Hamish Shephard is the creator of wedding planning app Bridebook as well as our regular Groom with a View contributor. Here, he details his pick of the top wedding venues in London.
Part of our work at Bridebook is to bring to light all the best places where couples can tie the knot in the UK - whether from the most conventional and traditional to those a little more experimental.
In London, wedding venues come in every shape and size and specialise in making each wedding unique. We've picked our favourite traditional and alternative wedding venues in London below.
Fulham Palace, Fulham
Fulham Palace is filled with elegant rooms that you can pick and choose from for your big day. Plus it also has a private chapel and civil licensed rooms, so everything can happen in one place. A truly romantic setting for your dream wedding.
Nonsuch Mansion, Sutton
Discover the stunning Nonsuch Mansion in Sutton - a Georgian house that can fit up to 200 people inside, including 120 seated. The team here gives undivided attention to each couple, and everything will be tailored according to your preferences.
RSA House, West End
In the heart of London's West End, lies RSA House. This unique venue is perfect for all kinds of celebrations. For a grand ceremony, the Great Room is the best choice, with its opulent character and a beautiful glass ceiling. If you're after something more intimate, the Vaults are made for a candle-lit wedding.
Weddings at QMUL, East London
Weddings at QMUL is one of London's hidden gems. Its main room, the Octagon, provides an entirely different experience than what people are used to, with hundreds of coloured books lining on the shelves. Plus, it also has a spectacular view of the Victorian Clocktower and the Queen's Lawn.
Shoreditch Studios, Shoreditch
For those looking for a creative way to say their vows, Shoreditch Studios is the place to do so. This Warehouse factory is comprised of two large studios connected by a jack arch, that give off a very hipster London vibe. One can feel all of the city buzz in this fun venue.
Dukes Hotel, Mayfair
Charming and sophisticated, Dukes Hotel is one of London's best wedding venues. Everything is set and ready for your big day, starting off with the ceremony in the St James Suite, followed by The Drawing Room for the reception and back to the St James Suite for dinner. A classic and intimate wedding is the speciality at Dukes'.
One Aldwych Hotel, West End
This stunning venue packs one of the best views of London. One Aldwych Hotel is perfect for a London wedding. Its flower arrangements are breathtaking and make for beautiful decoration, plus the menu is exquisite.
One Marylebone, Marylebone
One of the best places to get married in London is One Marylebone. Built in 1826, this city wedding venue has been growing in popularity due to its elegant rooms that frequently host all types of parties. The Soane Hall has expanded to accommodate up to 350 people, making it one of the largest seated venues in London.
Spitalfields Venue, Shoreditch
This historical venue has long been one of London's landmarks. Spitalfields Venue is perfect for a religious wedding, incorporating the church in every step of the ceremony. One can start with the wedding breakfast in the Nave and then go to the Crypt for the first dance.
ZSL London Zoo, Regents Park
The ZSL London Zoo makes for a pretty memorable wedding experience. Couples can choose from two different venues: the Mappin Pavilion or The Prince Albert Suite. It's definitely a fun place to tie the knot, and profits from the wedding will go towards helping endangered species.
Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
This contemporary venue offers a romantic setting in Richmond. Bingham Riverhouse is ideal for every type of ceremony, be it large or intimate. The view of the Thames is fantastic and provides a beautiful backdrop for your wedding album.
Barbican Centre, City of London
The Barbican Centre is a stunning nature-filled venue in the heart of London. Over 1,800 species of plants live in the conservatory, where couples can say their "I dos". After the ceremony, the Garden Room has a fantastic view of the city and can host your wedding breakfast, as well as the post-dinner dancing.
Searcys at The Gherkin, City of London
With a stunning panoramic view, Searcys at The Gherkin is the perfect place for a modern wedding. Guests can dine at the top of the building and enjoy the sunset over the city. In this venue, Alto, Cirrus, Stratus, Cumulus and Nimbus aren't just clouds, but the name of the rooms available for the more intimate gatherings.
Glasshouse on the Lock, Camden
Overlooking Regent's Canal, Glasshouse on the Lock is a stylish venue with a gorgeous view of Camden. The main room can accommodate up to 200 guests for banqueting and 350 for standing, plus the terrace makes for gorgeous photographs.
Battersea Park, Battersea
At Battersea Park, there are three different places to tie the knot. You choose between the picturesque Victorian Bandstand, the flexible Pump House Gallery and the stunning Bowling Green Pavilion. Battersea is a beautiful retreat within the city that feels like it's in the countryside.
Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham
One of the most romantic venues in London is Strawberry Hill House. This gorgeous location offers the opportunity of an indoor ceremony at the Grand Gallery, followed by a reception in the Great Parlour or the lawn. Its surroundings make for memorable photographs.
Grand Junction, Maida Hill
Next to St Mary Magdalene’s Church, stands the Grand Junction. This historic venue has been used for all kinds of indoor and outdoor events, with the space to accommodate 300 people sitting and 400 for receptions. Its versatility and charm make for a great wedding venue in London.
Grace Hall, City of London
Grace Hall is a beautiful London venue. It dates back from the 1920s, and it still keeps all the glamour from that time. Whether it is an intimate or large wedding, this venue is prepared for everything and its staff are always welcoming.
Banking Hall, City of London
Built in the 1930s, Banking Hall is beautifully designed to hold a ceremony. Its architecture will leave guests in awe, and couples swooning. Plus, everything can be arranged according to the couple's taste.
