The best city wedding venues in the UK

Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable and special days of your life, and you only get to do it once (hopefully), so choosing your venue and location is a huge decision. You're not short of incredible venues to choose from up and down the country, but if you have your heart set on a city wedding, that does help to narrow your options. 

And why wouldn't you be? For those who live in, or near, a city, hosting your wedding at a city venue certainly makes life easier when it comes to logistics. Cities are well connected, making your venue easy to get to for you and your guests, and often you're within striking distance of all the amenities you could possibly need on your big day. Plus, you might even avoid extra travel charges for your suppliers and vendors if they don't have to make the trek all the way out to a remote countryside mansion. 

Cities are also overflowing with activities, landmarks to see and things to do - ideal if you have guests to entertain for a few days. Picking a city wedding venue also opens the door for you to host your reception at a top-class restaurant - most of the UK's top restaurants are in and around the bigger cities, and many of them are available to hire for wedding receptions. In fact, case in point, we've pulled a list together of some of the best restaurants for wedding receptions in London. You'd be surprised how many restaurants are also willing to do wedding catering as well, so a city wedding could be the best way to get your favourite restaurant to cater your wedding too.

So, convinced yet? If you're pondering what a city wedding might look like, we have town halls, opulent hotels, Scottish castles and more, all ready and waiting to bring your dream city wedding to life. 

London wedding venues

London has so many brilliant wedding venues, we could dedicate many pages to rounding them all up. Oh wait, we have! Check out lots more London wedding venues here, or check out some of our more curated lists like the best cheap London wedding venues, and the best rooftop wedding venues in London. 

Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge

What: If you want to bowl over your wedding guests and money is no object, why not have your wedding in the UK’s tallest building?Shangri-La The Shard takes luxury weddings to new heights, with beautiful river-facing event rooms boasting unobstructed views of London through panoramic windows. From bespoke menus to wedding cakes, floral arrangements and more, the wedding team at Shangri-La look after absolutely everything for you, making this the ultimate in luxury city weddings. You even get access to the Sky Pool on the 52nd floor.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Read more: Shangri-La The Shard

The Westin London City, City Of London

What: One of London’s more modern five star hotels, The Westin is notable for its wonderful riverside views, as well as the sophisticated ballroom - a grand space that can host up to 120 guests for dinner and a dance (though you can also divide it for smaller groups). All spaces at The Westin are equipped with state of the art AV kit, perfect for displaying meaningful pictures and videos, and you also get a dedicated Marriott-certified wedding planner to help you organise everything.
Where: 60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
Read more: The Westin London City

The Barbican, Barbican

What: Brutalism might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of The Barbican, but The Barbican also houses the stunning Conservatory - an incredible rooftop space that houses over 1800 species of tropical plants, as well as exotic fish and more. Ceremonies and receptions are welcome here amongst the palms, whilst catering is handled by excellent caterers Searcys.
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Read more: The Barbican

{10-11} Carlton House Terrace, Trafalgar Square

What: This Grade I listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Westminster is the perfect mix of classic and contemporary, after a huge 2024 renovation made it one of the most impressive wedding venues in the city. Newly renovated rooms like The Lecture Room and Mall Room boast stunning views of St James’s Park and the London skyline, and the catering is in good hands with Searcys. With its towering Corinthian columns, glass domes and chandeliers, Carlton House Terrace exudes class at every turn.
Where: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
Read more: {10-11} Carlton House Terrace

Edinburgh wedding venues

Boasting gorgeous architecture and breathtaking scenery, Edinburgh is ideal for fairytale weddings - the perfect place to say ‘I do’. Check out more wedding venues in Edinburgh here.

Fingal Hotel

What: Wedding venues don’t get much more unforgettable than Fingal Hotel - a luxury, floating, boutique hotel in Leith Port, just a couple of miles from Edinburgh city centre. Aside from the obviously wonderful photo opportunities, exclusive hire gets you the whole ship to yourself, so you can enjoy an intimate breakfast on The Bridge, before hosting your wedding ceremony in the magnificent ballroom. There are 21 cosy cabins on board for overnight stays as well.
Where: Alexandra Dock, EH6 7DX
Read more: Fingal Hotel

Carlowrie Castle

What: Carlowrie Castle was built back in 1852, when it was commissioned by Edinburgh-based wine merchant Thomas Hutchinson. His son eventually finished the majestic castle, and these days it’s widely regarded as one of the most impressive wedding venues in the country. It’s perfect for big parties, hosting up to 450 guests for receptions, and exclusive hire includes the massive 32 acre grounds, as well as a host of rooms or a bespoke marquee if you so choose.
Where: Boathouse Bridge Road, EH29 9ES
Read more: Carlowrie Castle

The Roseate Edinburgh

What: Handily placed near Haymarket and Murrayfield, The Roseate is incredibly easy to get to from Edinburgh city centre or the airport, and this smart five star hotel is also fully licensed. It’s a lovely old building too, with a number of gorgeous spaces inside and beautiful landscaped gardens at the rear. The Roseate is on the smaller side by comparison with other venues in the city, so this is better for more intimate weddings.
Where: 4 West Coates, EH12 5JQ
Read more: The Roseate Edinburgh

Manchester wedding venues

Thinking of a wedding venue in Manchester? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’ve envisioned saying ‘I do’ in a fabulous city-view hotel or a magnificent Grade II listed building, in Manchester you’ll be spoilt for choice. The city's architecture, culture, and sports clubs will keep your guests entertained during their downtime.

