When planning a wedding it’s important to find the perfect venue to bring your vision to life. If you’re looking for a chic, stylish location in London then the Town Hall Hotel might just be the choice for you. From its beautiful architecture to its historical significance and versatility as a wedding venue, this luxury hotel offers everything you could wish for on your big day. Read on to find out more!

In this blog, I will cover:

• Introducing the Town Hall Hotel Wedding Venue in London
• Getting married at the Town Hall Hotel
• City-Hall Style Weddings
• The Council Chamber at the Town Hall Hotel
• Wedding Photography at the Town Hall Hotel
• Accommodation at the Town Hall Hotel for You and Your Wedding Guests
• Getting to the Town Hall Hotel

Introducing the Town Hall Hotel Wedding Venue in London

Situated in vibrant East London, in Bethnal Green, the Town Hall Hotel showcases a blend of Edwardian elegance and Art Deco sophistication. Built in 1910 as Bethnal Green’s Town Hall, this Grade II-listed building began its life as the borough’s town hall, serving as the municipal administration building. The building housed the municipal offices, courtrooms, and government departments for the area and is where the local community came together for services like voting and elections, and public events and gatherings.

In 1993, the council relocated to different facilities and the building remained unoccupied for some time. However, its impressive council chamber soon became a popular filming location, featuring in movies like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Atonement, as well as a variety of music videos and high-fashion campaigns.

The Town Hall was purchased in 2007 and underwent a sympathetic scheme of refurbishment and modernisation, reopening as a hotel and apartments in 2010. Today, it continues to operate as a hotel, while also serving as a unique wedding venue.

Getting married at the Town Hall Hotel

The Town Hall Hotel offers a appealing experience for weddings. The impressive Grade II-listed Council Chamber, with its polished warm oak and teak furnishings, leather chairs, and art deco lighting, provides a perfect setting for ceremonies. The interesting layout of the room gives wedding guests a unique vantage point during ceremonies with u-shaped seating for up to 100 guests. Alternatively, the venue offers two further function rooms, Bethnal Hall and the De Montford Suite, which are also licensed for civil marriages. Bethnal Hall offers a versatile space featuring large windows and polished wood paneling, which can also accommodate a drinks reception of up to 180 guests or a seated dinner for 100- perfect for large weddings. Or if you’re looking for something more intimate, the De Montfort Suite, which was once the original Council Chamber, is another beautiful space featuring a high ceiling, grand piano, which can host a ceremony for 60 or cocktail hour for 80.

The great thing is that because all of these event spaces are licensed for legal wedding ceremonies, you have the choice of a traditional civil service in Bethnal Hall or the De Montfort Suite, or you can opt for a truly unique experience by saying your vows in the iconic Council Chamber.

What are City-Hall Weddings?

City Hall or Townhouse weddings are often the choice for couples seeking a smaller, more intimate gathering or elopement. These types of ceremonies are often referred to as registry office or town hall weddings in the UK, and City Hall, Townhouse, or Courthouse weddings in the USA.

They are traditionally held in official buildings where civic matters like elections and community records are managed. And, many of these venues are set in grand, historical buildings, offering a stunning backdrop for your wedding day, which adds to their appeal.

We all remember Carrie and Mr. Big’s iconic wedding ceremony at New York City Hall in those gorgeous blue satin Manolo Blahnik’s (from the Sex and the City movie), right? I mean, who wouldn’t want to get married there…and in those Manolos?!

It will come as no surprise that the courthouse have been the choice of celebrity weddings for many years too, from Paula and Linda McCartney’s wedding in the late 1960’s, to the more modern nuptials of Liam Gallagher & Nicole Appleton, Chrissy Teigen & John Legend, and Emily Ratajkowski and Sebastian Bear-McClard.

I also feel like Courthouse and Town Hall weddings seem to have gained in popularity more recently, too. Perhaps this is because of Covid, although it could also be due to their chic yet relaxed vibe. I mean, we’ve all been in awe of those gorgeous, editorial-style, confetti photos of the couple coming out of the grand courthouse doors as newlyweds, right?

