Wedding Venue Review: Colchester Town Hall
A renowned landmark in the heart of the town centre
Colchester Town Hall is a stunning Baroque building, complete with a Victorian tower, offering an air of old-fashioned glamour. This versatile venue can accommodate weddings of all sizes, from intimate gatherings of 20 to grand celebrations with up to 300 guests. With its original features like stained-glass windows and oil paintings, the Town Hall provides a unique and historic setting for your special day.
While it still hosts Mayoral and Civic events, it’s also available for hire as a wedding venue. In this review, I’ll share my perspective as a wedding photographer to help you decide if Colchester Town Hall is the right place for your wedding.
Where you say I Do
Colchester Town Hall offers several options for your wedding ceremony, each with its own charm and character.
The Community Room is a straightforward and practical choice, perfect for couples looking for a simple space. While it may not have the elaborate decor of other rooms, it provides a clean and neutral backdrop for your ceremony.
The Council Chamber is truly unique, featuring pew-like seating arranged in a semi-circle around the couple. The dark wood and rich decor give the room a classic, sophisticated feel, though it may not produce the bright, airy images some couples prefer. The balcony seating adds a special touch, offering a great vantage point for additional guests.
The Mayor's Parlour is a grand and elegant option, adorned with intricate decor and a colourful carpet that adds its own distinct style. The balcony overlooking the high street is a fantastic spot for portraits, capturing both the intimacy of the moment and the bustling town below. This room offers a blend of historical grandeur and vibrant character, making it a memorable setting for your vows.
The Grounds
This town center venue doesn't have any dedicated outdoor space for photos, but the area right outside its impressive building offers a beautiful backdrop for formal portraits and confetti shots. Just be prepared for a bit of hustle and bustle from the public passing by.
For a more relaxing setting, many couples opt to take a short walk to Castle Park. This nearby park provides a lovely, natural environment for portraits, allowing you to capture beautiful moments amidst the greenery and charm of the outdoors.
Dancing the night away
The evening reception at Colchester Town Hall is typically held in the impressive Moot Hall. This spacious room can accommodate up to 180 people for a wedding breakfast and 300 guests for an evening reception. The high ceilings and ornate design create a sophisticated atmosphere for your day.
The hall features a stage, ideal for live music acts, and ample space for a dance floor. Located on the top floor of the Town Hall, the Moot Hall offers a private and exclusive setting for your celebrations.
A thumbs up from us!
Colchester Town Hall offers a prestigious location for your wedding ceremony and reception. We feel that due to it being so versatile and providing a good choice of rooms, that this venue is well worth considering for your wedding. They have all the necessary facilities including a lift and car parking (for certain wedding packages). If you want your special day to be impressive and dignified, check out this monumental venue.
The ideal venue if you’re looking for:
A town centre location
Good transport links
An historical building
01206 282230
www.colchester-events.co.uk/weddings
Colchester Town Hall, Colchester High Street, CO1 1PJ
Written by Eleth Mageehan, (c) 2020, all rights reserved.
With historic charm, a beautiful backdrop and flexible options to create your unique celebration - could this be the perfect wedding venue for you?