An Insider’s Guide to London’s Most Extravagant Wedding Venues
London is a venue finder’s playground, where century-old buildings rub shoulders with futuristic skyscrapers to create a characterful mix of the old and new. The city’s venue variety is off the charts and that’s why our team at VenueCrew are borderline obsessed with exploring every extravagant wedding venue in London to share their unique stories. From palaces fit for a queen to botanical gardens teeming with wildlife, we’ve selected London’s best wedding venues that are destined to host the most unforgettable weddings. Scroll on to discover our venue showstoppers that will spark your imagination and create endless ideas for your ultimate London wedding.
1. Kimpton Fitzroy London
An architectural masterpiece in Bloomsbury
Surrounded by London’s inspiring literary neighbourhood of Bloomsbury, The Kimpton Fitzroy London hotel is a celebration of the area’s cultural heritage, layered with the latest 21st Century enhancements. The Kimpton is a luxury-minded couple’s dream come true, complete with lavish marble interiors, 5-star bedrooms and a breathtaking restored ballroom. The extravagant wedding venue’s recent £85 million refurbishments have created an astonishing new look that strikes that winning combination between traditional elegance and contemporary luxury.
Venue Highlights:
- The Ballroom at The Kimpton Fitzroy London is a modern-day fairy tale. Restored to its former glory, the space features a soaring double-height ceiling, gold leaf details and walls of antique mirrors. Its private street entrance also adds an extra dose of exclusivity.
- Palm Court is a mesmerising drinks reception area that sets the scene for a very special occasion. Its frosted glass roof gives the space a conservatory feel, along with the cosy clusters of lounge seating and the open-air courtyards located at each end of the room.
- Across the road, Russell Square Gardens is an inviting slice of green in the centre of London. Amongst the quintessential London street scenes, the gardens provide a peaceful natural environment for gorgeous wedding photos with friends and family.
2. Chiswick House
Your very own Palladian Villa
Fancy strolling into what feels like a period drama movie set, except it’s the real deal? Introducing Chiswick House, a leafy palladian paradise on the outskirts of West London. This extravagant wedding venue features an enchanting 18th-century manor, which is available for exclusive hire. You’ll also get access to a spectacular glass conservatory and a vast marquee that’s constructed in the summer months.
Venue Highlights:
- The Domed Saloon is an impressive ceremony scene surrounded by stately gallery rooms dotted with historic treasures. Even without decorative embellishments, the villa is wedding-ready as it stands. From the balcony, you can grab that perfect group shot.
- The manicured Italian Rose Gardens look and smell divine all year round. There are 65 acres of lush grounds dotted with romantic statues, temples and storybook bridges. We’d suggest taking a tour on the buggy with your photographer to capture the best bits.
- The Burlington Pavillion is a semi-permanent marquee built at Chiswick House every summer. The neutral colour scheme is perfect for bold colour contrasts or classical creamy hues and its huge size is ideal for cultural celebrations and Asian weddings.
3. Queen’s House Greenwich
A former royal residence for your fairytale
How about a timeless London palace with a pearly face and perfect lines of symmetry? Queen’s House in Greenwich is a wedding photographer’s dream. Designed by the renowned architect, Inigo Jones, the former royal residence is a historical jewel that has stood the test of time. Featuring a striking geometric ballroom, a spiral staircase and pristine parkland for as far as the eye can see, Queen’s House is the ‘English Rose’ of London’s extravagant wedding venue scene.
Venue Highlights:
- The Great Hall is a 40-metre cube-shaped celebration space with monochrome tiled floors and a spectacular gold leaf painted ceilings by Turner Prize-winning artist Richard Wright Rubens. The upper gallery is great for bird’s eye view photos of your reception.
- The Tulip Stairs are a rare sight to behold. The winding steps of white and blue create an eye-catching photo moment as the couple pose against the bannisters. This original feature of the house is the first geometric self-supporting spiral staircase in the UK!
- The sprawling Greenwich Park is on Queen’s House’s doorstep. Acres of greenery stretches from the manor house to the Thames, providing countless photo opportunities and chances to host outdoor drinks receptions around the majestic colonnades.
4. Kew Gardens
An extraordinary wildlife sanctuary
London’s most beloved botanical garden is a one-of-a-kind venue for wedding celebrations. Set on 300 acres of protected land and world-class plant exhibits, Kew Gardens is an exotic escape in the suburbs of South West London. Your guests will enjoy exclusive access to the heritage-listed gardens even after the park’s closing time and you can hire multiple sites to keep up their sense of wonder as they travel from one to the next in the Kew Explorer Land Train.
Venue Highlights:
- Your venue booking funds the Kew Gardens charity, meaning that every penny is rolled back into the vital research that takes place here. With over 50,000 plants on-site, your wedding is a sustainable investment into our understanding of the botanical world.
- The Temperate House is the oldest Victorian glasshouse in the world. It’s a magical emporium of exotic plants, palms and wrought iron staircases that lead up to a viewing gallery. Hosting a banquet between the flower exhibits is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
- The Nash Conservatory is an airy light-filled conservatory that has a touch of regal history. It was originally built in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and was moved brick-by-brick to Kew Gardens by King William IV in 1836! It’s a royal work of art.
