Alternative Wedding Inspiration: A Secret Manchester Elopement to Remember

Kellie and Mike finished the day with a visit to the iconic dive bar Junior Jacksons

On a crisp November day, I had the BEST time capturing Kellie and Mike’s secret Manchester elopement. While they’re planning a bigger celebration with a celebrant in February, this day was all about them—and just them. They kept their elopement completely private, not even telling their families the exact date of their legal wedding. It was intimate, emotional, and perfectly them.

Manchester is a dream location for an intimate city elopement, especially in winter. The registry office at Heron House is right in the city centre, surrounded by the stunning Victorian architecture of Central Library and St. Peter’s Square—perfect for timeless portraits. From tranquil canals to buzzing bars and even the Christmas Markets, the city has endless backdrops for a day as unique as your love story.

Making the most of a crisp autumnal morning in New Islington Marina for couple photos

We started the day in New Islington Marina, where the hazy sunshine and still waters created the perfect backdrop for their photos. Kellie and Mike brought along their gorgeous Rottweiler, Goldie, for some family shots before dropping her off at the dog sitter. Including pets in your wedding or elopement is such a beautiful way to make the day even more personal - there are even pet chaperones that can be booked to keep your furry friend on their best behaviour throughout the day!

From there, it was coffee and pastries at Pollen Bakery. The relaxed atmosphere and excited staff (who realised it was their wedding day!) added a lovely, low-key charm to the morning.

After a short walk through the city, we arrived at Heron House, Manchester’s registry office. Kellie’s childhood friend Rebecca met us there, taking a quick break from work to act as their witness alongside me—this truly was a secret elopement!

The ceremony itself was simple and heartfelt. Even though it was a short legal ceremony, the love between them was undeniable. Tears flowed, vows were exchanged, and we had a few quiet moments afterward to take photos and let the emotion sink in.

Fun fact: I met Kellie through my sports photography. She’s a triathlete and Ironman finisher who documents her training and competitions. As is tradition for Ironman finishers, Kellie has the iconic logo tattooed, and we’ve made it a habit to feature it in every shoot. This day was no exception, so we added another shot to the collection!

Post-ceremony, we headed to St. Peter’s Square for a quick portrait session, taking advantage of Manchester’s iconic backdrops. The Christmas ‘Manchester’ sign added a festive touch, and we couldn’t resist the classic red phone boxes nearby. Judging by Kellie and Mike’s amused expressions, though, I think those phone boxes see more action as public loos these days than as actual telephones!

After our portrait session, we headed to the Christmas ice rink near Manchester Cathedral. Kellie and Mike had booked a session, not realising they’d have the entire rink to themselves—pure magic!

The rink staff went above and beyond to make the experience special. They played the couple’s favourite pop-punk and emo playlist and kept the ice clear for their private skate. It was such a unique, romantic moment and a perfect example of how adventurous wedding ideas can create unforgettable memories.

Next, it was time to explore the Manchester Christmas Markets. We grabbed fried chicken and waffles—a perfect mid-wedding snack—and soaked up the festive atmosphere. If you’re planning a Manchester elopement in winter, the Christmas Markets are a must-visit, especially on quieter weekdays.

For the champagne spray, we opted for Nozeco (it was only noon…) and headed to Parsonage Gardens. With Mike under strict instructions to avoid shaking the bottle too much, we popped the cork without any major spills, delighting the onlookers enjoying their lunch in the park.

After a quick hotel break, we wrapped up the day at Junior Jackson’s, a favourite dive bar in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Known for its early 2000s rock playlists and legendary Disco Toilet, it was the perfect spot for Kellie and Mike to let loose.

Sipping Prosecco from a Sports Direct mug and knocking back mystery shots, they were totally in their element. I used direct flash photography to capture the raw, rock’n’roll vibes, with Kellie’s heart-shaped sunglasses adding an edgy touch to the photos.

An adventurous elopement in Manchester or anywhere else can be as bold, creative, and meaningful as you want it to be. If you’re ready to plan a wedding that breaks the mould, I’d love to help. Head over to my contact form and let’s create something amazing together.

(P.S. Want to learn more about Kellie’s Ironman journey? Follow her on Instagram at @kellie.branagan or check out her YouTube channel here.)

Top Tips for the Perfect Champagne (or Nozeco) Spray Photo

A champagne spray photo is an epic way to add some fun, energy, and celebration to your wedding or elopement! Here’s how to nail it without soaking everyone (too much):

• Resist the urge to start shaking right away! Remove the cork carefully to avoid an early explosion.

• Once the cork is off, place your thumb securely over the bottle’s opening to control the flow of the spray.

• Snuggle up to your partner so you’re both in the frame, sharing the moment (and maybe the spray).

• Make sure your photographer is in position and ready before you start shaking. Timing is everything for capturing the perfect shot.

• Then SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE! Shake that bottle like a Polaroid picture it to build pressure and get a dramatic spray.

• Point the spray toward your photographer and arc it over their head. A skilled photographer will dodge the spray while getting the most epic shot.

• For daytime photos, make sure the backdrop is dark so the spray pops against it. Think trees, brick walls, or a shadowed area.

• If it’s evening, ask your photographer to use flash and some creative backlighting to make the spray sparkle in the night.

With these tips, you’ll get those iconic celebration shots without a hitch (or a champagne-soaked meltdown).