OUR TOP ALTERNATIVE MANCHESTER WEDDING VENUES!

Of course, it goes without saying we love our home city of Manchester. There are so many amazing things about it and some fantastic history! 

We love the city for the cool, modern and quirky venues it has. The beauty of marrying in Manchester is you have the choice of any style venue! From the quirky, unique ones to the high end hotel or manor houses.

We love an alternative wedding here at urban though so we have put together our favourite unique and nontraditional wedding venues in manchester. 

manchester city wedding

THE BEST UNIQUE WEDDING VENUES IN MANCHESTER

Victoria baths

If you are looking for something truly unique, then I think getting married in a swimming bath a winner.

Victoria Baths is a Grade II listed Edwardian swimming pool that has been beautifully restored to its former glory. The venue features stunning stained glass windows, mosaic tiles, and elegant period features, making it a truly unique and breathtaking wedding venue.

What we love:

Versatile Spaces: Victoria Baths offers a range of spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including the stunning Gala Pool, the beautiful Turkish Rest Room, and the atmospheric Boiler House. The venue can accommodate both large and small weddings, allowing couples to create a personalized and memorable experience for their guests.

Flexible Packages: Victoria Baths offers a range of wedding packages to suit different budgets and requirements. Couples can choose from packages that include everything from venue hire and catering to entertainment and accommodation.

Experienced Team: Victoria Baths has a team of experienced wedding planners and event coordinators who are dedicated to ensuring that every detail of your wedding day is perfect. The team can help with everything from venue decoration to catering, entertainment, and accommodation.

Unique Photo Opportunities: Victoria Baths offers a range of unique and stunning photo opportunities, including the stunning Gala Pool, the beautiful Turkish Rest Room, and the atmospheric Boiler House. These features make for stunning backdrops for wedding photos and create memories that will last a lifetime.

wedding at victoria baths

Whitworth art gallery

Whitworth Art Gallery is a beautiful building that blends traditional and contemporary architecture. The venue features a stunning glass extension, beautiful parkland views, and elegant period features, making it a truly unique and breathtaking wedding venue.

Versatile Spaces: Whitworth Art Gallery offers a range of spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including the beautiful Grand Hall, the intimate South Gallery, and the modern Café. The venue can accommodate both large and small weddings, allowing couples to create a personalized and memorable experience for their guests.

Creative Atmosphere: As an art gallery, Whitworth Art Gallery offers a creative and inspiring atmosphere that sets it apart from other wedding venues. Couples can incorporate art and creativity into their wedding celebrations, including using the gallery’s artwork as a backdrop for wedding photos.

Flexible Packages: Whitworth Art Gallery offers a range of wedding packages to suit different budgets and requirements. Couples can choose from packages that include everything from venue hire and catering to entertainment and accommodation.

wedding at whitworth art gallery

Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery is a beautiful building that blends traditional and contemporary architecture. The venue features a stunning Victorian facade, elegant period features, and modern art installations, making it a truly unique and breathtaking wedding venue.

Versatile Spaces: Manchester Art Gallery offers a range of spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including the beautiful glass Atrium, the historic Pre-Raphaelite Galleries, and the modern Gallery Café. The venue can accommodate both large and small weddings, allowing couples to create a personalized and memorable experience for their guests.

Artistic Atmosphere: As an art gallery, Manchester Art Gallery offers a creative and inspiring atmosphere that sets it apart from other wedding venues. Couples can incorporate art and creativity into their wedding celebrations, including using the gallery’s artwork as a backdrop for wedding photos.

Flexible Packages: Manchester Art Gallery offers a range of wedding packages to suit different budgets and requirements. Couples can choose from packages that include everything from venue hire and catering to entertainment and accommodation.

Experienced Team: Manchester Art Gallery has a team of experienced wedding planners and event coordinators who are dedicated to ensuring that every detail of your wedding day is perfect. The team can help with everything from venue decoration to catering, entertainment, and accommodation.

steps at manchester art gallery

Lock 91

Lock 91 is located in a converted lock keepers cottage, giving it a unique and unconventional setting for a wedding venue. The venue features a mix of traditional and modern decor, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and eclectic furnishings, creating a quirky and charming atmosphere.

Versatile Spaces: Lock 91 offers a range of spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including the elegant Lounge Bar, the intimate Cellar Bar, and the spacious Roof Terrace. The venue can accommodate both large and small weddings, allowing couples to create a personalized and memorable experience for their guests.

Creative Atmosphere: Lock 91 offers a creative and inspiring atmosphere that sets it apart from other wedding venues. Couples can incorporate their own style and personality into their wedding celebrations, and the venue’s experienced team can help to create a unique and personalized experience.

Flexible Packages: Lock 91 offers a range of wedding packages to suit different budgets and requirements. Couples can choose from packages that include everything from venue hire and catering to entertainment and accommodation.

