Real Wedding: Becky & Brian’s Iconic Manchester Town Hall Registry
When Becky and Brian planned their Manchester city centre wedding, they knew they wanted a backdrop that did the heavy lifting for them.
Even with the main Town Hall under restoration, the Town Hall Extension and the connecting Central Library offer some of the most dramatic architecture in the North West. For a couple who admitted they "weren't naturals" in front of the camera, this setting was perfect—it allowed them to be small figures in a grand landscape, taking the pressure off completely.
The Morning: Calm in the City The day began with a quiet, grounding atmosphere at a nearby city hotel. I love shooting prep in the city centre because the energy is different—there’s a buzz outside the window, but inside, it’s about prosecco, nerves, and anticipation.
The Ceremony: The Extension They exchanged vows in the Civic Room of the Town Hall Extension. The light here is softer and more modern than the old building, but you still get those wood-panelled walls and the sense of history. Because I used silent shutters and small cameras, I could capture the unscripted giggles and the quiet glances without interrupting the registrar.
Ring Exchange
The Portraits: Library Walk It rained (classic Manchester), but that didn't matter. We used Library Walk—that stunning curved glass walkway between the buildings—to get portraits that looked editorial but took about 10 minutes to shoot. Becky and Brian stayed dry, and the soft, diffused light was flattering and timeless.
The Verdict This wedding proved that you don't need the "Old Town Hall" to have a classic Manchester wedding. The Extension and Library offer that same sense of civic grandeur, just with a slightly more intimate feel.
Planning a Town Hall Wedding? Read my Venue Guide