Wedding Venues for Hire in London

Wedding Venues Hire Guide

If you're getting married in London, you've got some seriously gorgeous options to choose from. We've rounded up our top picks for the best wedding venues in London so that you can check them out and decide which one is right for you.

Most popular wedding venue types:

• Outdoor wedding venues - We love summer weddings. Who needs lavish decorations when a pretty garden, lush lawn or amber sunset can serve as your backdrop?
• Charming country houses - Check out rustic farmhouses and elegant manor houses!
• Hotels - Traditional hotel ballrooms, stylish banqueting halls and modern bistros are great options, especially because some hotels offer wedding packages that include free honeymoon stays.
• Luxury wedding venues - Grand or lavish spaces are guaranteed to wow your guests.
• Restaurants - Choose anything from fine dining restaurants to romantic private dining rooms.
• Unusual or alternative venues - Unique venues, like museums, zoos or libraries, allow you to stamp your own style on your event.
• Cheap wedding venues - Think dry hire venues, church halls and function rooms.
• Marquee wedding venues  - Tents and marquees are blank canvases for you to get creative with.
• Venues with a view - Are you after a riverside venue with views over the Thames or a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for taking in London’s iconic skyline?
• Industrial-chic venues - Renovated railway arches, warehouses with exposed brick, and airy New York-style lofts are all on trend.

Tips and tricks for finding your dream wedding ceremony venue

There’s no doubt that searching for a wedding ceremony venue is an exciting process. But before you set your heart on a space, there are a few key things you should consider:

• Write your guest list early to help you create a budget and find the right-sized venue (a space for under 100 guests, 200 guests, 500 guests, etc.).
• Decide on a wedding date (or several potential dates) before you start looking for a venue.
• Consider where you’d like the venue to be located (central London, east London, south London, somewhere on the city’s outskirts, etc.).
• Think about the type of space that would best suit your event (a child-friendly venue with camping facilities, a large wedding venue that allows fireworks, etc.).
• Keep in mind all the spaces you’ll need for the different parts of your day (ceremony, cocktails, dinner and dancing).
• Make a rain plan if you intend to hold an outdoor wedding.
• Choose a venue that reflects who you are as a couple.

Once you have your date and you’ve narrowed down a shortlist of venues that meet your criteria, it’s time to organise a handful of viewings. Visit your preferred venues at the time of day your wedding will be, and pay attention to the lighting (good lighting makes for better photos). 

When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, there’s no replacement for seeing a space in real life – after all, when you hire a building and its facilities, you also hire the people working there and the service they provide. A venue inspection is a great chance for you to sit down with a venue manager and hash out all of the nitty-gritty details.

Things to ask about when viewing a wedding venue:

• Who will be your go-to person at the venue on the day?
• Whether there are public transport connections and parking facilities?
• If you’ll have exclusive use of the venue (and if not, how many other weddings will be booked that day)?
• Are you required to decorate it yourself?
• Whether you must use suppliers of the venue’s choosing (i.e., does the venue allow outside catering?)?
• How early will you have access to the venue before your ceremony or reception is scheduled to begin?
• How quickly will you need to be packed up and out of the venue at the end of your wedding?
• If you can do a menu tasting and whether the in-house catering team can accommodate special dietary requirements?
• Whether there are restrictions for the photographer in terms of flash usage?
• What is and isn’t included (what furniture and equipment you can use, as well as who’ll supply the linen, cutlery and service staff)?
• If there are any vendor restrictions? Some venues may have noise or decor restrictions, or penalise you if the clean up is unsatisfactory.
• Whether there are any additional costs (civil ceremony fee, corkage fee, cake-cutting fee, late licence fee, cleaning fee, insurance-fee waiver, etc.) and if VAT is included?
• Whether the venue has any partnerships with nearby hotels?
• Whether the venue manager anticipates any changes to the venue before your wedding day?

Check out our full list of wedding venues questions here!

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it’s no surprise that planning one is a lot to take on. From choosing the right venue and creating a guest list, to coordinating transport and organising a honeymoon, there are so many decisions to make. Here’s a heads-up about some of the biggest wedding planning blunders, so you can avoid them from the outset.

