Wedding season is here! Cue brides-to-be poring over mood boards like serial killers or maverick cops, with every potential look, style and moment mapped. Whether you’re planning sophisticated city nuptials, a whimsical garden reception or a laid-back pub knees-up, there really is a wedding venue that’ll fulfil all of your childhood dreams. Here’s our guide to wedding venues in, and beyond, the city – your Pinterest dreams can come true after all…
Roman Baths
There’s something rather majestic about the Roman Baths. Maybe it’s the flickering waters at sunset, or the grandeur Roman architecture surrounding, either way it makes for the perfect backdrop to any wedding photo. Expect gas torches to be lit, steaming waters and one hell of a wedding do.
Where: Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
Website: www.bathvenues.co.uk
Holkham Hall
Stunning scenery? Check. Untouchable interiors? Check. British sunshine? Er, well we can’t quite guarantee that but the rolling countryside and glorious interiors at Holkham Hall are well worth the visit. Renowned for throwing elaborate parties for centuries, Holkham Hall has become a wedding venue of dreams for many, and with an entrance hall like that, it’s easy to see why.
Where: Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB
Website: www.holkham.co.uk
Aynhoe Park
When you imagine walking down the aisle, your mind doesn’t immediately flash to thoughts of a life-size giraffe awaiting at the end. But, at Aynhoe Park that’s exactly what you’ll find awaiting you. Nuzzled inside this historic Oxfordshire manor, you’ll find unique little quirks around every corner, all of which help add a special touch to your already special day. It’s effortless, it’s beautiful and we’re wanting to book in too…
Where: Aynho, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 3BQ
Website: www.aynhoepark.co.uk
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Here comes the bride…
Abrim with intimate spaces and ornate features, the Kimpton Fitzroy London makes for the perfect venue for those wanting a little city romance. The hotel’s Grade II listed ballroom can hold up to 200 guests and is home to its very own private entrance on Bernard Street and plethora of stained-glass windows too. It’s truly magical.
Where: Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, 1-8 Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE, UK
Nearest station: Russell Square (0.1 miles)
Website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is home to one of the most magnificent ballrooms in London. The Grade II listed ballroom not only has it’s own entrance and sprung maple dance floor but it is also one of the best examples of Art Deco. If you’re planning a big wedding then you can sit up to 500 for dinner or have 1,200 for drinks.
Where: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.4 miles)
Website: www.sheratonparklane.com
Blenheim Palace
Unless we’ve got any future members of the Royal family reading this, it’s unlikely you’re going to be living in a palace, but you can get married in one. Within striking distance of London sits the supremely stately Blenheim Palace, and it is ideal for those looking for a grand wedding, whether you’re booking The Great Hall or are looking for something more intimate. There’s six different spaces to choose from with 18th century baroque architecture and the 2000 acres of landscape parkland make for the perfect backdrop for your wedding and those all important photos.
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Hanborough (1.7 miles)
Website: www.blenheimpalace.com
Brown's Hotel
Nestled on a quiet, elegant street in Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel is the epitomy of Mayfair luxury. Licensed for both marriages and civil partnerships, the iconic hotel offers 3 beautiful rooms catering up to 120 guests, including The Roosevelt Room (in honour of the American President himself who stayed at the hotel before marrying Edith Kermit Carow in 1886), The Niagara Room, which connects to adjacent Roosevelt for larger parties, and The Clarendon Room, a breath-taking setting with ornate Victorian ceilings and crystal chandeliers – The Handbook’s favourite. And with food from world-renowned chef Mark Hix, what more can you ask for?
Where: Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4BP, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.roccofortehotels.com
116 Pall Mall
If you’re after grandeur then look no further than 116 Pall Mall. The majestic building has the most lavish rooms to choose from such as The Nash. Seating up to 250 guests or hosting 350 for a drinks reception there are no restrictions on dining, drinks or decor and you can keep the party going until 3am – well if you’ve spent all the money you want to be the last one standing. You can even get married on the iconic double sweeping staircase although you will be competing with a 15ft Regency chandelier for everyone’s attention.
