Best London Registry Offices for Elopements & Micro-Weddings

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London has some of the most stunning options for couples looking for a showstopping registry office for their civil wedding ceremony. In this post, we looking specifically at the best town halls in London, as recommended by local photographers who regularly shoot weddings in these locations.

Old Marylebone Town Hall

Old Marylebone Town Hall is one of London’s most iconic registry offices, renowned for its grand architecture and rich history. Nestled in the heart of Westminster, this Grade II-listed building boasts stunning neoclassical columns and elegant interiors, making it a favorite for stylish city weddings. The venue offers seven beautifully restored ceremony rooms, blending period charm with modern sophistication.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Rock & Roll Wedding’ venue, Old Marylebone Town Hall has been the wedding venue of many celebrities including musicians Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Star and Liam Gallagher, as well as Hollywood stars such as Jude Law, Sean Bean and Antonio Banderas.

Old Marylebon Town Hall has 7 different ceremony room options, and is ideal for intimate weddings and elopements. Their different rooms are suitable for everything from just the couple and two witnesses, to intimate groups of 20-30 guests, and even a space that can accommodate up to 100 people.

In 2024, it celebrated 100 years of conducting weddings by officiating 100 weddings in a day.

Tips for Photos at Old Marylebone Town Hall:

If you’re getting married at this venue, you’re in for a treat! The staff here are fantastic—they’ll come and get you just before the first person walks down the aisle, giving you a quiet moment together and allowing your photographer to capture those beautiful anticipation shots. After your ceremony, there’s dedicated time for couples and group photos on the grand steps. Just keep in mind that on busy days, time for group photos may be limited, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. If you do run out of time, there’s a charming cobbled street behind the town hall that makes for a great alternative backdrop.

Kitty Wheeler Shaw – Photographer

• For smaller group shots, the alcoves around the venue are stunning, with perfect natural light that creates gorgeous, intimate photos. Make sure to take a few couple portraits here as well—you won’t regret it!

• Another lovely touch is the addition of a cute bench where you can sit together while your guests line up outside for the confetti throw. It’s a great chance for a candid moment before heading out. And of course, don’t miss the iconic shot of you both walking down those beautiful marble steps as newlyweds—it’s a classic!

• If you’ve hired a red London bus, keep in mind that it will park right outside the venue, meaning there might not be enough space to take a large group photo on the steps straight on. But don’t worry—your photographer can capture it beautifully from an angle instead!

Address: 97-113 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5PT – View on Google Maps
Room capacity: Various rooms for between 4 – 100 people
Venue Website

Islington Town Hall

Set in the heart of the thriving borough Islington, Islington Town Hall is a fantastic choice for modern London weddings. Like many other town halls in the capital, the building is a beautiful example of 1920s architecture, with a grand facade and a sweeping marble staircase, providing a sophisticated and elegant backdrop for a wedding ceremony.

Situated on fashionable Upper Street in Islington, the town hall is easily accessible by public transport and surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars, making it convenient for a quick stroll to many options for a wedding reception in a stylish nearby restaurant.

A range of ceremony rooms are offered to suit different sizes and styles of weddings; from the intimate Mayor’s Parlour for just the couple and witnesses, to the larger Council Chamber for up to 85 guests, there’s a style and space for everyone. Even the larger rooms like the Council Chamber are designed in a way that feels intimate and personal, with horseshoe-shaped seating ensuring everyone feels close to the couple.

Tips from London wedding photographer Matt Badenoch:

• The steps outside of Islington Town Hall is a great spot for a confetti tunnel after the ceremony.
• Nearby Pub recommendations:
  • The Vineyard – ideal for informal drinks (across the road)
  • The Drapers Arms – Great for a sit-down meal with amazing food (5min walk away)

Address: Upper St, London N1 2UD – View on Google Maps
Room capacity: Various rooms for between 4 – 85 people
Website: Islington Town Hall Website

Chelsea Old Town Hall

Chelsea Old Town Hall is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and prime location on the fashionable King’s Road. This Grade II-listed building is perfect for couples planning a small registry office ceremony.

Over the years, Chelsea Old Town Hall has hosted numerous celebrity weddings. Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger’s star-studded 1971 wedding took place here, as did Judy Garland’s final marriage to Mickey Deans in 1969. Other famous couples who tied the knot at this venue include Hugh Grant and Anna Eberstein, Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra Harris, and glam rock legend Marc Bolan and June Child.

