Town halls carry an undeniable charm, soaring ceilings, heritage architecture and a sense of civic history that instantly elevates a celebration. For couples drawn to character filled spaces and creative freedom, they can be an extraordinary canvas.
But unlike traditional wedding venues, a town hall doesn’t come pre packaged with everything you need. Understanding the logistics behind the beauty will ensure your day runs smoothly.

1. It’s not a fully serviced venue. It’s a blank canvas

When you book a town hall, you’re not stepping into a venue designed specifically for weddings. Instead, you’re often given access to the building and the space and not much more. There’s no built in event infrastructure, no ready to go setup and no team preparing behind the scenes.
For some couples, this is liberating, it allows you to curate a celebration that reflects your personal style. But it also means every detail requires thoughtful planning, professional guidance and strong supplier relationships.

2. Every supplier must be brought in

Town halls don’t operate with an in-house catering team, bar service, sound technicians or event staff. You’ll need to source and coordinate each supplier from caterers and bartenders to florists, lighting teams, musicians, furniture hire and beyond.
Depending on the facilities available, caterers may even need portable kitchens, refrigeration or additional equipment to deliver service at a high standard. This level of logistics requires clarity, communication and a well structured timeline so each supplier knows exactly when and how to operate within the space.

3. Furniture isn’t always included

Some town halls offer basic tables and chairs, others offer nothing at all. And even when furniture is provided, it may not align with the aesthetic you envision.
Couples often underestimate the volume of items required: dining tables, seating, linens, bar setups, lounge areas, glassware, cutlery, staging, lighting, signage. The list builds quickly. Confirming what’s included early in the planning process prevents unexpected costs and ensures your styling reflects the experience you want to create.

4. Bump in and bump out times are firm

Town halls run on strict scheduling. There is usually limited access before your event and a non-negotiable deadline for suppliers to vacate afterwards, often on the same day.
This means every delivery, installation, rehearsal, and pack down must happen with absolute precision. There’s no luxury of leaving décor overnight or returning in the morning to collect items. A meticulously managed run sheet and experienced oversight are essential to protect your investment  and your peace of mind.

5. Waste and rubbish removal are your responsibility

Unlike hotels or dedicated venues, a town hall does not handle post-event cleaning or rubbish disposal. At the end of the evening, everything must leave with you: bottles, boxes, packaging, floral remnants, catering waste and hire equipment.
This is a crucial operational detail that must be built into your agreements with suppliers. Without a plan, the end of the night can quickly become stressful, rushed and expensive.

6. There is no venue coordinator

Most wedding venues include a venue manager or coordinator, someone responsible for opening the space, liaising with suppliers, managing facilities and troubleshooting throughout the day. Town halls do not.
This is why a professional wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator becomes essential rather than optional. They oversee logistics, manage timing, ensure compliance, supervise suppliers, protect the space and make sure everything flows seamlessly so you can remain present, relaxed and fully immersed in your celebration.

So, is a town hall wedding worth it?

Absolutely, when planned well.
Town halls offer soul, history, architectural beauty and the creative freedom to design a celebration that feels truly personal and luxurious. But they require an elevated level of planning, detail, communication and logistical expertise, far more than the average couple anticipates.

I’ve planned and styled numerous town hall weddings and I know exactly what these spaces demand,  from supplier coordination and bump-in schedules to waste management, permits, floor plans and guest experience.

If you’re dreaming of a town hall celebration, I’d love to guide you through the process and make it effortless.

Get in touch and let’s make it happen.

xoxo

Alex