Islington Town Hall wedding - G & Lew’s spring wedding in central London

It’s honestly hard to know where to start with this absolute corker of a wedding! It was my first wedding of 2026, and WHAT a way to kick off the wedding season.

London showed up in all of its finery on this glorious April day. As someone who grew up in the London commuter belt, I have to admit I’ve always found the city underwhelming at best; however, mooching around Islington with the sun shining and everyone in high spirits really got me understanding what the fuss is all about!

Getting ready in Islington – a relaxed London wedding morning

G and Lew’s London wedding day took place in Islington and centred around Chapel Market. I met G and her wonderful bridal party at a gorgeous local apartment, which is where I saw G’s bouquet bag by Bimba Floral Studio for the first time and my jaw hit the floor. Honestly one of the most stunning wedding accessories I’ve ever seen, and it complemented G’s beautiful embellished wedding dress perfectly. Once I’d recovered from the gorgeousness of it all, we strolled over to the reception venue Chapel Market Tavern in Islington, grabbed a drink and hung out in the sun while we waited for our Ubers to zip us across to Islington Town Hall. Hairstyles were touched up, bridal party photos were taken and the day started with the vibe high.

Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony – Richmond Room

London town halls are always a hive of activity, especially on a sunny spring Saturday, and Islington Town Hall was no different. There’s always something lovely about seeing the previous wedding couples and loved ones having their photos taken outside, and it’s always fun to see if I recognise any of the photographers..!

G & Lew’s ceremony was relaxed and intimate, with lots of laughs and a gorgeous reading. Islington Town Hall’s Richmond Room was drenched in sunlight as this gorg pair said their β€œI do’s” in front of their nearest and dearest.

Confetti moments at Islington Town Hall

Islington Town Hall is such a great spot for confetti, with its bright stone steps and impressive backdrop. Just as we were finishing with confetti, a vintage London bus arrived packed to the rafters with beer and fizz ready to transport us in style back to Chapel Market Tavern. After grabbing some relaxed, sunny group shots, we all boarded the bus for the short (and highly entertaining) journey to the wedding reception.

Chapel Market Tavern wedding reception in Islington

With this bride and groom being so relaxed and up for a good time, I knew the wedding reception was gunna be a cracker. Guests arrived to a beautifully decked out pub adorned with ribbons and pink and red accessories, plus a vintage tray stacked with cigarettes for their guests to enjoy throughout the day! The super cool vibes were topped off by the most beautiful vintage wedding cake by Lily Vanilli, complete with cherries on top. Relaxed photos in Chapel Market, London

Having such a beautiful, traditional exterior, the Chapel Market Tavern made the perfect backdrop for G & Lew’s group photos. With a little bit of traffic control from myself and excited well wishes from passers-by, we had a great time capturing lifts, laughs and even a traditional school photo style, just for a laugh.

We waited until the sun was low in the sky before heading out for couples’ photos, armed with champagne, Guinness cans and a Lime bike. I LOVE it when a couple brings their vision and personality to their couples’ portraits, and these two did that in abundance.

Topped off with heartfelt and emotional speeches and crackin’ music from Kick Back Sundays, this day was honestly amazing from start to finish and I feel so grateful to have been a part of it. Congratulations G & Lew, and thanks for having me!

FAQs

Where is Islington Town Hall?

Islington Town Hall is located on Upper Street in North London, right in the heart of Islington. It’s surrounded by great pubs, restaurants and spots like Chapel Market, which makes it ideal for a relaxed, city-style wedding day with everything close by.

What is it like getting married at Islington Town Hall?

Islington Town Hall has a really lovely balance of being iconic without feeling overly formal. It’s busy, especially on weekends, but that adds to the atmosphere! There’s always something going on and a real sense of celebration.

The ceremony rooms are light and bright, and the Richmond Room in particular gets beautiful natural light, which makes a huge difference.

How do you book a wedding at Islington Town Hall?

You’ll need to book your ceremony directly through Islington Council. Popular dates (especially spring and summer Saturdays) can book up quickly, so it’s worth enquiring as early as you can.

You’ll also need to give notice of marriage at your local register office before your wedding day.

How much does it cost to get married at Islington Town Hall?

Costs vary depending on the day of the week, the time of your ceremony and which room you choose. Weekday ceremonies are usually more affordable, while Saturdays and larger rooms like the Richmond Room tend to be at the higher end.

It’s best to check the latest pricing directly with Islington Council to be on the safe side.

How long does a ceremony at Islington Town Hall last?

Most ceremonies are fairly short and sweet – usually around 20–30 minutes.

Because there are often multiple weddings happening on the same day, timings tend to run quite tightly, so it’s important to arrive on time and factor that into your planning.

Can you have confetti at Islington Town Hall?

Yes, you can usually have confetti outside on the steps, which is one of the best spots for it.

It’s always worth checking any specific guidelines with the venue beforehand (for example, biodegradable confetti is often required).

Is Islington Town Hall good for wedding photos?

Yep, it’s a great spot, especially if you like a mix of classic and relaxed, documentary-style photos.! The steps outside are perfect for confetti and the surrounding streets in Islington give you loads of options for more candid, personality-filled portraits.

You don’t need to travel far to get a good variety of backdrops, which makes everything feel easy and unforced.

Where can you have your wedding reception near Islington Town Hall?

There are loads of great options nearby, from pubs to restaurants and more styled venues. Chapel Market Tavern is a brilliant choice if you’re after something relaxed and full of personality, with plenty of space for decorating and making it your own.

Being so central means you can keep everything within walking distance or a short journey, which helps keeps things easy breezy.

Is there parking at Islington Town Hall?

Parking in this part of London is limited, so most couples and guests rely on public transport, taxis or walking between locations.

The good news is that Islington is really well connected, which makes getting around pretty easy.

Do you have to leave straight after your ceremony?

You’ll usually have a short window for confetti and a few photos on the steps, but you won’t be able to stay for a long time as the next wedding will be arriving.

Planning a nearby spot for drinks or your reception means you can keep the celebrations going without feeling rushed.


Planning your own wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding and want photos that feel relaxed, natural and genuinely like you, I’d love to hear what you’re putting together.

I’m based in Cheshire and mostly photograph weddings across Manchester, Liverpool and the North West, but always up for hearing about plans further afield that feel like a good fit!

Find out more about how I work or check my availability.

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