If you’re planning a wedding at The People’s History Museum in Manchester, and you’re wondering what it looks like to have a fun, laidback wedding with minimal speeches, no formal wedding breakfast and no first dance, then look no further.

Lauren and Paul got married at The People’s History Museum, which is the national museum of democracy in Manchester, with a historic Grade II listed Pump House designed by Manchester’s first City Architect, Henry Price. It was such a fun wedding, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Getting Ready at The Treehouse Hotel

I started the day by joining Lauren, her mum and a couple of her besties at the Treehouse hotel, which is just a short walk from The People’s History Museum. Lauren was very lucky that one of her friends is a very talented makeup artist who kept the vibe relaxed and made sure Lauren looked stunning!

The ceremony

Lauren & Paul had a relaxed ceremony in the museum’s vast engine hall. They kept things simple, with only the incredible architecture of the engine hall as their decor, which I loved. There were no readings, but they had one of their young children deliver the rings, which was a lovely way to include him.

After they’d made it official, everyone gathered outside the museum to shower them with brightly coloured confetti, and thankfully, the weather was on our side! 

The party

After a few group photos outside of the museum, we all took a short walk over to The Black Friar pub to kick off the celebrations, stopping for portraits along the way. They kept things relaxed at the pub, with a BBQ and cocktails in the garden, followed by a joint speech by the happy couple. Lauren & Paul opted out of a first dance, but it didn’t matter cause their guests were more than ready to kick off the party with the help of DJ Sam Flanagan playing a fantastic eclectic range of tunes. They even kept the party going after they had to pause to move inside the pub! 

The Couple

Lauren wore a simple and stylish textured white dress and veil, and chose an incredible bright bouquet of yellow flowers. Paul wore a relaxed green suit from Universal Works, and together they looked incredible.

They got in touch with me a year before their wedding, and had originally booked to have their ceremony in Manchester Registry Office, but I’m so glad they changed to The People’s History Museum! Their enquiry sounded so fun. They said they just wanted to throw a big party with no formalities, just lovely food and good music, and I loved that they did exactly that.

Why The People’s History Museum is a great place to get married

The People’s History Museum has a really laid-back vibe and is one of the coolest places to get married in Manchester. The venue offers both ceremony-only and all-day hire and has a capacity of up to 120 people, which makes it a great choice for weddings of all shapes and sizes. Plus, loads of great spots nearby are perfect for photos! I love this venue because it’s a fantastic space in a great location. 

Weddings at The People’s History Museum are amazing, because the building is historic and unique, a great place for a Manchester city centre wedding.

If you’re planning a wedding at The People’s History Museum, get in touch. I’d love to photograph another wedding there!

Credit where it’s due

Venue’s – https://phm.org.uk/

– https://theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/

Hair & Make Up – https://www.instagram.com/nikkifmakeup/

Flowers – https://www.powerplantflowers.co.uk/

Cake – https://www.thepalmsbakery.com/

DJ – https://www.instagram.com/djsamflanagan/

Suit – https://universalworks.com/

If you’re considering planning a wedding at The Leeds Library, in Leeds City Centre, then you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!

Prakshantee and Joseph got married at The Leeds Library, which is A beautiful 255 year old, Grade II listed library, in Leeds City Centre. It was a gorgeous day and a dream wedding for a book lover like myself!

The ceremony

The New Room in The Leeds Library is fully licenced for wedding ceremonies, so Prakshantee and Joseph opted for a legal ceremony with some lovely personal touches. During the ceremony, they had some beautiful readings and live music from friends and family. With the bookshelves providing a charming backdrop, they kept decor to a minimum.

Why The Leeds Library is a great place to get married

The Leeds Library is a beautiful venue with a great atmosphere, and is one of the loveliest places to get married in Leeds City Centre. The venue has the capacity for up to 80 guests and is a true hidden gem. Nestled between a bank and a shop on Commercial Street, your guests will be pleasantly surprised when they ascend the stairs and enter the natural light-filled, bookshelf-covered New Room. I love this venue because I’m very biased and love books and libraries! Weddings at The Leeds Library are amazing because every backdrop is perfect for photos.