Where: 116 Pall Mall, Westminster, London, SW1Y 5ED, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Charing Cross (0.3 miles)
Website: www.116pallmall.com
The Petersham
If you want a scenic wedding in London then look no further than The Petersham. Perched high up on Richmond Hill, the hotel has sweeping views of the Thames and lush meadows below – the ideal backdrop to your wedding photos. The Victorian building is packed with character, with an impressive sweeping staircase, huge chandeliers and marble floors but the view is what separates it from the rest. Tie the knot in an intimate ceremony for 30 of your nearest and dearest in the River Room before stepping out onto your own private terrace for Champagne and canapés.
Where: The Petersham Hotel, Nightingale Lane, Richmond, TW10 6UZ
Nearest station: Richmond (0.8 miles)
Website: www.petershamhotel.co.uk
Great Fosters
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and celebrate your special day in the country. At Great Fosters, you can exchange your vows in The Orangery before making your way onto the terrace for reception drinks with a gorgeous backdrop of the ornate gardens and parkland. Don’t forget to slip off into the gardens for your couple wedding photos.
Where: Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9UR, UK
Nearest station: Virginia Water (0.9 miles)
Website: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
Corinthia London
For a luxurious wedding to remember, you’ll want to celebrate the day in one of Corinthia’s 4 unique settings. Let the dedicated wedding team take control of everything from the cake to the flowers, delivering everything with the standard you’d expect of a 5-star hotel or say ‘I Do’ in a church nearby and head over for your reception. Nothing here is overlooked – you can even request to use the penthouse suite as the setting for your photos. Sweeping views of London and first class service – what’s not to love?
Where: Whitehall Place, Westminster, SW1A 2BD
Nearest station: London Charing Cross (0.1 miles)
Website: www.corinthia.com
Hengrave Hall
Once the romantic venue which saw Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan walk down the aisle, Hengrave Hall is home to its own intimate chapel, ornate gardens and luxe bedrooms. Hidden inside the heart of Suffolk’s rolling countryside, this Tudor mansion will help add a sparkle to your very special day.
Where: Hengrave Hall, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6LZ
Website: www.hengravehall.com
The Lanesborough
For an elegant wedding, where tradition meets partying then look to The Lanesborough. There are a seven dining rooms and event spaces to choose from based on your party size, but for us it’s all about The Belgravia, one of the finest dining rooms in London sitting up to 100 guests. When it comes to the details, the in-house floral designers will be on hand to dress the room, the head sommelier will pair the wines to the menu that will have been overseen by the brigade of talented Michelin-starred chefs. And the pièce de résistance, you’ll have access to the famous Rolls-Royce Phantom, Audi A8’s and Mercedes S-Class models.
Where: Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner (0 miles)
Website: www.oetkercollection.com
Portmeirion
If you’re looking for a technicoloured dream wedding, the colourful village of Portmeirion has all of your bases covered. Famed for being the stomping set of cult 60s show The Prisoner, Portmeirion has five bespoke packages that’ll help intertwine the magic of the village into your special day.
Where: Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER
Website: www.portmeirion.wales
Hotel Café Royal
With it’s own private terrace giving views of Regent Street and Air Street, the Pompadour ballroom at Hotel Cafe Royal is the perfect place for those looking for a central London location. The Grade II listed venue dates back to 1865 and has been restored to a Louis XVI style and features original and ornate detailing. This isn’t for the pared back wedding, it features fluted Corinthian pilasters, mirrored panels with gilded frames and a decorative ceiling depicting scenes of love – love really will be all around. There’s space for up to 250 guests and the dedicated in-house events team will make sure that all the stress of the big day is taken away.
Where: 68 Regent Street, Piccadilly, W1B 4DY
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.1 miles)
Website: www.hotelcaferoyal.com
1 Lombard Street
Head to the City come the weekend and you’ll suddenly find yourself in a serene, historic enclave of glorious architecture, ideal for those picture perfect wedding photo backdrops. 1 Lombard Street is at the heart of this calm cityscape-setting, and can host as many as 400 guests standing. The grand dome-shaped skylight floods the reception room with natural light for the daytime portion of the celebration, while in the evening, the flicker of candlelight sets the tone for the first dance.