The Castlefield Rooms

What: Out by Manchester Deansgate, The Castlefield Rooms are popular thanks to their range of flexible wedding spaces. The Merchant Room is the largest of the two, with space to host ceremonies for up to 170 guests, whilst the breezy, elegant Bringley Room is a little more cosy with room for 100. Brilliant wedding coordinators help you stay on top of everything from travel to room dressing.
Where: 18-20 Castle Street, M3 4LZ
Read more: The Castlefield Rooms

The University of Manchester

What: Licensed to host civil weddings and partnerships, The University of Manchester is actually home to some pretty incredible venues, including the stunning Whitworth Hall pictured above, which can host up to 650 guests for a ceremony or 360 guests for an evening reception. Check out the Whitworth Council Chamber too - a more intimate setting with towering ceilings, chandeliers and capacity for up to 100 guests.
Where: Oxford Road, M13 9PL
Read more: The University of Manchester

The Monastery

What: For a one-of-a-kind occasion, the award-winning Monastery is just about the most striking venue in Manchester, thanks to its towering vaulted ceilings and gothic revival architecture style. This massive red brick cathedral fits over 500 inside, so it’s suitable for even the largest weddings. Stained glass windows give the main hall a romantic glow in the day, before the venue transforms into a dramatic party venue at night.
Where: Gorton Lane, M12 5WF
Read more: The Monastery

Cardiff wedding venues

Cardiff makes a brilliant choice for a city-based nuptial, with everything from castles to elegant country houses on offer just a stone's throw from the city. Check out more wedding venues in Cardiff here. 

Caerphilly Castle

What: Always dreamed of a fairytale wedding in a castle? Caerphilly Castle’s pointed parapets look just like something from a Disney movie, and this spectacular location is steeped in Welsh history. There are a total of four venue spaces to choose from, including more intimate rooms like the Drawing Room, and the magnificent 14th century Great Hall. Despite the traditional setting, Caerphilly Castle is still well set up with modern catering and other services.
Where: Welsh Government Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed Parc Nantgarw, CF15 7QQ
Read more: Caerphilly Castle

Birmingham wedding venues

Bustling Birmingham boasts a huge range of brilliant venues, from grand urban museums and galleries to picturesque mansions on the outskirts. Take a look at more wedding venues in Birmingham.

Old Library

What: Digbeth’s Custard Factory development is where you’ll find this recently renovated Victorian library, which was one of Birmingham’s first free libraries when it first opened in 1866. Soaring vaulted ceilings and huge original windows give the main hall a bright, spacious feel that is perfect for ceremonies and receptions. There’s also a large bar area separated from the main space.
Where: The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, B9 4AA
Read more: Old Library

Selly Manor Museum

What: The distinct wooden-beamed Selly Manor Museum dates all the way back to the 14th century, connecting you with a unique part of Birmingham’s history, as these houses were preserved by George Cadbury as part of his Bournville model village. The structures, ancient flagstones and flourishing fruit trees make for a unique photo backdrop, and you can decorate the Minworth Greaves hall as you like too.
Where: Maple Road, Bournville, B30 2AE
Read more: Selly Manor Museum

Soho House Museum

What: This smart Georgian manor house was once the home of famous industrialist Matthew Boulton, and has since been restored to its former glory, reflecting that elegant late-Georgian style inside and out. A large blank canvas space inside has capacity for 110, with a series of French windows that open onto the private gardens.
Where: Soho Avenue (off Soho Road), B18 5LB
Read more: Soho House Museum

Leeds wedding venues

If you decide to tie the knot in Leeds, you won't be disappointed by its wide variety of venue spaces, which include colonnaded mansions and even an old red brick brewery. Take a look at more great wedding venues in Leeds. 

The Mansion

What: The Mansion has a perfect spot between Leeds and Harrogate, right by the upper lake of Roundhay Park. As soon as you arrive at the colonnaded front of this towering mansion, it’s clear that this is a magical venue. The Mansion’s team of wedding specialists take great care in helping you design your ideal wedding, and as well as beautifully appointed rooms, you also have the greenery of Roundhay Park right on the doorstep.
Where: Mansion Lane, Roundhay, LS8 2HH
Read more: The Mansion

Northern Monk - The Chapter Hall

What: Perhaps one of Leeds’ best kept wedding venue hidden gems, The Chapter Hall is a large blank canvas wedding venue tucked inside The Northern Monk Refectory, home to Northern Monk Brewery. This 180-capacity hall is resplendent in exposed red brick, with rustic banqueting tables set up along the floor. For a wedding day with a bit of eclectic, industrial charm, this is the place.
Where: Northern Monk Refectory, Marshalls Mill, LS11 9YJ
Read more: Northern Monk - The Chapter Hall

The Faversham

What: Popular for its vintage style and central Leeds location, The Faversham’s multi-purpose glass-roofed conservatory makes a very elegant wedding space, especially when combined with the south-facing al fresco terrace. The Faversham can host ceremonies and receptions - it even caters for up to 300 people, with in-house events managers looking after all the heavy lifting for you.
Where: 1-5 Springfield Mount, LS2 9NG
Read more: The Faversham

Liverpool wedding venues

A city immersed in culture – Liverpool is best known for The Beatles, but despite its heavy rock and roll history, Liverpool is bursting with decadent manor houses, plush hotels, rustic barns, and country houses. Check out more Liverpool wedding venues here. 

