10 Alternative London Wedding Venues
Planning a London wedding? Whether you want incredible skyline views, contemporary industrial coolness, the boho dream or members club opulence, you can find amazing alternative and unusual wedding locations in the city.
As a humanist celebrant, I love a London wedding! After living in London for nearly two decades, even though I’m originally from up north, East London feels like home. I’ve attended a LOT of London ceremonies, both as a guest and celebrant, right across the spectrum – from pub back rooms to stately homes. Below, I’ve compiled some of my absolute favourite off the beaten track London wedding venues, for couples who want something a little different.
Wiltons Music Hall
This London institution is next level. A theatre venue that still hosts music and live performances, it’s the oldest Grand Music Hall in the world. It was recently named 5th most iconic building by Time Out as well as Best Historic Wedding Venue. The old grandeur of the interior is stunning and the overall atmosphere is perfect for a ceremony.
What couples will love: this venue speaks for itself. You don’t need a lot in the way of dressing – the place is spectacular enough to stand on its own.
Credit– Ciara Yoran
Credit – Chris Barber
2. The Ned
Venues don’t come much classier than the Ned. A nod to 1920’s glamour and grandeur, it’s set in a former bank and has an old-world gentleman’s club feel. Not to mention it’s sheer size - 250 rooms, 9 restaurants and a spa. There are a range of rooms to get married in on the stunning 6th floor of this Grade I listed building. Your guests can enjoy post wedding canapes and bubbles on one of the terraces with views right across the City.
Capacity – 50-200
Photo credit – Simon Brown
3. Trinity Buoy Wharf
London wedding backdrops don’t come much better than this. Grade II listed with triple height ceilings and industrial exposed brickwork, Trinity Buoy Wharf is an eclectic, quirky site on the Thames. With contemporary container buildings and all kinds of sculpture and art installations that will wow your guests, there are different venue spaces to suit all budgets and wedding sizes.
What couples will love: your guests can arrive in style down the Thames by BOAT!
Capacity: 70- 600
Photo credit – Trinity Buoy Wharf
4. Asylum Peckham
This Grade-II listed chapel is stunning. Its faded grandeur galore, with tall Georgian ceilings and romantic lighting creates a truly intimate and unique setting.
The original stained-glass windows compliment the crumbling stonework. What could be more romantic that getting married by candlelight?
What couples will love: guaranteed to be a showstopper for pictures
Capacity: 120
5. Shoreditch Studios
Quintessentially East London, Shoreditch Studios is an amazing industrial warehouse venue set in dramatic vaulted railway arches. With two interconnected arches, it has tonnes of space to scale your do up or down accordingly. There’s also a big outdoor courtyard space with amazing city views.
What couples will love: dry hire all the way! For both bar and catering
Capacity: 80-170
6. Fitzrovia Chapel
Yes, it may well be a chapel, but this secular venue is one of the most stunning spots for a wedding. The Grade II listed building is so graceful and unique with oodles of gothic charm, while also being smack bang in the middle of the city of London.
Capacity: 80
7. Pembroke Lodge
This stunning Grade II listed Georgian Mansion stands in 11 acres of landscaped gardens right in the middle of the biggest Royal Park in London, at the very highest point. The gardens are so picturesque, the perfect backdrop for photos, while guests enjoy bubbly on the stunning terraces facing into Richmond Park.
What guests will love: 10p from every £1 spent goes to the upkeep of the local wildlife grounds and parks.
Capacity: 140-200
8. Ironmongers Hall
This 700-year-old venue is inspired by Tudor architecture. It’s got glorious stain-glass windows, chandeliers, oak-panelled walls, and impossibly high ceilings in perfect contrast to the exterior, a secluded courtyard with fountains and dramatic trailing plants. Next to Barbican underground station.
Capacity: the banqueting hall seats up to 220
9. Barbican Centre, Barbican
London locations don’t get more iconic than the magnificent Barbican Conservatory. Filled to the rafters with lush tropical plants (1800 species no less!) and dramatic glass high ceilings spanning 360 views of the city’s skyline.
What guests will love: there’s a special secluded couples’ area for post ceremony photos.
Capacity: 220 guests
10. Dead Dolls House, Islington
OK so I promise, this isn’t as creepy as it sounds!! This Victorian building is more elegant than scary, spanning three stories of quirky styling and contemporary furniture.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests, so perfect for a BIG wedding!
There are SO many incredible alternative wedding venues in London, I could go on all day. But these are a few of my absolute favourites. What’s your top pick of original, off-the-beaten-track London wedding venues?