11 of the Best Registry Offices in London
Planning a wedding in the capital? Explore iconic locations like Westminster, Greenwich and Chelsea, where you'll find some of the best registry offices in London
Choosing where to marry is one of the most important decisions you’ll make (after saying ‘yes’, of course!) – and if you’ve been considering getting married in a registry office in London, we’re here to steer you in the direction of the city’s most iconic spots.
You might even recognise one or two – that’s because these London registry offices are also incredibly popular celebrity venues, with several famous faces choosing to tie the knot in the capital ahead of their weddings abroad. Our edit includes Vicky Pattison and Ercan Ramadan’s ceremony venue, as well as the London registry office Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo chose for their city nuptials!
The 11 Best Registry Offices in London
From formal yet fashionable venues with cityscape views to elegant and historic buildings steeped in tradition, there’s a register office in London to suit every couple’s taste and wedding style.
1. Hackney Town Hall, East London
So much about this Grade II listed London registry office stands out. A stone’s throw from London Fields and Hackney Central stations, the art-deco Hackney Town Hall houses five different spaces for ceremonies and receptions to cater for wedding guest lists of all sizes.
For ceremonies with a more traditional feel, there’s the wood-panelled Council Chamber and Committee Rooms, and the rather iconic and spacious Assembly Rooms, but the light-filled atrium is the real jewel in this period building’s crown – it features a gorgeous glass roof that makes you feel like you’re outside (no matter what the weather is doing).
And the best part? Unlike many other registry offices in London, Hackney Town Hall can host your reception and has a late licence which means you can keep the celebrations going well into the night.
- Capacity: 120 (ceremony); 300 (reception)
- Pricing: POA
- Deals: Check out the listing for more information on Hackney Town Hall’s wide range of wedding packages and offers.
2. Lambeth Town Hall, South London
Situated in the heart of Brixton, Lambeth Town Hall is beautiful, Grade II-listed historic wedding venue that blends old-world charm with modern and elegant interiors for a romantic and stylish setting.
The venue has seven rooms to suit London registry office weddings of all styles, from the wood-panelled Council Chamber and intimate, flower-filled Pauline Room to the sumptuous Circular Hall beneath the clock tower which features original Edwardian features and stained-glass windows.
Elsewhere, the newly refurbished, art-deco-style Assembly Hall can seat up to 300 for a wedding breakfast, and there’s an adorable courtyard that can be used for drinks receptions and canapés.
Having won prestigious wedding venue awards in 2023 and 2024, thanks to glowing recommendations from Hitched users, this registry office in London is definitely one to check out.
- Capacity: 300
- Pricing: From £1,000
- Deals: Grab a deal here by checking out Lambeth Town Hall's listing.
3. Morden Park House, South-West London
If you dream of a London wedding with a classic countryside pad aesthetic, look no further than Morden Park House.
This Grade II listed building is home to Merton Council’s registry office and makes a smart capital pick for those dreaming of a location with sweeping lawns and a beautiful historic building as the backdrop to their wedding photos.
Though the interiors are stunning, it’s Morden Park House’s exterior that really sets it apart from other London registry office venues, thanks to its magnificent grounds and charming courtyard. There’s even a vintage-style gazebo and permanent marquee space for outdoor celebrations alongside the three main ceremony rooms in the house.
- Capacity: 100 guests
- Pricing: From £275
- Deals: Hitched users can take advantage of the special Summer Welcome Drinks offer for 2025 by clicking on the link below.
4. York House, Middlesex
Another of our favourite registry offices in London is York House in Twickenham, Middlesex.
With a dreamy setting on the banks of the River Thames, this beautiful 17th century building houses several rooms for wedding celebrations, from the ornate Clarendon Hall to the more intimate Salon.
The light and airy Winter Garden, with its chic black and white flooring, and the pretty Terrace Room are romantic spaces for modern and elegant receptions, and there is plenty of space in the manicured gardens for photos and drinks.
- Capacity: 250
- Pricing: From £310
- Deals: Click on the link to discover more about this venue’s dreamy packages.
5. Old Marylebone Town Hall, Central London
Dating back to 1920, not only is Old Marylebone Town Hall one of London’s most beautiful historic buildings, it’s a ceremony venue of iconic proportions, too. The likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Cilla Black, Patsy Kensit and Liam Gallagher – and more recently, Vicky Pattison – have all posed for photos on its famous steps, surrounded by stone columns and dramatic lion statues.
Inside, there are seven different ceremony rooms to choose from, all cleverly named after a different part of the capital and overflowing with modern elegance – think statement chandeliers, ornate fireplaces and glittering mirrors – designed to complement all the original period features of the Marylebone registry office.
The Pimlico room features sage-washed walls, deep teal-coloured chairs and an antique fireplace for a traditional registry office vibe, while the wood-panelled Westminster room is perfect for larger gatherings.
- Capacity: 100 guests
- Pricing: From £868
6. Chelsea Old Town Hall, South-West London
Perched along the bustling Kings Road, with the vibrant Sloane Square and South Kensington in easy reach, Chelsea Old Town Hall is such a glam spot to tie the knot. But don’t just take our word for it – according to Google, search demand rose by 140% after Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo tied the knot here.
