Wedding Photography at Danson House
Beautiful wedding spaces, such as the Dining Room, make Danson House the perfect register office venue for your wedding.
London Borough of Bexley Register Office Wedding Photography Venue
Bexley Register Office is located in south-eastern Greater London within the rather lovely Grade 1 listed Danson House. With its ornate decor and perfectly individual rooms, the venue suits small to medium-sized wedding parties (up to 65 guests).
The house is situated on 200 acres of parkland with Danson Lake at the heart. With the sheer number of beautiful backdrops and photo ops, this wedding venue is a dream for any couple and, indeed, wedding photographer. But be aware that you must buy a permit to have photographs in the park after your ceremony.
The beautiful facade of Danson House and proud father posing with his daughter, bride Jen.
Are You Planning Your Wedding at Danson House?I photograph discretely and unobtrusively to capture all the best moments, leaving you to enjoy your day. With me as your wedding photographer, your memories will be in safe hands, so please get in touch any time to discuss… |
The groom waits with his guests in the Salon for the entrance of his bride. Danson House has 5 spectacular wedding spaces for the couple to choose from, depending on the size of the wedding.
Car Parking for Your Danson House Wedding
The house doesn’t have car parking, but the Danson Park car park is roughly 200 meters from the house.
Obviously, any official vehicles, such as bridal cars and Routemaster buses, are allowed to drop off and wait on the drive outside the house.
Bride Jen arrives outside Danson House for her civil marriage ceremony.
This wedding portrait points in the direction of the park in the background. Time allows for some shots before the bridal party enters the house for the ceremony.
The Dining Room is on the walkthrough to the Salon. The gorgeous fireplace provides another excellent photo opportunity.
Photography Time Constraints at Bexley Register Office
Wedding photography is encouraged at Bexley, but time can be tight. This isn’t usually a problem for midweek and off-season weddings, but it’s worth liaising with your registrars to check if there is a wedding following yours.
At last, it’s time: As bride Jen enters the Salon, she peers in to catch her first glimpse of her groom. I take sequences of photos throughout the day.
As this shot shows, the registrars are very happy with the photographer’s close involvement in capturing the best shots from the ceremony.
The Borough of Bexley Registrars
A registrar and superintendent registrar will conduct your ceremony. They are helpful and keen for the photographer to get a comprehensive selection of photographs of your time at the venue. The Bexley registrars are relaxed, allowing the photographer to move around during the wedding ceremony.
I try to be as discreet as possible whilst getting those all-important wedding photos, including the couple exchanging rings and the first kiss.
Adding what you can to the ceremony is always a good idea. Family members giving readings make the occasion even more special.
The exchange of rings is the pivotal moment of the ceremony (and most photogenic). It’s essential to have this photographed well.
Wedding Bookings at Danson House
Useful to Know When Booking Your Wedding
- To contact the registrars and enquire about your date, email: registerofficebexley@kent.gov.uk or phone: 03000 411103.
- Saturdays can be busy, so there may be less time for portraits around the house. Danson Park has amazing backdrops for wedding photos, though…
- If you plan to have some photographs on the park grounds, you’ll need to apply for a license. The cost is around £50.
- As well as marriages, Bexley Register Office also conducts Renewals of Vows, Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnership Conversions.
The couple can now share their first kiss. Newlyweds are very much in the moment at this stage of the day and don’t mind their photographer’s presence at all.
Read More>> This Venue is Perfect for Same-Sex Wedding Photography.
Although the register has been put online, Bexley Register Office is still reluctant to allow signing photography. They still prefer to set up a dummy schedule instead.
Rules on Signing the Schedule
Signing the wedding register has now been consigned to history, with the signing of a schedule taking place instead. Many register offices that didn’t allow photography of the register signing before now allow it. However, Bexley still has strict rules preventing photography at this time. I still have to ask couples to pose with a dummy book.
This photo more clearly displays the area at the front of the Salon towards the fireplace.
Also Consider>> Old Marylebone Town Hall: Another Iconic Register Office.
