Ceremony Only Weddings: What Do You Get at The Sessions House?
Yes, you can book The Sessions House just for your ceremony. The Ceremony Only package gives you exclusive use of this Grade II listed former Victorian courthouse in Spalding, Lincolnshire for 2 hours, covering your ceremony and your photographs, with no wedding breakfast or evening party required.
You choose one of four licensed ceremony spaces, ceremony set-up is included, and you book your registrar directly with Lincolnshire County Council. Here is how it works, who it suits and what to plan for.
What is a ceremony only wedding?
A ceremony only wedding is exactly what it sounds like: you hire a licensed venue for the legal ceremony and the photographs afterwards, then celebrate in your own way, whether that is a meal elsewhere, a party at a later date or a quiet day together.
At The Sessions House it is a proper occasion rather than a register-office slot. Every booking is exclusive use, so the whole building, built in 1843 in the neo-Gothic style on Sheep Market, is yours for the 2 hours.
Who is a ceremony only wedding for?
It tends to suit couples who:
want the vows to be the heart of the day, without a full day of dining and dancing
would like somewhere with real character for the legal part, then a relaxed celebration elsewhere
are planning a bigger party later and want the ceremony itself kept small
are already married and would like to renew their vows
are marrying soon and want something simple to arrange
If you would like a little more than the ceremony but still want to keep numbers low, the Intimate Wedding Package is designed for weddings of up to 30 guests, and our guide to intimate wedding packages for under 30 guests explains the difference.
Which rooms can you get married in at The Sessions House?
There are four licensed ceremony spaces, each with a different mood:
The Courtroom: ceremonies from 20 up to 100 guests in a preserved Victorian courtroom, with vaulted wooden ceilings of 9 to 12 metres, wood panelling, tiered pews and the original raised judge's bench.
The Magistrates' Room: 15 to 30 guests in deep red and gold, with velvet curtains, a marble fireplace, a grand piano and original Victorian oil paintings.
The Emerald Room: intimate ceremonies of up to 20, in lush greens and florals with a more modern look.
The Courtyard: a private, walled and gravelled courtyard with a white pagoda, licensed for outdoor ceremonies and holding up to 150 standing. There is always an indoor plan if the weather turns.
You can see each room in more detail on our spaces page.
What is included in the Ceremony Only package?
The package is exclusive use of the venue for your ceremony and photographs, for 2 hours. Ceremony set-up is included, as it is in every package at The Sessions House. You can find full details on the Ceremony Only package page.
Some things are arranged separately:
The registrar: you book and pay them directly with Lincolnshire County Council (ceremonies@lincolnshire.gov.uk). Celebrants are welcome too.
Food and a longer celebration: if you want a wedding breakfast or a party, a different package is the better fit.
Suppliers such as your photographer: there is no mandatory supplier list, and our trusted suppliers pass on discounts to our couples.
How should you plan your two hours?
Two hours is enough for a calm, unhurried ceremony and good photographs, as long as you plan the order with your registrar. A simple outline:
Guests arrive up the Justice Steps from the courtyard and take their seats.
The ceremony, the vows and the signing.
Group and family photographs in the ceremony room, the Courtyard and around the building.
Your exit down the red-carpeted Summer Staircase to the front of the building for the confetti shot.
Agree timings with the wedding team and the registrar early, especially if your ceremony is on a busy summer date. Peak wedding season here is May to September.
Can you have confetti and photographs outside?
Yes. Biodegradable confetti and petals are allowed outdoors only, with no confetti indoors. The neo-Gothic, castle-like front of the building with its big green doors makes a memorable backdrop.
Inside, the Courtroom's panelling and the Chinoiserie Library give you very different looks for portraits within the same 2 hours.
What practical details should guests know?
Getting here: around 30 minutes' drive from Peterborough, and under 250 metres' walk from Spalding station.
Parking: there are 15 spaces on site, but we suggest guests use the public car parks on Victoria Street or Sheep Market to keep the front clear for photos.
Access: the indoor rooms are on the first floor, up 14 steps, with no lift and no wheelchair-accessible toilet. Stair-climbers can be hired externally. The Courtyard is step-free (gravel) and licensed, so tell the team early if anyone needs step-free access.
Dogs: up to two well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome by arrangement, in the Courtroom and outdoor areas.
More answers are on our wedding FAQ page, you can see real weddings in our photo gallery, and couples travelling from Peterborough can read our guide to getting married at The Sessions House from Peterborough.
Is a ceremony only wedding right for you?
If the promise matters more to you than the party, it is a lovely way to marry in a building with real history. If you would like an evening celebration without a sit-down meal, look at the Twilight Wedding Package, which starts at 4pm.
The easiest way to decide is to stand in the rooms yourself. Book a viewing: a 60-minute private tour with the wedding team. The team can usually hold a date for 24 hours without a deposit while you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you book The Sessions House for just the wedding ceremony?
Yes. The Sessions House in Spalding, Lincolnshire offers a Ceremony Only package: exclusive use of the Grade II listed former courthouse for your ceremony and photographs, lasting 2 hours.
How many guests can come to a ceremony only wedding at The Sessions House?
It depends on the room. The Courtroom seats from 20 up to 100 guests, the Magistrates' Room suits 15 to 30, the Emerald Room up to 20, and the licensed Courtyard holds up to 150 standing.
Is the registrar included in a ceremony only wedding?
No. Couples book and pay the registrar directly with Lincolnshire County Council (ceremonies@lincolnshire.gov.uk). Celebrants are also welcome at The Sessions House.
Can you have confetti at a ceremony only wedding at The Sessions House?
Yes, outdoors. Biodegradable confetti and petals are allowed outside only, not indoors, and couples usually take their confetti photo at the front of the building after coming down the Summer Staircase.
Can you renew your vows at The Sessions House?
Yes. The Sessions House is licensed by Lincolnshire County Council for civil ceremonies, civil partnerships and vow renewals, so a ceremony only booking works well for a renewal.
How do I see the ceremony rooms before booking?
Book a 60-minute private tour online or by phone with a member of the wedding team, or come to one of the free open days listed on the website's events page.
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