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Craft Your Happy Ever After: 10 Unique Wedding Venues to Get Hitched!
So now you’re engaged, but the next step is wedding planning. It can be a lot to handle, to say the least. You want your wedding to be truly, unapologetically you, as a couple.
With loads of choices in Manchester, it can be daunting to find the right venue that’ll sweep you off your feet. Well, no need to fret because we’re sharing our curated list of hidden treasures that’ll make your wedding unforgettable.
Below are alternative wedding venues we handpicked all around Manchester if you want to skip traditional settings, so read on and get ready to say “I do” to your dream wedding that’s uniquely you!
The Monastery
Media credit: themonasterymcr
Address: 89 Gorton Lane
Contact: 0161 223 3211, [email protected]
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10 am – 4 pm
Venue Capacity: Up to 400 people
Website
The Monastery isn’t your typical wedding venue in Manchester—this stunning place is a Grade II* listed heritage site with a Victorian gothic sacred architecture. You would think it’s a religious place, but it’s now deconsecrated.
That said, you have the chance to marry in a venue with religious structures. Same-sex and multi-faith couples are allowed to tie the knot in The Monastery—which isn’t currently allowed in the Church of England.
Every feature of the place has perfect symmetry, even with regard to the harmony you’ll hear inside the venue. It was designed with sweeping arches, intricate accents, and tall windows that let the sunshine in for those magical moments.
The venue is available for full use, meaning you’ll get a dedicated wedding coordinator, full ceremony setup, use of the sound system, and in-house catering.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking to save some money, look into weekday weddings, from Sunday to Thursday. You’ll be cutting back on thousands of pounds for the venue alone!
Victoria Baths
Media credit: victoriabaths
Address: Hathersage Road
Contact: 0161 224 2020, [email protected]
Hours:
- Tuesday: 11 am – 3 pm
- Other days: For booked tours or events only
Venue Capacity:
- Gala Pool: Up to 300 people
- Sports Hall: Up to 400 people
- Females Pool: Up to 200 people
- Turkish Rest Room: Up to 50 people
- Turkish Hot Rooms: Up to 30 people
- Pineapple Room: Up to 60 people
Victoria Baths is a truly unique wedding venue. It was built in 1906 for exactly what it’s named: a facility for bathing and swimming. In these modern days, it’s a distinct venue with the proper character.
It has several facilities for every occasion, whether you prefer an intimate wedding in a Turkish Rest Room or a big party in the pool (but without water!).
With a variety of beautiful, unique rooms available, you’ll no doubt have the wedding of the year! Can you imagine how the photos will turn out? They’ll be elegant, fun, and one of a kind!
Guests won’t have a tough time finding this wedding destination. It’s only 10 to 15 minutes from the city centre and there’s on-site parking.
Pro Tip:
Schedule an appointment for viewing because Victoria Baths is only open to the public on Tuesdays.
The Castlefield Rooms
Media credit: thecastlefieldrooms
Address: 18 – 20 Castle Street
Contact: 0161 839 8656, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 10 am – 11 pm
- Thursday: 10 am – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 1 am
Venue Capacity: 30 – 250 people
Website
A stunning, unique venue in the city centre? Yep, The Castlefields Room is a contemporary place that can accommodate small and large weddings, with three stylish yet versatile spaces for every kind of wedding motif.
You can nab the industrial heritage look that totally screams Manchester, or go for something modern with a touch of vintage charm. Natural daylight pours into all the rooms, which, if you’re a wedding photographer, you know can create a romantic golden flare.
Three wedding packages are available, all meant to sort out almost everything for the big day. The inclusions are mainly for the reception, like floral centrepieces and a complimentary tasting menu, but you do get a wedding coordinator.
Pro Tip:
Stick to a daytime wedding to save your quid. The wedding packages will charge for the evening separately.
The Portico Library
Media credit: porticolibrary
Address: 57 Mosley Street
Contact: 0161 236 6785, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday – Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Thursday 10 am – 7 pm
- Friday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 4 pm
Venue Capacity: 30 – 50 people
Website
Wow. Just Wow. The Portico Library is for couples who want to say their vows in a place that tells stories. It’s a venue that plays a role in Manchester’s literary heritage, being home to over 25,000 books and archives that go back over 450 years.
Having your wedding here will surround you with literature (literally!). The Reading Room is a library with walls of books, the perfect backdrop for your ceremony photos in every angle. For a slightly bigger wedding, the dome can accommodate up to 50 people.
Hiring this unique wedding venue will also allow you to have an intimate wedding since it’s not a big venue. It’s the perfect excuse not to invite so many people and plus ones, no? The big day can be laid-back and stress-free!
Pro Tip:
If you want to see the venue, check their opening hours and closures on the website to avoid disappointment. It’s usually closed to the public when there are events.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Media credit: elizabethgaskellshouse
Address: 84 Plymouth Grove
Contact: 0161 273 2215, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday: Closed
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11 am – 4:30 pm
Venue Capacity: 36 people
Website
If you’re searching for a historic setting just outside the city centre, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is right on the money. This lovely Grade II* listed property is a Regency-style villa that used to be the home of English author Elizabeth Gaskell.