Bexley Register Office/Danson House Wedding Rooms
There are 5 rooms to choose from for your wedding.
The newly as they leave their wedding ceremony to a round of applause. Another special moment to photograph. I went wide to show more of the Salon’s west side.
The Johnston Room:
- The Johnston Room is on the first floor and is the smallest of the ceremony rooms regarding guest seating.
- Holds 12 seated guests
- The views over the surrounding area are stunning.
Sir John Boyds Room:
- Again, on the first floor, the John Boyd suits small to medium-sized weddings.
- 25 guests seated.
The Salon:
- Octagonal and light, with tasteful blue wallpaper and window dressing.
- 45 guests are catered for in forward-facing seats.
The Library:
- Houses the famous Danson Organ and overlooks the gardens.
- Seating is available for 65 guests.
The Dining Room:
- Exceptionally light and airy, with amazing portraits adorning every wall.
- Available for up to 65 seated guests.
The couple leaving Danson House is a must-have shot for your photographer. You will leave first, then your guests.
It’s photographs like this that reflect the day. Every wedding has so many memorable and personal moments, and you need a photographer who can capture as many as possible.
Photographing the Confetti – Rules at Danson House
Unfortunately, due to the stately nature of the house, confetti is not allowed on the premises or in the park. However, bubbles are permitted at the bottom of the steps. This lets your photographer set up a good sequence as you proceed down the steps and through an aisle of your bubble-blowing guests.
There’s also the option of having your bubble-confetti sequence in the park opposite – but do get that permit…
Due to the bright sun and shaded areas outside the house, we did this sequence in the opposite park. It worked just as well.
After leaving the venue, family and friends want to congratulate the couple. This can happen before or after the confetti; I just let it happen naturally.
Posed Group and Couples Photos
I work through your required group shots fairly briskly in case a wedding follows shortly afterwards, and we are moved on. Weddings are generally staggered and shouldn’t cross, but it can happen. Below are some examples of shots that I have taken after the ceremony.
The sun was disappearing around the back of the house when I took this group portrait of the wedding party. This is one of the day’s most important photos to capture, as it documents everyone in attendance.
Danson House Wedding Photography FAQs
Q. WHY GET MARRIED AT DANSON HOUSE?
A. If it’s a stately home wedding in opulent surroundings, look no further than Danson House. With easy access to Central London, the house is the perfect venue for your wedding of up to 65 guests. The staff and registrars are kind and helpful, and the surrounding park is lovely for photos.
Q. IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED OF OUR MARRIAGE CEREMONY AND VOWS?
A. The registrars and house staff are very helpful and actively encourage photography. However, photographing the signing of the schedule is not allowed, with a ‘dummy’ set up for posed photographs.
Q. IS CONFETTI ALLOWED AFTERWARDS FOR A NICE PHOTOGRAPHIC SEQUENCE?
A. Unfortunately, wedding confetti is prohibited, but bubbles are permitted at the bottom of the steps.
Q. WHAT IS THE LIGHT LIKE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY INSIDE DANSON HOUSE?
A. It varies depending on the area. Most rooms have large windows and good directional light. however, your photographer will be able to deal with lighting conditions, whatever they are.
We had a few photos in front of the house, then went to the park for others. This gives a wider variety of photos than in just one location.
The park has many good backdrops for your photos, including this fine willow tree. It makes purchasing a permit well worthwhile.
A wide, environmental shot shows the couple walking through the beautifully landscaped Danson Park.
And After Your Wedding Ceremony?
Being a civil marriage venue, Bexley Register Office does not cater to wedding receptions, but the Boathouse in the park does and is a popular wedding venue. There are also numerous local restaurants, pubs, and hotels in Bexleyheath and the local area. Greenwich is also nearby.
Time to leave: The newlyweds join their guests on their Routmast bus – a great way to transport your guests between wedding venues…
Danson House,
Danson Park,
Danson Road,
Bexleyheath.
DA6 8HL.
