About Outdoor Weddings

### Why London's Outdoor Wedding Venues Are Perfect for Your 100-Guest Celebration There's something utterly magical about saying "I do" under London's open sky, and when you're planning for 100 guests, the capital offers some genuinely spectacular options that'll have your guests talking for years to come. What makes London particularly brilliant for outdoor weddings of this size is the sheer variety on offer. You've got everything from the manicured elegance of Kew Gardens' Nash Conservatory (which perfectly accommodates 100 guests in its 320m² space) to hidden garden gems tucked away in unexpected corners of the city. The beauty is that 100 guests hits that sweet spot – intimate enough to feel personal, yet substantial enough to create a proper celebration atmosphere. #### The London Advantage: Why Outdoor Venues Here Just Work London's outdoor wedding venues offer something you simply can't get elsewhere – that perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Take Hampton Court Palace's gardens, for instance, where you're literally exchanging vows in the shadow of Tudor history. Or consider the contemporary elegance of venues like the Horniman Museum's gardens in Forest Hill, where your 100 guests can enjoy panoramic views across London whilst celebrating your big day. The practical benefits are equally compelling. Most established outdoor venues in London come with proper infrastructure – we're talking reliable power supply (minimum 63 amps), professional catering facilities, and crucially, weather contingency plans. You're not just hiring a patch of grass; you're getting a complete wedding ecosystem. From a budget perspective, outdoor venues often provide better value than their indoor counterparts. Whilst you might pay £5,000-£10,000 for venue hire, you're getting flexibility that indoor spaces simply can't match. Your 100 guests can flow naturally between ceremony and reception areas, and you've got the freedom to create distinct zones – perhaps a cocktail area by the rose garden and dining under a beautiful marquee. The transport links are another massive advantage. Unlike rural venues that leave half your guests stranded, London's outdoor spaces are typically well-connected. Whether it's the easy Tube access to venues near Regent's Park or the excellent rail links to places like Chiswick House, your guests won't need to worry about complicated logistics. What really sets London apart is the photography opportunities. Your wedding album will be filled with shots that capture both intimate moments and the grandeur of the city backdrop – something that's particularly stunning when you've got 100 people creating natural, candid scenes throughout the day. Ready to explore what London's outdoor venues can offer? Let's dive into the essential planning steps that'll ensure your celebration runs seamlessly, whatever the British weather throws at you. ### Essential Planning Steps for Outdoor Weddings in London: Weather, Permits, and Logistics Right, let's get into the nitty-gritty of making your outdoor wedding actually happen – because whilst the romance of an al fresco celebration is wonderful, the practicalities need sorting well in advance. The weather conversation has to come first, doesn't it? We've all been to those outdoor events where everyone's shivering in their finery or desperately seeking shade. For 100 guests, you absolutely need a comprehensive weather plan. Most successful outdoor weddings we've seen have a 70/30 split approach – 70% of your planning assumes good weather, but that crucial 30% covers all contingencies. This means booking marquees that can accommodate your full guest count (you'll need roughly 300-500m² for comfortable dining and dancing), plus ensuring your chosen venue has indoor backup options. #### Navigating London's Licensing Landscape Here's where many couples get unstuck – the paperwork. For outdoor weddings in London, you'll typically need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) if you're planning anything beyond a basic ceremony. This costs around £21 and must be submitted at least 10 working days before your event, though we'd recommend doing it at least a month ahead to avoid any last-minute panics. The licensing requirements vary dramatically depending on your chosen location. Royal Parks, for instance, have their own specific application processes and can take up to 12 weeks to approve. Private gardens and estates usually handle this for you, but always double-check what's included in your venue package. #### The 12-Month Planning Timeline That Actually Works Start your venue search 12-15 months ahead – London's best outdoor spaces get booked up quickly, especially for Saturday weddings between May and September. By month 10, you should have your weather contingency plans locked down, including marquee hire (budget £2,000-£4,000 for a quality setup for 100 guests). The logistics piece that catches most people out? Power and facilities. Outdoor venues need serious electrical infrastructure – we're talking minimum 63 amps for catering, lighting, and entertainment. Many couples underestimate this, then face eye-watering last-minute