5 Amazing Kelham Island Wedding Venues
Whether you call it hipster, industrial, or gentrified, Kelham Island and Neepsend in Sheffield have become hugely popular in the last few years. Most of my Sheffield engagement photo shoots take place among former warehouses, beside gorgeous colourful street art, or outside boujee cafés and bars, and there are few others place that could appeal as much to my street photographer side!
Recently opened venues have joined the old staples of the area ‘over the river going out of town’ (as the Arctic Monkeys sang), here’s a few of my favourites - if you’re planning your wedding here, YOU MUST get in touch for my availability!
Alder Bar
You know what's a total game-changer for couples looking for a unique wedding venue? Alder Bar, that's what. Picture this: it’s a brewery, pub, bar, and an events space all rolled into one – located in the heart of the Neepsend/Kelham Island area of Sheffield. It's got this unique community spirit that's made it a favourite among locals, and I'm sure you'll love it too.
Tucked away on Percy Street, this place used to be a polish factory. You can still see remnants of its past life in the architecture and decor. I can already imagine capturing some pretty epic shots with that as your backdrop.
But wait, there's more. They've got a fantastic range of fresh beer (a decent IPA for me, please!), and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that just screams 'let's have a good time'. And believe me, their weekly programme is packed with everything from pub quizzes to live music. I mean, who wouldn't want to get hitched in a place that's always buzzing with excitement?
Oh, and did I mention they have an outdoor courtyard? It's a little suntrap that's perfect for enjoying a cold drink on a sunny day. I can just picture you two there, basking in the sunshine, surrounded by your loved ones, celebrating the start of your forever.
Alder can accommodate up to 150 guests. They’re not licensed, so do the legal stuff elsewhere and either have a celebrant ceremony or your party here, like Natalie and Nathan did with their unconventional, quirky Kelham wedding. Alder love outdoor caterers - think food vans in the courtyard; live music; and pride themselves on being laid back, having great beer, and being easy to work with. So, if you're looking for a wedding venue that's as unique and fun-loving as you are, give Joe over at Alder Bar a shout. I promise, you won't regret it.
Kelham Island Industrial Museum
Run by Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust, Kelham Island Industrial Museum, is built on a 900-year old man-made island in the River Don. The buildings are unique and surrounded by and filled with Sheffield’s steel heritage, making it a great setting for an inner city, urban wedding.
The Museum can entertain up to 200 guests, they’re registered to hold civil ceremonies and you get some amazing, unique backdrops for your wedding photos!
Check out @kelhamislandweddings on Instagram or visit SIMT’s website for more info.
The Chimney House
The Chimney House is situated on the man-made Kelham Island, Sheffield, immediately in front of our last venue, the Industrial Museum. Although the venue was only licensed for civil ceremonies in 2019, they’ve been twice shortlisted for the UK Wedding Awards. A true industrial building mixed with mid-century styling inside make for a gorgeous combination for your wedding.
The Chimney House has three rooms and can accommodate up to 50 guests for your ceremony and reception. Brogan and Joe held their alternative wedding at The Chinmey House, before dashing off for a reception at the Hide, just up the road. If you love the place, but have bigger aspirations, give them a shout - their sister venue, The Mowbray is next on the list, and it’s just around the corner.
Check out @thechimney_house on Instagram, or visit their website for more info.
The Mowbray
Built in 1889, the Mowbray is a restored building in the heart of the former industrial Neepsend area of Sheffield. It’s run by the same guys who operate the Chimney House (above) and carries over all the gorgeous elements of post-industrial styling into a bigger space, able to accommodate up to 200 guests. They say you’ll know straight away if you’re a ‘Mowbray person’, and you absolutely will.
Hire of the venue gets you the Mowbray’s close, personal service, but, more importantly from my (the photographer) perspective, you get access to the beaut roof terrace! It’s perfect for a quiet dance or entertaining on a summer evening.
Head over to @themowbray on Instagram or their website for info.
Yellow Arch Studios
Housing recording studios (hence the name), a performance venue and bar, café bar, a warehouse packed with antiques and surrounded by Sheffield steel-making and industrial heritage, Yellow Arch Studios is a wedding venue for couples wanting some great live entertainment.
The beautiful and bright White Room is perfect for a wedding meal, the Warehouse antiques store makes for a quirky photography backdrop, and the courtyard gives your guests a chance to relax before they dive back into the live music in the bar! It’s such a varied venue, its the perfect companion to an alternative, unconventional music-loving couple - just like Caroline + Jeremy.
Check out @yellowarchstudios on Instagram or visit their website for more info.
Oh, and if you’re a musical-type case Yellow Arch Studios have welcomed the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Goldfrapp, Pulp, and Kylie Minogue into their studios!
That’s just four of the amazing wedding venues in Kelham Island. Check out my wedding info and pricing if you’re booking another and I’ll come along and enjoy the party (and probably get a few photos at the same time)!
