Wedding Reception Venues in London

How can I find the perfect wedding reception venue in London?

When it comes to wedding venues, London is one of the most popular cities in the world. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

For many, your wedding day is the best day of your life. You may dream of an extravagant, no-expenses-spared wedding, or maybe a smaller more intimate ceremony and reception is more your style. You may be having your ceremony at one venue and hosting your reception at a different venue, or you may choose to have your whole day at the same location. You may even be going for a crazy theme or dress code! Whatever your preferences are, your wedding is a completely personal choice and it’s up to you how the day unfolds.

At Hire Space, we have more wedding reception venues than you can even imagine, so read our tips below, dip into our guide to finding the perfect wedding venue and then jump into our free venue search tool to get the ball rolling!

How much does a wedding reception venue cost in London?

When it comes to cost, wedding venues can vary widely. It's important to set a budget and stick to it - remember, the venue is just one piece of the puzzle. Once you've decided how much you're willing to spend, start looking around at different places and compare prices.

The cost of hiring your wedding reception venue will completely depend a number of factors, including the type of venue you choose, size of the venue, the location, number of guests, and also the time of year you choose to get married. On average in London, wedding venue hire is around £4,000 - £5,000, but venues often base their prices on bespoke packages, or a price per head. Other venues just charge for the venue hire, so you’ll need to factor ​in things like catering, decorations, and entertainment.

There are a number of ways to save money on your wedding venue, including hiring a smaller space or booking early. For more information on costing and how you can get the best deals for your big day, let Hire Space lead the way.

How far in advance should I book my wedding reception venue?

The average lead time for booking a wedding reception venue in London is 9-12 months, however, many couples start their search much earlier than this, as the best venues are often booked up well in advance. It's never too early to start! If you're set on a particular venue, it's always best to enquire as soon as possible. Some venues may even require a booking fee to secure your date. Make sure to always keep in mind the type of wedding you're planning, as well as your budget and desired location, as you don’t want to get locked in to a contract only to change your mind closer to the date. Although it’s a good idea to start early, take your time and don’t rush into any big choices straight away.

For more tips on planning your wedding and locking in the perfect backdrop, check out our top tips.

What are some of the best wedding reception venues in London?

Your wedding venue is one of the most important aspects of your big day - it sets the tone and atmosphere for the whole event. You want to choose a place that is special to you, and that will make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. There are lots of different types of venues you can choose from, depending on the size and style of your wedding. If you're having a large formal affair, you might want to consider hiring a ballroom such as The Bloomsbury Ballroom. For a more intimate gathering, you could look into renting a country house such as Amber Lakes. And if you're coming from abroad and planning a destination wedding in London, there are plenty of quintessentially British options available in the capital, from stately homes like Queen’s House to luxury townhouses like No.4 Hamilton Place or 10-11 Carlton House Terrace.

Other fantastic venues to consider in London include:

Outdoor wedding venues

London is packed full of absolutely breathtaking outdoor venues for weddings. For an inner city option, try Trafalgar St James, Lord’s Cricket Ground or the stunning gardens at Royal Overseas League. Or, for a more rural feel, we love Fulham Palace or the Hurlingham Club.

Traditional wedding venues

Many couples choose to go down the traditional route for their wedding receptions, so if that’s you, why not check out the atmospheric Southwark Cathedral, Clothworkers’ Hall or Plaisterers’ Hall for a simple, beautiful day.

Unusual wedding venues

If you like to do things a little differently, you may prefer a more unique venue rather than the traditional for your nuptials. We love venues such as The Gherkin, The Pickle Factory or Asylum for weddings that will really stand out, but you can also browse our selection of venues with wedding licences to really push the boat out. Speaking of boats, for a real wow-factor, why not take to the high seas and host your wedding reception on a boat like Bateaux or the world-famous Cutty Sark?!

Hybrid-ready wedding venues

If you have guests who may not be able to travel, why not live-stream the whole event so they don’t miss any of the fun?! Hybrid-ready venues like 41 Portland Place, RSA House or The Royal Horseguards Hotel are ideal backdrops for allowing all your guests to experience the special day, with their excellent in-house AV capabilities.

Affordable wedding venues

Weddings don’t come cheap, so if you’re looking for something more on the affordable side, we’ve got you covered! The Barbican or the Institute of Contemporary Arts are both great inner-city options that are stylish yet affordable.

Check out 9 of our most dreamy London wedding venues for some more inspiration!

Top tips when looking for a wedding reception venue in London

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important things to consider is finding the perfect venue for your reception. If you're getting married in London, there are endless options to choose from - but with so many great places to pick from, it can be tricky to know where to start.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for wedding reception venues in London:

• First and foremost, you'll need to decide on the type and style of reception you want. Whether you're looking for a traditional sit-down dinner or something more informal, make sure you have a good idea of what you want before starting your search.

• Once you know the type of reception you're after, start thinking about budget. Wedding receptions can be expensive, so it's important to have a clear idea of how much you're willing to spend before contacting any venues. Also try and get a good idea of how many guests you’re likely to have, as this will dramatically impact every aspect of the planning process.

• Location is also key when choosing a reception venue. If you want your guests to be able to enjoy London's sights and sounds, pick a venue that's centrally located. However, if you're looking for something a little more private, there are plenty of great options on the outskirts of the city too. Also consider if you have guests flying in, as this may affect where you choose to hold your reception.

• The date of your wedding is a key detail to lock in early. The date and time of year of the wedding will affect how much availability there is, so we recommend finding a few dates that could work and trying to be as flexible as possible.

• Next, you’ll need to book in all the other extras, such as caterers, photographer, and a florist. Also consider whether you want your wedding to have a particular theme, and if you want to allow pets and children to be present.

• And finally, don't forget to consider things like capacity and accessibility when picking a venue. Make sure the venue you choose can comfortably accommodate all your guests, and that it's easily accessible for everyone - especially if you have elderly or disabled guests attending.

By keeping these things in mind, you're sure to find the perfect wedding reception venue for your big day. For more guidance, reach out to one of our team and we’ll be happy to help.