Did you know Pixsmiths have short-coverage elopement packages available?
Many photographers are not interested in short coverage – preferring full day – but we are happy to provide flexibility.
We have covered several elopements at Birkenhead Town Hall so hence we now have special packages available.
We believe even small weddings or elopements deserve quality images covering the ceremony and portraits afterward.
Elopement coverage is usually midweek and starts from 90 minutes to whatever you need. Weekends may be available if short notice and subject to availability.
It’s mainly Birkenhead Town Hall weddings on the Wirral available for short coverage elopements, but all Wirral locations are open o us too
No harm in checking with us. We can also act as your witnesses too if you wish to keep it just the two of you
We can’t always share these Town Hall elopements socially as there may be pertinent reasons for keeping them private but it’s so lovely when they refer us to like-minded friends.
Many couples, especially in recent years with so many postponements, just want to slip away and have a quiet intimate wedding and just carry on with life.
Some have family living all over the world and it’s sometimes simpler and less complicated to just slip away with two friends as witnesses.
Always time for a party later with friends and family.
Birkenhead Town Hall Elopement
Sona and Zoltan were kindly referred by another couple whose Wirral elopement we had recently covered.
We devised a bespoke package for them of 90 minutes.
When there are no group photos to consider, up to 90 minutes to cover just before the ceremony and portraits is totally doable
Their ceremony was just before Christmas – just after the shortest day of the year.
A three o’clock wedding so we knew the light quality after would not be at its best.
With our experience and sun app check we suggested having some portraits outside before the ceremony and this worked out really well.
Birkenhead Town Hall also has beautiful architectural spots inside too as well as the grand staircase.
We found some need angles this time – always looking for a new creative angle – despite shooting her several times.
What a great way to start Christmas by introducing yourselves as a newly married couple.
Enjoy a few of their highlights below.
We’ve seen our pictures and honestly can’t stop looking at them! We absolutely love them so thank you so much!
We told our families on Christmas Eve and shared our joy!
Thank you and Dave for being part of this.
ONE HOUR MICRO PACKAGE – STATUTORY CEREMONY ONLY
Another recent December 2023 Elopement saw Elle and Ben book us for an hour mini elopement.
This was for a Wednesday morning STATUTORY CEREMONY – a simple legal ceremony.
The current ceremony fee is £57 and includes one marriage certificate (posted out 7-10 days after ceremony)
This fee is in addition to the Notice fee of £70 per couple which must be completed through your local council 3 to 4 months before the marriage date
As said, these only take place on Wednesdays at 9 am, 9:30 am, 10 am and 10:30 am subject to availability
The simple no music, no-frills ceremony is held in the Superintendent’s Office on the ground floor of Birkenhead Town Hall
Intended just for the couple and witnesses – room capacity does not allow for other guests.
Such Statutory ceremonies are cost-effective solutions if you wish to have a later celebrant-led ceremony and reception at a later date.
Also if you are planning a wedding abroad and wish to have a legal ceremony at home and avoid translation of documents etc..
Registrars are unable to act as witnesses but Pixsmiths are happy to witness and take ceremony pics for you
The plain white walls provide a clean background for crisp images inside.
The stairs can be used afterward for indoor portraits and of course, the outdoor architecture and gardens provide plenty other photo opportunities
An hour is suitable for such a short ceremony with no groups and portraits afterward.
We believe even simple legal ceremonies deserve to be captured beautifully for your memories.
Elle and Ben were so happy we could provide a mini flexible package and were so happy with the images we provided for them
We can’t thank you both enough for the photos they are incredible, thank you so much❤️
If you are planning on a quiet ceremony and need witnesses who are also excellent photographers then don’t hesitate to contact us regarding our specialElopement Packages
New Ceremony Layout for Birkenhead Town Hall Weddings
We enjoy many Birkenhead Town Hall weddings. It’s a beautiful building set in a gorgeous Georgian Square
Even when weddings at historic Birkenhead Town Hall were restricted we had bookings
We did have the infamous blue circles that guests stood on to be socially distanced – thankfully that is long gone
We have several more micro weddings booked at Birkenhead Town Hall for this year too we are looking forward to.