After the ceremony

The Couple enjoyed a couple of celebratory glasses of bubbly with their loved ones in the Reading Room of The Leeds Library. Before making the most of their bookish backdrop with group photos and couples portraits back in The New Room. We then took a short walk over to The Met Hotel for speeches and dinner. The weather stayed on our side, and we even managed to get some golden hour portraits before the couple headed back inside to get the party started!

The couple

Prakshantee wore A stunning Sabyasachi saree for the majority of the day, before changing into a simpler white dress, perfect for dancing. Joseph wore a classic Charles Tyrwhitt three-piece suit with a contrasting green tie. They both looked perfect!

If you’re planning a wedding at The Leeds Library (or any library) get in touch! I’d love to hear all about your plans.

Credit where it’s due

Saree – https://sabyasachi.com/

Suit – https://www.charlestyrwhitt.com/

Hair – https://www.rm-uk.com/

Make Up – https://www.instagram.com/paigejonesmakeup_/

Flowers – https://www.daisychain-leeds.com/

Cake – https://roseandjamcakes.com/

DJ – https://www.houseofchordsband.com/

Venues – https://www.theleedslibrary.org.uk/

& https://www.leedsmet-hotel.com

If you’re planning a wedding at Village Point in Heaton Moor, then you absolutely need to check out this wedding!

Jenni and Joshua got married at Village Point, which is a modern village hall in Heaton Moor with a relaxed vibe. Because everything was so local, I started coverage with Jenni getting ready with her family and bridesmaids in her and Joshua’s home, before her dad drove her to the ceremony in his convertible (thankfully, the weather was on her side)!

The ceremony

The ceremony was a personalised service led by one of their friends. Before Jenni made her way down the aisle with her dad, they had ‘beer men’ handing out drinks instead of flower girls. During the ceremony, they had beautiful readings, read their own handwritten vows and had two incredible sing-alongs. It was so personal and fun. They decorated the area with colourful dried flowers and exchanged vows under a floral archway. 

The reception was in the main hall at Village Point – I love this venue because it’s a blank canvas that you can personalise. Weddings at Village Point are amazing, because it’s just so so relaxed.

The Celebration

The couple had a relaxed drinks reception in the afternoon, and threw an epic party, with their friends djing in the evening. They had loads of personal touches and unique ideas that really made their day feel like ‘them’. They opted for scratch cards as wedding favours and got their guests to do self-portraits for their ‘guest book’. Instead of a wedding cake, they cut a giant cookie (and had loads more for guests to help themselves to). For dinner, they had pie and mash, and the first dance was slightly delayed by Jenni’s nan’s impromptu performance to ‘Hey Big Spender’! Once the party was in full swing, Jenni opted for an outfit change, featuring a tulle boa that immediately got used for the limbo!

The couple

Jenni wore an open back puff sleeve dress and hot pink shoes, which she later swapped for white platform boots, and Joshua wore a rust coloured suit paired with blue suede shoes, and they looked incredibly stylish.

The couple got in touch with me the year before their wedding, and their enquiry was so fun. They said they were so excited to celebrate their love with their favourite people, and I loved that they were planning a day full of colour and fun, with loads of personal touches.

Why Village Point is a great place to get married

Village Point is perfect for couples who want a big party, and is one of the most relaxed places to get married in Heaton Moor. The venue offers a great central location, two event spaces, a fully stocked bar and a great sound system! – and loads of spots nearby are perfect for photos.

Advice for planning your wedding at Village Point

• Book early. 
• Personalise the space. 
• Make the most of the sound system!

If you’re planning on throwing an epic party at Village Point, get in touch!

Supplier Shout Out!

Venue –  Village Point

Styling/props – Event Dressing

Jenni’s Outfit – And For Love via The Fall Bride

Joshua’s Outfit – Edit Suits

Hair/Make up – Mimi Lomax

bridal bouquet – Hidden Botanics

DJs – Pushkins Prefers, DJ Sultani, Clay Manchester

If you’re planning a wedding at Refettorio Felix in London, or if you’re having a DIY wedding, you’ll find tons of inspo from this wedding!

