Wedding Photography at Islington Town Hall
**I’m taking bookings for weddings at this venue for 2024-25 now!**
Islington & London City Register Office Wedding Venue
I have photographed weddings at Islington Town Hall many times. It is an exceptional and accommodating venue; all the ceremony rooms are unique and photogenic. Whatever the size of your small to medium-sized wedding (up to 160 guests), you’re sure it’ll be a memorable occasion and a fitting venue for your special day.
The Town Hall incorporates the Islington and London City Register Office (often miscalled registry) and the Assembly Hall. Both are licensed for weddings, and photography is welcomed. The interior has impressive Art Deco interiors and more traditional ceremonial rooms, which make it an outstanding venue for wedding photography and very popular with photographers.
Are You Planning Your Wedding at Islington Town Hall?I photograph discretely and unobtrusively to capture the best moments, leaving you to enjoy your day. With me as your wedding photographer, your memories will be in safe hands, so please get in touch any time to discuss… |
Photography Time Constraints at Islington Town Hall
Wedding photography is encouraged at Islington, but be aware that time can get tight, especially on Saturdays during the summer. I like to spend time before and after the ceremony, taking portraits and group shots in various locations inside and outside the building.
There is usually time for this, but following the register office staff’s guidance is essential. And, of course, the wishes of you, the couple.
The Borough of Islington Registrars
A registrar and superintendent registrar will conduct your ceremony. They are accommodating and are keen for your photographer to get a good selection of photographs that tell the story of your time at the venue. The Islington registrars are relaxed and allow the photographer to move around during the wedding ceremony. The 2 photos above show how comfortable they were with my presence. I shoot throughout the ceremony, but observing the occasion is essential – I’m always discreet.
Wedding Bookings at Islington Town Hall
Useful to Know When Booking Your Wedding
- The registrars prefer you to contact them by email in the first instance: registrars@islington.gov.uk.
- 15 minutes is allowed before the ceremony to set up in the venue room. I use this time to photograph the guests as they arrive.
- Saturdays can be exceptionally busy with a high turnover of weddings, so there may be less time for portraits on the stairs and outside. The local area provides lots of photo opportunities, though.
- A wealth of information is available on the Say I Do Islington Website. It’s well worth a look to help answer any questions you have.
- As well as marriages, Islington Town Hall also performs Renewals of Vows, Civil Ceremonies and Naming Ceremonies, all of which may be photographed.
Read More>> This Venue is Perfect for LBGTQ+ Wedding Photography.
Also Consider>> Old Marylebone Town Hall: Another Iconic Register Office.
Rules on Signing the Schedule
The register is now online, so the signing is of a wedding schedule. The marriage registrars allow photography of the schedule’s signing, but the photographer has to use their common sense and not be too intrusive.
Islington Register Office still allow a staged signing for more formal portraits of the couple, pen in hand!
Islington Register Office Wedding Photography Rooms
There are 7 ceremony rooms and 2 anterooms to choose from for your wedding.
The Council Chamber:
- The Council Chamber lies at the top of the ornate central staircase and is the largest of the ceremony rooms in terms of seating. It is airy and light with a vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows. Seating is almost ‘courtroom’ style, with guests seated on three sides on benches and chairs. There is plenty of room for your photographer to move around.
- It holds 85 guests on weekends or 50 during weekdays.
- The room is not available on Mondays and only on selected Sundays.
- More info about this wedding space is here: Council Chamber @ Islington Weddings.
The Mayor’s Parlour:
- Furnished in rich red leather and oak panels, The Mayor’s Parlour is the smallest room located at the end of the long corridor on the first floor. The fireplace is the focal point. The couple sits in two large red armchairs with guests to their left and right on a sofa and chairs.
- Only 4 guests seated on the sofa and chairs may attend a wedding in this room. I have photographed 8 guests in the room, so check with the venue if you need more.
- The room is only available on Fridays and Saturdays.
- More info about this wedding space is here: Mayor’s Parlour @ Islington Weddings.
