Stephens House & Gardens is a wedding and events venue in Finchley, North London. It takes its name from Henry ‘Inky’ Stephens, whose father built the family fortune by inventing Stephens’ Ink. Henry purchased the house and its 10 acres of gardens in 1874 and gifted it to the public upon his death. Today it is operated by a trust and referred to as Stephens House rather than its original name of Avenue House.
The gardens remain true to Robert Marnock’s original late Victorian designs, focussing on trees and hard landscapes supported by integral water features. As a result, they make for a unique and intriguing backdrop to photos from the big day, especially given its urban location.
The venue is licensed to conduct civil ceremonies. These are held in one of three rooms depending on the number of guests. The Drawing Room is the largest, seating up to 70 guests. It retains the historic feel of the house’s original purpose, while being successfully updated to handle present day occasions. Floor to ceiling windows ensure it remains filled with natural light, while also offering superb views of the surrounding gardens.
The Dining Room has been faithfully restored to its original Victorian layout. A favourite of the Stephens’ during their time living in the house, it is ideal for small ceremonies. The Salon is arguably the most picturesque of the house’s three ceremony rooms. It provides panoramic views of the lower green from its feature bay windows, below which the registrar can stand to marry the happy couple.
The same three rooms are also available for hosting the wedding reception. Stephens House & Gardens supply everything needed for this, from champagne to a three course wedding breakfast. The details are fully customisable, resulting in bespoke experiences at a truly unique London wedding venue.