For those planning a destination wedding overseas, they’re also a practical option for the required legal ceremony in the couple’s country of birth. I love how Vicky Pattison did it. She opted for a fun and fashionable registry office ceremony in London for the legal part, followed by a lavish destination wedding in Puglia, Italy- and got to wear 2 completely different dresses, even better! And if you have family or friends who are unable to travel abroad for your big day, then they still get to be part of the celebrations in your home country- win win.

The Council Chamber at the Town Hall Hotel in London

What really sets the Town Hall Hotel apart is its epic Council Chamber. This grand, ceremony space with U-shape seating really has the wow factor. And the best part is that you, as the couple, get to say your vows in the middle of the room surrounded by all of your guests- you can’t get more intimate than that!

You can then have your ‘signing of the register’ photos in the raised platform that is the bench.

After the ceremony, the venue’s interconnected event spaces allow you to move with ease to a drinks reception and seated dinner in the De Montford Suite, followed by evening celebrations in Bethnal Hall.

Wedding Photography at the Town Hall Hotel

The Town Hall Hotel’s chic city vibe and impressive architecture make it the perfect choice for wedding photographs. Walking into the lobby, you’re greeted by the grand marble staircase, which is the perfect spot for couples and group portraits.

The large reception rooms all benefit from large windows, so they are flooded with natural light. And the impressive wooden front door, symmetrical architecture, and front stone steps make the ideal spot for those celebratory confetti photos.

For outdoor wedding photos, the nearby Bethnal Green Gardens and Victoria Park, are just a short walk away, offering natural light, greenery, and seasonal blooms.

Or you can choose to incorporate some of London’s Iconic landmarks into your portraits, while your wedding guests listen to Piano music with champagne and cocktails in the De Montfort Suite. The River Thames, London Bridge, and the Tower of London are just a 13-minute drive away.

Read more about my favourite ‘Top 18 Wedding Photography Locations in London‘.

Accommodation at the Town Hall Hotel for You and Your Wedding Guests

The Town Hall Hotel offers a great range of comfortable and stylish spaces for you and your guests to relax after the celebrations. The rooms range from grand suites full of Edwardian character to sleek, loft-style spaces and cozy standard double rooms.

Facilities-wise, the on-site gym is the perfect place for a quick workout, which has a range of equipment including Peloton bikes, and there is a large heated swimming pool ideal for those wanting a refreshing swim. When it comes to pampering, they offer in-room treatments like massages or manicures. And if your dog is part of the family, they’re welcome too, so they don’t have to miss out on your special day! As an animal lover, I have to say, I LOVE dogs at weddings!

Getting to the Town Hall Hotel

The Town Hall Hotel is located on Patriot Square in Bethnal Green, East London, making it easily accessible for your wedding guests. Bethnal Green Underground Station, served by the Central Line, is just a short walk away, offering connections from the centre of London and beyond. For those arriving by car, street parking is available nearby, or a range of smaller carparks are available- both at a cost.

Summary

The Town Hall Hotel is such a versatile venue, whether you’re dreaming of a chic city hall-style wedding with an intimate celebration, or a traditional ceremony and large reception.

The standout feature, for me, is the Council Chamber, an incredible space where you can exchange your vows in the middle of the room, surrounded by your loved ones. But the great thing is you also have the option of two other ceremony rooms, if you prefer.

What makes this place even better is that, unlike a typical registry office or courthouse, you can have your ceremony and wedding reception all at the same venue, with plenty of guest bedrooms for your family and friends to stay over, too!

It’s also an ideal choice if you’re having a destination wedding but need a legal ceremony in the UK, and are looking for something more unique than perhaps what a standard local authority venue offers. And when it comes to those all-important wedding photo opportunities, there are lots of spots available for beautiful, editorial-style portraits.

Are you having a London wedding and are thinking about getting married at the Town Hall Hotel?

For more information, you can view their brochure here, or contact them through their website here, where one of their dedicated team will be happy to help.

And if you’re looking for wedding photography and/or film services, I’d love to chat.

I have been capturing weddings for over 12 years, and I’m on the recommended supplier list for the venue. Learn more about my services here, or explore the packages and pricing options.

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