The venue offers three elegant ceremony rooms. The Brydon Room, the largest, holds up to 38 guests and features chandeliers and classic decor. The Rossetti Room is a more intimate space for up to 12 guests, while the Harrington Room, the smallest, is perfect for elopements or private ceremonies with up to eight guests. Each room provides a refined and elegant setting for a wedding.

Tips from London Photographer Matt Badenoch:

• Personalise your ceremony with your favourite songs. There are three points during the ceremony when you are allowed to play music: the entrance, signing of the registry and your exit. 
• If you’re planning to have some portrait photos afterwards, St Luke’s Garden is a great spot and is only a 3 minute walk away.

Address: King’s Rd, London SW3 5EE – View on Google Maps
Room capacity: Three rooms for between 8 – 38 people
Website: Kensington & Chelsea Registry Office

Hackney Town Hall

Hackney Town Hall is an increasingly popular choice for London weddings due to its beautifully historic setting and position set back from the busy road. The building boasts impressive Art Deco architecture, providing a sophisticated and elegant backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

Situated in the heart of trendy Hackney in East London, the town hall is easily accessible for guests traveling from within London and beyond. The beautiful Art Deco exterior, originally completed in 1937, makes for a stunning background to portraits and family group shots alike.

The only venues in Hackney which has an inclusive ceremony fee (room and registrars’ fees) is the Lanchester Suite at Hackney Town Hall, however the venue offers additional rooms suitable for different sizes and styles of weddings, from intimate gatherings in smaller rooms to larger celebrations in the two impressive art glass roofed atrium, bringing the outside in no matter the weather. The original wood panelled Council Chamber and Committee Rooms with their grandiose chandeliers are also a wonderful setting for ceremonies.

Address: Mare St, London E8 1EA – View on Google Maps
Room capacity: Various options from 30 – 100+
Website: Hackney Venues Website

Mayfair Library

Mayfair Library is a charming choice for a wedding in London. Despite being in the heart of Mayfair, it is in a less busy position than some of the other London ceremony options.

Situated in the heart of Mayfair, the library is easily accessible for guests and offers proximity to some of London’s top rated restaurants and bars. The library provides two options for ceremony rooms, the intimate Marylebone Room for smaller weddings and the elegant Mayfair Room for larger gatherings. These factors make Mayfair Library a popular choice for couples looking for a unique, intimate, and stylish wedding venue in the heart of London.

The library offers a quiet, romantic, and intimate setting, perfect for couples seeking a personal and special wedding ceremony. The library has a classic and elegant interior, with period features, antique books and vintage ornaments, creating a unique and memorable backdrop for your wedding photography.

Address: 25 S Audley St, London W1K 2PB – View on Google Maps
Room capacity: Two rooms for 2 – 40 people
Website: Mayfair Library

Can Foreigners get married in London?

Generally speaking, it is possible to get married in the UK if you’re not a UK resident or citizen, but there are a number of requirements that you’ll need to fulfil.

Advice from London wedding planner Emma from Emma Murray- Jones Weddings & Events: Getting married legally in the UK involves several steps, and for couples from abroad, there are additional considerations, including visas and residency requirements. Whether you are planning a grand wedding in one of London’s iconic venues or an intimate civil ceremony at one of our stunning town hall registry offices, understanding the legalities will ensure a smooth process.

Many couples choose to work with a wedding planner or legal expert to ensure they meet all requirements smoothly. Sorting out the legal side early will allow you to focus on creating a memorable day without last-minute stress.

General Advice For Getting Married in London

It’s probably worth noting that if you are the kind of person that wants to feel like the whole day is just for you, a Town Hall/Courthouse/Registry Office wedding might not be for you, as it is highly likely you will see another couple either leaving or turning up for their wedding, especially at the more popular venues such as Marylebone or Islington Town Hall.  Sometimes this can provide a lovely moment of shared joy, but if you wouldn’t like this, then maybe a venue that offers exclusive use would be best for your ceremony. The great news is there are many licensed venues across London that offer this.

Town Hall ceremonies are also very popular and a practical option for couples who are having destination weddings, choosing to do the paperwork at home before flying out to their wedding destination. As photographers, we always encourage these clients to still have us shoot their Town Hall wedding, even when it’s very intimate, as it’s still an important part of the story. – Lina & Tom

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