Alice and Lizzie celebrated their wedding at Refettorio Felix, a drop-in centre and community kitchen serving vulnerable people in London, which also happens to be a beautiful event space. It was a gorgeous day and one of my fave weddings last year!

The wedding

Alice and Lizzie had already had an intimate legal ceremony at Southwark Register Office earlier that morning. So they decided to have one of their friends lead a short but sweet welcome speech and ceremony to kick off their Refettorio Felix celebrations. They entered the hall to a shower of confetti before getting on the stage for their mini ceremony. Their friend shared some kind and thoughtful words about their relationship before announcing them as married in front of their loved ones. It was so personal and the perfect start to their celebration.

The afternoon

The couple continued their celebrations with glasses of bubbly and delicious snacks, homemade by their wonderful friends and family. During which one of their close friends introduced herself as the designated health and safety officer (complete with clip board and high vis vest) as a way to announce the order of the day. We then slipped outside and used a nearby street as a backdrop for some relaxed couples portraits. For dinner, they had an incredible selection of homemade curries, followed by speeches and a bake-off style array of cakes for dessert. Again, all made by family and friends!

The evening party was kicked off with an incredible surprise performance from Alice’s choir, followed by live music from New Power Soul Club (there were friends involved in that, too!).

Why Refettorio Felix is a great place to get married

Refettorio Felix is a gorgeous, light-filled, blank canvas space, perfect for a diy wedding, and is one of the loveliest places to get married in London. The venue offers a cool village hall vibe on a quiet street in Earls Court, as well as affordable rates that help fund the amazing work that the charity does. I love photographing weddings at Refettorio Felix because it’s such a relaxed venue, the light is always gorgeous and perfect for photos, and it’s amazing that holding weddings there will support a great cause.

The couple

Alice wore a textured, puff-sleeve white dress from Nobody’s Child, and Lizzie wore an open back white jumpsuit from Sezane, and they both looked incredible. Perfectly dressed for their relaxed, DIY celebration!

The couple got in touch with me earlier in the year, and their enquiry sounded like they were planning the type of wedding I love photographing! They wanted a relaxed photographer, and I loved that they just wanted to have a fun party with their friends and family. They mentioned that they were having food cooked by their friends and family, but I was still very impressed by how much they contributed. Not just cooking an incredible meal, but also baking cakes, arranging flowers, and helping with wedding planning! It was probably the most DIY wedding I’d been to in a while, and it was all the better for it. Alice and Lizzie’s community of loved ones showed up, contributed, celebrated and showered them with love! 

“Marni you were amazing! We had the best time, with the most wonderful people, including you, capturing it all. Thanks for giving us such a wonderful record of our day and our talented friends”

If you’re planning a wedding at Refettorio Felix, then I’d love to hear about your plans!

Credit where it’s due

Venue – https://www.refettoriofelix.com/

Hair – Alice’s aunt and cousin, who are hairdressers

Flowers – Alice’s mum, aunt and nan

Cake – 9 very kind friends brought a cake each

Catering – Alice’s dad, and their friends Sara & Chris

Band – https://newpowersoulclub.co.uk/

I might not be a winter person (I’m more of a spring lover), but I do enjoy the cosy and festive vibes of a winter wedding. Planning a winter wedding can be a bit more of a challenge, so here are a few tips for throwing a great winter wedding:

1. Choose your venue with the season in mind. 

Winters in the UK are often cold and grey, with some surprise storms thrown in for good measure. The chances of you wanting to spend most of your wedding day outdoors are slim, so choose a venue that you like the look of on the inside rather than just its surrounding views or grounds, as there’s a good chance you won’t get to see much of them. A venue with plenty of indoor space, that’s cosy and warm, as that’s where you’ll be spending most of your time.

