'A place that embodies love' - You can now get married at quirky Northern Quarter emporium Afflecks

You can get almost anything at Afflecks – a tattoo, reiki healing, a haircut, an ice cream sundae. And, as of summer 2024, you will also be able to get married there.

The multi-storey labyrinth of independent shops and businesses has announced it has been granted a marriage licence, which means it is open for wedding bookings, adding to Manchester’s growing list of alternative venues that already includes nightclubs, theatres, historical landmarks, farms and even a Victorian swimming pool.

But there is nowhere more alternative than the home of the city’s counterculture. It has long been a safe space for people of all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community, and this announcement coincides with the run-up to Manchester’s Pride festival, celebrated this year under the theme Queerly Beloved to mark the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality in the UK.

AJ Martyn, General Manager at Afflecks said: “Afflecks has always been a place that embodies love in all its forms, creative freedom and equality - as well as a welcoming, safe space for all.

“The LGBTQ+ community has forever been at the heart of our emporium and we’re excited to celebrate this year’s Manchester Pride theme and 10 years of marriage equality by opening our doors to ALL couples who may be looking for an inclusive, creative, and unique space in which to say ‘I Do’. We’ve always believed that love is love and we can’t wait to welcome couples to our independent emporium and help them create an alternative day of their dreams at Afflecks.’’

What will an Afflecks wedding involve?

Afflecks will be able to accommodate small, intimate weddings for a maximum of 30 people and there are four different locations around the building on offer.

Option one is the largest of the four, taking place on the Third Floor Rising. This is a large open space with original 70s printed wallpaper and hanging roses lining the ceiling. It can accommodate up to 30 people.

Fans of anime will be delighted to know that the Japanese-themed Animaid cafe is also opening its doors for wedding parties next year. This package includes a raised altar in front of a pastel pink flower wall, neon signs and retro arcade games. It also has a capacity of 30 people.

Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, the Italian-style  ice cream parlour in the corner of the first floor, is also welcoming betrothed to tie the knot there. It has beautiful red and vintage decor with velvet sofas and large windows overlooking the bustling Northern Quarter. It can accommodate up to 20 guests.

The final Afflecks location to offer wedding ceremonies will be one of the building’s most iconic – the poster wall, which people often queue up to take pictures in front of. It will provide the perfect backdrop for any music fan’s big day. It can accommodate up to 10 people.

On the big day, there will also be an opportunity to mark the occasion with a tattoo at The Studio, and Crazy Pedros are offering a pizza reception at their bar downstairs. It’s also a great place to go in the run-up to the day as well. You can find vintage and pre-loved wedding clothes at Milner & Son, American Graffiti or Beg Steal and Borrow; you’ll find biodegradable confetti and flowers at Jamie’s Jungle; and alternative jewellery from Abacus and Sour Cherry

More information, including how to book, can be found on the Afflecks website.