Our ceremony spaces

The Ceremony Room

Reading Museum & Town Hall, Blagrave Street 

Our beautifully appointed Ceremony Room is located on the ground floor of Reading Museum & Town Hall and is ideal for couples looking for a personalised ceremony in a historic setting. 

Suitable for: 2-47 guests  
Available: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 
Fees: From £248 

What’s included? 

• Choice of legal declarations and vows 
• Optional personalised vows 
• Optional music of your choice 
• Optional readings 
• Optional ring exchanges 
• Professional registrar-led ceremony 

The Ceremony Room can accommodate a maximum of 47 people, including the couple, witnesses, photographer and all guests, in line with fire safety regulations. 

The Forbury Room

Reading Museum & Town Hall, Blagrave Street 

Also located in Reading Town Hall is The Forbury Room which offers a simple and intimate ceremony option for couples wishing to celebrate with a small number of guests. 

Suitable for: Couple plus up to 4 guests 
Available: Mondays only (excludes bank holidays) 
Fees: From £120 

What’s included? 

• Simple registrar-led ceremony in office-based setting 
• Standard ceremony wording 
• Choice of legal declarations and vows 
• Optional ring exchanges 

Please note:

• Music cannot be included. 

Readings and personalised vows cannot be included.

The Register Office

Reading Borough Council Civic Centre, Bridge Street 

The Register Office is our statutory ceremony venue and is intended for couples who require the legal formalities only. 

Suitable for: Couple plus 2 witnesses only 
Available: First Tuesday morning of each month 
Fees: From £62 

What’s included? 

• Statutory legal ceremony in office-based setting 
• Legal declarations and contracting words 

Please note:

• No guests may attend other than the two witnesses. 
• Music, readings and personalisation are not permitted. 
• Demand is high and appointments often become fully booked several months in advance. 

If you wish to marry or form a civil partnership at the Register Office, you will need to make a provisional booking and state this venue when giving notice. Please note Register office ceremonies are given at the next available date basis and you are unable to choose specific date of ceremony. If you wish to choose a specific date we recommend you choose one of our other ceremony spaces. 

Looking for a larger space within Reading Town Hall? 

If you are looking for a larger ceremony or reception venue, Reading Town Hall offers a selection of stunning historic spaces that can be hired exclusively for your special day. 

Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the Town Hall can accommodate events ranging from 30 to 300 guests across a choice of beautiful ceremony and reception rooms. With flexible layouts, impressive architecture and a central Reading location, the Town Hall provides a unique backdrop for weddings and civil partnerships. 

Other available Town Hall spaces 

Victoria Hall 

A striking and versatile space suitable for larger ceremonies and celebrations. 

Waterhouse Chamber 

An elegant and intimate setting, ideal for medium-sized ceremonies and receptions. 

Concert Hall 

One of Reading’s most iconic venues, offering a spectacular setting for larger wedding ceremonies and celebrations. 

Ceremony and reception facilities 

The Town Hall offers three rooms that can be used for ceremonies, receptions, or both, depending on the size and style of your event. 

The experienced in-house catering team can also help make your day extra special with a range of catering options, including: 

• Wedding breakfasts 
• Canapés and drinks receptions 
• Afternoon teas 
• Evening buffets 
• Bespoke catering packages 

Their dedicated events team will be happy to discuss your requirements and help you plan your perfect celebration. 

How to book 

Venue hire at Reading Town Hall is managed separately from Reading Registration Service. 

To discuss availability, room hire and wedding packages, please contact the Events Team directly or visit: 

Plan your wedding at Reading Town Hall 

Please note that booking a Town Hall venue room does not automatically include Registrars. You will also need to book Reading Registration Service to conduct and legally register your marriage or civil partnership. Registrar attendance fees apply in addition to any venue hire charges. 

Our team will be happy to advise on Registrar availability and guide you through the ceremony booking process. Please call 0118 937 3533 for further information. 

Approved venues across Reading 

Looking for something a little different? In addition to our own ceremony rooms, Reading Registration Service can provide Registrars to conduct and register marriages and civil partnerships at a range of approved venues across the borough. 

Our approved venues offer a variety of settings and capacities, from intimate ceremonies for just a few guests to large-scale celebrations accommodating up to 700 people. Whether you are planning a stylish hotel wedding, a waterside celebration, a historic ceremony or a relaxed informal gathering, there is a venue to suit every style and budget. Approved premises – Reading Borough Council 

Current approved venues include: 

• The Roseate Reading 
• Thames Lido 
• Village Hotel Reading 
• Holiday Inn Reading South 
• Mansion House, Prospect Park 
• The Firefly at Three Guineas
• Hilton Reading 
• And many more 

Booking an approved venue ceremony 

If you wish to marry or form a civil partnership at an approved venue, you should first contact the venue directly to check availability and discuss their venue hire packages. 

Once you have identified a suitable date and time, please contact Reading Registration Service on 0118 937 3533 to check Registrar availability and make a provisional ceremony booking. 

To secure your ceremony date, you will need to pay a non-refundable booking fee. Both parties must then give notice of marriage or civil partnership through their local Register Office within the required legal timescales. 

Additional information 

Accessibility 

All ceremony rooms at Reading Museum & Town Hall and Civic Centre are accessible via the main entrance and are suitable for wheelchair users and guests with mobility requirements. 

If you or any of your guests have additional accessibility needs, please let us know when making your booking. 

Ceremony length 

To ensure ceremonies run smoothly throughout the day: 

• Ceremonies typically last 20 minutes depending on their personalisation elements. 
• Couples and guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. 
• Arrival times and preliminary interview arrangements will be confirmed through your Ceremony Planner. 

Music 

Couples marrying in the Ceremony Room may choose their own entrance, signing and exit music. 

Music can be played directly from your mobile device via Bluetooth, CD or USB connection. Your selections should be included on your online Marriage or Civil Partnership Planner. 

Please note that religious music cannot be used during civil marriage or civil partnership ceremonies. 

Fees 

For a full breakdown of ceremony fees, please visit our Fees and Charges Page 

How to book 

Once you have decided on your preferred ceremony space, please contact Reading Registration Service on 0118 937 3533 to check availability and secure your chosen date and time. 

A non-refundable booking deposit is required to confirm your reservation. After booking, you will be guided through the remaining stages of the process, including giving notice and completing your ceremony planner. More information on marriages & civil partnerships in Reading