LONDON’S BEAUTIFUL REGISTRY OFFICES

 

A GREAT OPTION FOR A RELAXED LONDON WEDDING

Venues with character

a flavour of london

Planning a modern, informal or relaxed wedding in London? London’s beautiful registry offices offer some truly fab options for creative couples planning a celebration that perfectly reflects them and their style.

Whether it’s a grand staircase, a vintage interior, or a charming neighbourhood, each one has something special that stands out. You can even hold your reception in some of these venues, and where that’s not possible there are options galore in the surrounding areas. 

Here’s my guide to the most beautiful registry offices in the city, along with accessibility info and tips on the best spots for photos, as well as nearby reception venues where you can keep the celebration going.

 
 

Islington Town Hall

Islington Town Hall is a favourite among couples who appreciate a mix of classic and contemporary style. The grand Art Deco interiors set the stage for a memorable ceremony, and it has rooms that suit both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Council Chamber: 85 guests on weekends, 50 guests on weekdays

  • The Richmond Suite: 60 guests

  • Room 99: 20 guests

  • Mayor’s Parlour: 4 guests

Accessibility:

There’s parking nearby, and the venue is fully accessible. Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome.

Photography spots

Inside: Art Deco staircase, domed corridors.

Outside: Town hall steps; Camden Passage for its cobbled, Dickensian vibe. Also some cute streets and garden squares in the side roads.

Wedding receptions

You can’t hold your reception at the Town Hall itself, but here are some nearby reception venues to consider:

  • Frederick’s

  • The Drapers Arms

  • Islington Assembly Hall

 

Old Marylebone Town Hall

Old Marylebone Town Hall is an iconic Grade II listed building, steeped in history. Perfect if you want a wedding venue with a strong sense of place. It’s centrally located with super convenient access to public transport.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Westminster Room: 100 guests

  • Marylebone Room: 12 guests

  • Knightsbridge Room: 30 guests

  • Mayfair Room: 8 guests

  • Paddington Room: 8 guests

  • Soho Room: 13 guests

Accessibility

All rooms are on the first floor with accessibility ramps.

Photography spots

Inside: Marble staircases, grand entryways.

Outside: The iconic steps; lots of cute cobbled streets and mews in the surrounding area. For a touch of greenery, Regent’s Park is just a short distance away.

wedding receptions

You can’t have your reception here, but here are some venues you could consider for your knees-up:

  • The Landmark London

  • The Grazing Goat

  • One Marylebone

 

Hackney Town Hall

Hackney Town Hall is a gem for its vintage charm with a modern twist. The Art Deco architecture is beautifully preserved, giving it an elegant retro vibe.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Council Chamber

    Chamber - 100 guests

    Viewing Gallery - 49 guests

  • Committee Rooms

    Theatre - 100 guests

    Boardroom - 28 guests

  • Assembly Rooms - partitioned 140sqm

    Standing - 120 guests

    Banquet - 60 guests

    Theatre Style - 120 guests

    Assembly Rooms - all 415sqm

  • Standing - 500 guests

Accessibility:

No parking, but the venue is wheelchair accessible

Photography spots

Inside: marble floors and vintage interiors. Outside: the Town Hall’s steps and other architectural features. For a more urban feel, London Fields, with its railway arches, and Broadway Market are a short walk away.

Wedding receptions

Hackney Town Hall’s Assembly Hall can also be used for your reception, accommodating up to 550 guests. Other nearby reception venues to consider:

  • The Hackney

  • Bistrotheque

  • The Cat & Mutton

 

Chelsea Old Town Hall

Chelsea Old Town Hall is a fab venue for couples wanting a touch of classic London on their big day. The ornate interiors are beautifully atmospheric and intimate.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Brydon Room: 38 guests

  • Harrington Room: Eight guests

  • Rossetti Room: 12 guests

Accessibility

The venue is fully accessible.

Photography spots

Inside: Ornate interiors, grand staircase.

Outside: Chic, bustling King’s Road, riverside views along Chelsea Embankment and Albert Bridge. St Luke’s Gardens for a quiet, green retreat.

wedding receptions

You can’t have your reception here, but some local venues to consider include:

  • Heist Bank

  • The Phene

  • Art’otel, Battersea Power Station

 

Stoke Newington Town Hall [Currently closed for renovations]

Stoke Newington Town Hall’s Art Deco architecture combines vintage elegance with a cool, East London vibe. Perfect if you’re looking for a venue with character and a touch of nostalgia.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Council Chamber: up to 83 guests in theatre style or 85 guests for a drinks reception

  • Assembly Hall: up to 300 guests for a dinner and 500 guests for a drinks reception

Accessibility:

The venue is wheelchair accessible

Photography spots

Inside: The wood-panelled interiors and grand staircase. Outside: Clissold Park for greenery; Church Street’s quirky charm. Abney Park Cemetery (if you don’t mind gravestones in your wedding portraits?!)