The Richmond Suite:
- Spatially, The Richmond Suite is the largest at Islington Town Hall. Long and with high ceilings and large windows, it would make an excellent venue for your wedding.
- 60 guests are catered for in forward-facing seats.
- Only available on Saturdays (except the 2nd Saturday of the month).
- There are restrictions on music volume in this room to respect the proximity of neighbours.
- More info about this wedding space is here: Richmond Suite @ Islington Weddings.
Room 99:
- The curiously named Room 99 is the most popular, but no frills on most days.
- The colour scheme is grey and white, with an oak floor.
- Seating is available for 20 guests and 1 pet (unseated).
- Time is more restricted in Room 99, with just the legal ceremony allowed on weekdays. On weekends, a more personalised ceremony is available.
- More info about this wedding space is here: Room 99 @ Islington Weddings.
The Canonbury Suite:
- Just for you and your witnesses.
- If you require a photographer, they must be counted as a witness.
- Seating is available for 2 guests.
- The room is not available on Sundays.
- More info about this wedding space is here: Canonbury Suite @ Islington Weddings.
The Angel Suite:
- This room is available on weekdays only.
- All other details are as for The Canonbury Suite.
- More info about this wedding space is here: The Angel Suite @ Islington Weddings.
The Statutory Room:
- For just the legal paperwork.
- Only your 2 witnesses are present, and no photographer.
- Only available on Monday mornings and for residents of Islington and the City of London.
- More info about this wedding space is here: Statutory Room @ Islington Weddings.
The Ante Room:
- There are 2 Ante Rooms available.
- The Ante Rooms hold 6 and may be used to relax before the ceremony or for preparations.
- Only available Friday to Sunday.
- More info about this wedding space is here: The Ante Room @ Islington Weddings.
Islington Town Hall Wedding Photography FAQs
Q. WHY GET MARRIED AT ISLINGTON TOWN HALL?
A. The town hall has a rich history and is perfect for non-religious weddings, accommodating 160 guests. With its ornate Art Deco features and beautiful ceremony rooms, the venue is the ideal backdrop for short wedding days and those attending their reception meal elsewhere.
Q. HOW LONG BEFORE OUR WEDDING CEREMONY CAN WE GAIN ACCESS TO THE ROOM FOR PHOTOGRAPHY?
A. The venue will give you and your guests access 15 minutes before your ceremony. It can vary slightly, particularly on Saturdays when they have a full schedule of weddings. This time is ideal for taking greeting shots of guests meeting each other and some small group portraits.
Q. IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED OF OUR MARRIAGE CEREMONY AND VOWS?
A. The registrars are very helpful and actively encourage photography. They even allow the photographer to take the signing of the register.
Q. IS CONFETTI ALLOWED AFTERWARDS FOR A NICE PHOTOGRAPHIC SEQUENCE?
A. Yes, wedding confetti is allowed, but only outside the town hall. The steps on Upper Street are the perfect location for this, and it is a great way to exit the venue.
Q. WHAT IS THE LIGHT LIKE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY INSIDE ISLINGTON TOWN HALL?
A. This varies depending on the area. The hall and stairs can be dim, but the landing area has good window light. In the Council Chamber, the windows are high, but I can balance this with bounce flash. The best room for light is the Mayor’s Parlour – great for some pleasing natural photos.
The Group & Couple Portraits on the Iconic Steps
The town hall can be busy, particularly on a Saturday, but they allow time afterwards for confetti and group photos on the steps outside.
I work through these fairly briskly in case a wedding follows shortly afterwards, and we are moved on. Weddings are generally staggered, but it can happen. Below are some examples of shots that I have taken after the ceremony.
And After Your Wedding Ceremony?
Being a civil marriage venue, Islington Town Hall does not cater to wedding receptions, but numerous local restaurants, pubs, and hotels are within walking distance. The Highbury and Islington area is very cosmopolitan and has excellent potential for those seeking a good night out or a meal with friends. Sometimes, couples take their guests on a purpose-hired Routemaster bus into the city for their post-wedding celebration.
Islington & London City Register Office,
Town Hall,
Upper Street,
London.
N1 2UD.