generator hire costs. For inspiration on creating memorable outdoor celebrations, check out our guide to [6 Wedding Venues with Summery Outdoor Spaces](https://hirespace.com/blog/6-wedding-venues-outdoor-spaces/), which showcases some brilliant examples of how other couples have tackled these logistical challenges. Your next step? Let's talk money – because understanding the true costs upfront will help you make smarter decisions about where to splurge and where to save. ### Understanding the True Costs of Outdoor Wedding Venues in London for 100 Guests Let's be brutally honest about wedding costs – because there's nothing worse than falling in love with a venue only to discover the hidden extras that blow your budget to smithereens. For outdoor wedding venues in London accommodating 100 guests, you're looking at a starting point of £5,000-£10,000 just for the venue hire. But here's the thing – that's often just the beginning. The real costs come from everything that indoor venues typically include as standard. #### The Hidden Costs That Catch Couples Out The marquee alone will set you back £2,000-£4,000 for a quality setup that'll comfortably house your 100 guests. You'll need roughly 300-500m² of covered space – that's ceremony area, dining space, and a proper dance floor. Don't be tempted to go smaller; we've seen too many weddings where guests are literally elbow-to-elbow during dinner. Power infrastructure is another biggie. Most outdoor venues require generator hire (£300-£800 per day), plus professional electrical setup for catering equipment, lighting, and entertainment. Factor in portable toilet facilities – and please, invest in the luxury options for your guests' sake – that's another £400-£800. Weather contingency planning isn't optional in London. Even if you're planning a July wedding, you'll need heating options (£200-£500) and potentially cooling systems for those rare scorching days. The total "weather insurance" typically adds 15-20% to your overall venue costs. #### Where Smart Couples Save (And Splurge) Here's where experience pays off: negotiate package deals. Many outdoor venues offer all-inclusive packages that work out significantly cheaper than piecing everything together separately. We've seen couples save £2,000-£3,000 by booking comprehensive packages rather than individual suppliers. The timing game is crucial too. Friday weddings can save you 20-30% on venue costs, whilst Sunday celebrations often come with even better discounts. Off-season bookings (October-March) can slash costs by up to 40%, though you'll need robust weather contingencies. | **Cost Category** | **Budget Range** | **Premium Range** | |-------------------|------------------|-------------------| | Venue Hire | £5,000-£8,000 | £10,000-£15,000+ | | Marquee & Setup | £2,000-£3,000 | £4,000-£6,000 | | Power & Facilities | £800-£1,200 | £1,500-£2,500 | | Weather Contingency | £500-£1,000 | £1,200-£2,000 | For more insights on maximising your wedding budget, our [Ultimate Guide to Finding The Perfect Wedding Venue in London](https://hirespace.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-the-perfect-wedding-venue-in-london/) breaks down exactly where to invest your money for maximum impact. Ready to explore which London locations offer the best value for your vision? Let's dive into the geography of outdoor wedding venues. ### Choosing the Right London Location: From Royal Parks to Hidden Garden Gems ### Choosing the Right London Location: From Royal Parks to Hidden Garden Gems Location truly makes or breaks an outdoor wedding, and with 100 guests, you've got the perfect number to take advantage of London's most spectacular settings without overwhelming intimate spaces or getting lost in massive venues. The beauty of planning for exactly 100 guests is that you unlock access to some genuinely exclusive locations that smaller groups can't justify and larger parties simply can't accommodate. Take Kew Gardens' Nash Conservatory – at 320m², it's absolutely perfect for your guest count, offering that magical blend of indoor elegance with outdoor garden access that makes for stunning photography and natural guest flow. #### The Royal Parks: Prestige Meets Practicality Let's start with the obvious showstoppers. Hampton Court Palace gardens offer unparalleled grandeur, but here's the insider tip – book at least 15 months ahead and budget £12,000-£18,000 for the full experience. The licensing process takes 12-16 weeks, so factor that into your timeline. What you're getting for that investment is genuinely world-class: manicured gardens, professional catering facilities, and backup indoor spaces that most couples never even see. Regent's Park presents a more accessible royal option. The Inner Circle venues accommodate 100 guests beautifully, with excellent transport links (three Tube stations within walking distance) and established supplier networks. Costs typically run £8,000-£12,000, but the photography opportunities alone justify the investment. #### Hidden Gems That Deliver Maximum Impact Here's where local knowledge pays dividends. The Horniman Museum gardens in Forest Hill offer panoramic London views that rival any central