Most common wedding planning mistakes:

• Not establishing your budget priorities from the beginning.
• Making key decisions before having your guest list sorted (you don’t want to put down a non-refundable deposit on a small wedding venue if you’re not quite sure about numbers).
• Inviting guests to your engagement party or bridal shower who that aren’t on your wedding guest list .
• Not booking your venue early enough (aim to book your space at least nine months to a year before your wedding).
• Setting your heart on specific types of flowers (try to think in terms of colours and shapes instead).
• Not accounting for travel time (or selecting venues that are too far apart).
• Not scheduling enough time for hair and makeup and/or photography and videography.
• Not considering your guests (not letting them know how to get to your venue, leaving a huge time gap between your ceremony and reception, not providing enough seating, etc.).
• Not having a contingency plan for bad weather.
• Not telling the hotel that it’s your wedding night (after all, there’s a chance they’ll give you an upgrade or free amenities).
• Not providing enough light for outdoor weddings that carry on into the summer evening.

Stay Relaxed and Cherish Every Moment: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Wedding Day in London

As you begin planning your dream wedding in London, remember that this day is all about celebrating love and unity. London offers the perfect location for your special day with its stunning wedding reception venues, from enchanting garden locations to majestic halls. To ensure that you remain calm and enjoy every second, from the early morning preparations to the final dance, here are a series of tips specifically tailored to help you sort out wedding locations across London.

• Start with a Serene Morning: Your wedding day begins the moment you open your eyes. Choose a venue with a tranquil getting-ready room. Many bridal venues in London offer luxurious bridal suites; for instance, you'll find venues listed on Tagvenue with changing rooms designed to ensure a peaceful start to your day. Consider The Ivory Suite at a location like the scenic Botanical Garden, which offers ample natural light and a calm environment, perfect for you and your bridal party to get ready.
• Schedule a First Look: Before the whirlwind of the ceremony and reception begin, share a private moment with your partner. Many London wedding spots provide private settings for this special exchange. A first look lets you spend a few quiet moments together and helps shake off nerves.
• Trust Your Vendors: You've handpicked your vendors from the best London offers; now trust them to manage the day. Whether it's caterers from a renowned London eatery or the florists that specialise in adorning London marriage venues with breathtaking flower arrangements, let them take the reins. This frees you to immerse yourself fully in the joy and love surrounding you.
• Embrace the Unpredictable London Weather: If you've chosen an outdoor matrimonial site, like the secret gardens in one of London's royal parks, have a contingency plan, but also embrace whatever the day brings. Unexpected weather can make for memorable photos and stories. London's charm is in its unpredictability; sometimes, a sprinkle of rain adds to the magic.
• Take Moments to Pause: Steal a few moments for yourself and your new spouse throughout the day. Step away from the celebration and reflect. Many London nuptial venues, like those overlooking the Thames, provide perfect spots to catch a breath and soak in the city's majestic views.
• Let Loose on the Dance Floor: When the formalities are over and the dance floor opens, let your hair down. Whether your venue is a grand ballroom in central London or a more modern space in East London, the dance floor is your time to celebrate. Forget about the intricacies of event planning and embrace the moment's joy.
• Choose a Venue that Speaks to You: Finally, selecting the right venue is paramount. London offers many options, whether it's a historical site with a grand ballroom, a chic modern space, or a charming garden.

Your wedding day in London should reflect the love you share, be filled with joy and devoid of stress. By choosing the right venue, trusting in your vendors, and taking moments to appreciate the day, you'll ensure that your wedding is memorable and incredibly enjoyable. Remember, at the heart of all the celebrations, it's the love that you and your partner share that truly makes the day perfect.

How to Elegantly Decorate Your London Wedding Venue & Embrace London-Themed Ideas

Choosing a wedding venue in London is the first step towards creating a memorable celebration. But the decoration and theme truly bring your special day to life. Whether you're saying your vows in a grand ballroom, a scenic garden, or a unique urban space, infusing your venue with personalised decor and a London-themed flair can make your wedding unforgettable.

