Brighton Town Hall + Central Brighton Weddings

Planning a wedding at Brighton Town Hall or in the centre of town?

Weddings at Brighton Town Hall, Brighton Registry Office, The Pavilion and other central Brighton wedding venues are always popular, they are usually more intimate and relaxed than other weddings, often just the couple and their closest friends.

Having grown up in the city and having been a Brighton Wedding Photographer for 18+ year now, we’ve been a part of many weddings at the Registry office, in all of its many rooms – as well as other central Brighton wedding venues big and small, from 4 to 40 guests. We’ve even a few elopements with just the happy couple – which has meant we’ve had the honour of acting as witnesses too!

We’ve also covered weddings that used the town hall as a base to do ‘the legal bit’, before heading off for an epic party somewhere nearby.

As a life-long Brighton resident and Sussex Wedding Photographer, I’ve put together a list of places, ideas and tips for helping your Brighton Town Hall Wedding run smoothly.

From places to eat, drink and sleep – to the best places to get photographs – this guide has you covered.

PLACES TO GET THE BEST PHOTOS IN BRIGHTON

OK, so as wedding photographers this is our speciality.

The opportunities for photography in Brighton Town Center are great – Brighton is known for its quirkiness, and the area around the town hall delivers this in spades. From pictures on the beach, or at Brighton’s famous bandstand to plenty of wonderful opportunities to create grittier photos using the environment and graffiti. Here are a few of our favourite spots.

• Quadrophenia Alley – the scene of the famous movie of the same name, one of the narrowest alleys around – perfect for creating stunning portraits of you and your love.
• The Steine – A little open space in a sea of buildings – perfect for getting a little green into your photos – or to offer a little more space for group photos.
• The Pavilion Gardens – Another lovely bit of open space, popular in the summer with tourists – but reasonably quiet during the rest of the year and under a lovely canopy of trees offering shade and a variety of light for your photos.
• The Bandstand – Iconic Brighton tourist destination – a bit of a distance from the town hall, but if that’s your preference we can always jump in a taxi.
• The Beach – What more needs to be said, it works any time of the day/year – we find sunset is where the real magic happens, not to mention the legendary murmurations of starlings.
• The Pier (& under the pier – for rebellious folks!) – Touristy, but fun! Also works well in the dark afternoons and early evenings during winter months, when the lights can add excitement and drama to your pictures. Our friend Matt Scott, another Brighton Wedding Photographer has done some epic engagements around here (see below) – well worth a look.
• The merry-go-round – cool lights, colours – massively Brighton.
• The Arches – lots of cool architectural details right by the sea
• Madeira Drive – Brighton iconic aquamarine railings, coupled with some great arches – often quieter on summers days than the main part of the seafront.
• Graffiti – always changing and always colourful – can be used to add some colour to your images or an element of urban cool.
• Shutters/Fences/Doors – Venture a little away from the main streets and you’ll find all kinds of quirky doors, shutters and fences – with the right composition, these can look amazing.

Below you’ll find a collection of images created within 10 minutes of the town hall on real wedding days, at a combination of the locations named above and other locations we love – tell us about your wedding plans and we can help suggest the best options for your photos.

PLACES TO EAT

If you’re looking at getting married, surrounded by a handful of your close friends and relatives, before celebrating with a meal at one of Brighton’s nearby restaurants – you’re certainly spoilt for choice, but here are a few of our favourites – ones that we know have worked well for smaller, more informal weddings receptions.

• The Ivy – A wonderful luxury restaurant, gorgeous food and quirky art deco vibes. Location: 51a Ship Street, BN1 1AF 
• The Coal Shed – if you like meat, this is your place – steaks for days. Location: 8 Boyce’s Street, BN1 1AN
• The Salt Room – same people that set up the Coal Shed, but this time they’re turning their attention to fish. Location: 106 KING’S RD, BN1 2FU
• Food for Friends – Brighton’s premier vegetarian restaurant. Location: 17-18 PRINCE ALBERT STREET, BN1 1HF
• Chilli Pickle – Sophisticated Indian Food. Location: 17 Jubilee Street, BN1 1GE
• Indian Summer – (More) Sophisticated Indian Food. Location: 70 EAST STREET, BN1 1HQ
• Breakfast Club – planning an early wedding and want brunch after you’re hitched, or need to stock up on calories before the ceremony – this place has your back. Location: 16-17 Market Street, BN1 1HH
• Bills – We’ve been a fan of Bills simple but hugely tasty menu since they set up shop in Lewes many years ago, the Brighton branch is just as lovely – simple, seasonal food. Also, excellent breakfasts! Location: 100 North Road, BN1 1YE

