There’s something undeniably special about intimate weddings. The simplicity, the ease, the emotion, the space to breathe. Over the past couple of years, smaller weddings, micro weddings and ceremonies have become more and more popular across the UK, and honestly… I adore them. They’re full of meaning, real connection and the kind of calm that full-day weddings sometimes don’t allow for.
Jade and Bailey’s beautifully relaxed wedding in York City Centre was the perfect example of how timeless, modern and deeply personal a smaller wedding day can be and why elopements and registry office weddings are beginning to take centre stage.
bridal prep at the malmaison
The day began at Malmaison York, a stylish, contemporary hotel that feels purpose-built for chic city weddings. The bridal suite was softly lit, modern and calming. The perfect setting for Jade to get ready with her daughter, her sister, her mum and a few close family members.
There was such a warm, intimate atmosphere in the room. Laughter, nerves, excitement… the kind of energy that makes you wish you could bottle up a wedding morning forever. Watching Jade with her little girl made me want to get married all over again, just to experience getting ready with my own daughter. It was genuinely that special.
Once everyone was ready, I nipped next door to see Bailey, who was getting a few finishing touches done with their son and his Dad. The vibe between them both set the tone for the whole day. Simple, meaningful, full of heart.
a york registry office wedding
We all piled into a black cab and made our way through the cobbled streets of York. One of the most beautiful, historic cities to be married in. York Registry Office has a quiet, understated charm, and Jade and Bailey were greeted by their closest friends and family as we arrived.
Their ceremony was short, sweet and full of emotion. Jade and Bailey exchanged vows surrounded by the people who mean the most to them, including their daughter, who had everyone wrapped around her little finger the whole day and their son who spent the ceremony entertained with snacks. There’s something so pure about registry office weddings- no fuss, no performance, just love.
Afterwards, we gathered everyone together for relaxed family photos in the gardens outside. No rushing. No pressure. Just real moments.
couples portraits in york's most iconic spots
York is one of my favourite cities to photograph in. Every corner is photogenic, every street dripping with character. We wandered through the Museum Gardens, taking our time between the ruins, the trees and the pops of greenery.
Both Jade and Bailey looked incredible. Jade wore a soft, elegant tulle skirt style dress with beautiful movement, while Bailey opted for a modern tailored look that suited him perfectly. Together they brought such a timeless, fashionable feel to the portraits their whole aesthetic just worked so well against the backdrop of York.
We wandered through the streets to their final destination for their celebrations, The Ivy.The city was alive around us, but somehow it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
a beautiful ending at the ivy
We ended the afternoon walking to The Ivy in York, where Jade and Bailey were hosting a sit-down meal with their guests. The Ivy is up there as one of York’s most beautiful buildings elegant, timeless and full of character and it made for the perfect closing chapter to their day.
I captured a few photographs outside, then slipped in briefly to see them take their seats and listen to a couple of short, heartfelt speeches before I left them to enjoy their evening.
why intimate weddings are becoming so popular
Days like this prove one thing:
your wedding doesn’t need to follow a traditional structure to be meaningful, beautiful or memorable.
Some couples book me for just two hours the ceremony, a handful of family photos and a wander for portraits. Others opt for a slightly extended version like Jade and Bailey. The beauty of intimate weddings is that there are no rules.
Whether you want to elope, marry at York Registry Office, wander through the city as newlyweds, or host a long lunch with your closest people it’s all valid, all beautiful, all worth documenting.
York is one of the best places in the UK for this style of wedding. The architecture, the atmosphere, the colours, the charm… everything feels cinematic.
Planning a york registry office wedding or intimate celebration?
If you’re planning a smaller wedding, elopement or York City Centre celebration and want photography that’s relaxed, modern and full of storytelling I would absolutely love to hear from you.
Every wedding — big or small deserves to be captured with care.
