Irina and Alex got married at Portsmouth Guildhall, a venue that lends itself exceptionally well to fine-art wedding photography. The civic building lends majesty and elegance to your celebrations.
Although only a century old, it feels ancient, grand and steeped in history. Those qualities translate beautifully into photographs.
The Lord Mayor’s Banqueting Room, where the ceremony took place, has an art déco feel. It is elegant rather than ornate. Clean lines, balanced proportions, and generous ceiling height give the room a sense of calm formality. Large picture windows along one side flood the space with natural light, which is ideal for wedding ceremonies.
Completed in 1890 as the Town Hall, the building was renamed the Guildhall in 1926, when Portsmouth became a city. A statement of civic pride, its design combines classical symmetry with Victorian confidence.
The building was badly damaged during the Blitz and later restored, which gives it a quiet historical depth. Not merely a wedding venue, it stands as a symbol of endurance and public life in the city.
Outside, the imperial façade makes an immediate impression. The long flight of steps creates a natural stage for arrivals, confetti, and group photographs. The scale is generous, but never overwhelming.
And what makes the exterior especially valuable for fine-art work are the architectural details. The alcoves beside the great bronze doors produce soft, even light throughout the day. They offer shelter, structure, and intimacy in equal measure.
For couples drawn to clean composition, epic scale and timeless imagery, Portsmouth Guildhall is an outstanding choice for weddings. It offers uncluttered backgrounds, classical architecture and space to photograph very large groups of family and friends.
Alex and Irina held their wedding reception at the Spinnaker Tower.

