Wondering if Islington Town Hall is the right venue for your wedding ceremony? YES, it is! Find out why.
As a wedding photographer based in North London, I have shot a lot of weddings at Islington Town Hall over the years and it still remains one of my favourite registry offices in London.
Let me tell you straightaway, staff and registrars at Islington Town Hall are very nice and helpful. And yes, the town hall is ideally located if you’re having your wedding reception in North or East London. But these are not the main reasons to choose Islington Town Hall though.
Why should you book Islington Town Hall for your wedding ceremony?
Simply because you want to get married in style and you want your wedding photos to reflect that!
See for yourself…
Islington Town Hall is one of London’s most photogenic wedding ceremony venues
The Council Chamber is the best and most popular ceremony room at Islington Town hall
Frequently asked questions about Islington Town Hall weddings
Where is Islington Town Hall?
Islington Town Hall
Upper Street, London N1 2UD
There is a variety of cafes, pubs, restaurants and bars in the area so your guests should be able to find the right place for them to have a drink or a snack before or after your ceremony.
What is the nearest station to Islington Town Hall?
The nearest station is Highbury & Islington station (8-minute walk).
Can I get married at Islington Registry office?
Yes, you can get married or have your civil partnership at Islington Town Hall even if you do not live in the borough.
How much does it cost to get married at Islington Town Hall?
It costs £772 to get married in the Council Chamber on a Saturday during peak season (1 April 2025 and 12 October 2025).
Booking the Council Chamber on weekdays and/or off-peak season is cheaper.
Which ceremony room is the best one?
The largest and most spectacular room is, of course, the Council Chamber at the top of the grand marble staircase. Although it can accommodate up to 85 guests on weekends (50 on weekdays), the horseshoe seating arrangements make the room feel quite intimate. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, the gallery is no longer in use.
However, Islington Town Hall offers five other beautiful rooms licensed for marriage and civil partnership, perfect for elopements (2 witnesses) and smaller weddings.
Can I view the ceremony rooms?
You can view the ceremony rooms during pre-booked viewing events held regularly during the year. You will have the opportunity to ask the registrar any questions you might have.
A virtual tour is also available online.
How long does a ceremony last?
A standard ceremony will last around 20 minutes. However, you can choose to customise your ceremony and add personal touches like having your own vows, live music and readings. A fully personalised enhanced ceremony may last up to 40 minutes.
Can I choose my own music?
Yes, all the rooms feature a sound system which can play your choice of music.
Can I have live music at my ceremony?
Yes, acoustic musicians (except drums and bagpipes) can perform in the Council Chamber and the Richmond Suite. For Room 99. Please check modalities with the Town Hall.
How early should I arrive for my wedding ceremony?
Allow at least 30 minutes as you and your partner will have to be interviewed before the start of your ceremony (note that you can choose to have a separate interview and entrance).
Can I have couple portraits inside Islington Town Hall?
Couple shots are allowed inside the building. This is very convenient, especially if you’re getting married on a cold or rainy day. The light in the building is photogenic whatever the weather. There are several great backdrops for beautiful couple portraits.
Are confetti allowed at Islington Town Hall?
Yes, biodegradable confetti, rose petals, bubbles and sparklers are allowed outside.
And you should definitely have some! The front steps are perfect for confetti shots.
Are group photos allowed at Islington Town Hall?
The Town Hall is a listed building. Its façade and front steps provide a beautiful backdrop for group photos.
If it is raining, and you have booked the Council Chamber, group shots can be done in the actual room after the ceremony.
Can our wedding bus pick us up from Islington Town Hall?
Although the traffic can be pretty intense on Upper Street at times, the location is actually convenient if you are hiring a red vintage wedding bus. Your driver will be able to park and wait for you and your guests just in front of the town hall. There is even space for two buses at a time.
Is there air conditioning at Islington Town Hall?
Both the Council Chamber and Room 99 have built in air conditioning.
Is the town hall accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, there is step-free access via ramps and lifts to all levels and ceremony rooms, as well as accessible toilets..
Is Islington Town Hall a gay-friendly venue?
Yes, Islington Town Hall is licensed for same-sex marriage and civil partnership.
I actually shot my first lesbian wedding at Islington Town Hall in September 2014, six month after same-sex marriage became legal in Britain.
Are dogs allowed at Islington Town Hall weddings?
Yes, they are! And I was lucky enough to photograph the first dog ever allowed to attend his masters’ wedding ceremony in the Council Chamber! As far as I know, Islington Town Hall is one of a few dog-friendly registry offices in London, along with Old Marylebone Town Hall and Chelsea Old Town Hall.
Islington Town Hall wedding photography
Planning a registry office wedding at Islington Town Hall?
Looking for an Islington Town Hall wedding photographer?
If you like my style, then get in touch! I’d love to hear your plans.
