I recently had the pleasure of photographing Matthew & Nichola’s wedding, and what a wonderful day it was! From their heartfelt ceremony at Leicester Town Hall to their lively reception at Abbey Sports and Leisure, every detail reflected their personalities and love for one another.
The Ceremony at Leicester Town Hall
Leicester Town Hall is one of the city’s most iconic wedding venues. Its Victorian architecture and elegant ceremony rooms provide a timeless setting for a wedding. Although the famous grand staircase wasn’t available for photos on the day, the building still offered plenty of character and charm.
It’s worth noting that some of the ceremony rooms can feel a little dim and yellow due to the building’s history as a courthouse, which can be challenging for photography. Thankfully, the Town Hall also offers a dedicated photo room with a beautiful backdrop — ideal for couples who want bright, polished portraits without needing to step outside.
📍 Venue Details – Leicester Town Hall
Town Hall Square, Leicester, LE1 9BG
Register Office / Town Hall Weddings, Leicester City Council
Phone: 0116 454 1000 leicester.gov.uk
Tips for couples:
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If the staircase is important to you, check with the Town Hall staff about access in advance. If it’s not available, the photo room and nearby city centre locations provide great alternatives.
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The fountains and surrounding architecture outside the Town Hall make excellent backdrops for both relaxed couple portraits and group photos.
Tips for photographers:
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Be prepared to handle mixed lighting — a fast prime lens and careful white balance are invaluable here.
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Use the photo room to your advantage; it’s a fantastic controlled space for portraits.
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Always scout the area outside for backup locations in case access is restricted.
The Reception at Abbey Sports and Leisure
After the ceremony, Matthew & Nichola celebrated at Abbey Sports and Leisure. The versatile venue offered plenty of space for their guests to enjoy themselves, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the evening.
📍 Venue Details – Abbey Sports & Leisure
70 Slater Street (Frog Island), Leicester, LE3 5AS
Phone: 0116 242 2222 Abbey Sports and Leisure+2Entry Point+2
Email: leicester@abbeysports.org Abbey Sports and Leisure+1
Tips for couples:
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Abbey Sports and Leisure is a flexible space that suits both large and intimate receptions. Adding your own décor or lighting can really make it your own.
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With plenty of parking and straightforward access, it’s convenient for guests travelling from outside the city.
Tips for photographers:
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The open layout makes it easy to capture candid guest moments and wide-angle shots of the celebrations.
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Off-camera flash or continuous lighting will help bring out the energy on the dancefloor once the evening gets going.
A Special Musical Guest
A real highlight of the day was a live performance from Jersey Budd. His set included wonderful renditions of 60s soul classics by Sam Cooke and Ben E. King, as well as his own heartfelt track When You’re Smiling. His music added a warm, uplifting atmosphere that everyone enjoyed, and it perfectly complemented the couple’s celebrations.
Tip for couples: Consider live acoustic music during your drinks reception or meal. It provides entertainment that creates a vibrant yet relaxed mood, without being overpowering.
Final Thoughts
Matthew & Nichola’s wedding perfectly showcased what Leicester has to offer: the historic charm of Leicester Town Hall, complete with its quirks, and the versatile reception spaces of Abbey Sports and Leisure. Combined with live music, laughter, and a wonderful atmosphere, it made for a truly memorable day.
As Weddings by Jermaine, it was a privilege to capture every moment of their celebration.