Civil Ceremony Venues for Hire in London

Expert Tips For Organising Your Civil Ceremony:

• allocate the bulk of your budget to venue hire, catering and drink, and entertainment
• choose the date of the celebration carefully – sometimes it’s cheaper to book the venue midweek
• consider whether to set a dress code (like black tie, formal or fancy dress). You may also want to host a themed ceremony. In that case, think about a venue that suits the mood. How about a country house wedding venue for a Downton Abbey-themed celebration or a railway arch for a more industrial feel?
• plan early and with your purpose in mind because it's those personal touches that'll have your guests talking for years to come

Things To Consider When Hiring A Space For Your Event:

• whether you want to have the wedding ceremony and reception in the same venue
• if it’s important to you to hire a venue with gay staff members or owners
• the best seating arrangement for your needs
• the venue's cancellation policy
• see if the venue works with any recommended suppliers, like caterers
• check the civil ceremony venue’s location and see whether it’s convenient for the guests to get there

How To Smoothly Transition From Wedding Ceremony To Reception?

Planning a civil ceremony followed by a reception? Whether you’re getting married in one of London’s licensed wedding venues or a stunning historic building, these tips will help keep your guests relaxed, informed, and in the mood to celebrate.

1. Get the Timing Right

• Invite Clarity: List clear times and locations for both parts of the day. If your ceremony’s in a city hall or modern space and the reception is elsewhere, include a simple map to make things easy.
• Plan a Time Buffer: Leave enough time for travel between venues, especially in busy areas like The City or Southbank. Avoid scheduling transitions during rush hour.

2. Simplify the Travel

• Organised Transport: If your venues are separate—say, from an intimate garden ceremony to a riverside reception—consider booking transport that suits your vibe. Think vintage Routemaster or sleek executive cars.
• Parking Details: Make parking easy by sharing info ahead of time. If it’s limited, suggest carpooling or using the arranged transport.

3. Welcome Your Guests in Style

• Drinks on Arrival: Greet guests at the reception with welcome drinks. It’s a nice touch that gives everyone time to settle and mingle.
• Ambient Entertainment: From acoustic sets to roaming entertainers, light entertainment keeps the energy high while you're finishing up photos.
• Guest Book Corners & Photo Ops: Give guests something to do—whether it’s leaving a message or snapping a few Polaroids.

4. Prep the Reception Venue

• Set It Up Early: Make sure everything’s ready before guests arrive—seating, lighting, music. This is especially important for historic buildings, where setup times may be tighter due to preservation rules.
• Use a Venue Coordinator: Whether you're working with a planner or the venue’s team, having someone oversee the flow makes all the difference.
• Helpful Signage: Guide guests to drinks, restrooms, and cloakrooms with clear, stylish signage (especially important in larger or multi-room spaces).

5. Keep Everyone in the Loop

• Announcements: Have an MC or trusted friend make short announcements to guide guests between spaces, activities, and dinner service. It keeps things running smoothly without anyone needing to ask, “What’s next?”
• Insider tip: Venues that host both ceremonies and receptions—like licensed wedding venues with private gardens or stunning interiors make transitions much easier. No need to move guests at all. But if your dream involves two locations, just make sure the handoff between them is part of the plan.

Recommended by Tagvenue: Best Venues for Civil Ceremonies in London

• Dartmouth House in Mayfair is a top choice  if you want something classy with room for up to 400 seated guests.
• Asylum Chapel in Peckham stands out with its raw, dramatic interiors—great for couples who want something a bit different.
• Leighton House in Holland Park is perfect for stylish, intimate weddings. These venues usually include seating and can work with caterers or provide in-house food and drinks.

Top Small Venues for Civil Ceremonies 

• The Zetter Clerkenwell – Clerkenwell, London

Seats: 20 Price: Around £68 per person Style: Boutique and quirky with bright, character-filled interiors. Benefits: Central location near Farringdon Station, perfect for a low-key ceremony with close friends and family.

• Linden House Riverside – Hammersmith, London

Seats: 24 Price: £350 per day Style: Traditional and cosy, with river views and classic decor. Benefits: Quiet riverside location, ideal for peaceful ceremonies, plus you get the whole place for the day.

• Fiore Truck – Newham, London Seats: 16 Price: £200 per hour Style: Casual and creative. This is literally a styled food truck venue. Benefits: Unique and fun interiors, works great for couples looking for something informal and different.

Where Can I Have a Civil Ceremony Outdoors in London?

Venues like The Sunken Garden in Bloomsbury and The Glass House at Springfield Park offer stunning outdoor spaces for a civil ceremony and a wedding reception. These spots are perfect for garden weddings in the warmer months. Just make sure the venue is licensed for outdoor ceremonies, and have a backup plan in case it rains.