The Wedding Chapel

The Wedding Chapel, located inside the £2.7 million Festival House on Blackpool’s iconic Promenade has become a beloved spot for couples to tie the knot, with Kelly Goudie and Simon Garrick being the first to exchange vows there on January 12, 2012. Since that inaugural ceremony, The Wedding Chapel has hosted around 5,000 weddings, with a further 350 already scheduled for 2022, continuing its tradition as a premier wedding destination. Originally known as Festival House, the venue was officially renamed The Wedding Chapel in June 2014 to better reflect its primary function. The building itself is an architectural landmark, designed by the award-winning firm dRMM. Positioned on a stepped concrete plinth embedded with recycled and phosphorescent glass, the chapel’s design is both striking and environmentally conscious. Its engineered timber structure is clad in shimmering golden stainless steel shingles, intentionally designed to catch the eye and reflect Blackpool’s dynamic energy and coastal charm. The building serves as both a lookout point and a celebration of Blackpool’s unique seaside character, resilient weather, and vibrant atmosphere.

Constructed using pre-fabricated cross-laminated timber panels, the structure offers a sustainable, high-strength alternative to steel. Its innovative design prioritises durability and environmental performance, achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating under the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) bespoke system. This rating reflects the building’s highly efficient energy use, with features such as very low air permeability and maximised access to natural daylight, reducing both energy consumption and carbon emissions. Festival House’s architectural excellence was recognised with a prestigious RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Award in 2012. RIBA Awards celebrate the highest standards in architecture, and Festival House’s win solidified its status as a benchmark for modern, sustainable design. Today, The Wedding Chapel continues to be a symbol of innovative architecture and an integral part of Blackpool’s evolving landscape, offering couples a unique and memorable setting to celebrate their special day.