Where: 1 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9AA, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Bank DLR Station (0 miles)
Website: www.1lombardstreet.com
Mews of Mayfair
For those looking for an Pinterest-esque, intimate wedding then let us introduce you to the Map room at Mews of Mayfair. Covered in antique maps and with original beams and a sparkling chandelier, the room can fit 35 guests standing or 28 guests for a smaller wedding breakfast.
Where: 10 Lancashire Court New Bond Street W1S 1EY
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.3 miles)
Website: www.mewsofmayfair.com
Le Méridien Piccadilly
Your big day has finally arrived and there’s no better place to make it an unforgettable celebration than Le Méridien Piccadilly. An exclusive wedding planner is available to help tailor your wedding to the last finest detail, and their head chef will be on hand to create the perfect bespoke menu just for your special day. It’ll be the day you always dreamed of and so much more.
Where: Le Méridien Piccadilly, Piccadilly, London, UK
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles)
Website: www.marriott.co.uk
Royal Observatory Greenwich
When it comes to wedding venues with spectacular views then we recommend the historic Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. For those looking for an intimate wedding breakfast, the Octagon Room is the last surviving interior designed by Wren and gives 360-degree views of Greenwich Park, the Thames and beyond.
Where: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ
Website: www.rmg.co.uk
Park Chinois
For an opulent wedding breakfast with spectacular live entertainment then you need Park Chinois. Split across two levels, you can divide your time between the Salon which takes you back to the romance of the 1930s and the Club on the lower ground level, home to their famous gold bar where you can dance long into the night.
Where: Park Chinois, 17 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8EA
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.parkchinois.com
Claridge's
As luxurious and extravagant as it gets, Claridges has played host to model Poppy Delevingne and her family the night before her wedding, as well as seeing Lara Stone and David Walliams say I do in the ballroom. The lavish Mayfair hotel is able to accommodate the entire event, from the marriage ceremony through to dinner, drinks and the evening reception. Perfect for intimate affairs and large society weddings alike, they boast several stunning event spaces so you’re sure to find a room that suits you.
Where: Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.3 miles)
Website: www.claridges.co.uk
Ivory Vaults
For a wedding in a venue like no other than you need to book the Ivory Vaults. One of London’s unique hidden gems the event space can accommodate up to 450 guests, so no reason to not invite all those family friends your parents insist on inviting. The space is made up of nine intimate dining areas which are interlinked by an open passageway so you can always put the family friends in the corner… Not only does the Ivory Vaults provide a unique venue but they will also organise the theme, decorations, catering, bar and of course, music.
Where: Ivory Vaults Ivory House St Katharine Docks London, E1W 1BP
Nearest station: Tower Hill (0.4 miles)
Website: www.ivoryvaults.com
The Curtain
Cinderella, you shall go to your wedding.
Nuzzled inside London’s hottest hotel and private member’s club, The Curtain, you’ll find The Burbage Room awaiting your discovery. With exposed brick and concrete walls, the room can accommodate 120 guests for dinner and dancing, or 350 for a standing reception. On hand, you’ll also find a dedicated events team waiting to make your big day just perfect.
Where: The Curtain, Curtain Road, London, UK
Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.thecurtain.com
Sofitel London St James
Sofitel London St James is all about the details and attentive service. Whether you are after a canapés and Champagne reception in the Kensington suite or you’re looking to host a large wedding breakfast in the Mayfair Suite and want all the bridal party to have spa treatments the next day. Their wedding planners will work with you on every aspect of the wedding so that you and your guests have the most special day.
Where: Sofitel London St James, Waterloo Place, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles)
Website: www.sofitelstjames.com
Percy & Founders
Nuzzled next to Fitzrovia’s Grade II* listed chapel, you’ll find Percy & Founders ready to welcome the happy couple and their guests for the wedding reception of dreams. Whether you’re after an intimate affair, or a bigger celebration, Percy & Founders have you covered with their various spaces fit for all wedding sizes.
Where: Fitzroy Place, 1 Pearson Square, London, W1W 7EY
Nearest station: Goodge Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.percyandfounders.co.uk