Adorning Your Space with Elegance

1. Understand Your Venue's Character: Each venue in London has unique features. Start by understanding these characteristics to complement them with your decorations.
2. Lighting to Set the Mood: London's weather can be unpredictable, making lighting crucial in creating the right atmosphere. Soft fairy lights can add a whimsical touch to garden venues, while elegant chandeliers or modern lighting installations can enhance indoor spaces.
3. Floral Elegance: Flowers are a timeless choice. Opt for arrangements that echo the colours of the London season. A winter wedding might feature deep reds and greens, while a spring celebration could showcase the pastel hues of blooming flowers.
4. Classic with a Modern Twist: Combine traditional elements like vintage tableware with modern touches such as geometric shapes or minimalist designs. This blend pays homage to London's ability to marry the old with the new.

Embracing London-Themed Ideas

1. Iconic London Symbols: Incorporate subtle nods to London's iconic symbols like red double-decker buses, the Big Ben, or the London Eye. These can be elegantly included in your invitations, table numbers, or as small decor elements.
2. British Culinary Delights: Celebrate London's culinary diversity by featuring British classics with a gourmet twist on your menu. Think mini fish and chips for appetisers or a sophisticated take on the traditional Sunday roast.
3. Literary Love: London is home to famous authors and stories. Table names inspired by London's literary greats or quotations can add a personal and intellectual charm to your celebration.
4. A Palette Inspired by the City: Draw inspiration from the city's palette – the regal golds and deep blues seen in its historic facades or the lush greens of its parks. These colours can guide your decor, from table linens to bridesmaid dresses.

Venue-Specific Tips

When selecting your venue on platforms like Tagvenue, consider how these spaces can be transformed:

• Historic Mansions: Use antique furniture and classic floral arrangements to enhance the timeless elegance of these spaces.
• Modern Lofts: Embrace clean lines and contemporary decor, using bold colours or metallics for a chic urban feel.
• Riverside Wedding Venues: Capitalise on the views with minimalist decor that doesn't overshadow the natural beauty of the Thames.

Final Touches for Wedding Reception

Engage your guests further by creating interactive experiences around the London theme:

• Customised Maps: Provide guests with a beautifully designed map of London, highlighting your favourite spots or important locations related to your wedding.
• London Quiz: Entertain guests with a quiz during the reception featuring fun facts about your relationship and your love story.

Decorating your wedding venue in London and incorporating themed elements is about balancing personal taste with the essence of this iconic city. By thoughtfully choosing decor that complements the venue and integrating London-inspired details, you create a wedding and an experience that captivates and delights. 

FAQs about Wedding Venues in London

What’s the price range for wedding venues in London?

Honestly, the price range of wedding venues is quite a large one. You can find some cool inexpensive venues, where you will pay less than £500 per event (yes they really do exist!). But there are also many more expensive options, where paying £150 per guest (and more) is the norm. You have many different options when it comes to the hire fee–you can choose a venue with a minimum spend, where you don’t pay for the space, you just have to pay a certain amount of money for the food and service. There are options to pay per hour or per night, and  we recommend these for bigger parties where lots of guests are invited. And of course you have prices per guest, which if large, we suggest to take into consideration if there is a small number of guests invited.

Can I book affordable wedding venues in London?

Of course! London may be a big and expensive city, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find hidden gems which don’t make you wish you could rob a bank and not regret it. Some venues offer prices as little as £10 per person, which, if you want a bigger party but don’t want to spend every last penny, we certainly recommend.

What are some unique wedding themes?

Unique wedding themes are always a good way to stand out from the crowd. Here's a list of some of our favourites:

• A vintage china pattern with floral accents
• A rustic theme that incorporates wood and metal
• A carnival theme, complete with popcorn and cotton candy!
• A picnic-style wedding where you can eat in the woods
• An underwater theme, with an aquarium and fish tank as centrepieces

Where can I find a photographer for my wedding in London?

Finding the right photographer for your wedding in London can be tough. There are so many options, and it's not always easy to tell which ones are going to be the best fit for you. If you want to find a great photographer quickly and easily then make sure to check out this great list. Find a person who will shoot photos in a style you prefer, and most important of all - a person who you will surely get along with on your wedding day.