Wedding Reception Venues for Hire in London

Wedding Reception Venues Hire Guide

Choosing a wedding party venue is an exciting process – it’s also one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when it comes to your big day. Here at Tagvenue you can explore our collection of London’s most beautiful wedding reception venues, enquire online in minutes and compare quotes from your preferred spaces.

Popular options for wedding reception venues:

• gardens – pretty outdoor spaces make picture-perfect backdrops

• hotels – elegant ballrooms, grand banquet halls and stylish bistros are fantastic, especially because many hotels offer wedding packages that include free honeymoon stays

• alternative venues – unique spaces like museums, warehouses and tipis give your big day a tonne of personality

• charming country-style venues – rustic barns and stately homes are both popular choices

• luxury wedding venues – impressive or lavish spaces give wedding receptions a real sense of occasion

• restaurants and pubs – fine dining restaurants, intimate private dining rooms and traditional English pubs are all great options

• dry hire venues – these are perfect for budget weddings (think village halls, function rooms and outdoor venues)

• tents and marquees – these blank canvases can be styled however you want

• boats – what could be better than a stylish celebration on the Thames?

Your wedding party venue sets the stage for your entire celebration, so it’s important to choose carefully. The perfect space should comfortably accommodate your guest list, fall within your budget and reflect who you are as a couple. So what do you need to know before you start your search?

Things to consider when looking for a wedding reception venue:

• your budget – are you searching for a cheap wedding reception venue, something mid-range or are you looking to splash out?

• the style of venue you’d like (modern, traditional, vintage, funky, etc.)

• the time of year your wedding reception will be held – do you need a cosy venue for a winter wedding, an outdoor wedding venue for a large Asian wedding, etc.?

• what part of the city you’d like your venue to be located (Blackheath, Battersea, Chelsea, Camden, near St Paul’s Cathedral, etc.)

• whether the space has adequate on-site parking and/or public transport connections

• whether the space is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list

• whether the lighting is satisfactory – good lighting makes for better photos

• whether the space has good acoustics, a sound system and plenty of power outlets

• what seating layout would work best (banquet, family-style, U-shape, etc.)

• your catering options – do you have to use the venue’s in-house catering team and what kind of food and drink are you looking to serve (sit-down meal, buffet, just hors-d'oeuvres, etc.)?

It’s always a good idea to arrange a viewing at a handful of wedding reception venues, as this will give you a true feel for the setting. Before you set your heart on space, there are a few key details you should consider.

What to ask when viewing a wedding party venue:

• who will be your go-to person at the venue on the day of your wedding reception

• if you’ll have exclusive use of the venue (and if not, how many other weddings are booked for that day)

• who will be responsible for the decorations

• how long you’ll have to set up and pack up

• whether there are noise or photography restrictions

• how the venue prices alcohol (minimum spend, per head, open bar, etc.)

• what the hire fee includes – check what furniture and equipment you can use, as well as who’ll supply the linen, cutlery and service staff

• whether there are any additional costs (corkage fee, cake-cutting fee, late licence fee, cleaning fee, etc.) and whether VAT is included

Planning a wedding reception to remember is no mean feat, so take the time to envision the type of celebration you want. After all, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event and it’s those little details that will make all the difference on the day.

The Best Wedding Reception Venues in London

London offers a range of breathtaking wedding reception locations that includes historical buildings and modern spaces. The city caters to every type of celebration, from majestic ballrooms to intimate garden spaces. This detailed guide explores the crème de la crème of London's venues, ensuring your special day is magical.

Unique and Iconic Venues

Discover the charm of London's most unique and iconic wedding reception venues, where art, history, and nature blend to create unforgettable moments. From the contemporary artistic flair of Chelsea’s Gallery 15 (Salon) at Saatchi Gallery to the magical ambiance of The Bedouin Tent & Garden at St Ethelburga's Centre or the scenic elegance of Cambridge Cottage at Kew Gardens you will find a romantic backdrop for your special day.

