Finding a Unique Wedding Venue

photo from http://liverpool.gov.uk

Living in Liverpool, I was extremely excited to hear that the local registry office has moved from the Cotton Exchange building, to the historic St George's Hall.  This means that even on the tightest of budgets, it is possible to have your wedding in a beautiful building, with amazing potential for photographs.  Upon visiting the venue, I'm told that on the day, the bride enters through the dramatic St George's Plateau, if that's not a classy entrance, then I don't know what is!  Although most of the building is run separately to the registry office, it is still usually possible to wander around the building to find the perfect wedding shot.  Considering there are many features including a ballroom, columns, gardens and even a court room complete with cells, I think that most photographers would have no trouble coming up with inspiration for a photo shoot.  The ballroom is available to hire for wedding receptions, although it does cost a pretty penny.

http://www.aboutliverpool.com

Another beautiful building in Liverpool available for weddings is the Town Hall.  The seemingly dark exterior is forgotten as soon as the amazing staircase is in view.  I can imagine that walking up the stairs in a white dress, contrasting against the plush red carpet would make for amazing photographs.  Once upstairs, a classic piano can be played for you, while your guests wait to be seated.  Alternatively, there is an option of holding the ceremony in a court room style setting, which is almost half the price of the traditional room.  If you are looking for a unique setting, this could be the perfect option for you.  A ballroom is also available to hire for receptions here, which is lovely.  However, it would appear that I don't have a ballroom permitting budget, so while it would be a fantastic venue, I am required to continue searching.

http://www.blackburnehouse.co.uk/

Of course, there is the option of having the ceremony in a traditional venue, such as a church or registry office, and then finding an eclectic venue for the reception.  While researching reception venues, I came across Blackburne House on Hope Street, and was keen to explore this option.  The building was originally Liverpool's first school, and is now a Women's Education Centre, which houses many services including a nursery and a cafe.  The building itself is stunning, located in the Georgian Quarter of Liverpool.  I feel that this would make for majestic photography.  As Blackburne House is charity orientated, weddings held there are referred to as "weddings with a conscience", so even if you do spend a fortune, at least you know that it's going towards a good cause.

http://www.theblack-e.co.uk

Possibly the most unusual venue that I have stumbled across so far is The Black-E.  Although it's not specifically advertised as a wedding reception venue, I found that the space would be almost perfect for what I had planned.  A huge floor space, with a stage area and various balconies would be perfect to house a band, or any other kind of entertainment hat you might have in mind, plus as many guests as you like!  The wooden floors and large windows give a classic yet modern feel, which could be altered with any decor that you might choose, and upon enquiring, I was told that the venue can also provide chair and table hire.  This is yet another charity run space, which basically allows flexibility to do whatever you like with your wedding celebrations.  There is also a dressing room available, with shower and disabled toilet access, which  sounds perfect for pre-celebration preparations, and also, an answer to possibly embarrassing "wedding dress in toilet cubical" problems!