Wedding receptions

Stoke Newington Town Hall’s Assembly Hall can also be used for your reception. Other nearby reception venues to consider:

  • The Clarence Tavern

  • The Londesborough

  • Woodberry Wetlands

 

Waltham Forest Town Hall

Waltham Forest Town Hall is a stunning example of 1930s architecture, full of grand spaces for a stylish wedding. A great choice for larger weddings, especially if you love a bit of historical grandeur.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Fellowship Civic Chamber: 145 guests

  • Council Chamber: 100 guests

  • Assembly Hall: 350 guests

Accessibility

Ample visitors’ parking, including disabled parking bays. Ramped access to the building and lift access to the Council Chamber and Committee Rooms.

Photography spots

Inside: 1930s interiors and grand hallways. Outside: The fountain in the courtyard and the Town Hall steps for classic backdrops; nearby Lloyd Park for lush greenery.

wedding receptions

The Assembly Hall can accommodate a reception with up to 350 guests.

Other local venues to consider include:

  • The Wild Card Brewery

  • Mirth, Marvel & Maud

 

Bromley Civic Centre

Bromley Civic Centre is a hidden gem. Ceremonies take place in Bromley Palace, a Grade II listed manor house (formerly the Bishop’s Palace) set in lovely gardens - a surprisingly picturesque setting for your wedding ceremony.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Old Palace - The Function Room: 45 guests

  • Old Palace - The Chairman’s Room: 20 guests

  • Rose Room: 45 guests

  • Garden Room: 130 guests

Accessibility:

Please advise the venue ahead of the event if wheelchair access is required. Direct access onto the lawn is via a grassy bank, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Photography spots

Inside: Elegant staircases and large windows; Outside: arched walkways and Bromley Palace gardens

Wedding receptions

You can have your reception in the Great Hall, which accommodates up to 400 guests.

Other options nearby:

  • Bank House, Chiselhurst

  • The County Ground

 

Lambeth Town Hall

Lambeth Town Hall is a historic venue in the heart of Brixton. With its blend of history, culture, and modern edge, it’s perfect for a wedding full of character and originality.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • The Council Chamber: 130 guests

  • Brixton Suite: 250 guests

  • Assembly Hall: 300 guests

  • The Olive Morris Suite: 40 guests

  • The Ante-Chamber: 25 guests

  • The Circular Hall: 40 guests

  • The Pauline Room: 20 guests

  • The Bowie Room: 10 guests

Accessibility

There is wheelchair access at this venue. Fixed induction loop included.

Photography spots

Inside: the historic interiors and spiral staircase. Outside: Windrush Square, railway arches and side streets, with nearby Brockwell Park for a mix of urban and green spaces.

wedding receptions

The Assembly Hall accommodates up to 350 guests for a wedding reception

Other cool local venues to consider:

  • Pop Brixton

  • Effra Social

  • Upstairs at The Ritzy

 

Woolwich Town Hall

A beautifully preserved Edwardian building, Woolwich Town Hall is full of classic architecture, adding more than a touch of grandeur to any wedding celebration.

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Victoria Hall: 120 guests

  • Edwardian Room: 36 guests

Accessibility:

The venue has wheelchair access and accessible toilets and there are disabled parking bays nearby. It has an induction loop system and an interpreter or signer can usually be arranged if advance notice is given.

Photography spots

Inside: Ornate ceilings and marble pillars. Outside: General Gordon Square and nearby Royal Arsenal for a mix of historic and modern backdrops. The Thames riverside is also just a short walk away.

Wedding receptions

Woolwhich Town Hall can’t accommodate wedding receptions but here are some nearby options:

  • Dial Arch

  • Guard House

  • Mycenae House

 

Mayfair Library

Mayfair Library is perfect if you’re after an intimate, relaxed atmosphere for your wedding. It’s ideal for smaller ceremonies and perfect for literary couples (as my clients often seem to be!)

Ceremony rooms and guest capacities

  • Mayfair Room: 40 guests

    Marylebone Room: 22 guests

Accessibility

Although there is a disabled toilet there is unfortunately no wheelchair access to Mayfair Library's meeting rooms.

Photography spots

Inside: The library’s cosy interiors, with bay windows and book-lined walls. Outside: Mount Street Gardens and nearby Grosvenor Square. Hyde Park and Shepherd Market are also close by.

wedding receptions

It’s not possible to hold your reception at the library. Here are some nearby venues to consider:

  • The Connaught Hotel

  • Scott’s

  • Brown’s Hotel

Planning a London registry office wedding?

London’s beautiful registry offices have so much to offer, whether it’s the historic charm of Chelsea Old Town Hall, the urban edge of Lambeth Town Hall, or the vintage elegance of Hackney Town Hall. Make the most of these spaces and the surrounding areas for unforgettable photos and take your pick of London’s cool reception venues.

I’ve loved shooting weddings in these venues over the last 10 years. If you’re thinking about a London registry office wedding, I’d love to hear about it!