Modern Wedding Venues

If you envision your wedding day draped in sophistication and elegance, then you might want to book a modern space for your wedding reception, like the Secret Garden at South Place Hotel, a lush hotel venue hidden within the city's hustle and bustle, the Banqueting Hall at Ironmongers' Hall, which combines modern amenities with timeless elegance, the Fifth Floor Rooftop Terrace at Harvey Nichols, or the Restaurant at Balls Brothers Minster Court. Each of these modern venues offers a unique setting in which to celebrate your love story.

Riverside Wedding Venues

Let the scenic banks of the Thames be the canvas for your love story with London's finest riverside wedding venues. Immerse yourself in the panoramic beauty and tranquil vibes of the Top Floor and Rooftop Terrace at Auriol Kensington Rowing Club, the luxury and contemporary flair of Woods Quay at Woods Silver Fleet, and revel in the timeless elegance of The Riverside Rooms. Each venue presents a breathtaking riverside panorama, setting the stage for a ceremony that's as romantic and memorable as the river itself.

Cheap Wedding Venues

If you are planning your dream wedding on a tight budget but still want to get the best without breaking the bank, here are some of London's most affordable venues. The Large Hall (with Kitchen) at St Paul's UR Church offers a spacious and versatile setting with essential amenities. At the same time, Dharma Hall provides a simple yet elegant space for an intimate gathering. The Mem Saab Dining Rooms at Colonel Saab feature authentic Indian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensuring a memorable celebration that's both affordable and exceptional.

Small Wedding Reception Venues

If you want a smaller, more intimate wedding reception, London has venues that combine exclusivity with elegance. The sophisticated Abbott Forum at 21 Portland Place offers a refined setting for your closest friends and family. At the same time, the unique charm of the Exclusive Hire at Arch 463, located in a beautifully converted railway arch, provides a cozy and unforgettable atmosphere for your special day.

Tailoring Your Choice

When choosing among the best wedding reception venues in London, consider the theme, size, and style of your wedding. Whether you dream of a lavish royal-inspired celebration, a chic modern event, or an intimate gathering in a quirky spot, London's diverse venues offer endless possibilities. Remember to book well in advance, as these sought-after locations fill up quickly, and ensure your chosen venue aligns with your vision for the day. With the right setting, your wedding reception will be a cherished memory for you and your guests for years to come.

FAQs about Wedding Reception Venues in London

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

In London, you should expect the prices to fall anywhere between £90 - £175+ per person. But it’s also possible to hire a wedding space on the basis of a minimum spend which will cost anywhere between £1500 to £6000+. If you’d like a shorter reception, a good option would be to look at wedding venues that offer hourly hire fees. These start around £140 and can reach as high as £500+ per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.com.)

Do I need to hire a wedding planner to organise my wedding reception?

No, hiring a wedding planner isn’t mandatory. However, they can be a huge help during the planning process. Not only can they guide you through all the decision-making, but they can also give you advice that will ensure your Big Day is flawless and just as you have always dreamed. Apart from that, these professionals also have a network of connections in the industry, so they can win you some amazing deals with florists, bakers, caterers and other vendors. 

How far in advance should I book a wedding reception venue in London?

Start early. Most couples secure their first-choice option up to one year in advance as it guarantees the best hire price on their preferred date. However, ideally, before starting this we recommend that you also have both your guest list and your budget prepared, so that your search for the ideal wedding space is as hassle-free as possible.

What are the best areas in London for booking affordable wedding reception venues?

In London, affordable wedding reception venues can be found in areas like East London, South London, Outer London, Peckham, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Docklands, and North London, including neighborhoods such as Hackney, Brixton, Clapham, Croydon, Bromley, Richmond, Islington, and Camden. These areas offer a variety of unique and budget-friendly options ranging from repurposed warehouses and galleries to pubs, community halls, rooftop bars, local restaurants, parks, historic houses, and cultural venues. To secure the best deals, consider booking on non-traditional days during off-peak seasons, and explore package deals that might include catering and decorations.