Looking for a cool wedding venue? try a town hall



Very interesting post on The Economist's Instagram feed about a growing trend among couples who are ditching the bigger, over-the-top wedding and instead getting married at Town Halls.


This summer Charli XCX married George Daniel, the drummer of The 1975, a chart-topping band, at Hackney Town Hall in London. Her nuptials reflected her devil-may-care vibe.
The event also reflected a growing trend: many couples, turned off by the ostentation of a big wedding, are heading to town halls instead.


This year marriages and civil partnerships at two of London’s most popular town halls, Old Marylebone and Islington, have jumped 29% and 51% respectively from pre-pandemic levels. The Economist


Below are just a few examples from recent weddings I've shot at Town Halls in London and Brighton.


Old Marylebone Town Hall - Alice and Joshua

Chelsea Town Hall - Maria and Mario

Brighton Town Hall - Rebecca and Ben

Islington Town Hall - Hanna and Ivan

Camden Town Hall - Karen and Ben

Why the Town Hall Wedding is the Hottest New Trend


Forget the pressure of lavish, all-day country estates—a fresh, modern trend is capturing the hearts of couples everywhere: the Town Hall wedding. Simple, chic, and genuinely focused on what matters most, municipal wedding venues and registry offices are becoming the ultimate choice for couples who want to swap stress for style.


The Rise of the Casual, Chic Ceremony


Town Hall weddings aren't just about saving money; they represent a fundamental shift in how modern couples view their big day. It’s about prioritizing intimacy, ease, and personality over traditional pomp. These historic, often architecturally stunning buildings provide a grand yet accessible backdrop for a streamlined ceremony.

Major publications are taking note of this shift. As the modern wedding landscape evolves, we see a global embrace of smaller, more meaningful celebrations—a move away from mandatory traditions and toward a personalized experience.


Choosing a Town Hall is a declaration that your wedding is about commitment, style, and joy, not just extravagance. It's a smart, trending choice for couples ready to start their life together on their own terms.

Benefits That Spark Joy (and Save Cash)


Choosing a municipal or Town Hall venue offers significant advantages for today’s couples:


  • Affordability & Efficiency: Town Halls are wonderfully budget-friendly. By hosting just the ceremony here, you keep costs down and free up your budget for a fantastic reception, a dream honeymoon, or even a down payment on a house! The process is often quicker and less complicated than booking a full private venue.
  • Architectural Beauty: Don't let the name fool you—many Town Halls are magnificent, historic buildings with sweeping staircases, grand marble floors, and beautiful civic architecture. They offer an elegant, timeless backdrop that looks incredible in photos, creating an atmosphere that is both formal and intimate.
  • Location, Location, Location: Situated right in the heart of the city or town, these venues offer incredible convenience. Guests don't have long drives, and you have immediate access to amazing locations for your reception, whether you choose a trendy downtown restaurant, a chic hotel, or a cool urban bar.

Making It Your Own: The Town Hall Style


The beauty of a Town Hall wedding is its versatility. You can go for a minimalist, effortlessly cool look—think a sharp suit, a sleek dress, and a beautiful bouquet. Or, you can lean into the history and go for a classic, glamorous feel.


The real fun begins after you say "I do." Since the ceremony is usually quick, you can host your reception wherever you like, turning the day into a personalised two-part event: a classic legal ceremony followed by a vibrant, bespoke party.


Wedding guests celebrate and applaud during an outdoor ceremony on stone steps with potted topiaries.
Wedding guests celebrate with confetti on the grand stone steps of an elegant building with arched doorway.
A wedding party celebrates joyfully on the steps of a grand columned building with hanging floral baskets.
Wedding guests celebrate and dance together during an outdoor reception at a historic venue.
Elegant wedding couple sharing intimate moments on a stone balcony in soft natural light.
A bride in a flowing white dress holds a romantic dried floral bouquet while standing on stone steps outdoors.
A bride in a white satin ball gown descends an elegant staircase with blue patterned carpet in a series of photos.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing on stone steps in front of an ornate doorway.
Wedding couple poses on grand stone steps with classical columns in an architectural setting.
A romantic wedding couple shares intimate moments on stone steps in a series of elegant architectural portraits.
A couple in wedding attire dance together in an elegant indoor venue with hardwood floors.
A bride in a detailed white lace dress with red hair and pearl headpiece holds a bouquet of white roses.
Passengers sit on retro-style plaid seats inside a vintage train car during a special event or tour.
Elegant bride in white wedding gown poses on grand stone staircase decorated with white and green floral arrangements.
Wedding couple shares an intimate moment outside a historic building with white columns.