Portsmouth Guildhall

The feel

One of the most visually dramatic additions to the city’s horizon, Portsmouth Guildhall is the perfect location for your wedding day. Best known for its beautiful exterior and steps leading to the grand bronze doors; Portsmouth Guildhall offers the most magnificent of entrances.

Portsmouth Guildhall is most famous today as the city’s leading entertainment venue, but the history of this iconic building also shines a light on the antiquity of the whole city. Originally completed in 1890, the Guildhall fell victim to Second World War bombs in 1941, causing extensive damage to the back and interior of the building, however the front exterior remained undamaged. With a rich heritage, Portsmouth Guildhall is an impressive backdrop with a fascinating history that is sure to provide you with the most fantastic of wedding days.

We have a variety of rooms to accommodate your preferences; all of them have a slightly different look and feel.

Our largest area for a banquet of up to 500 guests is the Main Auditorium, whilst the Harlequin, Portsmouth Room, Zodiac Gallery and Fred Swain Lounge are suitable for parties of up to 120.

The Portsmouth Room – The Portsmouth Room is available for wedding breakfasts and intimate dinners as well as the wedding ceremony itself. Newly refurbished, the elegantly designed room is both bright and spacious, creating the perfect setting for your wedding day. It also boasts its own private bar and lounge area for the evening reception.

The Harlequin – The all original features and quirky décor of the Harlequin provide quite the impact on arrival. The bright and airy space can seat up to 120 guests for a wedding breakfast and even boasts its own private bar. Located on the ground floor, the Harlequin has an original character, and can also be used as a break out space for weddings and dinners in the Main Auditorium.

Zodiac Gallery – The artwork that surrounds the walls of the Zodiac Gallery remains the largest acid stained glass mural in the world, and among the most important in existence.

Freda Swain Lounge – Adjacent to the Zodiac Gallery, the Freda Swain Lounge is a fantastic space to hold an evening reception. Comfortable sofas surround the room, with a dance floor for the more adventurous of guests. The Freda Swain Lounge also boasts its own fully-stoked private bar. The beautiful surroundings are perfect for the wedding breakfast, with this fantastic space catering for up to 120 people; as well as being a great space for the evening buffet and reception.