Shankly Hotel

What: The Shankly Hotel’s spot right by Liverpool Lime Street station makes it simple for all your guests to get to, and The Shankly also boasts stunning 360 degree views out over Liverpool from the rooftop garden bar. The hotel can host indoor and outdoor events, with in-house coordinators looking after every detail from food to entertainment.
Where: Millennium House, 60 Victoria Street, L1 6JD
Read more: Shankly Hotel

The Venue At The Royal Liver Building

What: When it comes to city landmarks, there aren’t many more iconic than Liverpool’s Liver Building, and you can host your wedding in this very spot. The Liver Suite boasts incredible views over the River Mersey and slick contemporary styling inside. Plus, you can’t put a price on wedding photos in front of one of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks.
Where: Pier Head, L3 1PW
Read more: The Venue At The Royal Liver Building

Isla Gladstone Conservatory

What: This beautiful renovated Victorian conservatory sits on the edge of Liverpool’s Stanley Park, right in between Liverpool’s two football stadiums, Anfield and Goodison Park. That makes it particularly special for football-mad couples, but the conservatory is impressive on its own - bright, spacious, suitable for all weather conditions, with room for up to 240 guests.
Where: Stanley Park, Anfield Road, L4 0TD
Read more: Isla Gladstone Conservatory

Bristol wedding venues

Bristol is a city which has a very distinctive identity and charm. Brimming with creativity and colour, a wedding in Bristol is pretty much set to be unforgettable. Featuring sprawling country houses, barn wedding venues and more, here are some of Bristol's very best wedding venues.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

What: Bristol Museum is in a fantastic part of Bristol - right near the university campus and Brandon Hill Park - and you can hire individual galleries to host your wedding. The building is rather impressive in itself, but the galleries make very unique settings in their own right, and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is licensed too, offering civil ceremonies and wedding celebration packages.
Where: Queens Road, BS8 1RL
Read more: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

The Lord Mayor's Mansion House

What: As the name suggests, this is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Bristol (don’t worry, you don’t have to invite him to the reception). Fully licensed to carry out weddings and civil partnerships, The Lord Mayor’s Mansion House features beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. The mansion itself is right on the edge of Clifton Down and the River Avon Gorge, providing plenty of striking photography backgrounds.
Where: Clifton Down, BS8 3LJ
Read more: The Lord Mayor's Mansion House

Leigh Court

What: Grade II listed Leigh Court is just a hop, skip and jump outside of Bristol (after a little drive over the lovely Clifton Suspension Bridge), and this beautiful Palladian mansion is absolutely worth the short trip. A double floating staircase make a stupendous backdrop in the main hall, and all the spaces have their own unique quirks, providing plenty of wedding day inspiration.
Where: Abbots Leigh, BS8 3RA
Read more: Leigh Court

Newcastle wedding venues

Newcastle has a reputation for bracing winds, but the surrounding Northumberland countryside is some of the most beautiful in the UK, and the city itself is home to some exceptional venues, including art galleries, museums and more. Take a look at more Newcastle wedding venues.

Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art

What: This one-time flour mill is a beautiful example of Newcastle’s industrial past, but the prime position on Gateshead Quayside means that it also has incredible sweeping views out over the River Tyne and Newcastle’s iconic bridges. The Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art has a wedding license too so you can enjoy your ceremony here, then decamp to a reception, with lots of blank canvas event spaces to choose from.
Where: Quays South, South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Read more: Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art

Shipley Art Gallery

What: One of many grand museum spaces around Gateshead and Newcastle, the Shipley Art Gallery is a magnificent Edwardian building, originally constructed to house the many treasures of Joseph Shipley’s private art collection. It’s surprisingly spacious inside too, with room for up to 120 guests for a reception or wedding dinner.
Where: Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JB
Read more: Shipley Art Gallery

Great North Museum: Hancock

What: Certainly one of Newcastle’s more quirky wedding venues, the Great North Museum is perfect for couples who don’t mind the museum’s enormous T-Rex appearing in their wedding photos. There’s so much to see and do at the museum and exclusive hire means you and your guests can explore the whole lot whilst you’re here. The Clore Suite and open-air patio makes a lovely reception space too.
Where: Hancock, Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Read more: Great North Museum: Hancock

Not quite what you're looking for? Take a look at some of our favourite rustic wedding locations in this roundup of the UK's best woodland wedding venues for a nature-filled nuptial. Or, check out our pick of the best barn wedding venues in the UK.