PLACES TO DRINK

Whether you’re looking for a place to get a drink pre-ceremony, or as a meeting point for your guests, or looking for celebratory drinks after you’ve tied the knot – these places are well worth a look.

• The Mesmerist – right next to the town hall, popular for a bit of dutch courage, or meeting up with guests before the ceremony. Location: 1-3 PRINCE ALBERT STREET, BN1 1HE
• The Pump House – a nice traditional pub in Market Street, a short walk from the Town Hall Location: 46 Market Street,BN1 1HH</span
• Black Lion – Good Pub just around the corner from the town hall Location: 14 BLACK LION STREET, BN1 1ND
• The Lounge at Jurys Inn Waterfront – One of the closest places to the town hall, also ideal if you’re staying there. Location: King’s Road, BN1 2GS
• Fortune of War – Brighton’s oldest seaside pub – always popular Location: 157 KINGS ROAD ARCHES, BN1 1NB
• JB’s American diner – American style diner with epic milkshakes – Cheesy and eccentric, but worth a look for a more family oriented day. Location: 31 King’s Rd, BN1 1NR

PLACES TO CELEBRATE

This list could go on forever, there are so many clubs, pubs and venues in central Brighton – most can be hired, so you can celebrate with all of your friends.

• Mrs Fitzherberts – A quirky club venue – their funky lights make for great photo opportunities. Location: 25 – 26 NEW ROAD, BN1 1UG
• Proud Cabaret – planning a lively night, this works as both reception space… and a club after dark. Location:  83 St Georges Rd, BN2 1EF
• Fabrica – Arty, Converted Church, Central and great to put your own stamp on. Location: 40 Duke Street, BN1 1AG
• Patterns – Club Bar vibe, funky decor and atmosphere. Location: 10 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL

PLACES TO VISIT

If you’re making a mini-break of it, you’ll want some things to fill the other days.

• i360 – Mixed opinions amongst locals, but you won’t get a better view of the City. Location: Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
• The Palace Pier – Proper seaside attraction. Location: Madeira Drive, BN2 1TW
• Sealife Center – If you’ve got kids, they’ll love this, If you’ve not… you’ll love it. Location:  Marine Parade, BN2 1TB

PLACES TO STAY

Whether you fancy making a mini-break of it, or you just need a base to get ready before your ceremony – these are some great options.
There are also lots of AirBNBs to choose from around the Lanes.

• Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront – Right next to the town hall, the only way for a more convenient location would be if the council let you sleep in their offices. Also a lovely lounge for pre-ceremony drinks. Location: King’s Road, BN1 2GS
• The Grand Hotel – a popular place to get ready before weddings all across Sussex Location:  97-99 King’s Road, BN1 2FW
• Brighton Metropole – Nice hotel, pretty central and has their own car park for residents Location: KINGS ROAD, BN1 2FU
• Hotel Du Vin – Boutique chain, nice and close to the centre of town Location: 2 SHIP STREET, BN1 1AD)

PLACES TO PARK

Yes, not the most exciting section – but if you’re travelling in by car, ultra useful!

• The Lanes Car Park – Our personal favourite, if you can have a favourite car park. Super convenient for town hall weddings, however, it’s reasonably pricey approaching £20 for 4 hours, but we personally can’t put a value on the proximity to the town hall, especially on a wedding day! Location: Black Lion Street, BN1 1ND
• Churchill Square – Pricey, but central. Location: Regency Road East, BN1 2RU
• Regency Square– Pretty central Location: Regency Square, BN1 2FG
• Madiera Drive – slightly cheaper, if you don’t mind a little walk – can be busy in high season Location: Madeira Drive, BN2 1PS​
• Metropole – (If you’re staying there!)