About Unusual Weddings

### Why London's Most Unconventional Wedding Venues Are Perfect for Your 100-Guest Celebration When you're planning a wedding for 100 guests, London's unusual venues offer something truly magical that traditional hotels simply can't match. We've seen couples transform everything from Victorian railway arches to converted warehouses into breathtaking wedding spaces that guests talk about for years. The beauty of unusual venues lies in their inherent character. Take The Asylum Chapel in Peckham – its soaring Gothic arches and original Victorian features create an atmosphere that's both dramatic and intimate for your 100 guests. You're not just booking a space; you're securing a story that becomes part of your wedding narrative. #### What Makes 100 Guests the Sweet Spot for Unusual Venues Most of London's quirky wedding spaces are perfectly sized for groups around 100. Industrial lofts in Shoreditch typically offer 150-200m² of flexible space, whilst converted galleries in East London provide that crucial 3-metre ceiling height needed for dramatic lighting and installations. This size allows you to create distinct zones – ceremony space, cocktail area, and dining room – without feeling cramped. We've found that 100-guest weddings in unusual venues typically run between £8,000-£15,000 for venue hire alone in central London, with spaces in zones 2-5 ranging from £6,000-£12,000. The investment pays dividends when you consider the built-in wow factor these venues provide. #### The Practical Magic of Unconventional Spaces What couples often don't realise is how much creative freedom unusual venues offer. Unlike traditional wedding venues with strict supplier lists, most unusual spaces operate on a 'dry hire' basis. This means you can bring in your preferred caterers, florists, and entertainment – often resulting in significant savings and a more personalised celebration. The technical specifications work beautifully for 100 guests too. Most unusual venues provide adequate power supply (minimum 63 amps) and have the structural integrity to support hanging installations or elaborate décor. We always recommend checking the floor load-bearing capacity – you'll want at least 500kg/m² for dancing and heavy furniture. For inspiration on creating unforgettable celebrations, check out our guide to [6 Unforgettable London Wedding Venues](https://hirespace.com/blog/unforgettable-london-wedding-venues/) and explore [5 Unique London Wedding Venues](https://hirespace.com/blog/5-unique-london-wedding-venues/) that showcase the creative possibilities. The key is starting your venue search 12-18 months ahead – unusual venues book up quickly, especially for weekend dates. Your next step should be creating a shortlist of three venues that match your vision and budget. ### The Essential Planning Timeline: Securing Your Dream Unusual Wedding Venue in London The biggest mistake we see couples make is underestimating how far ahead they need to book unusual wedding venues in London. Unlike traditional hotels that might have availability six months out, the city's most coveted unconventional spaces – think converted churches, rooftop gardens, and industrial warehouses – are often booked 18-24 months in advance for Saturday weddings. #### The 18-Month Head Start Strategy Starting your search 18 months ahead isn't just about securing your preferred date; it's about having genuine choice. We've watched couples fall in love with The Old Vic Tunnels or a converted Victorian railway arch, only to discover their dream date was taken two years prior. The venues that accommodate 100 guests comfortably are particularly sought-after because they hit that perfect balance of intimate yet substantial. Your timeline should begin with venue viewings 15-18 months before your wedding date. Most unusual venues require a 25% deposit to secure your booking, with the balance typically due 30 days before your event. This gives you breathing room to plan around the venue's unique requirements – and trust us, every unusual space has them. #### Working Around Venue-Specific Challenges Unusual venues often come with quirky restrictions that traditional spaces don't have. That stunning warehouse in Bermondsey might have a strict 10pm noise curfew, whilst the converted chapel in Hackney requires all suppliers to use a specific entrance. We always recommend booking your venue first, then building your supplier team around these constraints. The licensing requirements can be particularly complex. Many unusual venues operate under temporary event notices rather than full premises licenses, which means you'll need to factor in additional planning time for alcohol service permissions. Some spaces require you to use licensed caterers exclusively, whilst others allow you to bring your own alcohol with proper documentation. #### Seasonal Considerations for Unusual Spaces London's unusual venues often lack the climate control of traditional hotels, making timing crucial. Those gorgeous industrial spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows can become uncomfortably warm in summer, whilst converted churches might feel chilly in winter months. We've found April-June and September-October offer the best conditions for most unconventional spaces. For more inspiration on timing your venue search