Celebrating a Century of Love: Old Marylebone Town Hall marks 100 Years with 100 Weddings

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A hundred couples will marry, renew their vows or embark on a civil partnership today, as Old Marylebone Town Hall celebrates a century of love.

From 8am this morning to 10:30pm tonight, the venue will host a range of couples to recognise 100 years. Seven ceremonies will be held every hour.

The central London Town Hall has hosted some of the world's most famous faces - with legendary figures like Ringo Starr, Sir Paul McCartney, and Liam Gallagher all choosing the venue to get married.

Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell leave Westminster Registry Office in north London after they got married in 2011. Credit: PA
Pop star Cilla Black and her personal manager Bobby Willis after their wedding at Marylebone Town Hall 25 January, 1969 Credit: Handout
Lewisham-born actor Jude Law marries Phillipa Coan in surprise ceremony in 2019. Credit: Handout

Having first opened in 1924, the venue has staged more celebrity nuptials than anywhere else in the UK.

The Grade II listed space underwent a £60million renovation and expansion between 2014 and 2018 to modernise both the interior and exterior.

More than 125,000 couples have got married, renewed their vows and joined civil partnerships since its doors opened.

One of the day's first couples to get married were Shona Mitchell and Kenny Price, who said it's been "stunning" to get married at the iconic venue.

With another of this morning's brides following in her parents footsteps by getting married in the same place.

Just a week ago, registrars Alison Cathcart and Mark Rimmer decided to renew their vows after 31 years of marriage.

Speaking to ITV News Mark said: "It was actually quite emotional being on the other side of the job for a change which made it very special!"

Alison, who works as a wedding registrar at Old Marylebone Town Hall, said she couldn't miss out on all the love today and said "having worked at the hall for so it's very special."

Registrars Alison and Mark walking down the iconic steps after renewing their vows. Credit: ITV News

She's going the extra mile and is officiating seven ceremonies this afternoon.

Meanwhile, after 36 years together, Andy Lambert, 68, and Mel Fawcus, 73, decided now was the right time to tie the knot and celebrate with 99 other couples.

36-years after being together, Andy said: "the idea of getting married here when it's the 100th anniversary with 99 other couples is great."

Old Marylebone Town Hall also had a personal connection with Mel. He said: " I really like the fact how Cilla Black got married here because my mum used to do charity work for the charity she was patron at - so it was full circle."

The town hall is one of the busiest wedding locations in the country with around 2500 ceremonies a year.

Actors Barbara Murray and John Justin at Marylebone Register Office in 1952 a few weeks after meeting on a film set. Credit: Handout
Jockey Tony Escott and cabaret dancer Peggy Brodie on the steps of Marylebone Register Office in May 1930. Credit: Handout
Film star Tamara Desni marries Roland Gillett in February 1940. Credit: Handout

Facts you probably didn't know about Old Marylebone Town Hall:

  • The Westminster room is the most popular ceremony room followed by the Soho Room

  • The venue allows dogs as a ring bearer

  • It was the nation's first venue to carry out a same sex union

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