The ultimate guide to brighton weddings - licensed venues
brighton weddings are the greatest
And not just because they happen in the most accepting and diverse city in the country. Brighton weddings can be anything you could wish for. An intimate lunch followed by a pub crawl? An elopement up in the South Downs? A ceremony on the musica room of the Pavilion and a killer party at Pier Court? A beach day at the Bandstand, Shelter Hall, Rockwater or all three? The choices are endless and can be tailored perfectly to the vibe, size and feel of what you want your wedding to be. Here, I’ve compiled a list of the best places you get legally hitched in Brighton, from four person ceremonies all the way up to 100+ so you can find the best one for you!
brighton’s legal wedding ceremony spaces
Brighton town hall
The most popular of Brighton’s legal wedding spots is Brighton Town Hall. Offering four rooms of varying sizes: The Regency Room (my fav) up to 45 seated guests, The Fitzherbert Room up to 10, The Flower Room hosts 6 in total and the Council Chamber holds up to 80 guests. Situation in the heart of Brighton it’s a wonderful spot to begin your celebrations.
The Bandstand
Easily one of my favourite summer ceremony spots is Brighton Bandstand. With a capacity of 50 seated and an extra 30 standing, it's iconic location right on the beach with views of both the West and Palace Piers makes it a great choice for your legal wedding. It is a weather depending one, and in strong rain you will be relocated to the cafe which holds 25 guests - but I can safely say in all my years of capturing weddings here I haven’t seen that happen yet!
The Royal pavilon
Did you know you can get married inside the Royal Pavilion? And it is incredible! Ceremonies here are often held in the evening to give you exclusive use, so they are wonderful for both twilight winter weddings and late summer sun. The Red Drawing Room holds 44 seated for a more intimate ceremony but it’s the Music Room that always takes my breath away, seating up to 90 guests.
The Seahorse
The floor to ceiling glass exterior of the Seahorse make it a photographers dream, and it’s open plan setting makes for a great relaxed wedding venue. With views of the West Pier you can hire exclusive use of the beach level which hosts up to 150 people (60 seated) and both beach terraces. It’s right next to the bandstand so many couples choose to head here after a bandstand ceremony, but it is a licensed venue itself if you prefer everything in one space.
Duke of yorks picturehouse
Film lovers? I’ve shot cinema weddings all over the country and Brighton’s Duke of York’s Picturehouse is one of the coolest and most unique wedding venues you could choose. You can seat up to 200 guests and screen anything you like! We’ve had couples create their own films or piece together their favorite bits of existing ones. Situation near Preston Park why not follow it up with a reception at The Joker over the road too.
The Unitarian Church
Whilst the Church of England and Catholic Churches do not recognise the unions of LGBTQIA+ folk, Brighton’s Unitarian Church will proudly marry anyone who wishes to wed in their space - and that’s why it’s the only Brighton church I am happy to capture weddings in. It also happens to be a beautiful venue, where light floods in and group singing is encouraged. Set in the middle of the North Laines it’s an incredible location to lead your guests on a walk through the city onto your next location.
