Blog

Located in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s has long been one of London’s favourite places for grand celebrations; a legendary hotel which offers true distinction, quintessentially English elegance and unparalleled service.

Long known as the “wedding cake” hotel for its opulent and romantic spaces, London’s iconic St Ermin’s Hotel is a location as memorable as your special day…
Distinctly individual, this Grade II listed gem offers some of central London’s most dramatic public spaces.

Make an entrance
A sense of occasion is guaranteed from first arrival through the lush, tree-lined courtyard garden and continues into the beautiful white lobby with curving central staircase, balcony mezzanine and pretty outdoor terrace.

John is a Sessional Registrar here at The Old Marylebone Town Hall, a career he was lead to after coming to the town hall to film ‘Births Deaths and Marriages’ and then taking part in the BBC documentary ‘Gay. Married and Legal’, where he and his partner became the first same sex couple to get married in the UK, exactly 5 years ago today. 

How long have you been a registrar and now Superintendent Registrar and how many weddings & civil ceremonies have you overseen?

I became a deputy registrar in October 1987 and have been a Superintendent Registrar since 1991. In that time I must have either registered or conducted over 5000 weddings. I wish I had kept a record as I really don’t have an idea of the exact figure so actually it’s a total guess..

What inspired you to want to become a Registrar?