What makes the historic Gray’s Inn the best wedding venue in Central London? See why this English treasure is perfect for you.
Barristers, Banquets and the Blitz
The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn is one of four Inns of Court in London. Gray’s Inn is both institution and office accommodation for professional barristers and judges in England and Wales.
The building is found at the intersection of High Holborn and Gray’s Inn Road and it is believed that the manor house, chapel and grounds have stood there since the 1300’s. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the institution was at the pinnacle of its prestige and grandeur, which gained great momentum during the 15th to 16th century.
It is during this time that the Inn’s treasurer, Francis Bacon, created the gardens and the footpaths known as the “Walks.” These novel landscapes are now listed as Grade II locations at the Register for Historic Parks and Gardens.
During Her reign, Queen Elizabeth I served as Gray’s Inn’s Patron Lady. It was a time of festivities and celebrations at the Inn, with students performing plays and masques–sometimes with the Queen herself in the audience. Important holidays such as Candlemas, All Hallows Eve and Easter were also celebrated with banquets at Gray’s Inn.
Fast forward to World War II, the majestic Inn was heavily damaged in 1941. The Blitz almost completely destroyed the Elizabethan Hall, the chapel and many other buildings in Gray’s Inn. It took almost 20 years for the architect Sir Edward Maufe to rebuild the venue. In 1960, the original stained glass windows were restored, as they were fortunately able to keep this important relic in a safe location before the Blitz.
Gray’s Inn in the 21st Century
Apart from its historic origins, Gray’s Inn is also known for its beauty and tranquility. From its elegant buildings to its gorgeous gardens, the Inn is a great place for a leisurely stroll in the city.
Gray’s Inn Square is surrounded by impressive architecture while the South Square is home to a prestigious legal library and a historic Elizabethan Hall. Many of the original buildings at Gray’s Inn still stand, apart from the ones destroyed and have been beautifully restored after the Blitz. The Walks at Gray’s Inn is considered a lovely green haven in the city, where the hustle and bustle of London life fades away.
Tradition, grandeur and serenity fill the space in this hidden treasure in Central London. The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn is home to six prestigious rooms that can be turned into event spaces, a legal library and an elegant five-acre garden.
Beauty, Elegance, Class: Your Gray’s Inn Wedding in the Hall
Five beautiful acres of sweeping gardens and a wonderful stretch of historic buildings make up Gray’s Inn, a gorgeous space for a London wedding. The historic venue offers a variety of spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, with two of them licensed for civil ceremonies.
The prestige and history of Gray’s Inn London is given vitality at the Hall. From the exterior to the interior, the Hall exudes timelessness and grandeur. The stained glass, the historic paintings, the heraldic shields and the oak panelling—all of these elegant features will make your Gray’s Inn Wedding truly magnificent.
The Hall has been preserved to maintain an Elizabethan flair that adds grace and glory to any occasion. A Gray’s Inn Wedding at the Hall is one of beauty, elegance and class. Wedding ceremonies of more than 150 guests can be arranged in the Hall, while a standing reception can accommodate 350 guests.
Warmth and Charm at the Large Pension Room for Your Gray’s Inn Wedding
From a marvelous oak staircase, you will reach the Large Pension Room at Gray’s Inn’s first floor. More discreet and intimate than the Hall, this Gray’s Inn wedding venue has its own unique character.
The Large Pension Room is often used as a banqueting room. This Gray’s Inn wedding venue has a gorgeous chandelier and an impressive marble fireplace that add warmth, light and charm to the space.
Round table dinners of 70 guests can comfortably settle in the Large Pension Room. This special ceremony and reception space can accommodate more than 100 of your loved ones and closest friends.
Peace and Serenity: The Walks and The Marquees at A Gray’s Inn London Wedding
The gorgeous and historic “Walks,” originating from centuries past, is a highly sought after wedding venue. After all, it is one of the largest private gardens in London. The Walks can accommodate up to 700 guests for a standing reception, while 350 of your nearest and dearest can enjoy a seated dinner in this serene garden.
