Couple smiling during wedding ceremony with guests seated in background.

Getting Married in Room 99 at Islington Town Hall


Islington Town Hall is an historic place to get married and just happens to be one of the most beautiful. I’ve lived a 15 minute walk away from this iconic wedding venue for 20 years, I was married here myself and every time I walk past I’m still impressed. 


So, let’s talk about Room 99, one of their most popular ceremony rooms. It’s perfect for groups of about 20 and feels light and airy with elegant decor. I love it because it has lovely big windows and all that light makes for great photos. I've included photos here from three recent wedding in Room 99 to give you a feel for the space, inside and outside, and the kind of photos I like to take.


Pets are welcome! I was shooting a wedding there yesterday and saw a couple with a gorgeous dachshund, complete with bow-tie (I so want a dog!) though I’ve never seen anything other than dogs there, so if you want to bring your pet python you might want to check. 

Newlyweds walking down elegant marble hallway with arched ceilings and framed artwork.
Wedding guests share a joyful moment while seated on a couch during the celebration.
A newlywed couple smiles during their wedding ceremony with yellow floral bouquet.
Wedding guests watch the ceremony from their seats in formal attire.
Newlyweds share their first dance in an elegant room with herringbone floors.
Wedding preparations in a room with a vanity mirror and herringbone flooring.
Newlyweds share a joyful moment in a hallway while holding a yellow bouquet.

Your Arrival at Islington Town Hall


Chauffeured cars, taxis and private hire buses can stop outside the building to drop off and collect couples or guests, but they don’t have general parking available. There is a paid car park at the Business Design Centre near Angel but that’s a bit of a walk away.


Be there with your guests at least 15 mins before your ceremony time. When you arrive, check in with the staff on the desk so they know you’re here - don’t just wait outside for them to get you. On busy days there will be a lot of people around with multiple ceremonies happening in different rooms at the same time, so it’s important you make yourself known as the staff won’t go searching for you. 


First look before the Ceremony


Some of my couples like to do a “first look” before they’re married, where they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. Since you’ll probably be interviewed together you’ll need to do this a few minutes before you check in with the front desk. It’s a bit tricky to coordinate as you need to arrive separately and avoid bumping into each other. I suggest that one of you waits in front of the building and the other is dropped off around the side (to the right as you look at the building). I’ll go between both of you, bring you close to the corner of the building, then have one of you turn around while I bring the other closer for the big reveal! It’s a nice moment.


For more details about getting married at Islington Town Hall, click here.

Stone building exterior with traditional wooden doors and architectural details.
Person in white dress holding pink bouquet standing outside historic building entrance.
A couple embraces on their wedding day, with the groom wearing a traditional Scottish kilt outside a historic building.

Your Ceremony In Room 99


When it’s time they’ll take you and your partner into Room 99 for your pre-ceremony interview (yes, the same room you’ll be married in) while your guests will be shown to a different room to wait for you. When your interview is over you’ll be shown to another room to wait for your guests to move to Room 99 and when the registrars are ready to go, you’ll be welcomed back in for the actual ceremony. 

Newlyweds share a moment at a desk with floral arrangements.
Wedding ceremony in progress in a simple room with parquet flooring.
Wedding ceremony taking place in a minimalist room with herringbone wood floors.
Intimate wedding ceremony in a room with wooden floors and scattered guests.

After The Ceremony


After the ceremony and a bit of hugging and congratulating, I like to get everyone outside for the confetti and any group shots on the steps. On busy days there will be a lot going on outside. Somehow (I’m not sure how they do it) the wonderful staff at the Town Hall manage to plan things so everyone gets their time on the steps - but it is limited - so we will be organised and make room for the next wedding party. 


Then I’ll take the couple back inside for a few shots and back out for a few shots in the street. I know some very cool spots for photos close by so your guests won't be waiting long.


And that’s it! Many wedding parties then walk down Upper Street (aka "Cuppa Street" as it's famous for its bars and restaurants) to their reception venue. I am a big fan of Bellanger, Mr Lobo and Bubba Oasis. Whether it’s just the two of you a large party, if you need recommendations for local restaurants or bars on Upper Street let me know - I’ve been to most of them!


To book Room 99 at Islington Town Hall for your wedding click here. 


If you have any questions let in touch. Once you send your enquiry you'll be able to download a free copy of my very useful Wedding Guide.

A couple exchanges rings during an intimate wedding ceremony with floral decorations.
Close-up of hands during a wedding ring exchange ceremony with elegant white attire.
A happy couple walks under a white umbrella while the bride carries a vibrant floral bouquet on their wedding day.
A newlywed couple exits a building while guests shower them with white confetti on their wedding day.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony with guests watching the couple under an arch.
A romantic black and white moment between newlyweds against a brick wall.
An intimate black and white photo of a couple on an elegant staircase with ornate railings.
A joyful wedding exit with guests throwing confetti as the couple descends stone steps.
Close up view of hands during a wedding ring exchange ceremony against a blurred background.
Newlyweds exit their wedding ceremony while guests shower them with white confetti petals outside a grand stone building.
A happy couple laughs together in an elegant hallway with arched ceilings and warm lighting.
Exterior view of Terra Rossa Italian restaurant with classic storefront and illuminated signage in London.
Newlyweds walking together through an elegant hotel corridor with marble walls and decorative glass doors.
Architectural interior of a grand historic building with mint green walls and ornate dome ceiling with natural light.
A couple exchanges rings during an intimate indoor wedding ceremony while an officiant stands in the background.
A joyful couple celebrates while holding a bouquet in a bright indoor venue as guests applaud from their seats.
A couple in elegant wedding attire shares a quiet moment in a hallway with framed artwork on the white walls.

"We can't recommend Gary enough! Not only did he capture our wedding day beautifully (seriously, the photos look like they came straight out of a magazine!), but he was also incredibly helpful during the planning process. Even though we're not exactly models, he made us feel completely at ease in front of the camera and knew exactly how to get the best shots. Thank you for everything, Gary!"

—Krishna and Marek

A couple celebrates joyfully walking down an elegant corridor in wedding attire.
A close-up candid moment of a couple in wedding attire indoors.
A couple holding hands walking across a crosswalk in wedding attire.
A couple in wedding attire sharing a romantic moment on grand marble stairs.
A wedding couple poses in front of the grand entrance of Islington Town Hall.
A couple in wedding attire walking along a brick-lined street with greenery.
Newlyweds pose on an elegant marble staircase in formal wedding attire.
Wedding couple exits while guests throw confetti outside a historic building.
Newlyweds pose together on grand white marble steps with a yellow bouquet.
A wedding couple poses against a dark corrugated wall, with bride in white dress holding yellow bouquet.
Newlyweds walking down a city street lined with parked cars.
Wedding party walking together on a sidewalk past storefronts.
Couple walking through an elegant hallway with arched ceilings.
Wedding celebration outside a church with guests forming a walkway for the newlyweds.
A romantic moment between newlyweds in an alley with brick walls.
Wedding Photographer Gary Williams

YOUR LONDON BASED DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER


If you're looking for more than just posed photographs, if you want your wedding day to be documented authentically, capturing real emotions and heartfelt connections – then you've found your documentary wedding photographer. Get in touch and let's create memories together. If you want to know more about me, click here.

Row of brand logos including Urban Life Photography and partners.