There are so many (awesome) wedding venues in London that settling on just one can be a struggle. However, amongst the capital’s endless venue options, there are a few attractions that you probably don’t even realise are venue options for your big day. Here are 10 of our favourite unique wedding venues in London town.
1. Kings Cross St Pancras International
While a station might not sound like a terribly romantic spot for a wedding reception venue, the awe inspiring glass architecture of St Pancras International is sure to change your mind, with ceremonies taking place on their Grand Terrace.
Guests can celebrate your big day by an opulent champagne fountain at the 1920’s style art deco restaurant while the newlyweds are whisked away to the South of France or Belgium for a romantic honeymoon in their private carriage aboard the Eurostar.
2. Middle Temple
Dating back to the early 1600’s, this historic wedding venue sits in the very heart of Temple, Central London. Couples have the option of getting married in the Parliament Chamber which can hold 75 guests, the more intimate Queen’s room, which holds around 50, or setting up a marquee for nearly 700 people on the landscaped gardens overlooking the Thames.
Ceremonies can take place throughout the week and at weekends, and the grand country house drawing room (The Prince’s Room) is ideal for that wedding snap.
3. The Royal Opera House
Home to word-class ballet and opera for more than 250 years, the Royal Opera House is an exclusive wedding venue – hosting just two weddings every year. The magnificent glass Paul Hamlyn Hall on Bow Street is an iconic building that can be adapted to suit any couple with grand plans.
“Unlike many venues, which have round the clock availability, our weddings are truly unique,” says Dean Drury of the Royal Opera House, “only on a Sunday when there are no scheduled performances could you hang 18,000 flowers from the ceiling of the Paul Hamlyn Hall!”
4. The Gherkin
At nearly 600 foot tall, this iconic skyscraper on the London skyline was designed by Lord Foster, and is also a little known wedding venue. The glass dome at the very top is available for hire and offers 360 degree views over the city.
5. The Queen’s House and Royal Observatory at Greenwich
If you’re feeling particularly regal, why not get married in a former royal residence, the Queen’s House? Originally built in the 17th century for Queen Anne, it was known to host decedent parties during her reign and was dubbed the ‘House of Delight’
You too can celebrate in the amber southern light of a setting sun in the Orangery and on the south lawns, take your wedding photos under the Royal Observatory where Time begins, and even enjoy your first breakfast as husband and wife in the marbled Great Hall.
6. The OXO Tower
On level two of the tower, OXO 2 is right on the bank of the river Thames and offers north facing panoramic views in a stylish event space which can be adapted for whatever wedding needs you might have.
As the sun goes down, you’ll also be able to enjoy the bright lights of the capital and dance the night away in the contemporary reception space which promises to be a spectacular end to your big day.
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7. HMS President
Moored on the banks of the river at the Victoria Embankment, HMS President offers wedding ceremonies and receptions in the very heart of the City of London, surrounded my famous landmarks and the Thames herself.
Far-flung from its days of service, the deck of the ship has been transformed for vibrant wedding celebrations, fine dining, and spectacular views, especially at night.
8. Hampton Court
The second royal venue in our list is the former palace of legendary tyrant Henry VII; with six marriages under his belt, why not try a venue with some experience in the weddings department?
The Bride and Groom can choose to get married in the Great Hall where the king used to banquet, the Garden room which features a private terrace, or the King’s Guard Chamber, where your nuptials will take place in amongst nearly 3000 muskets, swords, and bayonets.
http://www.gabrieli.com/event/hampton-court/
9. The Saatchi Gallery
This Sloan Square-based venue offers unrivalled flexibility due to its naturally blank nature, simple design, and modern high ceiling which promise to offer a world of possibilities for a creative wedding planner.
The Gallery stands at more than 70,000 square feet and every room is available to hire, meaning an art-loving couple can request which painting or art instillation they get married next to.
http://www.saatchigallery.com/events/venue_hire.htm
10. The V&A Museum
The magnificent galleries and breath-taking John Madejski Garden come together and from a truly awe-inspiring wedding venue, in one of London’s best loved museums, the Victoria and Albert.
The building don’t just play host to an exhibition of royal wedding gowns, it can also be the backdrop of your own wedding nuptials and reception, for a bride and groom looking for a unique slice of history to be part of.
Image: Edward Hill Photography http://www.uniquevenuesoflondon.co.uk/venue/victoria-and-albert-museum
Photographer pushes brides stepmum out of the way to capture couples first kiss as married couple