In the summer, an outdoor celebration at the Walks is highly recommended for your Gray’s Inn wedding. This beautiful landscaped park is peaceful and perfect, just as your Gray’s Inn wedding should be. Despite being at the heart of London, The Walks manages to be a wonderful Gray’s Inn wedding venue. It is also used all throughout the year for beautiful photoshoots and lively celebrations.
Luxury modern marquees with air-cooling are placed during the summer months to accommodate a variety of events. For Gray’s Inn weddings, drinks receptions and wedding photographs are also encouraged during the summer. Evening receptions from early June to the end of July can also be celebrated in the marquees. These summer marquees can also accommodate 700 guests, with the option of erecting stretch tents for even bigger celebrations.
Impeccable Service for Your Gray’s Inn Wedding
A Gray’s Inn Wedding is not just rich with history, it is also filled with elegance. It is not only a convenient location, but is actually a wonderful haven in Central London. However, the Inn is well-known not just because of the location itself: The people in charge of the venue play a great role in the Inn’s popularity and prestige. The expertise and experience of their event organisers are sure to wow any bride and groom.
Gray’s Inn Wedding packages are completely customisable. Both traditional and unique ideas are welcome for your big day. Your Gray’s Inn wedding coordinator will cater to your wants and needs, making sure you get the romantic celebration of your dreams.
From the time leading up to your Gray’s Inn wedding to the actual day itself, you can expect wonderful service from the Inn’s staff. The smallest details are given attention to and the staff’s demeanor is the rare, perfect mixture of personal and professional. Their impeccable event organising skills will bring you the confidence and peace you deserve when planning your Gray’s Inn wedding.
Gorgeous Gray’s Inn Wedding Photography
The venue itself from a photography perspective is quite incredible. Gray’s Inn is steeped in rich history and has beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, including a large private garden–a real bonus in Central London!
The main reception room has a viewing gallery that not only looks marvelous but actually makes for a wonderful vantage point to capture the first dance and speeches. This was probably the stand out feature of Gray’s Inn London for us. We loved how the first dance images turned out for Jenny and Nick.
As a Central London wedding venue, this location also allows you to wander off a little bit outside the venue to capture some iconic London images when you have a wedding at Gray’s Inn.
The staff at this venue were superb to work with. We saw firsthand how they ensured Jenny and Nick had a fantastic day from start to finish. We look forward to seeing them all again soon!
As your Gray’s Inn wedding photographers in London, Stam and I also dedicate the same amount of dedication to you and your wedding day. And much like Gray’s Inn, we also stand for beauty and elegance. We will make sure that your memories are captured beautifully, letting the love you share to shine in photos through the years.
We are happy to help, right here and right now. Turn the wedding of your dreams into reality: Get our free luxury wedding guide here!
Fun Facts
- The historic and absolutely breathtaking Armada screen at the west side of the Hall is believed to be made of oak timbers from a Spanish galleon. It was a gift from the Inn’s Patron Lady, Queen Elizabeth I.
- Many believe that the world’s greatest playwright and dramatist, William Shakespeare, debuted “The Comedy of Errors” at Gray’s Inn.
- One of the most legendary writers and social critics to ever live spent quite some time at Gray’s Inn. Before writing the classics “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Oliver Twist,” Charles Dickens drafted legal reports at the Inn when he was still working as an office boy. Dickens eventually featured Gray’s Inn as a setting for several of his novels, including “David Copperfield.”
- The Charles Dickens Museum is located at nearby 48 Doughty Street, the former home of the Victorian author.
- Among Gray’s Inn’s long list of notable honorary members are UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
—
Your wedding day is a momentous event that deserves a historic, peaceful and elegant location. Luckily, with a Gray’s Inn wedding, you don’t have to look too far. It is practically a miracle that we have such a majestic yet serene venue in the city. Any bride or groom will be hard-pressed to find a more perfect sanctuary for the biggest day of your life right at the heart of London.
We want to be a part of the happiest day of your life! Click here to get in touch with us. We would love to hear what you have planned for your big day.
