Top 5 Quirky Wedding Venues in Manchester
I’ve been shooting alternative wedding photography in Manchester for about 7 years and counting now! During that time, I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited along to many informal, unusual and creative weddings. My couples have a knack for hunting out the most inspiring venues that they can put their own stamp on.
I thought it was about time I did a little list of quirky wedding venues Manchester. So if you’re wedding planning and you want something a little bit different, you can find my top suggestions all in one place!
Albert Hall
Albert Hall Manchester Wedding Photography from Lily & Tom’s wedding there last April.
When I was thinking about unique wedding venues in Manchester, Albert Hall was one of the first to come to mind. The grade II listed building on Peter Street was built in 1908 as a Methodist church hall. After a stint as a nightclub in the 90s, Albert Hall is now one of Manchester’s most beloved music venues.
Thanks to a sympathetic refurbishment in 2013, Albert Hall has retained many of its special period features. The stained glass windows that flank the upper floor are truly stunning and look beautiful in wedding photographs. Throughout the building there are many other cool features, such as the Edwardian tiles and the grand organ that frames the stage.
Wedding ceremonies at Albert Hall are held on the stage, with all your guests looking on from the upper floor. The guest capacity is especially large, so you can invite all your family and friends to see you tie the knot. Albert Hall is fully equipped for live music performances, so you can book your favourite band and enjoy a great sound! Perfect for music loving couples!
Stockport Plaza
Stockport Plaza Wedding Photography from Rebecca & John’s wedding.
Stockport Plaza Wedding PhotographyThe Plaza is an iconic building in the town of Stockport. Built in 1932 as a cinema and theatre for variety performances, The Plaza has since been used as a location for film and TV, most recently popping up in an episode of Peaky Blinders.
The Stockport Plaza is a classic example of art-deco architecture. Inside and out, the building features geometric patterns and 1920/30’s styling that was typical of the period. If you are planning a vintage art-deco wedding or want a theatrical feel to your day, you could not find a better location!
Like Albert Hall, you can get married on-stage at The Plaza with your guests looking on from the rows of cinema seats. You could even treat your guests to a film screening with popcorn afterwards! Whilst they’re entertained, pay a visit to the original projection room for a nosey at the old equipment and have your wedding portraits taken. You can even have your names in lights scrolling by on the cinema entrance!
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum Wedding Photographer: Amy & Roy’s big day.
Part of the city’s University complex on Oxford Road, Manchester Museum is home to weird and wonderful exhibits from around the world. The building was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, architect of London’s Natural History Museum and built in the late 1800’s. The impressive exterior of the building was built in a neo-gothic style and provides a striking backdrop for wedding photographs.
Inside, Manchester Museum boasts a rich collection of archaeology and (sometimes questionable) taxidermy. You and your guests are sure to be entertained looking at all the treasures within. Stan, a full-size cast of a fossilised t-rex, is the most famous exhibit in the museum. You’ll be pleased to know, you can get married right under Stan’s watchful eye!
Victoria Baths
Victoria Baths Wedding Photography from Rachel & Rob’s wedding.
Victoria Baths was opened in 1906 and was hailed a ‘water palace’ by the Lord Mayor of Manchester. For the following 86 years, Victoria Baths was the place to swim until it fell into disrepair in the 90s. A huge amount of money and effort has gone into the baths’ restoration. Thanks to all that hard work, you can now tie the knot in the ‘deep end’ of the Gala Pool (fortunately for you, the water has been drained!)
No expense was spared when Victoria Baths was first built and fortunately these beautiful features have been retained. The striking facade of the building has multi-coloured brick-work and terracotta decoration, making it a recognisable south Manchester landmark. Throughout the building you will find stunning stained glass windows, beautiful tiling and mosaics. One of my favourite places in Victoria Baths are the changing room stalls beside the pool. They’re a must for some memorable and fun wedding photographs of your poolside wedding!
All Star Lanes
All Star Lanes Manchester Wedding: Emma & Rich’s wedding photographs.
All Star Lanes on Deansgate is the only modern building that made it onto this list. It may not have the history of other Manchester wedding venues, but what could be more unique than marrying in a bowling alley?!
The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies, with guests being seated along one of the bowling lanes in the venue’s private room. After the ceremony, the entertainment looks after itself, with bowling tournaments and cocktails for your guests to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a very informal wedding venue in a central location, All Star Lanes is hard to beat. Lace up your bowling shoes and get ready for a truly different walk down the aisle!
Quirky Wedding Venues Manchester
Thanks for reading my guide to the top 5 quirky wedding venues Manchester! If you enjoyed this post, please look out for more wedding venue guides in the weeks to come. If you are looking for a wedding photographer and you like my style, I would love to hear from you. Please fill out the contact form or pop me an email to chat about your plans.