Your Perfect Day from Start to Finish in Islington
1slington offers a charming blend of historic elegance and modern convenience, making it an ideal location for your wedding day. As an Islington Town Hall wedding photographer, I am always a bit awestruck by its beautiful marble staircase and rich history. Additionally, the surrounding areas offer diverse settings for post-ceremony shots. I should know - I've lived here for 20 years!
Ceremony Venue: Islington Town Hall
Located on Upper Street, Islington Town Hall is not only architecturally impressive but also steeped in history. The marble staircase is a highlight, offering a grand setting for photographs. The building's design and interiors provide a timeless elegance that enhances any wedding album. They have a great selection of rooms from the tiny Canonbury Suite just for you and your witnesses to the very grand Council Chamber which can seat up to 85 guests. Room 99 for 20 guests is my personal favourite.
Islington Town Hall FAQs
Can we have religious readings and music in our ceremony?
A.If you’re having a civil ceremony, it has to be completely non-religious. That means you won’t be able to include anything with religious wording—so no readings from the Bible or other sacred texts, no hymns or religious music, and no vows taken straight from traditional church ceremonies like “to have and to hold… till death us do part.”
Civil ceremonies were created as a secular option for couples who don’t follow a religion or just want a ceremony without any religious elements.
That said, not everything with the word ‘heaven’ or ‘God’ is automatically off-limits. Some readings or songs—like Yeats’ Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven or Beyoncé’s Halo—might be fine. If there’s something you’ve got in mind, it’s always worth checking with your registrar.
Do we need to bring our own witnesses?
A.Yes, you do.
It is a legal requirement and your responsibility to bring two adult witnesses that speak good English to your ceremony.
Our team are not able to act as witnesses. However as your photographer I am able to be one of your witnesses. This is especially useful if you are getting married in the Canonbury Suite or Angel suite where you can only have two other people with you. If you want me there also to take photos of the ceremony I will need to be one of your witnesses.
Can we bring pets to the ceremony?
A.Yes, you can bring one well-behaved pet (usually a dog) to most rooms if you fill out a pet consent form at least one month before. Pets aren’t allowed in the Mayor’s Parlour. Assistance dogs are always permitted.
Can we be interviewed separately so we can see each other for the first time in the ceremony room?
A.Yes, if you’ve booked a fully personalised ceremony (like in the Council Chamber or Richmond Suite), you can be interviewed separately and walk in separately for a “first look.” This isn’t possible for simple or statutory ceremonies.
Can we take photos inside the building?
A.Yes, photography is allowed during and after the ceremony. You can use the grand staircase, corridors, and outside steps for photos. Just follow staff guidance. I usually take about 5-10 mins immediately after the ceremony to take some photos in the corridor and around the grand staircase.
Can we use confetti?
A.Yes, confetti is allowed on the outside steps only. Rice is not permitted. Biodegradable confetti is recommended. I have done a separate blog page for the best confetti shots with links on where to buy the best kinds of confetti.
Can we walk "down the aisle"?
A.Some of the ceremony rooms are larger than others and have a long enough aisle between the seats to walk down. This is especially nice if you have a wedding party to enter in before a bride or groom - and when one of the couple is being "given away" by a friend of family member. The best room for this is the largest, The Council Chamber, but it also works well in Room 99.
Ceremony Rooms at Islington Town Hall
The Council Chamber
A.At the top of the grand marble staircase, the Council Chamber is the largest room at Islington Town Hall. With its vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows and deep red carpet, it’s a beautiful, dramatic space for your entrance.
This historic, pet-friendly room features ornate wood panelling that honours past Islington mayors. It’s still used today for full council meetings. The original oak and red leather seating—with fold-out desks and ink wells—gives it real character and charm.
Even though it’s a large space, the curved horseshoe layout keeps things feeling close and personal. No guest will be more than five rows away from you, making it feel intimate however many people you invite.
Up to 85 guests on Saturdays and Sundays. From Tuesday to Friday, the limit is 50 guests. The room isn’t available for ceremonies on Mondays.
These numbers include all guests, children, babies, musicians and videographers. The couple, registrars and one professional photographer don’t count toward the total.
Limits are set by fire and safety rules, and are higher at weekends because the building is quieter.
You’re welcome to bring one pet to your ceremony in this room.
Ceremonies here can be tailored with your own vows, music and readings. You can also request separate entrances and interviews if you'd prefer. A simple ceremony takes around 20 minutes, while a fully personalised one may last up to 40 minutes.
Room 99
A.This is my favourite room in the town hall, and I think the most popular. The capacity: Up to 20–28 guests.
It's bright, modern, mid-century feel—grey and white tones, parquet flooring, oak mantelpiece, large windows, Italian chandeliers
Practical: Pet-friendly; quick turnaround on weekdays may restrict personalised content.
