No Corkage Wedding Venues for Hire in London

No Corkage Wedding Venues Hire Guide

So, why are wedding venues with no corkage so in demand, anyway? This solution gives you more flexibility and is, obviously, cheaper. For some occasions, a wedding venue that doesn’t charge a special fee for bringing your own drinks is particularly wallet-friendly. Need an example? Choosing a wedding venue without corkage when your guests drink quite a lot will help you reduce the expenses significantly. We’re in the know when it comes to the best no corkage wedding venues in London. To help you out, we’ve created a short list of tips and tricks.

What to consider when hiring a no corkage wedding venue:

• Details of no corkage policy – Some no corkage wedding venues are kind enough to allow you to bring your bottles on the day before and store them in a chilly place overnight. You’re likely to get help from them when it comes to serving the drinks in a proper way. Ask the venue manager in advance whether they provide such services.

• Menu and other suppliers – In most cases, wedding venues without corkage fees are self-catering venues (they don’t offer in-house catering). On the other hand, they’re usually happy to recommend some suppliers they usually work with, for example, caterers, photographers etc. Last but not least, remember to match your drinks (especially wines) with the bites and platters you’re planning to serve during your wedding reception.

• Drinks reception setting – No corkage wedding venue managers are experts on organising memorable drink receptions. Ask them for advice when it comes to planning that part of the wedding reception. Another good tip is to make use of the venue’s outside area during the warmer months. Who doesn’t love a glass of Pimms in the sun?

• Make it personal – Hiring a no corkage wedding venue opens a whole lot of creative opportunities. You can customise the drinks menu in any way imaginable. If there’s a drink that brings back special memories, why not include it on the list?

What exactly are you looking for? No matter if you’re interested in no corkage wedding venues in southwest London or maybe something outside the capital – at Tagvenue we’ve got it all covered. We’re experts on no corkage wedding venues in London. What’s more, our search engine makes browsing and booking the venues as easy as 1-2-3. So, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect no corkage wedding venue with Tagvenue today!

Tips for Smooth Sipping

Choosing a no corkage wedding venue in London offers you the opportunity to personalise your celebration with your favourite beverages. However, handling the logistics can seem a bit daunting. Here's a guide to dealing with the no corkage logistics for a seamless sipping experience at your wedding.

• Understanding Your Venue's Policy: First, clarify with your venue what their no corkage policy entails. Some venues may allow you to bring your drinks but require you to use their bar staff to serve them. Others might have specific rules regarding storage and chilling facilities. Clear communication from the outset will prevent any last-minute surprises.
• Calculating Your Beverage Needs: A good rule of thumb is to have at least one drink per guest per hour of your reception. Consider the demographics of your guests when deciding the mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A diverse selection ensures that there’s something for everyone, from bespoke cocktails to sparkling waters and artisan sodas.
• Choosing Your Suppliers: Now that you have the freedom to select your beverages, consider sourcing them from local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Not only does this add an excellent touch to your celebration, but it also supports local businesses. Ask for samples and hold a tasting session with your partner to make the selection process a fun pre-wedding activity.
• Logistics of Delivery and Storage: Coordinate the delivery of your beverages to ensure they arrive at a convenient time for the venue. Confirm if the venue can store your drinks, especially if they need to be chilled. If not, you might need to hire refrigeration units. For sparkling wines and beers, remember to allow them to settle before the big day to avoid any fizzy accidents.
• Serving Your Beverages: Hire an experienced bar staff to serve your drinks. They can manage the bar efficiently, create a fantastic experience for your guests, and ensure that everyone drinks responsibly. If you’re offering a self-service bar, clearly label the drinks and consider providing a mixology guide for guests to create their own cocktails.
• The Day After: Make plans for the collection of any leftover drinks. You might want to distribute them as part of your thank-you gifts or keep them for another celebration. Ensure you have a plan in place for recycling bottles and cans to minimise waste and keep your celebration eco-friendly!
• Special Touches: Make your bar stand out with personalised touches. Custom cocktail napkins, signage with drink descriptions, or a backstory of why a particular drink is special to you can add personal flair and encourage guests to try something new.
• Insurance and Legalities: Lastly, check if you need any special insurance or permits to serve alcohol at your venue. It’s better to be safe and ensure all legalities are covered than to face issues on your special day, right?

Navigating no corkage logistics might require a bit more planning, but the personalisation and cost savings can make your wedding in London even more magnificent. Cheers to a day filled with love, joy, and fantastic drinks!

FAQs about No Corkage Wedding Venues in London

Where in London can I find no corkage wedding venues?

The good news is that you can find the majority of them in central London! Check the areas of Kensington, Knightsbridge, Westminster and  Mayfair if you’re planning to host an elegant reception with some flair. These areas are full of beautiful venues in Victorian, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. If you’re looking for something less-traditional and modern, you should definitely look in the areas of the City of London, Covent Garden and Soho where you can find anything from stylish and modern wedding venues to hip restaurants and banquet halls.

Can you recommend some no corkage wedding venues in London?

Of course! Here are some of our favs that will definitely knock you and your guests off your feet!

The Conservatory at The Chesterfield Mayfair - This marble-floored venue with a deep green decor will be the perfect option if you’re looking for something that is both extremely elegant and intimate. 

1901 at Andaz London Hotel - We can’t describe how stunning this venue is, you just have to check it out yourself! The stained glass dome is especially beautiful and will definitely add a luxurious feel to your celebrations.

How much does it cost to hire a no-corkage wedding venue in London?

Most wedding venues offer wedding packages, and in London, prices range from £65 to £175 per person, depending on which package you choose. Full buyouts are also common and cost from £2700 - £12000 per day. Some venues may charge on the basis of a minimum spend and they start from as low as £2500. Keep in mind that those are only general prices so it’s best to send an enquiry and ask for an individual offer that will be calculated on your guest list and other individual requirements. (All data from Tagvenue.com.)

How far in advance should I book a no corkage wedding venue?

You should secure your dream wedding venue no later than 6 months in advance. However, we suggest doing it even earlier. So try to start your search around one year before the wedding. Working on this timeline ensures that you will have many more offers to choose from and you won’t rush with the decision-making process. Also, you may catch an early-bird price and save some money that you can spend on other important wedding elements, such as decorations or wedding attire.