If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue in North London that’s equal parts iconic, quirky and effortlessly cool, let me introduce you to the absolute gem that is the Mildmay Club.
Yes, that Mildmay Club – the one recently featured in Taylor Swift’s music video for Opalite. And after photographing Charlie and Paul’s wedding there, I can confirm it deserves its main character moment.
Islington Town Hall Wedding Ceremony
Charlie and Paul kicked things off with their ceremony at Islington Town Hall – a proper North London classic. It’s got that timeless grandeur without feeling stuffy. Big windows, elegant interiors, and just the right amount of drama for the “we actually did it!” moment.
After sealing the deal, everyone spilled out onto the steps for hugs, cheers and a confetti moment that felt like pure joy. No awkward formalities, just their people absolutely buzzing for them.
Pub Stop? Obviously.
Instead of rushing straight to a reception, they did what all great wedding days should include: a pit stop at The Hemingford Arms pub. Pints, vegan Thai food, laughing loudly in the corner, guests properly catching up. It set the tone for the whole day – relaxed, unpretentious and very them.
Weddings don’t need to be a military operation. Build in space to breathe. Have a drink. Soak it in. For Charlie and Paul, The Hemingford Arms was the perfect location to grab some food, have a drink and do a few relaxed speeches with their nearest and dearest.
Evening Reception at The Mildmay Club, Newington Green
Then it was time to head to the Mildmay Club for the evening reception – and wow, what a vibe.
If you’ve never been, it’s a proper working men’s club in the heart of Newington Green. Retro carpets. A stage with real presence. Warm lighting. A slightly kitsch, slightly chaotic, completely brilliant atmosphere. It’s got character in spades – and that makes it a dream to photograph.
There are so many quirky little corners around Newington Green for portraits too. Brick walls, leafy streets, vintage shopfronts. It’s North London at its best – cool without trying too hard.
The Reunion of Dream Themes!
Now for the headline act.
Paul reunited his TV theme tune cover band – Dream Themes – for a one-night-only wedding special. And when I say the dancefloor was packed… I mean packed. Loyal fans. Proper cheers. Hands in the air. The stage at the Mildmay Club was absolutely perfect for it.
It felt less like a standard wedding band and more like a gig where everyone just happened to also be celebrating a marriage. The energy was unreal.
This is what I love most about weddings like Charlie and Paul’s. They didn’t follow a template. They leaned fully into who they are. Retro touches, playful styling, a bit of kitsch, loads of personality. It suited them perfectly.
A Retro London Wedding With Personality
If you’re planning a London wedding and want something that feels:
- Relaxed but iconic
- Full of character
- Big on music and atmosphere
- Properly “you”
Then a Mildmay Club wedding needs to be on your radar.
It’s ideal for couples who care more about the dancefloor being full than about chair covers. Who want their mates singing along on stage. Who want a venue with stories in the walls.
Charlie and Paul absolutely made it their own, and that’s what made it magic.
And honestly… I’d shoot there again in a heartbeat.
Planning a wedding at the Mildmay Club?
