When Natalie and Aaron reached out about their wedding plans, I was immediately intrigued. They were planning a small, intimate ceremony at Stockport Town Hall on New Year’s Eve—a date that felt both symbolic and romantic. As someone who photographs weddings at Stockport Town Hall regularly, I knew the Henry Bell Room, with its maximum capacity of just four people, would provide the perfect backdrop for their special day. What made this wedding even more unique was their decision to keep it simple, with just the two of them, one witness, and me stepping in as the second witness (and photographer, of course!). They booked my ceremony-only package, which was the ideal choice for their celebration.
A Venue with Meaning
Natalie and Aaron’s choice of venue was deeply personal. Natalie, a Stockport native, has fond memories of the Town Hall from her childhood, while Aaron fell in love with the building during his first visit a couple of years ago. When it came to choosing a wedding venue, there was no question—Stockport Town Hall was the perfect fit.
The couple opted for the Henry Bell Room, a charming space licensed for just four people. This meant Natalie and Aaron could have one witness with them, while I acted as the second witness and captured the ceremony at the same time. It was a clever solution that allowed them to keep their wedding small and personal without sacrificing the opportunity to document the day.
A New Year’s Eve Celebration
Choosing New Year’s Eve as their wedding date was no accident. As Natalie explained, they wanted a date they’d never forget for their anniversary. But more than that, New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection and new beginnings—a fitting moment to celebrate their commitment to each other and start the new year as husband and wife.
A Relaxed Morning at Scribble Salon
The morning of the wedding was as laid-back as the couple themselves. Natalie got her hair done at Scribble Salon on Stockport Market, a recommendation from one of her best friends. The salon’s owners, Alan and Colin, went above and beyond to make the experience special. Not only did they fuss over Natalie and Aaron’s dogs, Fergal and Sven, but they also let the couple get ready in the salon, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. By the time they left, Alan and Colin were beaming like proud dads.
Natalie’s dress was a full-length, floral, and floaty number she’d spotted online shortly before their wedding plans came together. It was far from a traditional wedding dress, but it perfectly suited her vision of a winter-themed, non-traditional celebration. Aaron, ever the problem-solver, pulled together his maroon wool suit with a matching pocket square just in the nick of time—much to Natalie’s relief!
A Simple and Meaningful Ceremony
The ceremony itself was short, sweet, and deeply personal. With just Natalie, Aaron, their witness Lisa, and me in the room, the Henry Bell Room felt cosy. The registrars kept things light and heartfelt while the couple exchanged vows. Lisa, a long-time friend of Aaron’s, was the perfect choice as their witness. Her calming presence and positive energy added to the warmth of the occasion.
Portraits with the Dogs at Alexandra Park
After the ceremony, we headed to Alexandra Park for a few portraits with Natalie and Aaron’s dogs, Fergal (a German Shorthaired Pointer) and Sven (a Lurcher). While the dogs were more interested in exploring the park than posing for photos, we managed to capture a few magical moments. Lisa took the dogs for a walk (or rather, they took her for a walk!) to keep them occupied while we focused on the newlyweds. Despite the chilly weather and the dogs’ distractions, the photos turned out beautifully.
A Surprise Lunch with Family
One of the most memorable parts of the day was the couple’s decision to surprise their families with the news of their wedding. After the ceremony, Natalie and Aaron met Natalie’s family for lunch at the Jolly Sailor in Davenport. Dressed to the nines, they dropped the bombshell that they’d just gotten married. The reaction was pure delight—no hint of annoyance at being left out of the ceremony, just genuine happiness for the couple. Aaron’s family received the news in a similar fashion on New Year’s Day, with the same mix of shock and joy.
A Fuss-Free Day
Natalie and Aaron’s wedding was a testament to the beauty of simplicity. From the ceremony to the relaxed morning and the surprise family celebrations, every moment was authentic and meaningful. As Natalie put it, “Small and simple is just as—if not more—perfect.” The day was exactly what they wanted: full of warmth, happiness, and absolutely no stress. By 5 p.m., they were back home, cosy on the sofa in their pyjamas—a perfect end to a perfect day.
About Stockport Town Hall
Stockport Town Hall is one of the most iconic wedding venues in Greater Manchester, offering a blend of historic grandeur and modern versatility. For couples looking to tie the knot, the venue provides a variety of stunning ceremony spaces to suit every style and size. On the registry office side of the building (the left-hand side), you can choose from the intimate Henry Bell Room, the elegant Robert Hyde Room, or my personal favourite, the Sir A Brumwell Thomas Room, with its high ceilings and timeless charm.
On the other side of the building, you’ll find equally impressive options, including the Committee Suite, the Council Chambers, and the iconic Marble Staircase, which offers a truly grand setting for a wedding ceremony. Each space has its own unique character, making Stockport Town Hall a versatile choice for couples planning their big day.
To see examples of weddings in these different spaces, you can visit my Stockport Town Hall Wedding page, where I’ve captured celebrations in every corner of this beautiful venue. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate ceremony or a larger celebration, Stockport Town Hall offers the perfect backdrop for a wedding that’s both meaningful and memorable.