The upper room is spacious and airy. The surrounding Georgian architecture and greenery make for a variety of portraits in a short amount of time.
The first wedding at Birkenhead Town Hall for this year is Dan and Maisie.
They booked our Micro Package for their recent wedding ceremony and family groups afterward.
We spent a lovely few hours with this delightful couple.
We were pleasantly surprised by the new layout for the large upper room – covid had made them think about reconfiguring the layout of the ceremony room.
Chairs used to be set out facing the big curtained window – meaning the bridal party entrance was straight through the doors from the hallway outside, and down the aisle.
Now the chairs have a new layout at the Town Hall – they are now facing left as you enter – meaning an L-shaped walk to your partner.
The registrars have their table in a recess of an anteroom where they conduct the marriage ceremony from.
it nearly caught us off guard but now we like the new layout – no more catching ourselves in the mirrors straight on when shooting from the back!
UPDATE – now covid restrictions are over the layout has reverted to the usual layout – no L-shaped turn now.
Curtains are often pulled across the mirror section.
here you can see the bridesmaids entering and turning left
Ceremony and Afternoon Tea at Oak Bar and Bistro Greasby
Amy and Rik enjoyed a beautiful micro wedding with a ceremony at the Birkenhead Town Hall followed by an afternoon tea reception at Oak Bar and Bistro in Greasby
It made for a perfect intimate day for them. 17th May – first day in strep 3 after lockdown that indoor receptions were allowed again.
Amy such a gorgeous happy expressive bride – so lovely to see her evident joy. Rik did Amy proud too!
Amy’s mum Margaret was a Pixsmiths bride herself some 11 years ago and she kindly arranged for us to capture these few precious moments.
The day was bright and dry, albeit a bit windy. The rainbow flag flying on the Town Hall fluttered to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Mother and daughter – both beautiful Pixsmiths brides
Amy was over the moon with her campervan – she even kissed it goodbye!
Oak Bar and Bistro Reception
Our first time in this Bistro bar in Greasby and we were impressed!
The upper room with its own bar was perfect for an intimate wedding and afternoon tea.
Exclusive use upstairs and two long tables set out for the wedding guests. Blossom trees and decor nicely dressed the room.
Another Micro wedding at Birkenhead Town Hall to enjoy. Seems to be our second home recently!
Each one has been different and we have so enjoyed them. Our Wirral registrars are so lovely and helpful, even under restricted circumstances.
Pre Wedding Shoot
We had previously met up with Georgia and Lee for a pre wed/bump shoot, at the popular scenic beauty spot of Red Rocks.
No dramatic sunset that night but at least dry and even light.
it was good to get to know each other a little better and we had such fun chatting and snapping away.
Oh, we even tested Lee’s drawing in the sand skills with his stick people!
Just a few weeks later it was time for the wedding ceremony
Town Hall Micro Wedding
So on to the wedding day itself. A little drizzle for arrivals but that didn’t dampen the happy smiles.
No first look needed this time – bride and groom and the family arriving together for the short ceremony
Georgia’s beautiful pastel flowers in her bouquet echoed the flowers embroidered on her dress.
Personalised masks for this couple and their guests
The ceremony was the first time we encountered the new wedding schedule that is now signed in place of the marriage certificate.
Marriage certificates are now prepared digitally and are available for collection or postage at a later date.
The new marriage schedule certificate signed at Town hall weddings
Micro Wedding Portraits Birkenhead Town Hall
time for a few groups and portraits – always love the architecture and grounds around Hamilton Square, always somewhere for a picture or two.
Adored Georgia’s denim jacket with her new name on – of course we had to include that in a shot
Many congrats Lee & Georgia and every blessing for the new addition soon! Safe trip to Ireland to family there and for planning a wedding party in Spain at a later date!
Historic Wirral Micro Wedding Birkenhead Town Hall
So out of the blue, we found ourselves back at Birkenhead Town Hall for another Wirral Micro wedding.
