11 of the Best Registry Offices in London
Plan your dream wedding in the capital! Explore iconic locations like Westminster and vibrant Chelsea, where you'll find a selection of the best registry offices in London
If you're planning your wedding, you may well be considering a registry office in London for your ceremony. While registry offices might not seem as glamorous as, say, landmark wedding venues, they offer some great advantages for couples excited about tying the knot.
London registry offices offer a myriad of options for modern couples seeking a unique and personalised wedding experience. Imagine beautiful, intimate spaces with soft lighting, elegant decorations, and the perfect backdrop to share your vows with loved ones.
The 11 Best Registry Offices in London
From chic and contemporary venues with panoramic city views to historic and elegant spaces steeped in tradition, there's something to suit every couple's taste and style. Whether you envision a small, intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, registry offices in London provide the perfect setting for your special day.
1. Hackney Town Hall - Hackney, East London
Hackney Town Hall is a dream wedding venue for design enthusiasts. This Art Deco building has undergone stunning refurbishments, highlighting its period charm and impressive architecture.
This venue offers five distinct spaces that cater to a variety of wedding guest list sizes. The wood-panelled Council Chamber provides an intimate and atmospheric setting, while the elegant Assembly Hall is ideal for grand celebrations.
And the best part? Unlike many other London registry offices, Hackney Town Hall offers the convenience of hosting your reception as well, meaning you can keep the celebration going without relocating your guests to another venue. They also offer a late licence and a curated list of top-notch local suppliers - making planning your dream wedding a breeze.
- Capacity: Ceremony capacity 120 and reception capacity 300
- Pricing: POA
- Deals: Browse the venue’s listing below for more information on their wide range of wedding packages and special offer deals.
2. Lambeth Town Hall - Lambeth, South West London
Lambeth Town Hall is a richly atmospheric historic wedding venue, nestled in the heart of London, blending old-world charm with modern elegance to create an unforgettable setting for your special day.
The venue has seven spaces to suit a range of London registry office wedding styles, from the contemporary-chic Ceremony Suite to the amazing Council Chamber and the sumptuous Circular Hall. This is an ideal venue for larger town hall weddings in London, as The Assembly Hall can accommodate up to 300 guests for cocktail receptions and 250 guests for banquet-style meals.
They also offer a beautiful courtyard that can be hired for outdoor celebrations, perfect for everything from casual drinks and canapés to a more formal sit-down dinner.
This venue has won prestigious wedding awards in both 2023 and 2024, thanks to glowing recommendations from couples on Hitched.co.uk.
- Capacity: 60 to 300 guests
- Pricing: Starting from £1,000
- Deals: Grab a deal here by checking out their listing below.
3. York House - Twickenham, Middlesex
Another one of our favourite registry offices in London is York House in Twickenham, Middlesex. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, it's the ideal location for turning wedding dreams into reality.
With dedicated staff to assist, you can plan an unforgettable celebration. The venue is licensed for ceremonies and provides suites for drinks and evening receptions. From grand ceremonies in Clarendon Hall to intimate gatherings in The Salon, York House offers versatile spaces to accommodate various wedding sizes. Additionally, the Winter Garden and Terrace Room provide beautiful settings for ceremonies and receptions.
- Capacity: 30 to 250 guests
- Pricing: Starting from £310
- Deals: Find your dream wedding package - explore the venue's listing below for more details.
4. Morden Park House - South West London
If you dream of a London wedding with a country house style, then look no further than Morden Park House. This Grade II-listed building is home to Merton Council's registry office and is the perfect backdrop for your big day.
Although the interiors are stunning, it's the exterior that sets Morden Park House apart, boasting magnificent grounds and a charming courtyard.
With the added bonus of a gazebo for outdoor wedding ceremonies, the venue offers a picturesque setting. Additionally, you have the option to rent the courtyard for a marquee wedding reception, allowing you to enjoy an outdoor celebration right in the heart of London.
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests
- Pricing: Starting at £275
- Deals: Grab a deal here for remaining 2025 dates by checking out their listing below.
