Taunton Register Office, at the Old Municipal Buildings on Corporation Street is definitely one of the more beautiful register offices in the country. Our Grade II listed home dates from 1522, and is bursting with period features such as oak beams and stained glass windows. The foyer area has a beautiful tiled floor leading to a curved oak staircase, perfect for photos. We are so proud to be able to offer couples ceremonies in a truly historic setting for register office prices – full ceremony prices start from just £200. In the heart of the Taunton’s cultural quarter, it’s ideal for moving on to a reception at one of our lovely neighbouring restaurants or pubs. Local photographers often make the most of the Somerset Museum and Castle Hotel grounds for stunning shoots, or taking a short walk up to Vivary Park to capture those special first married moments.
The Tudor Hall
Our largest room, The Tudor Hall, can host parties of up to 100. Lined with oil portraits below the gothic vaulted ceiling, it has the traditional feel of a church – or perhaps a hint of Hogwarts! Comfortable seating lines the red carpetted aisle, with ancient wooden arched doors leading out on to the terraced walkway for the couple to make their exit ready to greet friends and family, and pose for photos. It’s ideal for larger wedding parties, but, as we’ve discovered during the pandemic, it’s still wonderful for smaller gatherings too. The Tudor Hall is available right through the week from Monday to Saturday, and the current 2021 price is just £350, including the room, the registrars and a copy of your certificate.
The Vivary Room
Upstairs is our smaller ceremony suite, The Vivary Room. It’s got that real wow factor, with oodles of period charm. Parties of up to 40 are seated around the unique horseshoe council tables, with the couple walking up the aisle between them. Perfect for more intimate ceremonies, it’s one of our most popular rooms and is available on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. Ceremonies in the Vivary currently cost only £200 including the room, the registrars and your certificate.
The Somerset Room
Simple ceremonies for just the couple and their two witnesses take place in the Somerset Room. This is a working office used for ceremonies as well as notice of marriage and other appointments, but is still within the Tudor building. This allows our couples to take advantage of the historic exterior and beautiful nearby locations for photo opportunities, often before heading off for a celebration lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. The “2+2” ceremony costs just £57 and is available Monday to Friday.
Read more about what you can include in ceremonies in the Marriages & Partnerships page or in the Ceremony Guidance download available on the More Information page. If you know you’d like to book, just fill in the booking form via our Contact page and let us know which room you’d like.
The Tudor Hall – perfect for a first married kiss! photo: Who Is Benjamin Photography
The Tudor Hall – just as lovely in black and white. Photo: Who Is Benjamin Photography
The Vivary Room – the view from the registrar’s spot
The Vivary Room, and its glorious Tudor beamed ceiling
The Vivary Room – mid ceremony. Photo: Who Is Benjamin Photography
The Old Municipal Buildings – Tudor doors make perfect frames. Photo: Who Is Benjamin Photography
The Old Municipal Buildings – that perfect confetti shot! photo: Who Is Benjamin Photography
The Old Municipal Buildings – our terraced balcony has plenty of room for all your guests
The Old Municipal Buildings – the steps are ideal for capturing all your guests
The Castle Hotel gardens – stunning photography location right on our doorstep. Photo – Who Is Benhjamin Photography
The Somerset Museum – another fabulous photo location just a few steps away
wedding photography by Who Is Benjamin