Islington Town Hall Wedding Photography: A North London Celebration

I photographed Clem and Alex’s Islington Town Hall wedding on a bright summer’s day in North London a while back (though I’m only just adding it to this site).

It was everything I love about this place: genuine emotion, beautiful light, and a pace that never feels rushed.

Why Islington Town Hall Works So Well For Weddings

Every time I’m at Islington Town Hall, the feeling is the same: enthusiasm and happiness. The circular Council Chamber bathes everyone in flattering light, the acoustics keep speeches and vows intimate, and the staff treat every ceremony with the care it deserves.

Even though many couples marry there each week, nothing is ever hurried. You feel looked after.

A Documentary Approach: Real Moments Over Posing

My job is to tell the story as it naturally unfolds. I don’t stage scenes or interrupt. I wait for the small, human moments that carry weight later on. One of my favourite frames from this day is the instant Clem turned to Alex and said, “We’ve done it!” That little burst of joy set the tone for the rest of the day.

Confetti On The Steps (Of Course)

Those famous Town Hall steps are a gift for storytelling. After the confetti run and a few hugs with family and friends, we let the day breathe. No long photo sessions, no disappearing for hours. Just the two of them among their people, enjoying it all.

Reception At The Peasant, Clerkenwell

We headed to The Peasant in Clerkenwell, a venue I worked at many times over the years. The Victorian horseshoe bar, the mix of wedding guests and regulars, the relaxed, slightly mischievous energy—it always felt like a proper London celebration.

Sadly, The Peasant has now closed for good, but on this day it was exactly the right backdrop: pints, laughter, and that easy “day at the pub with our mates” vibe. Speeches on the inner staircase were emotional, humorous and heartfelt.

Light, Composition, Moment

Whether I’m in North London, the South of France, or Suffolk, I’m always chasing the same three ingredients: light, composition and moment.

Islington Town Hall offers wonderful window light and clean architectural lines; The Peasant added warm pub tones and texture. Between them, there was no shortage of ways to anchor the story.

“They are wonderful photographs and we are ever so happy with them. Somehow you managed to be everywhere up close without anyone noticing. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

— Clem & Alex

If you’re planning an Islington Town Hall wedding and you’d like a quiet, documentary approach that lets you stay in the moment, I’d love to hear from you.

• Is Islington Town Hall good for small, intimate weddings?

  Yes. The Council Chamber and ceremony rooms feel warm and personal, and the team keep everything calm and unhurried.

• Do we need to plan for a long photo session?

  Not with my approach. I work quickly and naturally so you can spend the day with your guests. We can slip out for a few minutes if the light looks perfect, but there’s no pressure.

• Where can we celebrate nearby after the ceremony?

  Clerkenwell and Islington have plenty of pubs and restaurants within a short walk or drive. The Peasant, where Clem and Alex celebrated, has since closed, but the area still offers lots of characterful options.

Photographer? Learn the Documentary Way

If you like this candid, zero-fuss style, my course The Art of Documentary Wedding Photography shows how to see the light, compose quickly, and tell the story without interrupting it. Watch at your own pace.

Explore the course