Victoria Baths has always been one of my favourite Manchester wedding venues. A grade two listed building, this old Edwardian swimming pool complex combines striking architecture, original features and a huge variety of unique spaces that promise to offer a truly unforgettable setting for your wedding day!
A short drive from central Manchester, Victoria Baths is nestled in an unassuming residential street. The remarkable building opened to the public as a swimming pool complex in 1906 and has three main pool areas - one for first class males, one for second class males and one for women. Not only is this an architectural gem, it also provides important insight into societal progression over the last 100+ years and gives us a little glimpse of how different things used to be and how far we have come!
Victoria Baths hasn’t been used as swimming pool for many years (apart from occasional one-off events) but instead, hosts all sorts of events, ranging from weddings, festivals, performances and has even provided a film set for many popular TV programmes over the years.
Heres a few of my favourite things from Jess & Sarah's recent Victoria Baths weddings with some insight into why I love Victoria Baths weddings so much!
The best bits:
Victoria Baths provides a blank canvas so that you can coordinate, decorate and cater your wedding day however you like. Whether you want paper lanterns, palm trees or pom-poms, you can make your vision a reality.
You have exclusive hire of all spaces and the freedom to pick what happens where. There are 3 pools, the Turkish Baths with it’s beautiful stained glass, the light and airy Pineapple Room and the flat upstairs. Spread your day out around the venue and and why not include a venue tour for your guests!
This venue has sooooo much character, from the original changing rooms with wooden frames and stripy curtains to the rich green tiles of the entrance hall and staircases, the incredible stained glass to the exposed brickwork and wooden floorboards of the flat upstairs. Victoria Baths has something for everyone and you don’t even need to worry about rain on your wedding day because you won’t want to leave the building!
I could never tire of shooting weddings at Victoria Baths. I see something new every time I’m there, the opportunities are endless and each couple makes the space uniquely their own. This venue is a labour of love, being restored bit by bit by a team of trustees and volunteers who are committed to preserving this important piece of Manchester’s heritage and sharing it’s wonder with people far and wide and hosting your wedding here means that you are part of that exciting quest!
If you’re getting married at Victoria Baths and you’re looking for a local, creative photographer who shares your passion for this remarkable venue, contact me to find out more!