History

The Guildhall has hundreds of years of history etched into its foundations. Close to Bath Abbey, the site was once occupied by a Stuart Guildhall, built back in 1625 and replacing an earlier Tudor structure. Modernisation and the construction of a further building was undertaken by skilled architect Thomas Baldwin in 1775, transforming the central courtyard into an open-air market. The Guildhall was subsequently roofed, and ancillary wings were eventually added towards the end of the 19th century.

Originally intended as a public marketplace, it is still being used as such to this very day! Housing some of Bath's foremost smaller businesses and artisan stallholders, there's not much that you can't find under the incredible Victorian cast-iron roof.

Facilities

The Guildhall contains a number of hireable events spaces, each of which oozes with history, civic pride and elegance. Indeed, the official English Heritage Gateway listing for the Guildhall states that the interior is 'of considerable splendour and quality'!

The Banqueting Room

Ascend the elegant wrought-iron 'Grand Staircase' and you will discover the largest and grandest of all the spaces within the Guildhall, The Banqueting Room. This vast area is fit for royalty, and in fact, the Queen visited and dined in this spectacular room during her 2002 Jubilee tour. Imagine you and your guests indulging in your wedding breakfast under the impressive 18th-century chandeliers and the intricate Georgian plasterwork ceiling. The Banqueting Room is also licensed to host civil ceremonies.

Formal Reception Dining Capacity - 200 Guests

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 360 Guests

Aix-en-Provence Room

In close proximity to The Banqueting Room, the smaller Aix-en-Provence Room is ideal for drinks receptions or as a bar area. If you are looking for an intimate - yet splendid - space for your civil wedding ceremony, this room would be perfect too!

Formal Reception Dining Capacity - 50 Guests

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 50 Guests

Brunswick Room

This space is located on the ground floor and would be great for a drinks reception, or even for your wedding ceremony.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 120 Guests

Drinks Reception Capacity - 100 Guests

Catering and Special Offers

At the Guildhall you can choose from a list of approved external caterers.

If you specifically wish to use a company who are not on the list, you will be required to pay a small additional fee, and the caterers themselves must adhere to the terms and conditions laid down by the Guildhall management.