5. L’oscar London
A touch of theatrical romance
Looking for a glamorous boudoir with quirky decor and dramatic event spaces that set the stage for an evening of indulgence? Look no further than L’oscar London, a captivating hidden gem that knows how to throw a party to remember. The boutique hotel wedding venue is the reformed HeadQuarters of the Baptist Church and many of its baroque details still feature in the theatreland-inspired interior design. There is no other extravagant wedding venue like it in London.
Venue Highlights:
- The Baptist is the epitome of opulence. Its masterful design captures the essence of the original chapel layout with its soaring domed roof and octagonal layout. The split-level space also allows you to create different dining and dance zones at your reception.
- The Library and Committee Rooms are equally unique in their design, featuring flamboyant Venetian masks, velvet furnishings and vivacious wall colours of turquoise and gold. Your guests will also love the unusual ornaments speckled throughout the hotel, including the 495 Lalique style birds that are used as light fittings.
- L’oscar offers 39 boutique bedrooms and it is even possible to hire the entire hotel exclusively for your wedding weekend. Each suite is individually designed, featuring antique church furniture, marble bathrooms and sumptuous Icelandic Eiderdown duvets.
6. The Ned
A vintage bank for a flattering formal occasion
Stylish urbanites gravitate towards this Soho House-owned venue in central London. Known for its chic Art Deco features and private member’s club atmosphere, The Ned is the zeitgeist of current interior trends. Imagine parquet floors, glittering chandeliers and glamorous velvet furnishings, The Ned has revamped an old banking hall and mixed it with contemporary elements to make it one of the most photographed wedding venues in London.
Venue Highlights:
- The Tapestry Room and The Saloon are the key wedding spaces on the 6th floor. They are rich in detail, including a restored wraparound tapestry above the heritage walnut panelling. The more intimate Saloon was the former Bank Director’s Office.
- The hotel features a gym, spa, sauna and rooftop pool overlooking the London skyline, as well as a speakeasy-style barbershop and a nail bar. Why not treat your bridal party to some beauty treatments to make them feel camera-ready on your big day.
- There is an open-air terrace to use for alfresco drinks receptions. Couples love this unique vantage point over the City of London, where the panoramic scene brings iconic skyscrapers like The Shard, the Walkie Talkie building and St Paul’s Cathedral into view.
7. The Gherkin
Sky-high weddings in the city
Rise above the rest and host a ceremony and reception at The Gherkin skyscraper, looking out over London’s incredible landscape. By day, the glass ovoid-shaped venue fills with natural daylight and after dusk, the city lights sparkle and create a romantic atmosphere. Whatever time of day you choose, The Gherkin provides an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. The Gherkin has also partnered with Searcy’s caterers, who are renowned for their delicious tailored menus. They can help you plan and present the most magical day of your life.
Venue Highlights:
- The Gherkin is one of London’s most famous contemporary landmarks with one of the highest licensed wedding spaces in the UK. Sitting at an impressive 180 metres, your ceremony will raise the bar with its bird’s eye 360-degree views of the City of London.
- More intimate weddings can take place in the private dining rooms on the 38th floor of this London icon. Not only do these function rooms have a lower minimum spend, but they get the same dazzling views through their floor to ceiling glass windows.
- What many don’t realise is that The Gherkin has an award-winning eco-friendly design. The stripe pattern on the building’s exterior is an energy-saving system which allows air to flow up through the vents. It’s a revolutionary way to keep emissions low.
8. Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch
A hotel venue full of hidden secrets
Are you on the hunt for an extravagant wedding venue with a difference? Based in East London, The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch has a long history of jailhouse mysteries mixed with a series of stylish modern enhancements. What was once the Old Street Magistrate’s Court and Police Station where infamous criminals were held, the Grade II listed building is now a luxury hotel with all the facilities you’d hope for including an eclectic rooftop, cinema and a bowling alley.
Venue Highlights:
- The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch has a surprise on the roof: a vast open-air decking with amazing views over East London. With a bbq and casual lounge seating at your disposal, you can create a relaxed social atmosphere for a standing reception.
- There are lots of extras at the courthouse that you don’t often find at hotel wedding venues, including a 196-seat cinema and a bowling alley! These fun interactive elements will make your day stand out or could be used as ideal break out areas.
- The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch has lots of quirky elements including the Jailhouse Bar where the original holding cells are still intact. The experienced barmen can conjure up an exciting range of bespoke cocktails for your guests to enjoy in this unique setting.
9. Claridge’s
Unforgettable luxury at its finest
Does this quintessential London icon need further introduction? Claridge’s in Mayfair has become a household name with a star-studded legacy of famous visitors, from royal family members enjoying afternoon tea to movie star actresses regularly holding high society banquets. Since its opening in 1856, the dedicated staff have made the hotel synonymous with the meaning of luxury. You are always guaranteed to have a flawless wedding day at Claridge’s.
