Alternative Manchester Wedding Venues

 

Are you planning your wedding in Manchester but looking for something a bit different? Here’s some of my favourite unusual and quirky Manchester wedding venues that I have photographed at.
I grew up spending most of my weekends in Manchester from an early age (anyone remember Urbis?…) and since then, I’ve loved Manchester’s wide range of alternative venue spaces. Since moving to South Manchester a couple of years ago, I’ve photographed more and more unique Manchester city centre venues. I’m sure this list will grow bigger over time! But for now, here’s a few of my favourites. I hope it helps you in your wedding planning journey!

Art Gallery Wedding Venue Manchester

The Whitworth Gallery
Oxford Road

If you are looking for a contemporary style wedding venue in Manchester then it is worth taking a look at The Whitworth art gallery!

Your wedding ceremony can be held in one of the wonderfully light gallery spaces. There is also a stunning Jacobean style hall with a double-height ceiling for your wedding breakfast and reception. Both spaces are fairly large, (I imagine it could fit around 100 wedding guests) perfect if you are looking for a slightly larger wedding venue in the city. The Whitworth is perfect for creative couples who are searching for a modern and unusual wedding venue in Manchester city centre.

I love photographing at The Whitworth because it is such a lovely light venue! It’s also fun to incorporate some of the artwork and installations on display into the photographs. Outside, there are plenty of beautiful places for photos including the recently built art garden.

You can find more information on The Whitworth’s website: https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/visit/hire/

And click here to view a wedding I recently photographed at The Whitworth!

Library Wedding Venue Manchester

The Portico Library
Mosley Street

If you’re looking for an intimate wedding venue in Manchester that is perfect for small to medium sized weddings, then definitely have a look at The Portico Library. It goes without saying that if you love books, then I’m sure you’ll love this wedding venue!


The thing I love most about The Portico Library is the private study at the back of the library. It’s filled with ceiling high bookshelves and antique furniture - if you’re a bit of a book geek you’ll love it! It’s a really quirky backdrop for photographs. In the main part of the library where wedding ceremonies take place, there is also a stunning stained glass domed ceiling. This whole venue is full of history and charm!

You can read more about weddings at The Portico Library here: https://www.theportico.org.uk/venue-hire

And you can view some of my work at the venue here.

Small wedding venue Manchester city centre

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Plymouth Grove

If you are looking for a small wedding venue in Manchester full of history and character then Elizabeth Gaskell’s house may be perfect for you! Situated just five minutes outside of the city centre, Elizabeth Gaskell’s house has a private and intimate feel.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s house is a 150-year-old, Grade II listed building with tons of beautiful original features such as the small private study and drawing room where wedding ceremonies are held. Downstairs is the old servants’ quarters which can be used for your wedding reception. Outside, there is a beautifully kept private garden for a drink’s reception and photographs.

If you’re looking for a characterful venue with a relaxed, intimate feel then I would highly recommend Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.

You can read more about weddings at Elizabeth Gaskell’s house on their website: https://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/weddings/

And see some of my work at the venue here.

Historical Manchester wedding venue

Elliot House
Deansgate

Elliot House is another Grade II listed wedding venue which has recently opened for weddings. This historical building dates back to 1862 and is full of beautiful period features, perfect for photo-opportunities, such as the Chamber Room were wedding ceremonies can be held. Other great backdrops for photographs such as Castlefield and St Peter’s Square are only a short walk away.

If you’re a foodie then you’ll be happy to hear that Gusto restaurant is just next door and can provide catering for weddings at Elliot House!

One of my favourite parts of this venue has to be the beautiful wooden staircase with stained glass windows. If you are looking for a historical wedding venue in Manchester city centre then I would definitely recommend Elliot House!

You can visit their website for more information: https://www.elliothouseweddings.co.uk/

And view some of my work at the venue here.

Urban wedding venue Manchester

The Castlefield Rooms
Castle St

The Castlefield Rooms is perfect if you are looking for a Manchester city centre venue with an urban feel. Close-by, you’ll find cobbles, red brick, canals and some amazing industrial architecture which give photos that quintessential ‘Manchester’ feeling.
The Castlefield Rooms has a medium sized ceremony room which is wonderfully light and features wooden beams. You can also use the private balcony and bar at Dukes92 which overlooks the canal and the Lock Keeper’s cottage. I would highly recommend booking the Lock Keeper’s cottage as part of your wedding at The Castlefield Rooms. Not only is it an convenient place to stay being just over the road, it’s also beautiful inside and I love taking getting ready photographs here.
I worked at The Castlefield Rooms a few times now and enjoyed every single wedding here! I’d recommend it if you are looking for a wedding venue with an urban feel right in the city centre.

