Best wedding and engagement photoshoot locations in Manchester
This was a blog post I wrote for Urban Photo Lab in Manchester.
Manchester is a city bustling with culture and history at every turn. Whether you’re looking for an urban, natural or alternative vibe to your wedding and engagement photos, this city offers plenty of beautiful locations to capture your special moment.
Manchester Art Gallery
Located right in the city centre, Manchester Art Gallery is a favourite spot for wedding and engagement shoots. Consisting of three connected buildings, the outside provides a stunning choice of Greek Ionic and Italian Palazzo style architecture. Inside the gallery, there is a breathtaking glass staircase, and plenty of paintings, sculptures, prints and decorative glass to serve as a backdrop. And if that hasn’t quite convinced you, the gallery has an impressive entrance staircase as well. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an art enthusiast or not - the Manchester Art Gallery is sure to inspire you.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
If you love nature and the outdoors, then this is one of the best locations that Manchester has to offer. Located in Didsbury, the park is a short 20 minute drive from the city centre. The gardens are very photogenic, complete with charming little rock gardens, vibrant flower beds, unique plants and shrubs, and a beautiful pond surrounded by lush fields. On a sunny day, these gardens are sure to give your photos a magical look.
Northern Quarter
Manchester is known for its urban, edgy feel. If you’re looking to capture this in your photos, then look no further than the Northern Quarter. With plenty of street art and bohemian bars, there is a real unique character to this corner of the city. The Northern Quarter is renowned for its vintage stores and record shops, so if you’re a fan of fashion and music, then this area is perfect for you.
Manchester Town Hall
It wouldn’t be a list of photoshoot locations without including Manchester Town Hall. This neo-Gothic, Victorian building in the heart of the city offers plenty of stunning angles both internally and externally. The Clock Tower rises to 85m and serves as a majestic backdrop for your photos. Inside, the Great Hall has high windows and a glazed skylight which bathes the room in natural light. The Sculpture Hall features beautiful stone ceilings, as well as statues and busts of influential figures. If you’re a fan of historical buildings and Gothic architecture, then Manchester Town Hall should be high on your list.
Victoria Baths
If you want a truly unique location for your wedding and engagement photos, how about an Edwardian pool and Turkish baths complex? Victoria Baths in the south of Manchester city centre was opened in 1906, and had a very generous construction budget. This is reflected in the exquisite decoration, which includes multicoloured brickwork, terracotta finery, glazed tiles and stained glass windows. This building is effortlessly beautiful and picture worthy.
King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse is a remarkable Italian renaissance building in the city centre. With its beautifully styled interior, it’s no surprise that this 4-star hotel is a popular wedding venue. The hotel also features a lounge and terrace with stunning views over Manchester. If it’s dramatic backdrops that you’re after, King Street Townhouse does not disappoint.
