All pricing and information accurate at the time of writing. The recommendations and observations throughout this guide are based on my personal experience photographing weddings and elopements across Perth.
Perth Marriage Office at Old Tower House
115 Francis St, Northbridge, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Often mistaken for Perth's official registry office, this privately owned business is housed in a heritage-listed Northbridge building and has become one of the city's most popular registry style wedding locations. The venue operates a very strict policy of 30 minute "slots", or you have the option of booking for an hour. Sessions can feel rushed if anyone is running late, or if you have a lot of guests to move in and out of the building. There is also no undercover area for guests to wait and you will not be allowed in outside of your time slot if it is raining. Ceremonies are usually simple and quick but couples have the option of saying personal vows and exchanging rings.
The building is full of character, with white walls, high ceilings and bay windows with beautiful natural light. With a choice of 3 rooms depending on the number of guests you intend to have:
The Gallery can accommodate up to 50 guests, but as a photographer who has worked there many times, in my opinion you shouldn't have more than 35 guests in this room. It becomes crowded and can feel rushed getting that many people in and out in your 30 minute time slot. There is only a small window so the room can feel darker than the others.
The Drawing Room can accommodate up to 25 guests and feels intimate, elegant and romantic. With a stunning bay window flooded with natural light it provides many opportunities for stunning photos.
The Sitting Room is ideal for very small wedding parties with less than 10 guests, again providing an elegant bay window and natural light for photos.
THE COST
From approximately $400 for a simple registry signing
The office can supply a photographer or you can bring your own. (It may work out a lot cheaper for you to hire your own photographer.)
This Venue is Perfect For:
Small weddings and elopements
Couples wanting beautiful interiors without organising a traditional venue
Couples looking for a straightforward wedding experience
This business also offers small wedding ceremonies in outside locations like Kings Park Queens Gardens, Araluen, Malaleuca Bordwalk and Harold Boas Gardens. These fall under the Perth Wedding Collective.
Perth Registry Office
Level 10, 141 St Georges Terrace, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The official government registry office in Western Australia remains one of the most popular options for couples who simply want the legal side of marriage taken care of.
Located in the Perth CBD, it is the only venue where you can receive your official marriage certificate immediately after your ceremony.
The Registry Office operates from a commercial office building in the city. While there are dedicated ceremony rooms with Swan River views, it definitely feels more practical than romantic. However, within the streets there are plenty of wonderful opportunities for wedding photos.
The Perth Registry Office has two wedding rooms:
The Grevillia Room which accommodates up to 35 guests
The Banksia Room which accommodates up to 20 guests
Both offer magnificent views overlooking the Swan River. Friendly civil ceremonies are conducted Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) commencing at 9.30 am and concluding at 4.00 pm.
Cost
Approximately $450
This Venue is Perfect For:
Couples needing their official marriage certificate quickly
Couples requiring interpreter services
Couples completing Australian legal paperwork before an overseas wedding
Things To Consider
The office is only open during business hours on weekdays, and parking can be challenging in the CBD.
Photographer's Thoughts
If your priority is simplicity and efficiency, it's hard to beat. However, if creating a memorable atmosphere is important to you, some of the private alternatives offer a much more beautiful experience. Although there are good opportunities for photos on the streets around the venue.
House of Vows
42 Northwood St, West Leederville , PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Located in a charming federation-style building in West Leederville, it feels more like visiting a beautiful home than a wedding venue. This business is operated by Amanda Rowe a highly experienced and popular marriage celebrant.
Guest Capacity
Up to 25 guests.
Cost
From approximately $600.
Perfect For
- Couples wanting a more personal experience
- Small guest lists
- Couples who want to work with the same celebrant from start to finish
Things To Consider
The venue is best suited to intimate weddings and elopements.
Photographer's Thoughts
The natural light and character features create a lovely backdrop for timeless photographs and the venue is right on the doorstep of Lake Monger so you can get lovely photos.
Fremantle Marriage Office at The Old Courthouse
45 Henderson St, Fremantle, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
For couples wanting a simple ceremony but a little more space, the Fremantle Marriage Office offers a unique alternative, Set within Fremantle's historic Old Courthouse building, the venue combines heritage architecture including an imposing judges bench with the convenience of having celebration spaces nearby.
Guest Capacity
Up to 80 guests.
Cost
From approximately $1,250.
Perfect For
- Micro weddings
- Couples wanting a ceremony and celebration in one location
- Larger guest lists
Photographer's Thoughts
The room can feel quite large for very intimate weddings.
Make sure you love the blue - it can be overwhelming.
It can feel dark.
The heritage architecture adds plenty of character, and Fremantle provides endless opportunities for beautiful photographs after the ceremony.
A Beautiful OUTDOOR WEDDING With Your Own Celebrant
This isn't technically a venue, but it may be my favourite option.
Many couples don't realise they can hire a celebrant and create their own registry-style wedding almost anywhere.
A quiet corner of Kings Park. A hidden Fremantle laneway. A favourite bar. A private garden. A luxury hotel or a beach.
This option gives couples complete freedom to create a wedding experience that feels personal and meaningful.
Perfect For
- Couples wanting flexibility
- Couples who don't want to feel rushed
- Couples preferring a ceremony that is tailored to them and not generic
- Couples wanting beautiful photographs
- Couples wanting a location with personal significance
Photographer's Thoughts
Some of my favourite weddings have followed this format. The ceremony is short and meaningful, but the experience feels incredibly special. You can also plan the time of day for your wedding to coincide with sunset for gorgeous wedding photos.
As a wedding photographer, I've learned that the most memorable weddings aren't defined by guest numbers or budgets. They're defined by how the day feels. Choose the option that reflects who you are as a couple, and you'll never regret it.