venue, but at roughly half the cost. Your 100 guests will have exclusive access to 16 acres of Victorian gardens, plus the museum's stunning conservatory as a weather backup. Chiswick House presents another brilliant option – those neoclassical gardens provide an incredibly sophisticated backdrop, whilst the excellent rail connections mean your guests won't struggle with logistics. We've seen couples save £3,000-£5,000 compared to central London venues whilst delivering an equally memorable experience. The key consideration for 100-guest outdoor weddings is guest flow management. You need venues with natural zones – ceremony space, cocktail area, and dining zone. The best London outdoor venues offer this naturally, whether it's the terraced gardens at venues like Syon Park or the multiple garden rooms at places like Fulham Palace. For more inspiration on unique London settings, explore our collection of [5 Unique London Wedding Venues](https://hirespace.com/blog/5-unique-london-wedding-venues/) which showcases some brilliant alternatives to the obvious choices. Ready to turn your location dreams into reality? Let's dive into the booking strategies that'll secure your perfect venue. ### Expert Tips for Booking Your Perfect Outdoor Wedding Venue in London ### Expert Tips for Booking Your Perfect Outdoor Wedding Venue in London Right, you've done your research, fallen in love with a few locations, and now comes the crucial bit – actually securing your dream venue. After helping hundreds of couples navigate this process, we've learned that successful outdoor wedding bookings come down to timing, negotiation savvy, and asking the right questions upfront. The golden rule for London outdoor venues? Start your search 15-18 months ahead, but be prepared to move quickly when you find "the one." The best outdoor spaces – particularly those accommodating exactly 100 guests – get snapped up fast. We've seen couples lose their perfect venue by waiting just a week to make a decision. #### The Site Visit Strategy That Actually Works Never, ever book an outdoor venue without visiting in the same season as your wedding. That gorgeous summer garden might be a muddy mess in April, and those "charming rustic pathways" could become accessibility nightmares in wet weather. Schedule your visit for the same time of day as your planned ceremony – lighting changes dramatically throughout the day, especially in outdoor spaces. Here's your essential site visit checklist: Test the mobile phone signal (crucial for suppliers and emergencies), walk the full guest journey from arrival to departure, and check sight lines from every angle. For 100 guests, you need clear views of the ceremony from at least 80% of seating positions. Ask to see the backup indoor space – not just photos, but the actual room set up for your guest count. #### Negotiation Tactics That Save Thousands Most outdoor venues have more flexibility than they initially let on. Friday and Sunday weddings can save you 20-30%, but here's the insider tip – Tuesday through Thursday bookings can slash costs by up to 40%. We've seen couples save £4,000-£6,000 by choosing a Thursday celebration, then hosting a casual Sunday gathering for extended family. Package deals are where smart couples win big. Rather than booking venue hire separately from marquees, catering, and facilities, negotiate a comprehensive package. Venues often have preferred supplier relationships that can deliver significant savings – we're talking £2,000-£3,000 off individual bookings. #### The Questions That Separate Pros from Amateurs Ask about their weather contingency timeline – at what point do they make the call to move indoors? For 100-guest outdoor weddings, this decision typically happens 2-4 hours before ceremony time. Clarify exactly what's included in "setup" – does that cover table arrangements, or just basic marquee installation? Power supply is crucial – confirm they can provide minimum 63 amps without additional generator costs. Check their noise restrictions and curfew times, especially for venues in residential areas. Many London outdoor venues have strict 10pm music cutoffs that could impact your evening celebrations. For comprehensive guidance on making the most of your venue visits, check out [The Top Questions To Ask On Your Venue Site Visit](https://hirespace.com/blog/the-ultimate-venue-site-visit-checklist/), which covers all the details that could make or break your big day. Ready to start your venue search? Begin with a clear brief of your non-negotiables, book those site visits, and remember – the perfect outdoor wedding venue is out there waiting for you.

Featured Venues for Outdoor Weddings

Browse 16 venues perfect for Outdoor Weddings

...and 6 more venues available

Related Event Types

• Asian Wedding Venues
• Luxury Wedding Venues
• Wedding Licensed Venues
• Small Wedding Venues
• Unusual Wedding Venues
• Wedding Reception Ideas
• Weddings Halls
• Best Wedding Venues
• Budget Wedding Venues
• Unique Wedding Venues
• Garden Wedding Venues
• Asian Wedding Venues
• Wedding Reception Ideas
• Wedding Licensed Venues
• Unusual Wedding Venues
• Best Wedding Venues
• Weddings Halls
• Budget Wedding Venues