Liverpool is one of the best cities in the country to get married in. It has grand old buildings, waterfront views and a proper party spirit. If you're planning a wedding with a live band, though, not every venue is equal.
Ceiling height, room shape, space for a stage, noise rules and how late the bar stays open all make a difference to how your evening feels. We're a 9-piece wedding band in Liverpool with a live horn section, and we've played venues all over the city. Here are six of our favourites for a wedding with live music, and what makes each one work so well on the night.
1One Fine Day
Old Hall Street · Cotton ExchangeInside the Grade II listed Cotton Exchange, One Fine Day was Liverpool's Register Office for decades, so generations of the city's couples have already said "I do" there. Today the main room has marble pillars, ornate double-height ceilings and tall windows, with a mezzanine lounge above.
The height gives a full brass section room to breathe, so the band sounds big without drowning out conversation at the bar. The mezzanine gives guests who aren't dancing a front-row seat to the party.
2Oh Me Oh My
Water Street · The WaterfrontSet in the 1920s former Bank of West Africa, directly opposite the Three Graces, Oh Me Oh My is a tea house by day and an exclusive-use party venue by night. It's romantic, full of character and a little bit magical. Ceremonies are usually held at a nearby venue, with the reception here.
It's an intimate room, so your guests are right in the middle of the action. With a horn section just a few feet away, the atmosphere is electric from the first song.
3Sefton Park Palm House
Sefton Park · South LiverpoolOpened in 1896, the Grade II* listed Palm House is a three-tiered Victorian glasshouse filled with palms and exotic plants, set in 235 acres of Sefton Park. You get exclusive use of the Palm House and grounds, with ceremonies and dinner for up to 220 guests.
Dancing under a glass dome as the sun goes down is hard to beat. After dark the glasshouse glows, and with stage lighting the whole building becomes part of the show.
4Isla Gladstone Conservatory
Stanley Park · AnfieldBuilt in 1899 by the same glasshouse makers as the Palm House, the Isla Gladstone was fully restored as part of Stanley Park's regeneration. Around it are lakes, rose gardens and a Victorian bandstand, which is licensed for outdoor ceremonies. Parking is on site.
The tall glass roof gives the band room, and the park outside is perfect for roaming brass during your drinks reception before everyone heads inside to dance.
5Titanic Hotel
Stanley Dock · The DocksStanley Dock's Grade II* listed North Warehouse is now the Titanic Hotel. For weddings, the star is the Rum Warehouse, which seats up to 500 guests, with West Bay for smaller celebrations of up to 180. You can even say "I do" on the Titanic Staircase. There are 153 bedrooms on site.
A warehouse space for hundreds of guests needs a band to match. A full 9-piece with a horn section fills the room, and with guests staying over, nobody has to leave early for a taxi.
6The Shankly Hotel
Victoria Street · City CentreThe Shankly's Garden of Eden is a rooftop venue with a 360° glass exterior and a tropical garden looking out over the Liverpool skyline. It holds up to 250 day guests and 350 in the evening, and Baby Eden hosts up to 100. Both are licensed for ceremonies, with hotel rooms downstairs.
A live horn section on a rooftop, with the city lit up all around you, is something your guests won't forget.
Other Liverpool venues we've played
Those six are our favourites, but they're far from the only ones. We've also performed at:
…and plenty more across Merseyside and the Wirral.
What to ask your venue before booking a band
Whichever venue you choose, a few quick questions will save you headaches later:
- Is there a sound limiter?Some venues cap the volume, which can cut the power if the music gets too loud. Read our guide to sound limiters at Liverpool wedding venues before you book.
- Where will the band set up?We need a flat, sheltered space of around 6m x 3m and two separate 13 amp power supplies, though we've fitted into much smaller spaces, so just talk to us.
- Is it the same room as the meal?If so, the band sets up after the speeches, so allow around 60 minutes for set-up, plus a little time for the band to get changed, before the evening kicks off.
- What time does the music have to finish?Knowing the curfew helps us plan the sets so the party peaks at the right time.
- Is there parking or loading access?City-centre venues often have limited loading, so it's worth checking early.
Music from start to finishIf your venue allows it, you can have live music all day: an acoustic singer and guitarist for the ceremony, roaming brass for the drinks, background music during the meal, then the full band and our DJ booth to finish. See our wedding packages.