The University of Manchester is made up of several stunning properties

A bride and groom sitting at a table with their friends and family watching. There is a dinosaur skeleton above the couple
Credit: Becky Payne Photography

Weddings at The University of Manchester, M13 9PL
0161 275 2675 | www.manchester.ac.uk/weddings


The University of Manchester is made up of several properties, all of which can be used for weddings. Manchester Museum, Christie’s Library and Whitworth Hall centre around the Old Quadrangle, a beautifully maintained courtyard with space for private parking and drinks receptions. Dating back to 1873, these neo-Gothic properties were designed by the famous architect Alfred Waterhouse and his son.

Celebrate in style
Whitworth Hall has an impressive stained-glass window, a hammer-beam ceiling, a fully-working organ and room for 650 guests for the ceremony and 360 for the wedding breakfast.

Alternatively, the Whitworth Council Chamber can be used. This area is suitable for intimate services and boasts wooden panelling, wrought iron chandeliers and quirky seating, with space for 130 loved ones for the service and 50 for the meal.

The Fossils Gallery in Manchester Museum is home to many prehistoric objects, including Stan, the T-Rex, who watches over all the ceremonies. It’s capable of holding 90 nearest and dearest for the vows and 120 for the evening celebration.

The Grand Hall within the stunning Whitworth Art Gallery was restored as part of Whitworth’s capital development project, and since 2015, the Grand Hall has been licensed for wedding ceremonies. It can hold a maximum of 200 people.

Receptions can take place in Christie’s Bistro, a large space that can be downsized to create three smaller areas if required, with room for 120 friends and family for the wedding breakfast and 200 for the party.

The Living Worlds Gallery in Manchester Museum can also be used for up to 90 guests. Home to a wide variety of stuffed animals, including Billy, the oldest horse in the world, and a skeleton of a baby sperm whale that’s suspended from the ceiling.

The Whitworth Café in the Whitworth Art Gallery holds a maximum of 90–100 guests for a wedding breakfast and 120 in the evening. The café is a highlight of Whitworth. With floor-to-ceiling windows, this is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, whatever the weather. The café overlooks Whitworth Park and the strikingly designed Art Garden.

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You will receive a complimentary menu tasting and a dedicated wedding coordinator when booking your big day at The University of Manchester.

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