Venue Highlights:
- Known for hosting Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding reception and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s ruby wedding party, Claridge’s Ballroom is the epitome of royal splendour. It’s currently under restoration, due to reopen soon.
- Make your first dance one to remember with Claridge’s resident choreographer. Whether you’d like to perfect a vivacious tango or an elegant ballroom waltz, Marius Caluser’s private classes will guide you through each step to create a confident routine.
- If you book the Ballroom or French Salon and Drawing Room for your wedding celebrations, you and your partner can enjoy a complimentary hotel stay. The rooms are known to be some of the finest in London with luxury bedding and amenities.
10. Hurlingham Club
Georgian country club with acres of landscaped lawns
Have you ever thought of hosting a private members’ club wedding? Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it. The Hurlingham Club is one of the oldest in the country, plus, you don’t even have to be a member to marry at its exclusive oasis in the heart of Fulham. Set in 42 acres of blooming gardens and bowling greens, there are two picturesque function spaces with floor to ceiling windows. Bursting with natural light and panoramic views, it’s often love at first sight for couples wanting a slice of the country within the boundaries of London.
Venue Highlights:
- The grounds at the Hurlingham Club are a beautiful asset to the venue, filled with seasonal flower beds, croquet pitches, a secret sunken garden and a jetty out onto the Thames. It’s even possible to make a grand wedding entrance by boat or helicopter.
- Palm Court has a real wow factor. The domed glass atrium soars overhead, pouring natural light into the event suite all year round. The long rectangular space lends itself to a dramatic wedding aisle, with the marble flooring and tropical palms lining the way.
- The Terrace Room is a romantic alternative for smaller weddings. Its quaint wrought iron pillars and wall trellises make it feel like a picturesque orangery. The French doors open up directly onto the lawns where you can set up garden games for your reception.
11. The Landmark London
A Grand Dame of wedding splendour
The Landmark London’s colossal atrium blows us away every time we visit, with its lofty palm trees, soaring glass ceiling and warm romantic ambience in the Winter Garden Restaurant. The hotel has a variety of ballroom wedding spaces at each corner of the building, each with plenty of natural light and traditional decor. Another bonus is its fantastic location next to Marylebone Station so your guests won’t need to worry about leaving lots of time to catch the train! It’s an all-in-one wedding destination where you can dine, dance and stay the whole weekend.
Venue Highlights:
- The Landmark London is very close to Regents Park for prime outdoor photo opportunities. Photographers love working at this venue for its range of photo backdrops inside the hotel and in front of the classical London architecture in every direction.
- The largest ballroom has adaptable walls so you can change the size of the space to suit your guest capacity. This suite is perfect for large Asian weddings and the dedicated coordinator can recommend a list of Asian caterers who know the space inside out.
- The show-stopping Winter Garden Restaurant isn’t available for exclusive hire but the Garden Terrace to the rear of the atrium is suitable for receptions. A live musician on the grand piano can set the scene, beneath the antique wrought iron canopy.
12. Mandarin Oriental
Royal receptions like no other
Sitting on the fringe of one of London’s most famous royal parks, the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge is a beautiful 5-star hotel wedding venue that has recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Expect nothing but pure luxury at this coveted London address that’s known to have held the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement party. The all-encompassing wedding packages also include a license to take photos in Hyde Park.
Venue Highlights:
- The garden terrace adjacent to the Mandarin Oriental’s primary ballroom is a beautiful green oasis that runs alongside the hotel. Its private gate only allows the Royal family and wedding couples to pass-through. It’s a special tradition that still stands today!
- The Ballroom is naturally illuminated and decorated in regal hues of duck egg blue and white. There’s something so timeless about this opulent space and it is known to be the location where the Queen first learnt to ballroom dance. It’s steeped in royal history.
- The hotel is also home to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a double Michelin starred restaurant that recounts the extraordinary flavours of Britain’s gastronomic history. In signature Mandarin Oriental style, your wedding day menu will be one to remember.
13. The Langham, London
Grade II listed grandeur and unparalleled service
At the cross-section between Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street, you’ll find a magnificent hotel, infused with classical London charm. The Langham London is known for its signature 5-star service, Michelin cuisine and extraordinary ballroom wedding venue, adorned with Grade II listed heritage features. The Langham has partnered with the very best suppliers in the British event industry to ensure that your special day is as seamless as can be. Rest assured, your wedding will be the next A-lister event that everyone will want an invite to.
Venue Highlights:
- The Ballroom at The Langham is the epitome of elegance. Bedecked with striking Murano glass chandeliers and neoclassical pillars, it’s a magical scene for a grand wedding ceremony or reception. A stage and dance floor is also included in the hire.
- The Courtyard adjacent to the ballroom is a rare jewel in central London. The large sun-soaked terrace features trailing flower canopies, fresh foliage and quaint garden furniture for guests to enjoy. It’s a secret outdoor haven for balmy summer evenings.
- The Langham will serve mouthwatering French and English fusion cuisine on your wedding day, overseen by the celebrity chef Michel Roux Junior. The catering team also works closely with expert Kosher and Asian chefs to provide bespoke menus if required.