Not only are you marrying in a historical gem, but you’ll also get to choose between a period room or a garden wedding. The Drawing Room has authentic Victorian furnishings and is perfect for small ceremonies.
And with flowers, shrubs, and all the perks of the outdoors, a garden wedding will be absolutely perfect for chatting with guests and for photo opportunities in natural backdrops.
The 3-hour wedding package gives you everything you need, like exclusive access to the garden, use of the boudoir piano (for trained persons only), chairs, and wedding coordinators.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you inquire early because wedding bookings are only available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The wedding package is fairly affordable, from £1,450 to £1,850, but weekdays are still cheaper if you want to save.
The Deaf Institute
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Address: 135 Grosvenor Street
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Only open during events
Venue Capacity: 60 – 260 people
Website
When we say unique, we mean you can have your wedding ceremony in a nightclub. The Deaf Institute is not your typical club, though. It’s an eclectic venue in a historical building dating back to 1878—it’s a fun, historical place that has hosted talented artists.
It offers a different kind of wedding vibe, where you can truly enjoy the day without worries. It has three spaces: The Den, Music Hall, and the Gig & Club. Hiring this quirky venue means you needn’t worry about the music for the reception.
They provide DJ equipment, a projector, beverages, and an event manager. If you love music and dancing, this Manchester club is the place to get married in!
Pro Tip:
Don’t go to the club without a confirmed appointment. It’s only open on days it hosts events.
The Whitworth
Media credit: whitworthart
Address: The University of Manchester, Oxford Road
Contact: +44 0161 275 2675, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Venue Capacity:
- Grand Hall: Up to 200 people
- Cafe: Up to 100 people
- Promenade: Up to 120 people
- Exhibition Gallery 3: Up to 100 people
Art lovers who want to walk down the aisle in an artfully beautiful place in Manchester will fall in love with The Whitworth, a commercial venue that offers a low-profile vibe yet stylishly modern.
It’s a gorgeous place that every guest will appreciate—maybe a couple of tears here and there. The Cafe is a well-lit space that overlooks Whitworth Park, while the Grand Hall is very elegant with Jacobean style—both offer stylish yet low-key vibes.
Plus, the rooms are also flexible to accommodate any kind of party, whether you want an intimate or a large one. One of the best perks of getting hitched here is the picturesque grounds for send-offs or wedding photos.
Pro Tip:
Tour the grounds for free from Tuesday to Sunday, 2 pm to 2:45 pm. But do arrive early because it’s on a first come, first served basis.
Manchester Art Gallery
Media credit: mcrartgallery
Address: Mosley Street
Contact: 0161 235 8862, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Venue Capacity: 16 – 350 people
Website
Weddings at the Manchester Art Gallery are nothing short of stunning, no matter what theme you’re going for. The place is visually striking, with gorgeous architecture and beautiful artwork for backdrops.
There are loads of rooms for every wedding, even for super intimate parties, like when you only want to invite really close family and friends. You can have your ceremony and reception in one place since the cafe offers event catering where food is made fresh.
Wedding and civil ceremony packages are available, too, which include an event manager to make sure everything’s in order. But keep in mind that since this is an indoor venue with priceless artwork, there are going to be some restrictions.
Pro Tip:
Before booking the venue, research the best places to park or ask your guests to commute instead of driving. There’s no on-site parking here, unfortunately.
Hallé St Peter’s
Media credit: hallestpeters
Address: 40 Blossom Street, Ancoats
Contact: +44 0161 237 7000, [email protected]
Hours: By appointment
Venue Capacity: 30 – 250 people
Website
Sometimes, a low-key, unique venue just makes the wedding even more spectacular. In Ancoats, Hallé St Peter’s offers a stunning interior with soaring ceilings, brickwork, and dramatic backdrops that feel like a church venue but are more modern.
Your wedding here includes working with Chapman Holmes, their catering partner, which can provide you with a wide range of cuisine. Your event coordinator will also work with you from start to finish, and they can give you a list of trusted suppliers.
Pro Tip:
This venue has accessible facilities, but make sure you contact them regarding any special access just to be sure.
Salford Lads Club
Media credit: salfordladsclubweddings
Address: Coronation Street. Salford
Contact: 0161 872 3767
Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Saturday: 11 am – 2 pm
Venue Capacity:
- The Band Room: Up to 20 people
- The Smiths Room: Up to 28 people
- The Senior Games Room: Up to 68 people
- The Concert Hall: Up to 100 people
The Salford Lads Club has been etched in music history when English rock band The Smiths posed in front of the building for their album, The Queen is Dead. And yes, it still remains iconic and absolutely spot on for non-traditional weddings.
Get wed at this quirky venue in Manchester, where you can embrace your individuality since the rooms for hire are so distinctly different from one another. If you and your fiance are avid fans of The Smiths, there’s a specific room full of photos of the band and of fans.
They can help organise your wedding by offering tailored wedding packages starting at £1,250. The variety of food options is also made to a T for unconventional weddings—ready to munch on informal snacks during the reception, anyone?
Pro Tip:
Consider adding a note on your wedding invitations that street parking is limited at the venue. It’s accessible by public transport, though, so you might want to add directions from the city centre.
