The only branch of Wetherspoon’s to host weddings will close on March 18, putting an end to the pub group’s affordable ceremonies in the capital.
For years, weddings have been held at the Knights Templar on Chancery Lane, with the venue licensed to host ceremonies with a registrar before catered receptions.
A spokeswoman for Wetherspoon’s told the Standard that the venue proved popular with couples and was often booked up at weekends, but nevertheless would shut.
The most affordable package, including a three-course meal or buffet for 100 guests, three bottles of house wine per table, a wedding planner, flowers, table decorations, and a live DJ, cost just £5,000. The average cost of a wedding in the UK today is estimated at around £28,000.
Were couples to get married on a Saturday, the pub would remain open until 1am the following day, and 200 additional guests would be allowed to attend in the evening after the ceremony and food.
The Knights Templar, one of the most attractive Wetherspoon’s in the capital, occupies a former banking hall that dates back to the 12th century. The building is split across two floors, with a grand balcony on a mezzanine overlooking the floor below.
A TripAdvisor review said the pub was “not the most obvious wedding venue” but went on to say “it worked really well.”
It read: “The couple had rented the whole venue for the day. The ceremony was on a balcony overlooking the rest of the pub. The food for the wedding breakfast was typical Wetherspoon’s, but it was plentiful and wholesome. The party after in this large pub was superb. A great day and night.”
The pub spokeswoman said the pub will close on March 18. The chain still has almost 1,000 sites across the country, though will be closing around 40 this year.
No other branch of Wetherspoon’s is licensed to hold wedding ceremonies, though others are available for receptions and parties.
