London’s plethora of venues prove that inner city weddings are anything but dull. Ranging from the palatial Orangery at Kensington Palace and glamorous private dining rooms at five-star hotels, to the capital’s elegant town halls – many of which are listed, and are fine examples of period architecture – the capital is well equipped to host nuptials both big and small. But if you’d rather a more low-key celebration that doesn’t sacrifice style, perhaps a registry office wedding is for you? We’ve scoured the capital for the most beautiful town halls and registry offices in London that cater for wedding parties of all shapes and sizes, spanning Hackney to Brixton. 

Hackney Town Hall, Hackney

Capacity: 28 guests for the ceremony, up to 500 for the reception

This is an Art Deco, Grade II-listed gem. Mere moments from London Fields – and therefore Hackney’s plethora of pubs and bars ready to host your post-nuptials knees up – Hackney Town Hall is home to five distinct spaces to host your wedding in. The original wood-panelled Council Chamber and Committee Rooms pose the perfect backdrop for intimate ceremonies featuring grandiose chandeliers, while a recent renovation of the original 1930s building introduced two glass-roofed atriums. However, we love the understated yet spacious Assembly Rooms, which can host both ceremonies and receptions for up to 500 guests. 

Mare Street, E8 1EA, visit hackney.gov.uk

Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton

Capacity: 100 guests for the ceremony, up to 300 for the reception

Fancy getting hitched among the hustle and bustle of Brixton? Another Grade II-listed venue is Lambeth Town Hall: a grand Edwardian building which dates back to 1908, when it was opened by King George V and Queen Mary. It can host weddings in any of its nine event spaces, ranging from the three Mayor’s Heritage Suites – featuring marble fireplaces and traditional parquet flooring, and which can be conjoined to host up to 100 seated guests – to the more intimate Pauline Room; a colourful, floral space with enough room for 20 guests, and the blue-hued Bowie Room with space for 10. 

Elsewhere, architectural highlights include the opulent Circular Hall, resplendent with Sicilian marble staircases and stained glass windows, and the Council Chamber, which is set out in an original horse-shoe shape, meaning all guests get a great view of the ceremony. 

1 Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW, visit lambeth.gov.uk

Morden Park House, Merton

Capacity: 100 guests for both ceremony and reception

What really sets Morden Park House apart from the rest is its gorgeous exterior. Take one glance at the Grade II-listed Georgian manor house and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was situated in the heart of the English countryside – but, in fact, it is set among the greenery of Morden Park. Built in 1770 by Canadian architect John Ewart, couples can pick from three ceremony rooms: the bright and airy Sheridan catering up to 30 guests, the Lord Nelson Room decorated in a pale blue and lemon palette featuring Georgian windows, and the largest space: the Ewart Room. Found at the top of the central staircase, the latter can host up to 100 guests with ample space for the addition of musicians while, after the ceremony, newlyweds are encouraged to use the staircase for that all-important confetti moment. Outside, the Morden Park House courtyard and marquee are also available to hire exclusively for both the wedding ceremony and reception.

Morden Park House, London Road, SM4 5QU, visit mordenparkhouse.com

Old Marylebone Town Hall, Marylebone

Capacity: 100 guests for the ceremony, up to 300 for the reception

Fancy tying the knot like Ringo Starr, Sir Paul McCartney, and Liam Gallagher? Head to Old Marylebone Town Hall. Having just celebrated its 100^th anniversary, the Marylebone registry office is easily one of the most beautiful in the capital, with a dramatic stairway entrance flanked by stone columns and marble lion sculptures. Pick from seven ceremony rooms, the largest being the Westminster Room adorned with dark-wood panelling and enough room for 100 seated guests, or the lighter and brighter 13-person Soho Room featuring golden chandeliers and intricately-carved marble fireplaces. 

97-113 Marylebone Road, NW1 5PT, visit adaytoremember.london

Chelsea Town Hall, Chelsea

Capacity: 180 guests for the ceremony, up to 400 for the reception

Another venue which is no stranger to a celebrity wedding is Chelsea Town Hall, which experienced a 140 per cent rise in Google searches after Made in Chelsea couple Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo tied the knot here in 2023. Situated on the King’s Road, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular registry offices in the capital, with six rooms varying in grandeur and size for you and your fiance's perusal. Larger weddings of up to 400 guests can be catered for in the Main Hall: a fine example of late Victorian neo-classical architecture with its vaulted ceilings, marble columns, original oil paintings and gold accents. 

Slightly smaller spaces that ooze similar amounts of wow-factor are the Small Hall, which is a bright and airy room directly adjacent to the Main Hall, and the newly-refurbished Cadogan Suite, which can be connected with the Ante Room to create a break-out space for reception drinks or for the bride to prepare herself before she makes her grand entrance. Elsewhere, for those who want to seat less than 40 guests, pick from the Brydon Room – where many A-listers have tied the knot – or the Rosetti and the Harrington, with the latter only hosting up to eight guests. 

King's Road, SW3 5EE, visit rbkc.gov.uk

Islington Town Hall, Islington

Capacity: Up to 85 guests

Ready to welcome all wedding parties, ranging from two to 85 guests, Islington Town Hall is one of the most fashionable spots north of the river to host a wedding. At the top of the Grade II-listed building’s marble staircase is the largest ceremony room, the Council Chamber, featuring an impressive vaulted ceiling, stained-glass windows and a glam red carpet that’s perfect for making a statement. 

Elsewhere, the Richmond Suite features a traditional aisle layout and Art Deco features that capture the charm of the Town Hall, while the Angel, Canonbury and Mayor’s Parlour host celebrations of two to four guests. Finally, the most popular room in the building is Room 99: an elegant space decorated in an oak, grey and white palette, with circular mirror, large windows and three Italian chandeliers. With seasonal dried flower displays and comfortable velvet chairs, we can see why Room 99 is in demand – especially when it’s open to couples with furry four-legged friends in tow too. 

Upper Street, N1 2UD, visit sayidoislington.com

Read more: The complete guide to buying a pre-loved wedding dress