Contact the Outdoor Events Office to find out about outdoor events on council-owned land.
Weddings, ceremonies and events at the Bandstand
Find out how you can hire the Bandstand on Brighton & Hove's seafront.
The Bandstand
Brighton & Hove's historic bandstand is available to hire for weddings, ceremonies and small events.
Beautiful and truly majestic, the Bandstand venue stands like a statue on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, offering unrivalled views over the sea.
Grade II Listed, the ornate architecture is magnificently detailed, offering the perfect choice for couples wanting an elegant beachside experience in the most elegant of settings.
To match the Bandstand’s unique and unrivalled setting, we're proud to offer The Bandstand Cafe's outstanding hospitality and the creative talents of wedding dressings.
The Bandstand is also an ideal location for photo and video shoots, dance and movement classes, concerts and promotions.
To enquire about booking the Bandstand, send an email to our Events Office.
Outdoor Events Office
Booking the Bandstand for weddings and civil partnerships
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies can be booked between April and September. The Bandstand has a capacity of 50 people seated, with an additional 30 people standing.
To arrange your registrar and ceremony licence, contact the Brighton & Hove Register Office.
Register Office
- 01273 292 016
Contact the Register Office Team for marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, commitment renewal of vows and naming ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies and the registration of births and deaths.
Cost of hire
| Type of cost | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | A deposit will be taken at the point of booking. This fee will be deducted from the total hire fee. | £100 |
| Option 1: Standard (Fridays and Saturdays) | Hire of bandstand top deck which includes electricity and room for 80 guests (50 seated and 30 standing). | £845 |
| Option 1: Off-peak (Wednesdays and Thursdays) | Hire of bandstand top deck which includes electricity and room for 80 guests (50 seated and 30 standing). | £645 |
| Option 1: Bank holidays | Hire of bandstand top deck which includes electricity and room for 80 guests (50 seated and 30 standing). | £910 |
| Option 2 | Hire of bandstand top deck and one ground floor winged area. | £980 |
Full fees must be paid by December 25 before the year you plan to get married. If you do not make the full payment before December 25, then we'll offer your date to another couple.
Dressing the venue
Chairs for guests and a table for the registrar are included in the hire cost. For an additional charge, the chairs may be dressed.
The use of any type of confetti is not permitted due to the potential damage and staining it can cause.
In the event of bad weather
As an outdoor venue, the Bandstand depends on the right weather conditions. In poor conditions, such as driving wind and rain, wedding and civil partnership ceremonies will be relocated to the Bandstand Café underneath. Please note that the cafe can accommodate a maximum of 25 people.
Our Seafront Team will make a weather assessment on the morning of your ceremony and inform you of their decision.
Cancelling a ceremony
If the hirer cancels the ceremony, Brighton & Hove City Council shall retain the following proportion of the hire charges paid.
The hirer shall have no claim against the council for any damage or loss that may be sustained, in consequence of such cancellation.
You will not be entitled to a refund if you fail to notify the events office of the cancellation or fail to attend the ceremony.
| Time prior to ceremony | Amount charged |
|---|---|
| More than 6 months before the ceremony | Deposit fee only |
| 4 to 6 months before the ceremony | 60% of total fee |
| 2 to 3 months before the ceremony | 90% of total fee |
| 1 month or less before the ceremony | 100% of total fee |
All cancellations must be received in writing and accepted by Brighton & Hove City Council.
We reserve the right to cancel the ceremony if the venue or any part of it is closed due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
The Bandstand Café
The Bandstand Café is situated beneath the Bandstand at beach level.
The café offers a range of services for ceremonies, whatever your theme or budget. They can assist with dressing the venue, flowers, menus, or a drinks reception.
The café can also be hired privately for other functions. To arrange this, send an email to the café owners.
Events at the Bandstand
The Bandstand hosts a range of bands on Sundays throughout June, July and August. Performances usually take place between 2pm to 4pm, depending on the weather.
If you would like your band to perform on the Bandstand, contact our Events Office.
Outdoor Events Office
Contact the Outdoor Events Office to find out about outdoor events on council-owned land.