2. Be prepared for bad weather

Think clear umbrellas, a warm but stylish coat, and footwear that will keep your feet dry. If you’re planning on wearing a wedding dress and hoping to spend any time outside, consider one without a train or be prepared to carry it a lot. Also, if your wedding is in the countryside, bring your walking boots or wellies so you’re not too limited with your couple’s portrait locations. I’d also recommend kicking your reception off with a hot drink (especially if you had to transfer between venues). Mulled wine, mulled cider, hot toddies or boozy hot chocolates are all great options to warm your guests up. And don’t forget about including a fire pit and some blankets (if your venue allows it) to warm people up if it’s dry enough to linger outside.

3. Consider starting the day earlier 

3pm ceremonies are great in summer, but unless you want your whole day to take place after sunset, you’ll probably want a 12:30 ceremony. However, if that’s not possible, then think about reshuffling your day so that you can get all your essential photos done in daylight. Have a look at what time sunset is before you create your wedding timeline. Consider doing a first look before the ceremony. In case you don’t know what a first look is, it’s when the couple decides to see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It’s a lovely way of making your outfit reveal a little more private while also getting some natural photos of you together. You can also consider doing your family photos before the ceremony too.

4. Don’t forget about lighting.

Your venue is not going to be filled with natural light for very long, so make sure you add plenty of ambient lighting to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Have a good look at the lighting your venue includes and add lots of candles, festoon/fairy lights or a neon sign to create the vibe you want.

5. Book a photographer who knows how to use flash and can capture all the moments of your day beautifully!

This is good advice for any time of year, actually!

If you’re planning a winter wedding (or one in a different season) and you want a photographer who will capture all the love and joy of your big day, then get in touch! My books are open for 2026/27

If you’re planning a wedding at Sefton Park Palm House in Liverpool, you’ll love this wedding for inspiration!

Reem and Ahmed got married at Sefton Park Palm House, a beautiful, Grade 2 listed Victorian conservatory set in the middle of Sefton Park in Liverpool, featuring greenery and flowers from around the world. And it wasn’t just the location that made Reem and Ahmed’s wedding so wonderful, it was also their effortless style, laidback vibe and commitment to having a day filled with love and joy!

Prep at the Hilton, Liverpool City Centre

Reem & Ahmed began their day with a relaxed morning getting ready at the Hilton hotel in the busy city centre. The weather might have been grey and drizzly outside, but that didn’t dampen their spirits at all. They’d booked a second shooter, so I could stick with Reem and her bridal party while Mike (my second shooter) photographed Ahmed getting ready and followed him to the venue early to capture guests arriving.

The 1st ceremony

Reem and Ahmed kicked things off with a gorgeous ceremony inside the Palm House. Reem wore a chic off-shoulder dress while Ahmed was stylish in a burgundy suit. There were no readings, but the ceremony was still very emotional with Reem’s dad and brother leading her down the aisle and their nephews being ring bearers. Sefron Park Palm house is the kind of venue that would be beautiful even without decorations, but was made even more stunning with Reem and Ahmed’s addition of colourful flowers in autumnal shades.

The reception

After being showered with confetti, the couple socialised with family and friends. The weather was good enough to stay outside while the room was being turned over. They had drinks and live music in the gardens.  Having a second shooter meant we were able to slip away for some portraits inside the Palmhouse and still have full coverage of the reception.

The 2nd Ceremony

After some emotional speeches and a beautiful first dance, the Sunaese live band kicked off the first round of dancing. At the end of their first set, it was time for an outfit change for Reem and Ahmed, while their families draped an area in brightly coloured fabrics and lit incense, ready for their second ceremony, their traditional Sudanese Jirtig. Reem and Ahmed entered together, Reem adorned in stunning gold jewellery. They were offered beads and sweets, and dates by their family, which they then passed between each other and threw out to the guests. There was music and cheering as Ahmed showered the guests with perfume. The ceremony ended with Reem and Ahmed sipping from glasses of milk and then spraying each other with it as a sign of love and peace, “as pure as milk”, before leading everyone back onto the dancefloor.