There is enough of an aisle between the rows of chairs to give you something to walk down which is especially nice if you want someone to "give you away".
Richmond Suite
A.Capacity: 60 guests
Style: Wood‑panelled with high ceilings, Art Deco detailing, traditional aisle and fireplace
Availability: Saturdays only (excluding the second Saturday of each month)
Mayor’s Parlour
A.Capacity: 4 guests (excluding couple, registrar, photographer)
Style: Intimate oak-paneled room with red leather seating, stained glass, and central fireplace. Historically used as the mayor’s official space
Note: Pets are not permitted; available Fridays/Saturdays only
Canonbury Suite
A.Capacity: Couple + 2 witnesses (no additional guests). This is one of two very cute and beautifully appointed rooms at the town hall. Note that you can only have 2 guests and they need to be witnesses, so if you want me in there taking photos I will need to be one of the witnesses, which I have done many times. Another alternative is for you to have the ceremony without photos and afterwards I come in, one of the registrars leaves (to make room) and I do the photos.
Style: Cozy modern room with teal/pink accents, plush furnishings, original Crittall stained glass, pet-friendly
Use: Ideal for intimate elopements or micro-weddings.
Angel Suite
A.Capacity: Couple + 2 witnesses (no additional guests). This is one of two very cute and beautifully appointed rooms at the town hall. Note that you can only have 2 guests and they need to be witnesses, so if you want me in there taking photos I will need to be one of the witnesses, which I have done many times. Another alternative is for you to have the ceremony without photos and afterwards I come in, one of the registrars leaves (to make room) and I do the photos.
Style: Similar chic-modern décor to Canonbury (wood-panel, velvet, teal/pink tones), pet-friendly
Availability: Typically weekdays; perfect for small, relaxed ceremonies.
Statutory Room
A.Capacity: Couple + 2 witnesses (no additional guests). Note that you can only have 2 guests and they need to be witnesses, so if you want me in there taking photos I will need to be one of the witnesses, which I have done many times. Another alternative is for you to have the ceremony without photos and afterwards I come in, one of the registrars leaves (to make room) and I do the photos.
Style: Plain, minimal setup for basic legal formalities.
Eligibility: For Islington or City of London residents only.
Anterooms (2 available)
A.Capacity: Up to 6 people. These are handy if you want to finish getting ready before the ceremony or just have a place to relax for a moment with your besties.
Use: Pre‑ceremony waiting or prep space (not suitable for the ceremony itself). Available Friday–Sunday.
Reception Venues: Upper Street And Surroundings
Stepping out of the Town Hall, you're immediately on Upper Street, known for its array of restaurants, bars, and cafés.ithin a short walk, you can find the perfect venue to suit your reception, whether you're looking for a cozy café or a lively bar. I often tell my couples that a good place to meet pre-ceremony is The Vineyard pub which is directly opposite the town hall - it's just quite quiet in the day and is great for photos but do check there is not soccer match on that day!
Another favourite of mine which is just over the road is Mr Lobo (Peruvian) and Terra Rosa (Italian). Many couples take the short walk from the Town Hall to Bellanger which is just on Islington Green and just a little further is Frederick's on Camden Passage which is perfect for a large group with a garden, terrace, separate area for drinks and a huge dining room.
Heading on towards Exmouth Market you'll find the fabulous Coin Laundry. With craft beer and cocktails, this laid back neighbourhood bar is perfect for wedding receptions. They have a large space upstairs, perfect for dining and downstairs is a second room which usually serves as a dance floor with its own bar. It always works really well.
Moving in the opposite direction from the Town Hall takes you towards Canonbury and the lovely Canonbury Tavern which has a terrific private room upstairs, perfect for a small to medium sized wedding party.
Transportation: Getting There
Islington is well-connected, making it accessible for you and your guests. Highbury & Islington tube station is about a 10-minute walk away, and Angel tube station is just down the road. Additionally, several bus routes stop right outside the Town Hall. If you're arriving in a special wedding car, arrangements can be made for drop-off and pick-up at the front of the Town Hall. Alternatively, there's a quiet street beside the Town Hall where your driver can wait comfortably.
Local Vendors: Dresses And Florists
If you want to keep it really local supporting local businesses can add a personal touch to your wedding. For bridal attire, Angelica Bridal in Camden Passage (my favourite street), near Angel tube , offers a range of beautiful dresses. Very close to the Town Hall you have the fabulous tailor Charlie Allen.
When it comes to florists, Upper Street boasts several options. Angel Flowers and Plants, located at 60 Upper Street, and Dansk Flowers, situated at St Mary's Church on Upper Street, are both reputable choices.
Need More Local Knowledge?
Planning your wedding in Islington combines the charm of historic venues with the convenience of modern amenities, ensuring a memorable day for you and your guests. I've lived just down the road from the Town Hall for 20 years so if you need any more local knowledge, please just let me know.
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