Do you dream of getting married in London? Wandering what unique venues you should definitely be considering? We love the city of London and have had the pleasure of working at so many stunning location across the capital. Thus, we’ve come up with our top 10 unique London wedding venues for you to enjoy.
We also want to give special thanks to these beautiful brides and grooms for allowing us to be apart of their special day.
From the historic and elegant Kensington Palace, watching the sun set from the vantage point at The Gherkin or experiencing the grandeur of walking down the sweeping staircase at St Pancras Renaissance there is something special about every single one of these fabulous places.
One Belgravia
We love One Belgravia for its elegant marble staircase where many a bride and groom in love have had their moments captured in time. We also love their intimate Oak Room which provides just the right atmosphere for reception drinks, and provides a great platform in which to steal a few photographs of smiling faces.
And when it comes to bride and groom post-wedding photographs, we’ve found the perfect spot overlooking the Buckingham Palace Gardens on Hyde Park Corner, which truly is the most romantic backdrop on a perfect spring afternoon.
Natural History Museum
You may be wondering how the Natural History Museum could ever be a ‘dream location’ for a romantic wedding. But let us tell you that the Hintze Hall, the biggest spot located inside the museum, is just that – a dream location!
It’s decorated beautifully with Victorian architecture and impressive arches that have proven to be one of the top 10 unique London wedding venues.
If it’s more intimacy you’re after on a warm summer’s day, the Romanesque North Hall can be combined with the Darwin Centre courtyard, making it a more contemporary affair that takes place inside and outside.
One Marylebone
You can’t go wrong with a wedding at One Marylebone. It truly does hold the best of both worlds – classic and modern. You can choose from one of two stunning spaces as well as having access to the impeccably landscaped gardens for those picture-perfect wedding snaps.
In fact, we just love photographing beautiful brides walking down the aisle with the afternoon sun rays shining through paired with several lit candles. So romantic! It always brings about such a fresh glow that only adds to the beauty that is a couple in love.
The Barbican
Embrace love and nature at The Barbican, a world-class arts and learning centre. Doesn’t sound romantic, does it? Believe us, it truly is! You see, there is a special conservatory inside this venue that has seen the likes of many lustful couples.
It’s decorated with tropical plants and exotic fish, and gives off an effortlessly gorgeous vibe for a perfect wedding.
Pair this space with their Garden Room and you have the means to enjoy a fantastic wedding sit-down meal whilst admiring the perfect city view from their ceiling high windows.
St. Pancras Renaissance
If you’ve done your research, you’ll know that the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is one of the top 10 unique wedding venues, known almost exclusively for its romantic setting, which is why couples in love flock to this venue to say their ‘I do’s’.
This hotel has the ability to hold weddings of various sizes, and is decorated with such historic charm dating back to the Victorian era.
One of its key features when it comes to wedding photography, is its staircases. That, coupled with their large windows bringing in tons of natural light, pairs effortlessly with the darker interior of the venue.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a place that truly inspires. With its 300 acres of lush green grass, it was made for magical wedding photography.
Enjoy the breathtaking grandeur of the Temperate House located at Kew Gardens for a stunning wedding, as it is the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse with 15,000 panes of glass and over 10,000 plants. It’s the perfect spot for a large wedding intertwined with a natural and gentle feel.
Alternatively, consider the Cambridge Cottage which provides more of an intimate feel and has its own private garden. Whether you have your wedding photographs taken inside or out, you’ll be sure to be graced with stylish architecture and or beautiful nature as well as perfect memories during the well-sought ‘golden hour’.
Another reason to consider Kew Gardens for your wedding? It has been voted in the Top 7 Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in or near London! For us, it definitely falls into the category of the top 10 unique London wedding venues.
The Gherkin
Fancy a wedding with a view? The Gherkin is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and thus, it’s no secret that to hold a memorable and luxurious wedding at this location is nothing short of perfection.
At Searcys, the ultimate wedding venue on the 39th and 40th floor of The Gherkin, one can joined souls in complete elegance and style. This dream wedding location offers 360 degree views of London, five-star cuisine, and a backdrop that’ll simply take your breath away.
Searcys is, in fact, one of our top 10 places when it comes to getting the royal treatment and fairytale wedding day.
Dartmouth House
Found in beautiful Mayfair, London, Dartmouth House is a superbly unique and elegant venue in which to tie the knot.In fact, this location has won the London Venue Award in 2018!