Why Sefton Park Palm House is a great place to get married

Sefton Park Palm House is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and would love a wedding surrounded by nature, but wants to be safe from the unpredictable English weather! It’s one of the coolest places to get married in Liverpool. The venue offers an amazing atmosphere for a wedding, with beautiful surroundings and gorgeous light, perfect for photos.

If you’re planning a wedding at Sefton Park Palm House and want someone who is going to unobtrusively capture all of the emotions and fun of your special day, get in touch!

Suppliers

Venue Coordinator/catering – https://www.dine.co.uk/

Venue – https://palmhouse.org.uk/

Suit – https://www.editsuits.com/pages/manchester-tailors/

Flowers – https://northernflower.com/

Hair/Make up – https://www.instagram.com/_spectacularbeauty/

Thanks to Mike for Second Shooting – https://www.mikeplunkettphotography.com/

So, you’re planning a micro wedding or elopement in Manchester city centre. Maybe you’ve always dreamt of tying the knot at the iconic Manchester Town Hall, only to discover it’s still closed. Now you’re wondering what else is out there. While Manchester Registry Office is a great option, its functional style might not align with your vision. Luckily, the city centre is home to several stunning licensed venues that offer charm, personality, and a unique backdrop for your small-scale big day.

Here are four perfect venues for your intimate Manchester wedding:

1. The Portico Library

If you’re a book lover (or even if you’re not), getting married in a cosy room surrounded by shelves of literary treasures could be just the atmosphere you’re looking for. The Portico Library offers a warm and intimate setting that’s steeped in history. This hidden gem is perfect for couples seeking a unique and cultured venue that feels both personal and magical. Imagine saying “I do” in the company of centuries-old books — a true love story!

2. 20 Stories

If stunning city views are your thing, 20 Stories is the place to be. Their ceremony room, perfectly sized for a small wedding, offers breathtaking views of Manchester’s skyline. After the ceremony, celebrate your nuptials with rooftop cocktails while soaking in the atmosphere. It’s modern, sophisticated, and ideal for couples who want a touch of glamour in the heart of the city.

3. Ducie Street Warehouse

For a chic, contemporary, and industrial vibe, Ducie Street Warehouse ticks all the boxes. This stylish venue allows you to have everything in one place. Start your day getting ready in one of Native’s trendy hotel rooms, hold your ceremony in one of their versatile spaces, and enjoy a delicious private dinner with your loved ones downstairs. Some rooms even offer access to a terrace, adding an al fresco option to your intimate celebration.

4. Manchester Art Gallery

Art lovers, this one’s for you! Exchange vows surrounded by larger-than-life paintings in one of the gallery’s elegant spaces. The Manchester Art Gallery offers a truly unique and inspiring setting that blends culture and creativity, making it an unforgettable choice for your wedding day.

Bonus Options for Venues Outside Manchester City Centre

If you’re open to venturing slightly further afield, here are a few more options:

• Elizabeth Gaskell House: This literary landmark is perfect for an intimate wedding with historic charm.
• Didsbury Parsonage and Gardens: A picturesque venue surrounded by greenery and character.
• Sale Town Hall: A classic and elegant option for a small ceremony.
• Altrincham Town Hall: A beautiful space with timeless appeal, perfect for creating lasting memories.

Final Thoughts

Your micro wedding deserves a venue as unique as your love story. Whether you’re drawn to the cosy charm of The Portico Library, the sweeping city views of 20 Stories, the industrial elegance of Ducie Street Warehouse, or the artistic grandeur of Manchester Art Gallery, there are plenty of alternatives to Manchester Registry Office that can make your day unforgettable.

If you’re planning your Manchester micro wedding and want a photographer who will authentically capture the joy of your special day, head here to learn more about my short coverage and get in touch!

What Rachel and Josh’s White Syke Fields wedding lacked in terms of sunshine, they made up for tenfold by bringing warmth and good vibes by the bucketload. They’d thought of everything to ensure that they and their guests had the time of their lives, so they certainly weren’t going to let a little rain stop them!

