Middlegate Room ceremony information
Last updated 17 April 2024
Where is the Middlegate Room located?
The Middlegate Room is located in the Borough Hall, Middlegate, Hartlepool, TS24 0JD. When inviting guests please ensure this is the venue you state rather than ‘the Register Office’ as the Register Office is a different location.
The Middlegate Room is on the first floor, accessed by the lift in the Borough Hall atrium.
How long should we expect to be in the building?
Your booking with us is 50 minutes in total. This time includes 20 minutes ahead of your ceremony time for your guests to arrive and settle in. The ceremony itself, including signing the paperwork, will be around 20 minutes. The last 10 minutes takes into account guests vacating the room and photos you will take as you leave the building.
What time can our guests enter the ceremony room?
Your guests can enter the room 20 minutes prior to the ceremony time. If they arrive earlier we request that they remain in the atrium until invited into the room. Guests should be seated a minimum of 10 minutes prior to the ceremony time.
What is the room capacity?
The Middlegate Room has seating for up to 34. Babies and toddlers (up to the age of 3) who can sit on their parent / guardian's lap do not have to have a seat allocated to them. Older children do require a seat.
The couple, photographers and videographers are not included in the 34 figure.
If you have a particular preference for seating arrangements please ensure you advise your guests accordingly. The room seating plan can be viewed here – www.hartlepool.gov.uk/registeroffice/middlegate-room
Are additional guests able to stand at the back of the ceremony room?
It is not possible for extra guests to stand in the ceremony room, all guests must be seated.
Can we view the room?
Photographs of the Middlegate Room can be viewed here – www.hartlepool.gov.uk/registeroffice/middlegate-room
The Middlegate Room can be viewed by appointment. Please contact the Borough Hall directly to arrange - 01429 266269
Can we change the layout of the room?
It is not possible to change the layout of the room. We are able to remove chairs to accommodate wheelchairs if required.
Can we decorate the room?
Flower arrangements, photo frames and other decoration can be brought into the room as long as they can be brought in easily, do not require assembly, and can be removed directly afterwards by the ceremony party.
Please note it is not possible to use chair covers and / or sashes. Lit candles can not be used however you can bring faux or unlit candles.
Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring additional decoration.
Can we have confetti / petals / bubbles?
You are welcome to do so outside of the Borough Hall after your ceremony. We request that biodegradable confetti is used.
Confetti / petals / bubbles cannot be used inside the building, including flower petals thrown in the aisle.
Can our dog / cat / pet attend the ceremony?
No animals, with the exception of trained assistance animals, are able to attend your ceremony.
Can we stream our ceremony? (Use Zoom, FaceTime etc)
You are able to stream your ceremony however the Middlegate Room does not have WiFi access therefore streaming would be via mobile connection. Please bring and set up your own devices or make arrangements with a professional.
