Dry Hire Venues in London

Dry hire venues are blank canvases that allow you to make a space your own. If details are your thing, then adding a personal touch by sourcing your preferred caterer, decor and so on, will really help your event stand out from the pack. It’s no secret that choosing the right space can make or break an event. And although there are venues that can cater to your every need, there are also times when a higher level of flexibility and control is preferable. Whether you’re planning a punchy product launch or a big bar mitzvah bash, dry hire venues give you free rein to go with your choice of suppliers and bring your vision to life.

Don’t want to tie the knot in a venue where you’re obliged to use in-house catering, theming and styling? Here at Tagvenue, we list a range of dry hire wedding venues, from romantic rooftop spaces in central London to charming country houses on the city’s outskirts. Looking for a dry hire wedding venue in the capital but aren’t sure where to start? Perhaps you’re after a gorgeous garden where you can set up a marquee, or maybe you’re on the lookout for a BYOB wedding venue for a bring-your-own-everything DIY wedding day – no matter what you’ve got in mind, it’s easy to find your dream dry hire wedding venue with our smart venue search engine.

But what about the cost? One of the bonuses of hiring a dry hire venue is that costs are often reduced, especially if your event doesn’t require much catering or you’ve got a cheap catering deal elsewhere. That being said, external caterers will have less or no experience working at your chosen venue, so they’ll be unfamiliar with the layout and access restrictions, which means you’ll have to work harder to make sure things run smoothly on the day.

Things to consider when hiring a dry hire venue:

• Organising the event will be entirely down to you, with more work and potential headaches – detailed planning and good project management skills are a must.

• Some venues are dry hire only, while others offer it as an option or don’t allow it at all.

• The location (north, south, east or west London) and accessibility (on-site parking, public transport connections, disabled access).

• The atmosphere (do you need something casual, like a local bar or pub for an end-of-year Christmas party, or are you looking for something a little more formal, like a function room or town hall for a high school prom or corporate conference?).

• Historical buildings or museums can be difficult to theme without appearing tacky or over the top.

Dry hire tips and tricks:

• Have a clear vision for your event.

• Establish what is and isn’t included (check which spaces and facilities are included and what furniture and equipment you can use, as well as who’ll supply linen, cutlery and service staff).

• Check the fine print (dry hire is often much more affordable than traditional venue hire, but make sure to check any rules and restrictions before you sign the dotted line – some venues may require you to hire security of their choice or penalise you if the clean up is unsatisfactory).

Dry Hire Venues in London FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a dry hire venue in London?

Dry hire venues in London are an affordable option for anyone who wants to host a party or event in a venue that is flexible and can be easily adapted to suit any needs. Of course, the price of hiring a dry hire venue in London will depend on the capacity and special features of the venue, and its location. Dry hire venues in London are often priced per hour, and costs can range from as little as £50 for a small space to over £200 for larger venues. The best time to hire a dry hire venue in London is during the week when it’s less busy and easier to secure the space that you want. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of London are best for hiring a dry hire venue?

London is a city that is known for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, and that goes for its venues as well. You will have many types of venues to choose from here, whether you're looking for a dry hire venue or something more extravagant. We recommend Shoreditch and Dalston in East London, as these areas are both full of character and amazing venues to boot! Dalston's history is rooted in the late 19th century when it was a thriving centre for the arts and industry and thus it features plenty of dry hire venues that are suitable for grand occasions, while Shoreditch has more of an edgy feel and is a great place to hire a dry hire venue for events such as art exhibitions or music gigs. In South London, we recommend Clapham and Brixton for their character and charm. You can hire a dry hire venue in Clapham for all sorts of events, from weddings to theatre productions. Brixton is a great place to hire a venue for events such as festivals or conferences. In Central London, there are many options to choose from, particularly the conveniently located and always fashionable Covent Garden and Soho. You can easily hire dry hire venues there for parties or weddings.

What occasions are great for hiring a dry hire venue in London?

Dry hire venues are perfect for any occasion that needs a space to be set up quickly and easily, without the burden of having to worry about adapting the event to the fixed set-up. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate event, or just a casual get-together with friends, hiring a dry hire venue in London is sure to make your event preparation enjoyable and stress-free. From stunning white-tablecloth venues to rustic barn spaces, there's always the perfect space for your particular event.

For weddings, dry hire venues are great because they're often more affordable than traditional venues and allow you to customise the space to fit your vision. You can add decor and lighting touches that make it feel like you've rented an entire castle while still keeping costs down. Corporate events are also well-suited to dry hire venues because they can be customised for any type of event, including presentations, product launches, or parties. You can choose from a wide range of options depending on whether you want something small and intimate or larger and more extravagant.