They have a beautifully decorated courtyard that resembles that of a French Chateau for reception drinks, and a variety of rooms available for hire to suit anyone’s needs. With breathtaking architecture, crystal chandeliers in every event space, plus their grand marble staircase, you can be sure that your palpable feelings of love and happiness will be captured perfectly in your wedding photography.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate wedding day, or something more grandeur, Dartmouth House have options that can hold either 50 up to 250 guests. We adore this venue for its soft colors, elegant charm, and historical feel.
Kensington Palace
“Home of royalty past and present, few wedding venues can boast the elegance, majesty and timelessness of Kensington Palace,” as Hitched so graciously worded it. This is exactly what springs to mind when thinking of a lavish wedding at Kensington Palace.
What’s also great is that there are several venues located inside this location to cater for your needs. The Entrance Hall that holds access to exquisite gardens and up to 300 guests. The King’s Gallery, decorated beautifully with pieces of art. And the glass fronted Pavilion, which is a covered terrace, making it perfect come rain or shine.
We love this venue for its architecture, natural settings, and variety of venues that cater for breathtaking weddings and gorgeous wedding photography.
Somerset House
Found in Central London, Somerset House is not only an incredible space for special occassions such as showcasing artwork, film events, and an ice skating rink, but also – for a splendid wedding ceremony and reception.
We love this venue for its various rooms that offer different backdrops for impecable wedding photography. The elegant Portico Rooms is a favorite for its ability to be transformed into your preferred style and theme, and its balcony views of the River Thames. We also adore the The Seamen’s Hall, which gives access to the river and is decorated with grand, elegant windows.
Needless to say, this location provides enough inspiration to get creative whilst capturing some diverse and beautiful wedding photography.
These 10 unique wedding venues have really stood out for us as wedding photographers for their incredible interiors, stunning architecture and beautiful lighting.
Whichever one you choose you will have the most amazing day of your life, guaranteed!
For more information or if you have any questions just head over to our Contact form and say hello!
FAQs
What is the average cost of a wedding in London?
The average cost of a wedding in London can vary widely based on factors like guest count, venue choice, and the level of customization. The average cost of a London wedding is around £35,000 to £50,000.
How can I make my wedding venue cheaper?
To make your wedding venue more budget-friendly, consider the following:
- Choose an off-peak season or weekday wedding date.
- Limit the guest list to close family and friends.
- Opt for a less extravagant venue or explore non-traditional spaces.
- DIY decorations and centerpieces to save on decor costs.
- Consider a buffet or family-style catering instead of a plated meal.
- Prioritize what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
- Negotiate with the venue for any available discounts or packages.
Are these unique London wedding venues suitable for all wedding sizes?
Yes, the venues we’ve highlighted cater to a range of wedding sizes, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. Each venue has different spaces that can accommodate varying guest counts.
Can we host both the ceremony and reception at these venues?
Absolutely! Many of these venues offer spaces for both the wedding ceremony and reception, providing a seamless experience for couples and their guests.
Is there outdoor space available for wedding photography?
Yes, several of these venues, such as Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace, offer beautiful outdoor spaces that are perfect for wedding photography. You can capture stunning shots amidst lush greenery or historical architecture.
Can we bring our own wedding photographer to these venues?
Yes, you should find the photographer that is perfect for you as a couple rather than looking at what is offered in house. It is a very personal and important choice.
Are there nearby accommodations for wedding guests?
Yes, many of these venues are located in central London, which means there are plenty of hotels and accommodations nearby to suit the needs of your wedding guests.
How do we book one of these unique London wedding venues?
To book a venue, you should contact the venue directly. They will provide you with information about availability, pricing, and the booking process. It’s advisable to book well in advance to secure your desired date.
Can we customize the décor and setup at these venues?
Most venues allow some degree of customization for décor and setup to make your wedding day unique and special. You can discuss your preferences and ideas with the venue’s event coordinators.
Do these venues provide catering services?
Many of these venues offer in-house catering services or have partnerships with catering companies. You can inquire about catering options when booking the venue.
Are these venues accessible for guests with mobility issues?
Accessibility varies by venue, so it’s important to inquire about this when contacting the venue. Many venues strive to accommodate guests with mobility issues and offer facilities to ensure their comfort.