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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?

Recently we had a couple return to visit The Old Marylebone Town Hall after 50 years of marriage.

Paul & Lynda said their vows at The Old Marylebone Town Hall in November 1968, and they brought their family back here with them 50 years later, to show them the special place where they got married.

Whether it’s an intimate candlelit affair or a ballroom glamour spectacular, your wedding is an expression of all things you. But no matter how big or small your day, there’s always a lot to organise. From the ceremony to a couturier, champagne to canapés, The Berkeley makes the whole experience effortless.

Here comes the bride