Islington Town Hall Wedding Photographer

recent work // ISLINGTON

I'm so lucky it's my local!

I've been living in Islington now for 8 years and feel very much at home. I often walk past the Town Hall and Islington Assembly Hall on the A1 as it runs down Upper Street and fondly remember the fun weddings I've photographed there. Many couples live in the immediate vicinity and find themselves within easy reach for their elegant civil wedding. Even if you're from further afield, this really is such an impressive gem of a place and a splendid wedding team to boot. I love the way everyone spills outside onto the zig-zag steps for confetti and cheers from their wedding guests. It's a brilliant place to launch couples from the serious matter of legal marriage and on to the fun and frivolity of the celebrations. Onwards to the very best reception venues that London has to offer, usually by way of a classic double decker bus. Needless to say, I don't charge travel fees for weddings at Islington Town Hall!

Elopements & Beyond

During the pandemic, I've been invited to Islington Town Hall and Assembly Hall to photograph micro weddings and elopements. It's been a real treat to document these intimate affairs with families reunited and extra emotional. Faced with a venue black out in 2021, Claire & Nadeem opted to have their reception in front of the Town Hall with sparkling tea served in dainty china cups. This being the UK in June, of course it poured with rain(!) but their guests were braced with umbrellas and braved the elements. It was one of the loveliest receptions I can remember, there was such a sense of joy and delightful for candid photography.

There are so many spots for pre wedding drinks nearby, including the Vineyard opposite, the Hoxley & Porter or delicious cocktails at 163 Upper Street. Usually weddings are packed quite close together so I work fast to capture your groups and portraits so we don't overlap with the other couples sharing your big day!

Lovely Staff

I'm going to say it here, the staff at Islington town hall are the best. They Registrars are incredible at giving every couple a special and personal experience. Officiousness is minimal and the front of house staff handle early arrivals with kindness and humour.

Art Deco Delight

Neighbouring Stoke Newington Town Hall has a similar Art Deco vibe as does the newly refurbished Old Marylebone Town Hall. However, I think you can't beat the versatility of the space at Islington. Grade II listed and iconic, it really is one of the classiest civil ceremony venues in London. I find every wedding I shoot has a slightly different look as the light and time of day shows off the buildings many different characteristics. Commissioned to replace the mid 19th century vestry for St Mary's and now the official headquarters for Islington London Borough Council. Designed by Edward Charles Philip Monson in the neoclassical style and built in 3 stages. The complex was officially opened in 1930 by Mayor Alderman Manchester and the Queen visited the site in 1953 to mark her coronation!

The circular Council Chamber is a light and airy domed room with punchy red seating. It really is theatre in the round with the couple seated smack bang in the middle of their guests and a royal circle or minstrel gallery that overlooks from the rear. There are one or two creaky floorboards near the Mayor's seat but I know where they are and how to tread carefully around them!

'Room 99' or... 'The Yellow room' is a good mid sized option with tall windows and a sunny feel. Around 10-15 years ago it used to be pale green but everyone's complexion looks better now!

The Mayor's Parlour is the perfect intimate space for a micro wedding of just a few. It's a cosy study adorned with beautiful wood panelling and oxblood red leather furniture.

These rooms are connected by a hushed Art Deco skeleton of marble corridors. Upstairs the bright green corridor provides an photogenic spot for couple portraits and small groups of up to 8 people although it's better to do these outside in daylight if the weather is kind. This leads to the main wide staircase which descends into the main atrium and entrance. I've don't some great groups in this area but it can be a thoroughfare and so not always the best group photo spot on a busy Saturday afternoon! Embrace the organised chaos during the wedding rush hours. It's all part of the joy and merriment that these corridors bear witness.

The Richmond Room is the only option I've not photographed a ceremony in although it's been utilised as a great photo friendly waiting space for wedding guests.

The Assembly Hall

Conveniently located adjacent to Islington Town Hall is the Assembly Hall which is home to the popular Say I Do Wedding Show and offers a popular wedding and music venue. Well worth checking out their open days to get a feel for the place.

Fredericks

Tucked away on Camden Passage is one of Angel's most enduring establishments. Frederick's has some of the best food in Islington and offers a very special space. Their glass house restaurant spills into an intimate garden with gorgeous silver birch trees and a layered patio. Karolina and the staff are always go the extra mile in creating a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Fredericks also provide space for preparations and civil weddings if you're looking to book a one stop shop for your day.