A text from a photography colleague feeling unwell and within hours we had stepped in to help.
It’s good to have a trusted network around you – we all need help at some time or other – and of course, brides are not left worrying about their wedding photography.
Home Bridal Preps
So a phone call to Ashleigh the night before to put her at ease and we were set.
It was so good to be shooting bridal preps again!
On arrival, Ashleigh commented how she had checked our site and recognized us from a Chester autumn wedding, and knew she was in excellent hands
We mingled till it was time to head off for the ceremony.
Dave had gone ahead and Sandy with the girls in their minivan transport. Flexibility with Pixsmiths!
On arrival, it was a quick first look for Ashleigh and Keith before they headed in for their ceremony at Birkenhead Town Hall
Yes masks still have to be worn inside for guest but not the couple – was nice to see colour co-ordinated ones
Once outside though not a problem
Wirral Micro Wedding Ceremony
All smiles as Ashleigh was proudly walked down the aisle by her mother to a waiting Keith.
Vows were made and rings exchanged
Oh and this was the last time marriage registers were signed before the new digital system.
In the future, a wedding schedule will be signed, so still, something to sign for those who miss this type of shot
Beautiful flowers we by local Whitby Florist Blooming Lovely
Birkenhead Town Hall has beautiful stained glass windows if you know where to find them. Makes for an intimate beautiful portrait with natural light flooding through.
Soon it was outside to the bright sun and for a few family groups and portraits before heading back for a private outdoor home pizza reception
Always time for candid moments when you have two shooters with Pixsmiths at Micro weddings
Ashleigh and Keith so glad you had your day ..eventually…. and you have many happy memories to look back on
We wish you much happiness xx
Birkenhead Town Hall Wedding and Outdoor Reception Hillbark Hotel
April Wedding Birkenhead Town Hall
A sunny day for a Townhall wedding and an outdoor wedding Hillbark reception.
That in-between period with April and early May weddings being restricted to 15 guests and social distancing and mask-wearing indoors restrictions still in place.
That didn’t stop Samantha and Gary from getting married – having had to postpone already from an earlier date – and having a wonderful day.
Couples currently have to arrive together to enter via Brandon Steet entrance, so things are a little bit different but there are options that can turn into a positive.
First Look Birkenhead Town Hall
Gary arrived in style in an Aston Martin and Samantha in a Volkswagen Campervan from Boho Brides of Southport
As a little surprise, Samatha walked up behind a waiting Gary, tapped him on the shoulder to turn around so he could have a first look at his bride
It was lovely to capture the reactions of joy.
Soon after it was time for the guests to make their way inside for the ceremony.
Birkenhead Town Hall Ceremony
Ceremonies take place upstairs on the second floor in the larger room.
Currently, chairs have been removed – presumable to save time on cleaning in between weddings
Blue circles mark the spot for guests to stand on.
Samantha and Gary personalised their ceremony with beautiful poems and their two muns acted as their witnesses.
The register is signed to the side rather than the usual middle – which is actually better as avoids getting reflection in the mirror behind!
Soon it was time to exit to the sunshine and throw the confetti and drink champagne!
Time for some portraits before heading off to Hillbark Hotel in Frankby.
Outdoor Reception Hillbark Hotel
Samantha and Gary enjoyed a longer route, sipping champagne, to Hillbark Hotel, to be plied with more on arrival
Ensued for a merry time.
Samantha and Gary mingled with their guests, had a little dance in the gazebo to the tune of Mariah singing “I’m so into you”
Meanwhile, their outdoor breakfast was beautifully set up on the terrace. So wonderful in the glorious sunshine.
It’s great to see how venues are currently adapting spaces and having flexibility for outdoor receptions during this time.
The table was so elegant with colorful elegant chairs. loved the bride and groom ducks, befitting to their surname.
Plus the table could be covered over with a canopy to protect from direct sun – did I say it was sunny!
A few more portraits and we left them to enjoy the rest of their day.
Such an enjoyable afternoon with you Samantha & Gary. Thank you for allowing us to capture your memories, we wish you much love and happiness