Civic rooms, Bradford City Hall
City Hall is a 19 century grade I listed building originally designed in a Venetian Gothic style, with later Italian and French influence additions added. The clock tower was inspired by the campanile of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. City Hall in its present form was completed in 3 stages.
The original part of City Hall was opened in September 1873 but rapidly became too small to deliver the services required and was extended in 1909. In 1914 the olds Council Chamber was removed and replaced with a Ceremonial Staircase which it was felt was befitting the grandeur of the building, as well as providing better access to the new Council Chamber.
Since then, the services in City Hall have developed to now include the registration of births, deaths and marriages or civil partnerships. The Register Office relocated to City Hall in October 2014 and was officially opened jointly by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Mike Gibbons and Mr Harry Gration, the Look North TV presenter.
As well as the Ceremony Room on the ground floor, City Hall boasts additional facilities which can be booked for use at the weekend for marriage or civil partnership ceremonies.
City Hall’s rich history makes it iconic, whether you love architecture, history or even television. We offer a wide range of rooms with varying capacities to suit your needs for your special day.
Civic rooms including use of civic entrance and ceremonial staircase
With our silver corridor, beautiful staircases and historic details throughout all our rooms, there are plenty of opportunities for photos with that extra bit of character.
City Hall is in the heart of Bradford and is easy to reach by bus, train, car or on foot, and is a short walk away from Bradford’s huge variety of restaurants and bars - perfect for receptions and post-ceremony celebrations.
The Banqueting suite
The Magnificent baronial elegance and splendour of the Banqueting Hall is truly awe-inspiring, seating up to 110 guests. The Hall has hosted many high profile banquets and receptions.
The Law Courts
Famed for its many appearances on TV, The Old Law Court is steeped in the legal history of Bradford. With seating for up to 60 people it offers a totally unique ambience for any marriage ceremony.
The Council chamber
Arrestingly grand, the Council Chamber provides seating for 100 people in a tiered horseshoe. The decorative vaulted ceiling affords acoustical perfection ensuring all your guests can clearly hear your vows.
The Ernest Saville room
The beautifully wood panelled Ernest Saville Room retains an air of calm formality, seating a maximum of 60 people.
About the ceremony or formation
Once you have given notice of marriage or civil partnership you will be provided with a pack which explains your ceremony.
If you would like to know more about the content of the ceremony or formation before giving your notices of marriage or civil partnership the Register Office staff will be happy to discuss this with you.
A video camera may be used, for which guidelines are available and there is the opportunity for all present to take photographs after the signing of the schedule with one nominated photographer able to take photographs throughout.
Ceremonies or formation take place
Available to book Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Contact us to arrange a date or to make a general enquiry about a ceremony