perfectly, explore 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/) and check out [The Top Questions To Ask On Your Venue Site Visit](https://hirespace.com/blog/the-ultimate-venue-site-visit-checklist/). Your next step should be creating a realistic timeline that accounts for these unique challenges – and booking those venue viewings as soon as possible. ### Navigating Costs and Hidden Expenses When Booking Unique London Wedding Spaces for 100 Guests The sticker shock of unusual wedding venues in London can catch couples off guard, especially when those "hidden" costs start adding up. We've seen budgets balloon from £15,000 to £25,000 simply because couples didn't account for the unique expenses that come with unconventional spaces. The venue hire itself is just the beginning. For 100 guests in central London's unusual venues, you're looking at £8,000-£15,000 for the space alone, but the real costs lie in what these venues don't provide. Unlike traditional wedding venues with in-house everything, unusual spaces typically operate on a 'blank canvas' model – which means you're responsible for absolutely everything. #### The True Cost Breakdown for Unusual Venues Here's what catches most couples out: that stunning converted warehouse doesn't come with tables, chairs, or even basic lighting. You'll need to budget an additional £3,000-£5,000 for furniture hire alone. We've worked with couples who've spent £2,500 just on bringing in proper toilets for a rooftop venue, and another £1,800 on temporary flooring for an outdoor industrial space. Power is another hidden expense that can be substantial. Many unusual venues have limited electrical capacity, requiring you to bring in generators or upgrade the supply. We've seen generator hire costs range from £800-£2,000 depending on your requirements – and that's before you factor in the specialist lighting most couples want for their dramatic space. | Cost Category | Traditional Venue | Unusual Venue | Additional Cost | |---------------|------------------|---------------|-----------------| | Basic Furniture | Included | £3,000-£5,000 | £3,000-£5,000 | | Lighting | Included | £1,500-£3,000 | £1,500-£3,000 | | Power/Generators | Included | £800-£2,000 | £800-£2,000 | | Temporary Facilities | Included | £1,000-£3,000 | £1,000-£3,000 | #### Smart Strategies for Managing Unusual Venue Costs The key is building these extras into your initial budget rather than treating them as afterthoughts. We always recommend adding 30-40% to your venue hire cost to cover these essentials. Some couples save significantly by choosing venues during off-peak times – Tuesday through Thursday bookings can reduce venue costs by 20-30%. Consider venues that offer some infrastructure already. Converted galleries often have basic lighting systems, whilst former restaurants might retain kitchen facilities that can reduce catering costs. The [Top Sustainable Wedding Venues in London](https://hirespace.com/blog/top-sustainable-wedding-venues/) often provide eco-friendly alternatives that can actually save money long-term. Insurance is non-negotiable and often more expensive for unusual venues. Budget £300-£500 for comprehensive event insurance that covers both your celebration and any potential damage to these unique spaces. Your next step should be requesting detailed cost breakdowns from at least three venues, including all mandatory extras, so you can compare the true total investment rather than just the headline hire fee. ### What Every Couple Must Know Before Visiting Unusual Wedding Venues in London Walking into an unusual wedding venue for the first time can be overwhelming – that soaring warehouse space or converted Victorian chapel looks nothing like the polished photos online. We've accompanied hundreds of couples on venue visits, and there are crucial questions that separate successful unusual venue weddings from logistical nightmares. The most important thing to understand is that unusual venues require a completely different mindset from traditional wedding spaces. You're not just booking a room; you're essentially renting a blank canvas that needs to be transformed into a wedding venue from scratch. #### The Non-Negotiable Technical Checks Before you fall in love with the aesthetic, get practical. Ask about power supply immediately – you'll need at least 63 amps for basic lighting, sound, and catering equipment for 100 guests. We've seen couples discover too late that their dream warehouse only has domestic power, requiring a £2,000 generator hire that wasn't budgeted. Check the floor load-bearing capacity, especially for upper-floor venues. You need minimum 500kg/m² to safely accommodate dancing, heavy furniture, and your guests. That stunning loft conversion might look perfect, but if it can't handle the weight of 100 people celebrating, it's not viable. Water access is often overlooked but crucial. Many unusual venues lack adequate facilities for catering 100 guests. Ask specifically about hot water supply, dishwashing facilities, and whether temporary kitchens can be installed. We've worked with venues where couples had to hire portable sinks at £300 each because the space had no catering infrastructure. #### Understanding the Licensing Landscape Most unusual venues operate under temporary event notices rather than full premises