The Story of Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths is a Grade II* listed Edwardian swimming pool located just outside Manchester City Centre, which welcomes couples to host an unforgettable wedding celebration at a unique and historic venue.

The baths originally opened in 1906 as a state-of-the-art public bathing facility for the people of Manchester. The best of its kind, it featured some of the most ornate tiling and stained glass ever seen in a municipal building.
Throughout the decades, Victoria Baths has been at the heart of the local community's memories and stories. In the 1950s and 1960s, The Gala Pool was used for live music and dances many young couples met, fell in love, and started their own journeys together during this time.

After closing as a public pool in 1993, a passionate group of local supporters came together to form the Victoria Baths Trust, dedicated to preserving this remarkable building and the memories within it. Thanks to their efforts, much of the Baths has been lovingly restored.
Today, couples are lucky enough to celebrate their wedding in the very same building, making new memories and continuing the legacy of love and connection in this extraordinary building.

Spaces

The building holds three former swimming pools, each now transformed into flexible event spaces. The Gala Pool, with its dramatic Edwardian grandeur and natural light, is our largest and most popular space for ceremonies and receptions, comfortably accommodating up to 300 guests. Its cast-iron balconies, vaulted ceiling, and sense of scale create a jaw-dropping setting for your big day.
The Sports Hall, originally a swimming pool, features a 1970s covered floor and has hosted live music, dances, and sports over the decades. This space is especially popular for evening wedding receptions thanks to its flat floor, perfect for dancing, along with ambient lighting and a bar.
The Female Pool is the most untouched and original in the building, offering a stunning backdrop for photos. This versatile space is often used creatively at weddings, allowing you to add a personal and unique touch to your celebration.

Service

We are an award-winning venue, having taken home Best Wedding Venue at the UK Heritage Awards in 2020, and it's easy to see why. Victoria Baths offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your wedding. There is no other building like it still standing today. The original features and architectural design are unique, meaning your wedding will be truly original.

Venue Dressing

The original and preserved detail of the building means there's little need for decoration, yet there is still plenty of opportunity to add your own personal touches.
Our events team works with a trusted list of venue suppliers to help give your day that unique edge and can guide you through the planning process with their expert knowledge of the building.

Catering

Our events team work with trusted catering suppliers to bring your food dreams to life and can provide menu options upon request.
The bar, managed by our experienced staff, is spacious enough to serve up to 200 guests.

Ps.

At Victoria Baths, you're not just booking a venue, you're becoming part of a story that has been unfolding for over a century. Your wedding becomes a beautiful new chapter in that history, and we're honoured to be part of your story too.