Dry Hire Venues for Hire in London

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. Adding a personal touch by sourcing your preferred caterer, decor and so on, will really help your event stand out.

Don’t want to tie the knot in a venue where you’re obliged to use in-house catering, theme 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 space 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 BYO venue for a bring-your-own-everything 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 in London is that costs are often reduced, especially if your event doesn’t require much catering or you find a cheap catering deal elsewhere. 

That being said, external caterers may have little 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 of.

Things to consider when booking London dry hire venues

• 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.
• Establish what is and isn’t included in the London dry hire venue price - 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 in London, 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.

Mastering Dry-Hire Logistics

Is this your first time hiring dry-hire venues? Or was the last party you organized a while ago? Regardless of your prior experience, managing the planning process of your gathering is crucial for a successful event. Dry-hire spaces provide the flexibility to customize the room according to your needs, but it also means taking on additional responsibilities. Let's take a look at some key points to keep in mind so your event will be a smooth and stress-free experience! 

Before the Event

• Schedule Deliveries Early: Confirm delivery slots with your suppliers and double-check venue access rules (e.g. loading bays, lift access, delivery time restrictions). London traffic delays are real—plan buffer time.
  
  
• Confirm Equipment Needs: Know what’s included. Most dry-hire venues don’t offer AV, furniture, or catering, so arrange rentals in advance.
  
  
• Venue Walkthrough: Visit the space before the event to map out setup zones, check power outlets, lighting, and storage access.
  

Setup Essentials

• Bring Tools: Pack essentials—extension cords, gaffer tape, screwdrivers, cleaning supplies.
  
  
• Tech Check: Test sound systems, projectors, lighting, and Wi-Fi before guests arrive. Have backups if you can.
  
  
• Assign Roles: Create a setup timeline and delegate tasks. It saves time and avoids last-minute stress.

After the Event

• Plan the Breakdown: Label boxes, assign teardown roles, and schedule pick-ups.
  
  
• Leave No Trace: Clean thoroughly—floors, bins, surfaces. Most venues expect the space returned in original condition.
  
  
• Waste Disposal: Sort recycling and rubbish. Get familiar with garbage collection rules in London and any specific guidelines provided by the venue management. 

Communication is everything. Stay in regular contact with your venue manager, suppliers, and team—especially on delivery and event day. The more aligned everyone is, the smoother it goes.

For more detailed guides on event management, check out our definitive event planning checklist!