And it’s not just this excellent attitude that you can take away from Rachel and Josh’s White Syke Fields Wedding, either. The decor, the entertainment, the alternative touches – they’re all excellent inspiration for having a gorgeous, heartfelt wedding your way.

White Syke Fields wedding venue

Based just outside of York, White Syke Fields wedding venue is a beautiful blank canvas space that was the perfect setting for Rachel and Josh’s wedding plans. After getting ready at an Airbnb close by and a church ceremony where the vicar gave them a packet of Andrex – not a Covid joke, but a nod to their marriage being soft and strong! – they made their way to White Syke Fields to continue the celebrations.

With a White Syke Fields wedding you get exclusive use of the whole venue, meaning not just the cool brick Wheelhouse where Rachel and Josh had their reception or the white-walled Piggery Barn where they held some games (more on that in a minute): you also get free reign of the courtyard, the woodlands and the lakes. Despite the wet weather, we made the most of the stunning grounds for our couples portraits, hunting for spots of cover for our coverage!

Film-themed wedding decor

As a documentary wedding photographer I don’t normally shoot loads of the details of the wedding decor, but Rachel had put so much heart and thought into each table design it was like a treasure trove. Each table was not only named after a different film, TV show or book that her and Josh loved, but themed after it too. 

Guests found their seats on the giant movie posters strung up by the entrance, and then headed to their table complete with on brand decor, from the centrepiece right down to the favours. Some of my favourites had to be the house from Up, complete with balloons, the Ted Lasso table, complete with pink biscuit favours, and the Room table, where every place name said “Oh hi [name].” And yes, before you ask – there was a Mark sitting at that table!

But the piece de resistance was the top table, which was themed after Lord Of The Rings. Not content with theming just the decor that went on the table, Rachel went above and beyond and created a whole facade for the front of their table to make it look like Hobbiton! There was a door, a window, plants, moss, and everything. 

Wedding games, games, and more games

It wasn’t just these details that made Josh and Rachel’s wedding great, either. Another thing they’d nailed was the entertainment, because their day was full to the brim of fun games!

Whatever your vibe, they had you covered. There were classics like beer pong and lawn games, made up games like Dan The Irishman Snap (and when I say made up, I mean by Rachel and Josh, who’d then printed out instructions to accompany!), and also shuffleboard, which they’d rented from Shufl. And, as if this wasn’t enough, they also organised a treasure hunt for some of their guests.

Oh, and they rented alpacas, just because they love them. 

A bespoke order of the day

Rachel and Josh did their White Syke Fields wedding in a different order to the traditional wedding day. When we arrived at White Syke Fields, we went for portraits first. After their portraits they entered for dinner – to Miami by Will Smith, which is an iconic choice if you ask me – and after that they relaxed for drinks and games spread across the Wheelhouse and the Piggery Barn. (If you’re looking for more inspiration for wedding days with an unconventional order to them, check out Danny and Amanda’s wedding here.) 

During this time, we went for some more rainy portraits before returning to their barn for the speeches and the cutting of the cheesecake. When I say wedding cheesecake, you’re probably thinking of wheels of cheese – especially considering that a White Syke Fields wedding is in God’s Own County – but Rachel and Josh actually opted for a stack of delicious looking cheesecakes! 

The final act of the day was dancing: and lots of it. Underneath installations of white balloon clouds and in front of a sign that read “It is our wedding.” (which I think is a nod to the office, but I’ve never watched it so I wouldn’t know. Don’t judge me!) Rachel, Josh and their guests danced the night away. When they started to feel peckish, they had the opportunity to refuel with mac ‘n’ cheese before hitting the dancefloor again – a perfect combination!

Relaxed, alternative wedding photographer

Rachel and Josh’s White Syke Fields wedding was a total privilege to photograph, in no small part because the couple were such a joy themselves. It’s easy to get swept up in the madness of wedding planning, but Rachel and Josh remained focussed on the main things at all times: family, friendship, and fun. This meant that even in the grey and the rain, warmth and happiness radiated from the barn. 