5. Chelsea Old Town Hall, - Kensington & Chelsea, South West London
Chelsea Old Town Hall is such a glamorous place for a wedding. For starters, there's the location - right in the heart of Chelsea on the iconic King's Road, with South Kensington and Sloane Square within easy reach.
Then, of course, there's the building itself, a Grade II-listed marvel that would be the backdrop to some stunning wedding photos.
Inside, you'll find four spaces that can be adapted to suit your wedding theme and style, and you can have your reception in the Main Hall.
Chelsea Old Town Hall has had a recent spike in popularity too - search demand rose 140% according to Google Trends, as it was the chosen wedding venue for Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo's legal wedding ceremony.
- Capacity: Up to 180 guests
- Pricing: POA
6. Enfield Registry Office - Enfield, North London
For those considering a more intimate wedding ceremony, Enfield Registry Office might be the perfect choice. Located within a Georgian building, the elegant Admiral's Suite serves as the wedding space, accommodating up to 40 guests.
This London registry office overlooks the picturesque New River, which would be a charming backdrop to bring all your wedding photo ideas to life.
Mondays to Thursdays are for simple wedding ceremonies; on Fridays and Saturdays the venue offers a longer version with readings and your choice of music.
- Capacity: Couple and 2 witnesses only
- Pricing: Starting from £300
7. Woolwich Town Hall - Woolwich, South East London
Woolwich Town Hall, housing Greenwich Registry Office, offers an atmospheric setting for civil ceremonies or partnerships, with three venue options.
For intimate elopements, the registry office accommodates the couple and two witnesses. The Edwardian Room is ideal for slightly larger gatherings, accommodating up to 36 guests. For grand affairs, the lavish Victoria Hall, exclusively yours for two hours, can accommodate up to 130 guests, making it a fantastic option for any London registry office wedding.
- Capacity: Up to 130 guests
- Pricing: Starting at £350
8. Old Marylebone Town Hall - Marylebone, Central London
Among the nicest registry offices in the UK is the iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall. This venue offers seven ceremony rooms tailored to your special day, each designed to accommodate various tastes and guest sizes.
While the venue doesn't accommodate receptions, you can opt for a 'first toast' after the ceremony for an additional fee, and there's the possibility of booking a slightly extended slot for a drinks-only reception on occasion.
One of the standout features of this venue is its proud offering of dog-friendly weddings, allowing you to have your beloved pooch by your side on your special day.
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests
- Pricing: Starting at £741
9. Mayfair Library - Mayfair, Central London
Mayfair Library, another gem within Westminster council's registry office options, is a haven for book enthusiasts. Adorned with a collection of exquisite antique books, this wedding venue offers a delightful ambiance steeped in literary charm, sure to enchant literary lovers and guests alike.
The Marylebone Room is ideal for those seeking an intimate wedding and accommodates up to 22 guests. Whereas, The Mayfair Room is suited for a grander affair, boasting a lovely aisle and seating for up to 38 guests.
- Capacity: Up to 38 guests
- Pricing: Starting at £841
10. Stoke Newington Town Hall - Stoke Newington, North West London
Stoke Newington Town Hall is a true architectural marvel, captivating both inside and out. With its enchanting Art Deco elements and expansive rooms, including the elegant walnut-panelled Council Chamber, the venue exudes timeless charm and sophistication.
Looking for a reception space for a larger wedding guest list at your town hall wedding in London? After the ceremony, the Assembly Room can hold up to 550 seated, and it has a wonderful maple dance floor.
There's also an in-house wedding coordinator to help you pull everything together throughout every stage of the wedding planning process.
- Capacity: Up to 550 standing guests
- Pricing: Starting from £654
11. Islington Town Hall - Islington, North East London
If you're on the hunt for a stunning London registry office for your ceremony, Islington Town Hall could be just what you're looking for.
The wedding venue boasts three stunning ceremony rooms, but our personal favourite is the magnificent Council Chamber. Accessed via the venue's grand marble staircase, this versatile space accommodates both intimate gatherings and larger events, with a maximum capacity of 100 in the main room and 60 on the balcony.
Its prime location on Upper Street ensures convenience, with numerous reception venues nearby, ranging from cosy Clerkenwell pubs to trendy Hackney warehouses.
