A York City Wedding Day That Was Totally, Unapologetically Them

Some weddings are big and bold, some are loud and full of chaos… and then there’s Ella & Paul’s York elopement: effortlessly cool, wildly personal, and absolutely perfect in its own quiet way.

These two wanted one thing and one thing only — a day that felt like THEM. No pressure, no audience, no expectations. Just the two of them, choosing each other in one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. And honestly? It was an honour to be part of it (and a tiny bit emotional).

Oh, and because elopements are delightfully simple, the “wedding party” consisted of:
✔️ The couple
✔️ Me – photographer AND witness
✔️ Vix from Wonderland Blooms doubling as the second witnes
ICONIC.

A slow, calm morning in York

The day started with Ella & Paul getting ready together at their hotel. They kept things stress-free and intimate. No rushing. No schedules. No 27 people asking where the buttonholes are. Just two people having the best day of their lives.

A tiny ceremony with huge feelings

At York Registry Office, the ceremony was small enough to fit into a shoebox but full of all the big emotions. When you’re eloping, every word lands a little harder. Every glance means a little more. There’s no performance — just truth, love, and whatever the two of you decide to bring to the moment.

Signing the register with just the four of us in the room felt incredibly grounding. There was this lovely hush in the air — the kind that makes you breathe a little slower and smile a little bigger.

Photos around York’s most charming spots

After the ceremony, we wandered around the Minster, the Museum Gardens, and a few of my favourite hidden corners. Without any time pressure, we could stop wherever the light was gorgeous, or the vibe felt right.

One of my favourite things about photographing elopements is how the day unfolds so naturally — it’s less “pose here” and more “oooh this doorway is cute, stay there a sec”.

Ella & Paul were total naturals. They weren’t performing. They weren’t trying to be anything other than themselves. And that’s exactly why the photos sing.

Why Choose a York City Elopement?

If you’re toying with the idea of running away (responsibly!) to tie the knot, York is genuinely one of the dreamiest places to do it. Here’s why:

1. The romance is already built-in

York doesn’t need extra styling — cobbles, history, cute cafés, secret snickleways… it’s basically a ready-made film set.

2. The Registry Office is lovely and fuss-free

York Registry office is perfect for couples who want to get married without a mountain of admin or a huge guest list.

3. Endless spots for gorgeous photos

The Minster. The city walls. The river. The gardens. And so many tucked-away corners that feel like your own.

4. You can make the day as quiet or as playful as you like

Go for brunch, grab ice cream, hit a pub, hop on a river cruise — York works for every version of “let’s do this our way”.

5. It’s wildly romantic to make a big decision in a small way

Eloping strips everything back to the real bit — the two of you choosing each other.

Top Tips for Planning a York Elopement

Here are a few things Ella & Paul nailed that made the day gorgeous and stress-free:

1. Keep the timeline flexible

York works best when you wander. Leave space to explore and let the day unfold naturally.

2. Pick a weekday if you can

Fewer tourists, quieter streets, and more intimate photos — especially around the Minster.

3. Choose a florist who “gets you”

With smaller celebrations, every detail becomes more meaningful. A thoughtful bouquet or buttonhole brings the whole look together.

4. Wear something that feels like YOU

There’s no dress code for elopements. You can go glam, go casual, or rock a leather jacket. Comfort + personality = perfection.

5. Book a photographer who values candid, real moments

Elopements deserve storytelling, not stiff posing. You want someone who’ll capture the laughter, the wandering, the tiny looks, and the feel of the city around you.

Final Thoughts

Ella & Paul’s day was the perfect reminder that weddings don’t have to follow a script. You don’t need a thousand guests, a big venue, or a colour-coded spreadsheet.

Sometimes all you need is a city you love, a person you love, and a day built entirely around the two of you.

If you’re dreaming of a York elopement and want someone in your corner capturing the real, unfiltered moments — I’m your girl.