The Old Shire Hall

The Old Shire Hall is a Grade I listed classical building on Northgate Street in the centre of Warwick. It was built in the 1750s by William and David Hiorn to designs by the architect Sanderson Miller, and for many years it housed the county's crown court. Today it hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions, with in-house catering and a wedding coordinator.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

A civic building with this much history makes a fitting setting for a legal ceremony, and the venue offers both set packages and bespoke weddings. A coordinator works with you on the plan, and because the catering is handled in-house, one team runs the day from the ceremony through to the meal. Couples in England can now hold the legal ceremony anywhere within the licensed boundary of a venue, which gives you more freedom over where you stand to make your vows.

Ceremonies

Ceremonies are conducted by the Warwickshire registration service, and the Warwick register office is close by. The hall can host both the ceremony and the celebration that follows, so guests do not need to move between buildings. Ask the team which rooms are available for your date and how many guests each one holds.

Receptions and food

Catering is provided in-house, and the coordinator can help you plan a wedding breakfast and an evening reception in the same building. Packages are available, or the team can put together a bespoke plan around your numbers and the style of meal you want. The hall also hosts the county wedding showcase, which is a good chance to see the rooms set up and meet local suppliers.

Getting there and the area

Northgate Street is in the heart of Warwick, a few minutes on foot from the market place, St Mary's Church and Warwick Castle. Warwick station is a short walk away, with trains to Birmingham and London. Parking is available on Cape Road, a short walk from the hall. Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon are all close by, and the town itself is full of historic streets and listed buildings that make a good backdrop for photographs.

Good to know

• The building is Grade I listed.
• Catering is in-house.
• Parking is available nearby on Cape Road.