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silly me 
and I thought that weddings were just staged to provide photographic opportunities for me ...... 
When Lucian shoots a Scottish wedding, he should remember that the term "bonnie lassie" is now considered archaic and he should say "minger" instead. 
Registrar's have in the past informed me that it's down to copyright as there are other names on the actual register as well as the B&G - seems more to be enforced in Wales than in England though.
I think this is strange as the photographer would be one of the main witnesses in a bigamy trial as he recorded the event 'live' but not the most important aspect (legally)of the signing of the legal document which is the main aspect of the ceremony.
Church or registry office it does not matter you abide by the rules laid down by the official. I accept no flash during a church service (and civil) and most shots during that part of the album would be mono anyway as reportage shots. I take some reportage shots of the signing which I produce in mono. The formal set up ones would be colour. I think it is the disruption that would be caused setting up the formal shots as the register was being signed which is the problem, not taking shots during the signing.
This is covered in the latest Photo pro magazine, and according to the officials they asked, there is NO legal reason that you cant take a photo of the actual register, and have pictures of the book being signed. It is personal preference of the person carrying out the service as to whether or not they allow pictures. A couple of stories in there about turning up at a wedding and being asked to stand at the back, with no photos of the ceremony etc.... and it even says at the end to take a copy of the article with you if anyone gets funny about photos.. lol.
I raise this before the wedding with the couple and ask that they contact the registry office and make it known that they want professional photographs of the ceremony. I also let the couple know that I abide by the registrars rules as above I am not paid to battle with the registrar. However in Scotland in 7 years only come across one registrar who said no but backed down when the mother of the bride got involved
That seems key really. If the couple are expecting photos of the ceremony then it stands to reason that an official that won't allow them would not have got the booking, had the couple been aware in advance. So it's less about "the lake" as it is about the sensibilities of the person supervising it.
CB pointed out that a wedding ceremony isn't a public highway. In some ways, it is: it's a public event from which the public may not be excluded.
I understood that the reason the actual signing may not be photographed is because the register itself is a legal document and the signatures upon it are legally binding in law, and must therefore not be copied or duplicated in any way. If I do shoot during the real signing, then I just make sure I am far enough away not to see the register page itself.
Some vicars don't worry too much, but if the officiant (religious or civil ceremony) says you can't shoot, then you can't. Simples...
Quote: I understood that the reason the actual signing may not be photographed is because the register itself is a legal document and the signatures upon it are legally binding in law, and must therefore not be copied or duplicated in any way. If I do shoot during the real signing, then I just make sure I am far enough away not to see the register page itself.
Some vicars don't worry too much, but if the officiant (religious or civil ceremony) says you can't shoot, then you can't. Simples...
Thats what i was told by a registrar, but as above, according to the article, it is public record, so makes no difference if you have a photo of it, as you can get a copy online.
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