If you’re planning a similarly personalised, relaxed wedding day that you want documented in a laidback, heartfelt style – I’m your gal! I’d love to hear more about your plans. Whether you’re looking at a White Syke Fields wedding or elsewhere, I’m based in Manchester but travel anywhere for love, so please do get in touch. 

And you don’t just have to take my word for it – take our gorgeous bride and groom here, Rachel and Josh. Here’s what they had to say about having me as their wedding photographer:

“Marni, where do we start?!!… We’re absolutely blown away. You truly captured the joy and character of the day with all the special details. You are above and beyond what we were hoping for and I can’t tell you how grateful we are!! Literally we couldn’t be happier! Just thank you thank you thank you!!!”

Suppliers

Venue: White Syke Fields Weddings

Stylist and props: Rustic Rose Company

Dress: Bridal Apparel Leeds

Suit: Slater Menswear

Hair: Jak from Renaissance Leeds

Make: Up Maria from Renaissance Leeds

Flowers: Charlotte’s Floral Design

Catering: Baba Ganoush Yorkshire

DJ: Ziggy’s Silent Discos

Alpacas: Sheriff Alpaca Experience

Shuffleboards: Shufl

1. Victoria baths

So let’s dive in. We’re starting off strong with Victoria Baths, one of the most unique Manchester wedding venues I’ve ever come across! I haven’t seen anything else like it. If you want a wedding that will be remembered by everyone, this one’s for you. I mean… you can get married in a pool! How cool is that? This venue is an old bath house with lots of character that is being lovingly restored. They’re licensed both, for ceremonies and receptions with 5 dramatic, quirky spaces for you to choose from. This includes the 3 empty swimming pools, as well as the Turkish Baths Rest Room with its Angel of Purity stained glass window. If you have a thing for old tiles, I promise you’ll absolutely love this venue. I’ve also performed here a few times with my choir and can confirm the acoustics are fantastic. The only downside is that it’s a little chilly in the winter, so I would definitely look at this Manchester wedding venue for a summer wedding.

2. Grub

This Manchester wedding venue is perfect for laidback couples who want a fun, well-organised, relaxed wedding in the city. It’s a very exciting space that works with a variety of street food traders and independent chefs specialising in a range of cuisines and dietary requirements. There’s an outside terrace with extra space for a food truck or an ice cream van, a hall that offers the perfect space for your wedding breakfast and their darkened cinema room is an ideal space for a great party which is wonderful if your crowd loves a dance. Then the rest it up to you, there’s so much autonomy on how you can use the space to make it your very own wedding. As they are an experienced wedding host, they’ll be super helpful with making recommendations on what has worked best in the past in terms of catering and decor. You can check out Seraphina and Simon’s wedding for some Grub wedding inspo.

3. Five Four Studios

If you are a creative soul and looking for a Manchester wedding venue that will allow you to fully express your personality as a couple, look no further. Five Four Studios is a 1970’s warehouse that has been renovated into a 600 sqm light filled blank canvas for you to put your stamp on. This means that you can turn your dream wedding into reality, and create a personalised, one of a kind theme! Boho, botanical, festive… you name it, it’s possible. I’ve never seen a Manchester wedding venue as versatile, sleek and stylish as this one!

Now, here’s some general advice when having a Manchester wedding. One thing to note is that Manchester weather can often be quite rainy. There’s nothing to lose in having a rainy weather plan and buying/hiring some clear umbrellas for nicer wedding photographs! If you’re wearing a dress, consider getting one without a train if you’re concerned about keeping it clean.

Also, Routemaster buses aren’t just for London weddings! Consider hiring one to transport your wedding guests from your ceremony to reception, or if you’re in the right location, go via canal.

Lastly, if you are looking for a Manchester wedding photographer, get in touch here! I’d love to hear more about your wedding plans over a cup of tea 🙂

To match the luxury of the venue, a Manchester Hall wedding has to be grand: but Stephen and Phil’s wedding was grandeur and then some. At every juncture it was so obvious how much love they had for their family and friends, but also how much their family and friends had for them; which is no mean feat when your guestlist is 200 people strong! 

