose, because both Tommy and Laurene photograph every wedding. While one of us photographs you walking in, the other is watching your partner's reaction and your guests. Those are the moments couples treasure most, and they are only possible with two photographers.
What happens if it rains on our City Hall wedding day?
Rain is part of life in Northern Ireland, and City Hall is one of the best venues for it. Your ceremony, the staircases and the Rotunda are all indoors, so we can plan with confidence. Some of our most atmospheric photographs have been taken under cloud, and we always arrive with a wet weather plan.
Can you photograph our reception as well?
Yes. City Hall cannot host receptions, so most couples celebrate nearby, and we are happy to photograph wherever you choose. Have a look at our City Hall and Merchant Hotel wedding to see how a day can flow from ceremony to celebration.
How far in advance should I book my City Hall wedding photographer?
We recommend booking as soon as your City Hall ceremony date is confirmed. Popular dates, especially Fridays and Saturdays, can fill up 12 to 18 months in advance, though we do sometimes have last minute availability. Pop us a quick message on WhatsApp and we will let you know straight away if we are free.
Micro wedding coverage
Belfast City Hall photography packages
No hidden fees. No confusing add ons. Just straightforward coverage for your Belfast City Hall micro wedding, with both of us there. Get in touch and we will send you a personalised quote.
- Up to 2 hours of coverage
- 2 photographers, both Tommy and Laurene
- Arrivals, ceremony and portraits
- Staircases, Rotunda and the City Hall grounds
- Online gallery with high res downloads
- Up to 4 hours of coverage
- 2 photographers, both Tommy and Laurene
- Every angle of your ceremony covered
- City Hall plus extra locations such as Botanic Gardens or the Cathedral Quarter
- Online gallery with high res downloads
- Less missed moments
How booking works
Three simple steps to secure your date
Tell us your date
Send us your wedding date, your ceremony time if you have it, and a little about your day at Belfast City Hall, using a quick message on WhatsApp.
We get back to you
We reply as quickly as we can, usually within a few hours, to let you know if we are free and to answer anything you would like to ask.
Secure your date
Once you are happy, booking is simple and hassle free, and then you can relax knowing your photographers are sorted.
Dates fill up fast. We only take on a limited number of weddings each year so every couple gets the time and care they deserve. Dates are confirmed on a first come, first served basis and cannot be held in advance.
Your date might still be available
We only take on a limited number of weddings each year. Message us on WhatsApp with your date and we will check straight away whether we are free for you.
- Any weatherYour ceremony, the staircases and the Rotunda are all indoors, so rain never spoils the photographs
- We know every cornerThe Grand Staircase, the White Staircase, the Rotunda and the grounds, and how to work around your ceremony time
- Two photographersTommy and Laurene, a husband and wife team, photographing weddings since 2014
Message us on WhatsApp
Send us your ceremony date and a little about your day, and we will check straight away whether we are free.
Chat with Tommy & Laurene