Wedding venue inspiration in London
London has an array of wedding venues and, with the wedding season coming up, we’ve found some of the best, most interesting and quirkiest ones out there.
The classic London wedding venue
The Gherkin
If you want a wedding venue that screams out ‘London’ then get married in the Gherkin. Not only will you and your guests have one of the best views of the City, featuring many iconic buildings, but you can become newlyweds 180 meters up. This skyline icon can accommodate 160 dinner guests and 260 standing.
A royal London wedding
Hampton Court Palace
Once the home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace has a number of rooms for hire that will make any bride feel like a princess, or a groom feel like a Knight. You can tie the knot in the King's Guard Chamber, a room adorned with close to 3,000 swords, muskets, bayonets and pistols; or, for small parties, you can hire the, which was built for William III’s own private entertaining. If you want to make this most of this grand palace, why not have your wedding in the great hall where Henry VIII’s court sat down daily for dinner?
Quirky
The Asylum
If you want an unusual wedding ceremony location, look no further than the Asylum. Close to Queens Road, Peckham, and New Cross Gate stations, this venue was the old chapel of a retirement home for pub landlords that has been lost to history. Also known as Caroline Garden's chapel, the venue can seat 120 guests. It was bombed in World War II and has never been fully restored, so its rough, yet romantic, interior still has many of the beautiful period features. The Asylum is only available for ceremonies and no sit-down meals are permitted.
Outside/Inside London wedding
Horniman Museum’s Gardens
Located in Forest Hill Southeast London, the Horniman Museum’s Gardens are a beautiful venue for an outside/Inside wedding. Set in 16 acres of garden, including physic and ornamental gardens, it also features a beautiful Victorian grade II listed conservatory, which is possible to hire for weddings. It is also possible to hire the Pavilion, a modern space with floor to ceiling windows, exposed wooden beams and views of the garden and south London.
Animal lovers dream
London zoo
That’s right; London Zoo has a wedding licence and all proceeds go to help international conservation charity, the Zoological Society of London. The main wedding venue is the Mappin Pavilion, which overlooks the outback enclosure that includes kangaroos, emus and wallabies. However, it is sometimes possible to have your reception at one of the animal houses, such as Tiger Territory, or you can share your wedding day with the adorable penguins. There is also an option for a live animal encounter, where you can add a friendly critter to your guest list.
Industrial luxe
Tramshed
If you love a bit of historic industrial chic then get married at Tramshed in Shoreditch. Built in 1905 as an electricity generating facility for the old tramway system, the exposed steel beams, bareearbrick walls and high ceilings are perfect for any couple that want an industrial luxe wedding. The venue has capacity for 150 people and features artwork by Damien Hirst. Tramshed is part of the HIX restaurant chain, which is owned by Mark Hix.
If you’re planning a wedding in a unique venue and need to hire catering equipment and furniture then contact Allens Hire today! We work with venues across London to help make your day special. With 125 years’ combined catering experience you would be in great hands as we translate that into a service focussed approach where quality, accuracy, efficiency and timeliness are key.
