Description
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of The Shire Hall, Woodbridge
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Reviews (1)
- LLouise and Stephen30/09/2025Wonderful wedding in a cute setting Wonderful wedding in a cute settingWe recently got married In Shire Hall, Woodbridge, Suffolk. It was the perfect venue for us and our small family oriented gathering. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating and kept in regular contact with us right up until the day of the ceremony. Nothing was too much trouble for them. We brought along our own guitarist, photographer, and had permission to film the service too. We were very lucky we were able access the hall the day before the wedding to decorate it as we wished, due to the fact we were the first in for the ceremony the next day. This was a huge plus for us, however we are aware this is not necessarily a given for everyone should the hall be in use just before your service. I also need to mention that they were fantastic at instructing the bridesmaids on when to enter, which they did one by one to ensure it all went very smoothly. My only one issue was upon arriving at the hall, my transport drove past the entrance doors which were wide open and I saw my partner stood in the hall, luckily he was distracted and didn't see me or the bridesmaids but staff were stood at the entrance watching us and we had to ask them to close the doors. We would highly recommended Shire Hall for a wedding venue. It is in a gorgeous location in Woodbridge; therefore there are lots of opportunities for cute photos, in particular a classic photo with the guests standing on the stairs either side of the front doors! It is also perfectly set in the square surrounded by shops and pubs. All our guests went to one of the pubs before the service, then we all went to another pub after for some celebratory drinks prior to the reception. Thank you to all of the staff at Shire Hall and our celebrant and registrar for an amazing ceremony at Shire Hall. We recently got married In Shire Hall, Woodbridge, Suffolk. It was the perfect venue for us and our small family oriented gathering. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating and kept in regular contact with us right up until the day of the ceremony. Nothing was too much trouble for them. We brought along our own guitarist, photographer, and had permission to film the service too. We were very lucky we were able access the hall the day before the wedding to decorate it as we wished, due to the fact we were the first in for the ceremony the next day. This was a huge plus for us, however we are aware this is not necessarily a given for everyone should the hall be in use just before your service. I also need to mention that they were fantastic at instructing the bridesmaids on when to enter, which they did one by one to ensure it all went very smoothly. My only one issue was upon arriving at the hall, my transport drove past the entrance doors which were wide open and I saw my partner stood in the hall, luckily he was distracted and didn't see me or the bridesmaids but staff were stood at the entrance watching us and we had to ask them to close the doors. We would highly recommended Shire Hall for a wedding venue. It is in a gorgeous location in Woodbridge; therefore there are lots of opportunities for cute photos, in particular a classic photo with the guests standing on the stairs either side of the front doors! It is also perfectly set in the square surrounded by shops and pubs. All our guests went to one of the pubs before the service, then we all went to another pub after for some celebratory drinks prior to the reception. Thank you to all of the staff at Shire Hall and our celebrant and registrar for an amazing ceremony at Shire Hall.
Location & Contact Details for The Shire Hall, Woodbridge
What is the historical significance of The Shire Hall in Woodbridge?
The Shire Hall, built in 1575 by Thomas Seckford, is a Grade 1 listed building that has served as a Corn Exchange, Jail, Museum, and Magistrates Court. Today, it is home to Woodbridge Town Council and offers a unique historic setting for weddings.
How many guests can The Shire Hall accommodate for a wedding ceremony?
The Council Chamber within The Shire Hall can seat up to 69 people, including the bridal couple and a wedding team of 3. This means it comfortably accommodates 64 guests in total.
Where is The Shire Hall located in Woodbridge?
The Shire Hall is uniquely situated in the centre of Woodbridge, Suffolk, surrounded by traditional buildings, pubs, and restaurants — making it easy for guests to gather for celebratory drinks before and after the wedding ceremony.
What facilities are available for music and sound during the ceremony at The Shire Hall?
The Shire Hall provides a Bluetooth soundbar for playing music and offers Wi-Fi access. Additionally, couples can invite musicians to perform their favourite songs during the ceremony, enhancing the ambiance.
Is parking available at The Shire Hall for wedding guests and the bridal car?
Yes, The Shire Hall offers off-road parking at the rear of the building for up to 4 cars, including space for the bridal couple's wedding car as well as for elderly relatives or guests with disabilities for easy access.
Can guests gather outdoors at The Shire Hall before and after the wedding?
The Shire Hall features a charming cobbled courtyard at the front where guests can gather before and after the ceremony. This area leads to grand stone steps and includes a beautiful wrought iron staircase and balcony overlooking the historic town — perfect for memorable photographs.
What makes The Shire Hall an ideal venue for wedding photographs?
The large black wrought iron stairs curving around the double-doored entrance and the balcony at the top provide breathtaking views of historic Woodbridge, creating a picturesque backdrop for stunning wedding photographs.
Is The Shire Hall accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, The Shire Hall accommodates guests with disabilities by providing off-road parking near the rear entrance for up to 4 vehicles, allowing for easy and convenient access to the venue.
How can I make a grand entrance at The Shire Hall on my wedding day?
Couples can make a memorable grand entrance by ascending the large stone steps leading into the tastefully decorated Council Chamber, which beautifully complements the historic features of the hall.
What is the ambiance and decor like inside The Shire Hall's Council Chamber?
The Council Chamber features tasteful decoration that highlights the stunning historic features of The Shire Hall, creating an elegant and intimate atmosphere for wedding ceremonies.