Experienced Team: Lock 91 has a team of experienced wedding planners and event coordinators who are dedicated to ensuring that every detail of your wedding day is perfect. The team can help with everything from venue decoration to catering, entertainment, and accommodation.

bride outside at lock 91 showing of her shoes

WHITWORTH LOCKE

Whitworth Locke offers a unique and contemporary setting for weddings. The aparthotel is housed in a 19th-century cotton mill that has been beautifully renovated, combining its original Victorian features with modern design elements.

Why we love this alternative wedding venue

  • Location: Whitworth Locke is located in the heart of Manchester City Centre, making it easily accessible for guests coming from different parts of the city and beyond.
  • Customizable Packages: Whitworth Locke offers customizable wedding packages that can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that your wedding day is everything you want it to be.
  • Accommodation: Whitworth Locke has a range of stylish and comfortable apartments that can accommodate you and your guests, providing a convenient and comfortable place to stay after the celebrations.
  • Excellent Service: Whitworth Locke has a team of experienced and friendly staff who are dedicated to ensuring that your wedding day runs smoothly and that you and your guests have an unforgettable experience. We have always felt welcomed and the staff are super friendly. 
manchester wedding venue whitworth locke

Photography – Rebecca Kerr Photography

THE DEAF INSTITUTE

What a venue this is! Based in the student area of Manchester city centre it is known for hosting large music events! Making it the perfect choice for music loving couples!

The Deaf Institute is housed in a former Victorian deaf institute that has been transformed into a stylish and quirky venue. The space features original architectural features, including a grand staircase, ornate plasterwork, and a beautiful ballroom. 

Why we love this venue:

  • Versatile Space: The Deaf Institute offers a range of options for wedding ceremonies and receptions, allowing couples to customize their experience to their individual tastes and requirements. The venue can accommodate both large and small weddings and offers a range of catering and entertainment options.
  • Great Food and Drinks: The Deaf Institute’s bar and restaurant are known for its great food and drinks, and offer a range of options for wedding receptions, including sit-down meals, buffets, and canapés. The venue also has an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails.
  • Experienced Team: The Deaf Institute has a team of experienced event coordinators who are dedicated to ensuring that every detail of your wedding day is perfect. The team can help with everything from venue decoration to catering, entertainment, and accommodation.

HDM PHOTOGRAPHY

CHETHAMS LIBRARY

This venue is THE alternative wedding venue in Manchester city centre. It is also the oldest venue in the city centre also, did you know?

Chetham’s library is steeped in history and has so many quirky features. We love that it is nestled in a city full of urban brutal buildings and skyscrapers. Then as you enter the gates it is like you are taken away to another past world!

Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, dating back to 1653. The library is housed in a beautiful medieval building that also serves as a music school, making it a unique and culturally significant venue for weddings.

Here are some features of Chetham’s Library that make it a great unique choice for a wedding venue:

  • Historic Setting: Chetham’s Library is housed in a beautiful medieval building that dates back to the 15th century. The space features original architectural features, including a stunning sandstone exterior, a beautiful courtyard, and an ornate reading room.
  • Cultural Significance: Chetham’s Library is not only a beautiful wedding venue but also a cultural and educational institution. The library is home to a rare collection of manuscripts and books, including the earliest surviving copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio. Wedding guests can enjoy a private tour of the library and learn about its history and significance.
  • Intimate Atmosphere: Chetham’s Library is a relatively small venue, making it perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions. The space can accommodate up to 80 guests, allowing couples to create a personal and romantic atmosphere for their special day.
  • Great Acoustics: As a music school, Chetham’s Library boasts excellent acoustics, making it a popular choice for couples looking to incorporate live music into their wedding celebrations. The venue’s beautiful Baronial Hall is particularly well-suited for live performances.

Image Marni V Photography

MAYFIELD DEPO

This for us just screams true Manchester history! We love the bare brick walls and that it is using Manchester industrial vibes! 

They have different size arches to choose from it is great for any size wedding. All Mayfield depo spaces are a blank canvas so perfect for creative, quirky couples. 

LUKE WARWICK PHOTOGRAPHY

VICTORIA WAREHOUSE

The ultimate industrial Manchester wedding venue! This venue is for you if you want industrial raw beauty paired with luxury high-end finishes.

Victoria warehouse has different size space so perfect for all wedding sizes. We were shocked by the room choices and also full of so many ideas for a spectacular wedding!

Image Kerry Lu Photography

FIVE FOUR STUDIOS 

If you are looking for the ultimate blank canvas venue then Five Four Studios is the one for you! 

All white, photography studio for the creative couple to really put their stamp on. A great venue for a non traditional couple looking to plan a wedding full of their personality. 

five four studios, manchester

Photography – Anges Black 

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