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests
- Pricing: From £177 to £1,000
How Much is a Registry Office Wedding in London?
A registry office wedding can be a fantastic way to save on costs while still having a beautiful and memorable ceremony. According to our National Wedding Survey, the average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2023 was £20,700, but registry office ceremonies typically have lower venue hire fees compared to traditional wedding venues. This can be a great option for couples looking for a more intimate or budget-conscious celebration.
There are several factors that can influence the cost of London registry office weddings, including the time of year, the day of the week, the specific registry office chosen, and any additional services or amenities requested.
Dawn Kavanagh, Senior Registrations Officer at Morden Park House elaborates: "It usually depends where in London, how many guests you would like at your ceremony and what day of the week!
"For example it could be anywhere from £275 in our smallest room on a weekday to £725 for our outside gazebo on a Saturday for up to 100 people. However, in some register offices in the city you could increase these fees by a couple of hundred pounds."
Why Do Some Couples Choose to Get Married in a Registry Office?
There are many reasons why couples may choose to get hitched in a registry office.
For some couples with a smaller wedding budget, tying the knot in a registry office is a great way to reduce the costs of venue hire. Dawn says "For some couples getting married in a register office can also be a budget friendly option, it means they don’t have to hire a large venue for an intimate ceremony with a handful of guests."
Registry offices are also popular with couples seeking to tie the knot quickly as they often have shorter waiting times and less complicated booking procedures than other wedding venues.
Dawn adds, "Some couples choose to get married in a register office because they like the building and ceremony rooms. Getting those all-important wedding photos during your ceremony and after in a beautiful venue is very important. We sometimes have couples still taking pictures in front of our Grade II-listed mansion house as the registrars are leaving for the day!
"Couples also choose to marry at register offices as a secular alternative to getting married in a church or other religious premise."
What Should Couples Know Before Getting Married in a Registry Office?
If you're thinking about having a London registry office wedding, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Firstly, legal requirements. Before you can get married in a registry office, there are certain legal documents that you need to provide, including proof of identity and residency. Be sure to have these prepared before the day of your London town hall wedding!
It's also important to bear in mind that registry offices typically have a smaller capacity than traditional wedding venues, so you may need to keep your guest list on the smaller side. If you're struggling with this, check out our guide on how to cut down your wedding guest list.
Although town hall weddings tend to be shorter and less formal than more traditional weddings, it's still important to think about the format of your ceremony.
Dawn advises that: "Couples should be aware that registrars (especially in Merton) actively encourage customising their civil ceremonies with readings, music, personal vows, even the occasion singalong; anything which makes their ceremony special and unique to them. It makes the day even more special to inject a little of the couple's personality into the ceremony.
"If couples have any special requests, we would love to hear them and see how we can incorporate them into their ceremony."
How to Get Married in a London Registry Office
To get married in a London registry office, both you and your partner must give notice of your intention to marry at your local register office. This involves attending the register office together and providing certain documents, such as proof of identity, proof of address, and evidence of your nationality. Additionally, you'll need to pay a fee for giving notice.
Once you've completed the notice of marriage process, the next step is to choose a registry office where you want to get married. London offers several registry offices, each with its own unique features and capacities. Consider factors such as location, availability, and the ambiance of the venue when making your decision.
After selecting a registry office, you'll need to book a date and time for your ceremony. Keep in mind that popular dates and times may get booked up quickly, so it's advisable to book well in advance to secure your preferred slot.
As the wedding day draws near, it's crucial to work closely with the registry office staff to meticulously plan your ceremony. Take the time to discuss your preferences for music, readings, and vows, ensuring that every detail reflects the uniqueness of your relationship and your shared style as a couple. On the actual day of your wedding, arrive at the registry office with your partner and any required witnesses. Together, complete any remaining paperwork and prepare yourselves to exchange heartfelt vows and rings during the ceremony.
Rest assured that the experienced registry office staff will be there to guide you through the process, ensuring that everything flows smoothly and seamlessly, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the joy of the moment.
One of the best things about tying the knot in the capital is that you'll have plenty of options when it comes to your first night as newlyweds. We've rounded up London's most romantic hotels.