Throughout the whole day and well into the night they showed up and showed out, resulting in so many moments of surprise and joy and magic. I’m talking glitter, I’m talking Kylie, I’m talking flash mobs. Oh yeah, baby! 

Manchester Hall wedding venue

Manchester Hall wedding venue is a Grade II listed building that’s recently undergone refurbishment, meaning it now combines its breathtaking original features with stunning new modern fittings. The result is a space that oozes old school glamour without stuffiness and can host events that are elegant but also exuberant. This was totally perfect for Stephen and Phil’s day!

Pre-wedding drinks

As a wedding photographer, a lot of my work starts with a couple of hours photographing one member (or both members) of the couple getting ready, but Stephen and Phil wanted some time to themselves before the wedding so I joined at the very tail end of their prep, when they were just having their buttonholes fixed. 

We then got a ‘first look’ at their ceremony room and reception rooms all set up, before making our way to the bar to have a drink with their guests pre-ceremony. (This is a great idea if you’re feeling self-conscious about all the eyes being on you as you walk down the aisle, or even if you just fancy seeing your pals like Stephen and Phil did!) 

An emotional ceremony

Now, you may notice some very special guests at this Manchester Hall wedding: the one and only Madonna and Kylie Minogue. Stephen and Phil’s friends surprised them with life-sized cardboard cutouts of the icons on the day, and they took pride of place at the side of the room (Sidenote: it was hilarious seeing where they ended up throughout the day!).

The ceremony was beautifully emotional, with Stephen and Phil walking down the aisle together and a friend singing whilst they signed the register (peep Kylie and Madonna swapping position halfway through!) 

Cocktail hour on the roof

Once Stephen and Phil were pronounced husband and husband, it was time to celebrate so we headed up to the rooftop – with a pitstop for group shots and some pretty regal-looking quick portraits in one of the magnificent rooms, if I do say so myself. 

If you’re planning a Manchester Hall wedding during the warmer months, I’d definitely recommend having the rooftop as part of your celebrations – it’s such a cool spot with an epic industrial backdrop of the city. We actually hung around on the rooftop for some portraits after everyone had gone to take their seats for dinner – but back to the cocktail hour, for a moment: Stephen and Phil’s friends surprised them with a confetti throw, which was like joy squared (Confetti = joy, surprise = joy, confetti + surprise = joy squared…that’s maths, right?) 

Dinner, dancing…and so much more

After a delicious meal and some tear-jerking speeches, as well as a couple more portraits in the gorgeous early evening light, it was time to open the dancefloor. For their first dance Stephen and Phil had chosen a mashup of the Abbey Road acoustic version and the pop/dance version of Love At First Sight by Kylie Minogue. As if this wasn’t iconic enough, they also finished with a big gold confetti release, and the entrance of a brass band as a surprise for their guests! 

They also had a glitter and face paint artist who had their work cut out for them from the word go, as everyone got glitzed (So. Many. Glitter. Beards.) It looked fab glinting in the light as they all cut about the dancefloor!

This Manchester Hall wedding day held one final surprise from the guests: a dance flash mob. Stephen and Phil’s reaction was a picture – quite literally – and they were overjoyed! 

Rule number one: you gotta have fun

If there’s one thing to take away from this Manchester Hall wedding, it’s: have fun on your wedding day. (Followed closely by: Manchester Hall weddings are great, if you’re on the hunt for a venue.) From the very start Stephen and Phil were so ready to have the best time, and their guests really had made sure joy was the order of the day with all of their surprises. The love they all had for one another was palpable, and it was a super special thing to be a part of – so Stephen, Phil, thank you for having me! 

If you’re planning a Manchester Hall wedding – or somewhere else, whether in Manchester or beyond – and are looking for a photographer to capture it in all of its glory, then I’d love to chat. You can get in touch here to tell me your plans (Kylie and Madonna cutouts not compulsory, but always encouraged!)

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Venue: Manchester Hall

Suits: Marc Darcy

Cake: Classic Cakes Reddish