You can visit the website for more information: https://dukes92.com/

And view some of my work at The Castlefield Rooms here: https://www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk/castlefield-rooms-wedding-manchester

Music wedding venue Manchester

The Albert Hall
Peter St

If you are a music lover, you’ll probably be familiar with The Albert Hall in Manchester already! Situated right next door to Albert’s Schloss (who do the most incredible wedding catering), The Albert Hall is mostly known for hosting some of the most exciting gigs and events in the city, but did you know you can also book it for weddings too?
Once a 19th century chapel, The Albert Hall is an amazing space with high ceilings and stunning stained glass windows. If you love to throw a party, you’ll be glad to hear that The Albert Hall has its own list of in-house entertainers to hire and the venue has a capacity of around 280 guests, making it one of the larger Manchester wedding venues.

You can read more about booking your wedding at The Albert Hall here: https://www.alberthallmanchester.com/weddings/

And see some of my work at the venue here: https://www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk/albert-hall-manchester-wedding

Bar Wedding Venue Manchester

Revolution Bar
Oxford Road

Manchester is known for it’s amazing bar & restaurant scene, some of which you can hire for weddings! If you went to a university in the North West, you’ll probably be familiar with Revolution Bar, but did you know you can hire them for weddings?

If you love a party then getting married in a bar is definitely a good option! I absolutely loved this wedding at Revolution Bar, the atmosphere was great, the dancefloor got a bit crazy and most importantly everyone had an amazing time. Revolution Bar on Oxford Road is nearby loads of cool, quirky places for photographs and is also nearby The Principal hotel, which I recommend booking to stay.

You can find more information here: https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/party/private-hire/

And view more of this fun wedding at Revolution Bar here: https://www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk/revolution-bar-manchester-wedding

Hotel wedding venue in Manchester city centre

Great John Street Hotel
Great John St

Great John Street Hotel is a stylish, sophisticated boutique hotel that also host weddings! My favourite part of this venue is the private roof terrace – it’s unusual to find private outdoor space in city centre wedding venues. There’s amazing views, huge umbrellas and heaters too! So you can make the most of the roof terrace even in typical Manchester weather.
Deansgate and Castlefield are both a short walk away if you want interesting and creative backdrops for photos. The hotel rooms are all beautifully light and great to work in for getting ready photos.

I’d recommend Great John Street Hotel to couples who are looking for a stylish, Manchester city centre venue. This venue is particularly great in the summer-time when you can make the most of the roof terrace.

You can read more about weddings at Great John Street hotel here: https://www.eclectichotels.co.uk/

And view my work at the venue here: https://www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk/great-john-street-hotel

Unique wedding venue in Manchester

Manchester Hall
Bridge St

Manchester Hall is a fairly new city centre venue with a glamorous but modern feel. Manchester Hall has a big selection of spaces available to hire for weddings that range from a capacity 50 to 500 guests! Each room is unique and full of beautiful features, but my favourites are The Museum and The Gallery. There’s also a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the city.

There’s definitely something for everyone at this venue and I would definitely recommend Manchester Hall for couples who are after a contemporary, ‘luxe’ vibe to their day.

You can read more about weddings at Manchester Hall here: manchesterhall.co.uk

And see some of my work at the venue here: https://www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk/manchester-hall-wedding

Unusual Manchester Wedding Venues

I hope this blog piece helps you in your wedding planning journey to find some of the more alternative and quirky wedding venues in Manchester. I’ll be sure to add to this list and update it often! So please bookmark this page and check back soon. If you want to see more of my wedding photography work click below. Or get in touch here.

 

West Yorkshire wedding photographer based in Littleborough. Providing wedding photography in Hebden Bridge, Todmorden, Halifax and throughout West Yorkshire. Maddie Farris Photography travels all over the North West and beyond! Including photography coverage for Manchester city centre weddings.

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