Islington Town Hall

Islington Town Hall sits on Upper Street in north London and is run by Islington Council as its register office. It hosts marriages, civil partnerships, conversions of civil partnerships to marriage, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies. The building has a run of ceremony rooms, from a tiny panelled parlour to a large chamber at the top of a marble staircase, so it works for couples of two or groups of more than eighty.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

Islington Town Hall is a strong fit for couples who want a legal ceremony with real character in a part of London that has long been home to queer life. The same fee applies to every ceremony type, and you can shape the wording with your own readings, music and vows. Couples can also arrange separate entrances, which works well if neither of you wants to be the one waiting at the front.

Ceremonies

The Council Chamber is the largest room. It has a vaulted ceiling, stained glass, carved panelling and red leather pews set in a horseshoe, so every guest is close to you. It takes up to 85 guests at weekends and up to 50 on weekdays. The Mayor's Parlour is far smaller, with oak panelling, a carved fireplace and space for four guests. Other rooms include the Canonbury Suite, Angel Suite, Richmond Suite and Room 99. A simple ceremony lasts around 20 minutes and a fully personalised one up to 40 minutes.

For couples who want the quietest option, a short weekday ceremony is offered for just the two of you and two adult witnesses, though you cannot choose the room.

Receptions and food

The Town Hall fee covers the room, the registrars and one marriage or civil partnership certificate. Food and drink are arranged separately, and Upper Street has a long line of restaurants, pubs and bars within a few minutes' walk, which makes it easy to move straight on to a meal or party nearby.

Getting there and the area

The Town Hall is on Upper Street, between Angel and Highbury and Islington stations, with buses running the length of the street. Islington Green, Camden Passage and Canonbury are all close by for photographs after the ceremony.

Good to know

• The Council Chamber has air conditioning; the Mayor's Parlour does not.
• One pet may attend in some rooms, and assistance animals are welcome in all rooms.
• The Statutory Room is only for Islington and City of London residents.