Bournemouth town hall wedding - my first two big days of the year

A Bournemouth town hall wedding is always a special occasion, and 2026 saw me at the venue for my first two weddings of the 2026.

A newly married couple stands on the steps of Bournemouth Town Hall in April 2026, celebrating their wedding in front of the historic facade.

The venue was built in 1885, originally serving as a hotel, and then a World War II hospital, and is located in the heart of Bournemouth's town centre next to the magnificent central gardens. It is officially known as the BCP Council Civic Centre, and has four different rooms where couples can tie the knot.

There's your small ceremony room if you are just looking for a basic ceremony as a couple with two guests, a second room, The Laurels, a beautiful room for up to twelve guests (and a photographer), The Willows, which accommodates up to 90 guests, and the stunning Council Chambers which serves up to 120 guests.

My first two weddings of this year were in the middle-sized rooms, The Willows, and the recently refurbished The Laurels, for a very intimate wedding with just eleven guests.

The groom awaits the start of his wedding ceremony in The Laurels room at Bournemouth Town Hall, surrounded by close family.

The Laurels is bright and airy and perfect for those looking for a small, intimate wedding with close family and friends.

As a Poole wedding photographer, I am lucky enough to have done may weddings at their Guildhall, which itself has some beautiful attributes, including the spiral steps outside for group shots after the ceremony, but there's nothing like a couple stepping out after getting married and into Bournemouth's dazzling sunshine.

If you're looking for a slightly larger wedding, then The Willows might be the ceremony detination you're looking for. I've done many weddings in this glorious room, and with it holding up to 90 guests, it more than serves the average-sized wedding party.

2026 saw me return to the room for a beautiful little ceremony for a couple who will celebrate their big day (in terms of reception) in August, which I also look forward to covering. They held their official, legal ceremony as a Bournemouth town hall wedding occasion, and a small gathering of their loved-ones in late April.

A father lovingly escorts his daughter down the aisle at The Willows ceremony room in Bournemouth Town Hall, sharing a joyful moment with family and friends on her special day.

Again, beautifully lit and decorated, The Willows is a perfect location to get legally married.

A heartfelt moment as the couple exchanges vows at The Willows, Bournemouth's civic centre, surrounded by loved ones.

I have a couple more weddings at this wonderful location later this year, and I look forward to returning. Such a stunning place if you're looking for a Bournmouth town hall wedding away from your reception venue.

Tip: if you want to have some group shots, do them outside the main steps of the building, or underneath the trees adjecent to the location (across the car park), and then step across the road to Bournemouth's Central Gardens for some intimate couple photos where passers by are sure to congratulate you on your special day.

Newlyweds share a romantic kiss amidst the lush greenery of Bournemouth's central gardens in May 2026.

A newly married couple kissing on the bridge in Bournemouth's glorious central gardens.

A joyful first stroll as newlyweds in Bournemouth's central garden, spring 2026.