Wedding Venue Review: Colchester Town Hall
A renowned landmark in the heart of the town centre
Colchester Town Hall is a striking Baroque building right in the heart of the town, instantly recognisable thanks to its Victorian tower and grand façade. It’s a versatile venue that can host everything from intimate ceremonies with around 20 guests to large celebrations of up to 300.
With original features including stained-glass windows, oil paintings and detailed murals, the building offers a sense of old-fashioned glamour that you don’t find in many modern venues. While it’s still very much a working Town Hall, hosting Mayoral and Civic events, it’s also available to hire for weddings.
In this review, I’m sharing my perspective as a wedding photographer to help you decide whether Colchester Town Hall feels like the right fit for your day.
Ceremony Spaces
Colchester Town Hall offers several different ceremony rooms, allowing couples to choose a space that suits both their guest numbers and the overall feel they’re going for.
The Community Room is the most straightforward option. It’s practical, clean and neutral, making it ideal for couples who want something simple without too much visual distraction. While it doesn’t have the ornate detailing of other rooms, it does exactly what it needs to do and works well for smaller, no-fuss ceremonies.
The Council Chamber is one of the most distinctive ceremony spaces. Seating is arranged in a semi-circle around the couple, with pew-style benches creating a very different atmosphere to a traditional aisle layout. The dark wood and rich tones give the room a classic, formal feel, and there’s even a balcony for additional seating. It’s a beautiful room, though it’s worth noting that with the dark wood it doesn’t create bright, airy images in the same way some couples might expect - instead, it has a more dramatic, historic character.
The Mayor’s Parlour is the most ornate of the options. It’s a grand room with plenty of visual detail, from the colourful carpet to the intricate décor. The balcony overlooking the High Street is a lovely bonus and can be used for portraits after the ceremony. This room can accomodate a larger amount of guests.
Portraits
Colchester Town Hall doesn’t have dedicated outdoor grounds, but the exterior of the building itself provides an impressive backdrop for formal portraits and confetti photos. As it’s a town centre location, you can expect members of the public to be passing by and giving their personal congratulations.
Alternatively, a very popular option is to take a short walk to Castle Park for portraits. The park offers a completely different feel, with greenery, open space and a calmer environment for photos. If you’d like to include this, it’s worth allowing extra time in your schedule so it doesn’t feel rushed.
Evening Reception
Evening receptions at Colchester Town Hall are most commonly held in The Moot Hall, located on the top floor of the building. It’s a large, elegant space with high ceilings and ornate architectural details, creating a refined atmosphere for both dining and dancing.
The room can seat around 180 guests for a wedding breakfast and accommodate up to 300 for an evening reception. There’s a stage suitable for live music and plenty of room for a dancefloor, making it a good option for larger celebrations. Being on the top floor also means the space feels private and separate from the rest of the building.
Alternatively, some couples choose to hold their ceremony at the Town Hall and then move their reception elsewhere. Nearby venues such as GreyFriars or The Minories are popular choices and allow for a change of setting later in the day.
Practical Tips to Consider
Mobility: There is a lift in the building, which is helpful, but it’s slow and not ideal for quick movement between floors. This is worth factoring into timings, particularly for guests with mobility needs.
Parking: Guest parking is limited, and some wedding packages at Colchester Town Hall don’t include parking on-site. Couples will need to provide clear information about nearby public car parks in advance for their guests.
Town Centre Location: Being right in the centre of Colchester means excellent transport links, but also the usual bustle and attention that comes with it.
Final Thoughts
Colchester Town Hall is a strong choice for couples looking for a town-centre wedding with character and flexibility. The range of ceremony rooms allows you to tailor the space to your guest numbers, and the historic setting adds a sense of occasion without feeling overly traditional.
It’s particularly well suited to couples who value accessibility, transport links and a dignified, classic atmosphere. With nearby green spaces and reception venues within walking distance, it also offers plenty of options for shaping the day around what matters most to you.
If you’re planning a wedding at Colchester Town Hall and would like to see what photography options can suit your day, check out our photography packages here.
Written by Eleth Mageehan
First Written: 13th June 2017, Last Updated: 23rd January 2026
With historic charm, a beautiful backdrop and flexible options to create your unique celebration - could this be the perfect wedding venue for you?