Inside, the newly refurbished registry office has four venues, with something to suit every kind of couple. The neo-classical Main Hall is a sight to behold with its breathtakingly high ceiling, hanging chandeliers and original oil paintings, while the richly decorated Small Hall is perfect for intimate ceremonies in front of the ornate fireplace.
There’s also plenty of space for a post-ceremony champagne reception before you make your way to the London registry office’s famous steps for a confetti shot like no other.
- Capacity: 180
- Pricing: From £1,040
7. Enfield Registry Office, North London
For a traditional and intimate feel, Enfield Registry Office is a beautiful Georgian building situated along Gentleman’s Row, and the romantic Admiral’s Suite within is small but perfectly formed for a wedding of up to 40 guests.
The muted, white-washed walls, decorative fireplace and modern chiavari chairs make this feel more like a room in a country house than a council building. And there are French doors which open out on to the verdant courtyard outside.
The registry office grounds overlook the New River, too, with a little bridge that makes a charming spot for post-ceremony photos.
- Capacity: 40
- Pricing: From £300
8. Woolwich Town Hall, South-East London
As well as its fantastic location in the heart of south-east London, Woolwich Town Hall – which houses Greenwich Registry Office London – is something of an architectural marvel.
The grand exterior is a sight to behold, and inside, the spaces overflow with elegance. The ornate Victoria Hall is where mayors have greeted guests at ceremonial functions ever since the building was opened in 1906 and features beautiful stained-glass windows and a sweeping staircase in front of which ceremonies can be held.
There’s also the Edwardian Room, with its feature fireplace, which holds 36 guests, and the super-intimate Greenwich Register Office Room – perfect for couples wanting a no-frills elopement with just two witnesses present.
- Capacity: 130
- Pricing: From £350
9. Mayfair Library, Central London
Are you a pair of literary lovers? Mayfair Library – another gem within Westminster council’s registry office options – just off Grosvenor Square, is a ceremony haven for book enthusiasts.
Couples can say their vows in one of two high-end rooms, both of which have been recently refurbished. The Marylebone Room has a large Victorian fireplace, shelves featuring the most exquisite collection of antique books and a beautiful stained glass bay window that overlooks Mount Street Gardens outside (perfect for those confetti shots), with enough seats for 22 guests.
Elsewhere, style-conscious couples will love the elegant Mayfair Room, which can seat 38 with the option to have additional guests standing.
- Capacity: 50
- Pricing: From £871
10. Stoke Newington Town Hall, North-East London
For something really cool, vintage-loving couples wanting to follow their London registry office ceremony with a party like no other will adore Stoke Newington Town Hall – a charming space that offers art deco interiors, a maple sprung dancefloor, stage and even a working mirror ball (fun fact: it’s the second largest in Europe).
The expansive building offers two main spaces, including the Council Chamber that’s clad in dark mahogany, but at the same time feels light and spacious thanks to the large bay windows. Or couples can choose the 1930s-inspired Assembly Hall which can hold up to 500 guests.
- Capacity: 420 (seated); 500 (standing)
- Pricing: POA
11. Islington Town Hall, North London
Located on bustling Upper Street, with its grand façade and sweeping staircase, Islington Town Hall is the epitome of city elegance and one of our favourite registry offices in London for good reason.
There are seven rooms within the town hall to choose from; the Council Chamber with its vaulted ceiling, spectacular marble staircase, oak pews and stained-glass windows is a classic choice for grand and formal affairs, while the modern and intimate Canonbury Suite (pictured) is our pick for style-conscious couples wanting a relaxed celebration with just two witnesses.
With velvet furnishings and wood-panelled walls in a curated palette of gold, teal and pale pink, it complements all the original features of the building while feeling fresh and chic at the same time.
Islington Town Hall’s prime location also lends itself to a wide array of nearby reception venues – from cosy Clerkenwell pubs to trendy Hackney warehouse spaces.
- Capacity: 85
- Pricing: From £189
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 makes registry offices a great option for couples looking to plan 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 up to £725 for our outdoor gazebo on a Saturday with 100 people. However, in some other register offices in London 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. "It means they don’t have to hire a large venue for an intimate ceremony with only a handful of guests," adds Dawn.
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 ceremony 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 than other weddings, it's still important to think about the format of your ceremony.
"Registrars actively encourage couples to customise their civil ceremonies with readings, music, personal vows, even the occasion singalong; anything which makes their ceremony special and unique to them,” says Dawn. “It makes the day even more special to inject a little 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 Long Does a Registry Office Wedding Take?
The average civil ceremony in a registry office will take around 20 to 30 minutes to complete, but it depends on how many readings or songs you have, and whether or not you’ve also chosen to incorporate your own vows.
It’s worth noting that you don’t really want to go over this time as your guests will likely start to get a bit restless. Twenty minutes is ample time to cover the basics, so try to ensure any readings or extras don’t go on for too long.
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 a register office together (try searching 'register office near me') 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, so check out London's most romantic hotels.