licenses, which affects everything from alcohol service to entertainment. Ask to see their current licenses and understand exactly what's covered. Some venues can only serve alcohol until 11pm, whilst others require all drinks to be purchased through specific suppliers. Noise restrictions vary dramatically between venues and can make or break your celebration. That converted church in a residential area might have a strict 9pm music curfew, whilst the industrial space under railway arches might allow celebrations until 2am. Get these details in writing – we've seen too many couples caught out by last-minute noise complaints. #### The Questions That Save Thousands Always ask about mandatory suppliers. Some unusual venues require you to use their preferred caterers, security, or cleaning services, which can add £3,000-£5,000 to your budget. Others give you complete freedom but require additional insurance coverage. For more essential questions to ask during your visit, check out [The Top Questions To Ask On Your Venue Site Visit](https://hirespace.com/blog/the-ultimate-venue-site-visit-checklist/) and explore [London's 7 Most Beautiful Wedding Venues](https://hirespace.com/blog/beautiful-london-wedding-venues/) for inspiration on what to look for. Your next step should be creating a detailed checklist of these technical requirements before you visit any venues – it'll save you from expensive surprises later. ### Making Your Unconventional London Wedding Unforgettable: Expert Tips for 100-Guest Success The difference between a good unusual venue wedding and an absolutely spectacular one often comes down to understanding how to work with your space's unique character rather than against it. After years of transforming everything from Victorian railway arches to converted warehouses, we've learned that the most memorable celebrations embrace their venue's quirks whilst solving the practical challenges that come with unconventional spaces. The secret lies in treating your unusual venue as a collaborative partner in your wedding story. That exposed brick wall isn't just a backdrop – it's an opportunity to create dramatic lighting effects that would cost thousands in a traditional ballroom. Those soaring industrial ceilings aren't just architectural features – they're perfect for suspended installations that create intimate zones within your larger space. #### Maximising Your Space's Natural Drama For 100 guests in unusual venues, zoning becomes absolutely crucial. We've found the most successful celebrations create three distinct areas: ceremony space, cocktail reception, and dining area. In a 200m² warehouse, this typically means allocating 60m² for ceremony seating, 80m² for mingling and bar service, and 60m² for dining – with clever furniture placement allowing seamless transitions between each phase. Lighting transforms unusual venues more than any other single element. Budget £2,000-£3,500 for professional lighting design – it's worth every penny. We've seen couples spend £15,000 on flowers but skimp on lighting, only to watch their beautiful arrangements disappear into shadows. Uplighting those exposed beams or brick walls creates warmth and intimacy that makes your 100 guests feel perfectly sized for the space. #### Solving the Practical Challenges That Make or Break Unusual Venue Weddings Temperature control is often overlooked but critical for guest comfort. Those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that drew you to the venue can create greenhouse effects in summer or drafts in winter. We always recommend hiring portable heating or cooling units – budget £400-£800 for climate control that keeps your celebration comfortable throughout the day. Sound management requires special attention in unusual venues. Hard surfaces like concrete floors and exposed brick create echo that can make speeches unintelligible. Professional sound engineers familiar with unusual acoustics typically charge £800-£1,200 but ensure your vows and speeches are heard clearly by every guest. The most successful unusual venue weddings we've planned incorporate the space's history into the celebration itself. Consider creating a signature cocktail named after your venue's former life, or incorporating industrial elements into your table settings. For inspiration on creating these memorable touches, explore [6 Venues To Make Your Wedding Unforgettable](https://hirespace.com/blog/6-venues-to-make-your-wedding-unforgettable/) and discover creative ideas in [5 Unforgettable London Wedding Venues](https://hirespace.com/blog/5-unforgettable-london-wedding-venues/). Your next step should be creating a detailed floor plan that maximises your venue's unique features whilst ensuring smooth guest flow throughout your celebration.

Featured Venues for Unusual Weddings

Browse 16 venues perfect for Unusual Weddings

...and 6 more venues available

Related Event Types

• Cheap Wedding Venues
• Small Wedding Venues
• Chapel Wedding Venues
• Intemate Wedding Venues
• Chapel Wedding Venues
• Small Wedding Venues
• Wedding Venues
• Wedding Venues
• Wedding Reception Venues
• Best Wedding Venues
• Wedding Reception Venues
• Best Wedding Venues
• Asian Wedding Venues
• Affordable Wedding Venues
• Unique Wedding Venues
• Asian Wedding Venues
• Unique Wedding Venues
• Affordable Wedding Venues