11 best small wedding venues in London for intimate occasions

There is no denying that when it comes to planning your wedding the expectations are high and the pressure for everything to be just perfect can be really overwhelming for many people. For some couples bigger is always better – they want the most lavish locations with all the pomp and grandeur possible to make their special day an extravagant affair with hundreds of guests to bear witness. Traditionally weddings have always been fairly large events, but in modern society with a growing number of couples choosing not tie the knot at all, it’s unsurprising that a growing trend has emerged for smaller-scale, more intimate style weddings.

Increasingly couples are choosing to strip back the grand celebrations to instead say "I do", with just their most treasured friends and family to celebrate the nuptials with them. This decision comes with many additional benefits too. Not only does it hugely diminish the stress of organising a large scale event, it also cuts down on all manifold of costs allowing for spend to be allocated to just the things that are most important to the soon-to-be-weds. This could mean reserving funds for an all-out honeymoon, a new house or perhaps a memorable multiple-course fine-dining feast that knocks the average wedding breakfast out of the park.

Naturally here at SquareMeal we always tend to lean towards food focussed locations but we like to think that our carefully curated list below has a little something for everyone, whatever your priorities. So here are our top picks of the best small venues in London to tie the knot where you can make the ‘big day’ a little less big but just as memorable. Have a browse and see if any of our small wedding venues in London spark your interest.

The Westin London City, City of London

What: A five-star fully licensed venue nestled in the heart of London, The Westin is a city-based setting which offers a dynamic group of small venue spaces all built with state-of-the-art technology for an exclusive event. With stunning views of the River Thames, its alluring terrace space makes a beautiful setting for a sophisticated ceremony. Accommodating up to 100 guest the iconic Hythe + Seek space can be hired exclusively for a standing reception. Featuring a bespoke planning service and on-site catering at your fingertips, you’ll have all the assistance you need to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Where: City Of London, EC4V 3AD
Find out more: The Westin London City

10-11 Carlton House Terrace, Trafalgar Square

What: A dreamy location for our fairytale fantasist, Carlton House Terrace is the perfect pick for those planning an intimate and romantic celebration. Relieve yourself from the pre-planning stress and let Carlton House Terrace's experienced team of event planners take the wheel. Your wedding guests can expect to experience modern interiors and classic period details which together accentuate this central London townhouse's unique charm. A quintessential location for an elegant ceremony, head to the Webb Room to say your vows - a space that comfortably seats 40.
Where: Trafalgar Square, SW1Y 5AH
Find out more: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace

Holmes Hotel London, Marylebone

What: For magnificent matrimony draped in grandeur, book with Holmes Hotel where guests are set to encompass intricately adorned rooms ideal for intimate celebrations. A truly atmospheric space perfect for a delightful dinner celebration. Accommodating up to 60 guests, The Gallery makes a beautiful spot to host your occasion. For micro-celebrations the hotel's study (pictured) is perfect for a small private set up for 13 guests. Whether it be for a wedding dinner or reception, this versatile venue can be decorated to your exact requirements.
Where: Marylebone, W1U 6NF
Find out more: Holmes Hotel London

Mama Shelter, Hackney

What: An extremely modern location with upbeat interiors, Mama’s Shelter is a trendy setting ideal for a contemporary couple. With a host of rooms including small settings for intimate celebrations, at Mama Shelter, you and your guest can unwind in a playful event space filled with arcade breakout spots and karaoke rooms. If your hearts are set on an outdoor celebration why not consider the chic Garden Bar - Mama London’s foliage-laden bar area which accommodates up to 50 guests.
Where: Hackney, E2 8PP
Find out more: Mama Shelter

The Union Club, Soho

What: The Union Club, a 300-year-old Georgian townhouse located in Soho, promises an unforgettable experience to all who visit. For an epic bohemian-styled ‘do’ with creative and characterful interiors, The Union Club is sure to hit the mark. Decorated with French street lights, modern and antique furniture and an eclectic art collection, The Union Club's rooms and Roof terrace space make a captivating option for a discrete celebration. Haven’t sorted your catering? With The Union Club's delicious set of dishes, you have the chance to piece together a delightful meal for both you and your guests to enjoy.
Where: Soho, W1D 4EQ
Find out more: The Union Club

The Lansdowne Club, Mayfair

What: For a beautiful moment the Lansdowne Club is sure to bestow a spectacular fairytale setting with period decor, impressive neoclassical architecture and sumptuous interiors on you and your guests. An enchanting event space situated on a prestigious address – Mayfair. With a variety of gorgeous rooms available at The Landsdowne Club, you are certain to find something that works for you. We particularly love the Shelburne Room - an ideal space for 20-50 wedding guests, and it can double as your something blue!
Where: Mayfair, W1J 5JD
Find out more: The Lansdowne Club

The Zetter Clerkenwell, Clerkenwell

What: An eccentric event space with charming interiors, The Zetter Clerkenwell provides a vibrant setting perfect for a quirky couple. Situated on the picturesque cobbles of St John Square, this intriguing venue space features large windows, which let in floods of natural light and carefully curated dishes with a sophisticated flair. Boasting a variety of characterful rooms, all of which are brimming with personality and character. Place your booking with The Zetter Clerkenwell for a memorable celebration.
Where: Clerkenwell, EC1V 4JJ
Find out more: The Zetter Clerkenwell

Searcy’s at The Gherkin, Aldgate

What: Few London wedding venues can say they boast uninterrupted panoramic views of the city’s skyline, but Searcy's at The Gherkin can. The wedding spaces are found on levels 39 and 40, and are licensed for civil ceremonies. The space can easily be tailored to the size of your party, perfect for intimate services. What could be more special than watching the sun set from the 40th floor after exchanging vows with the one you love.
Where: 30 St Mary Axe, Aldgate, EC3A 8EP
Find out more: Searcy’s at The Gherkin

11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

What: Embark on a spectacular celebration at this five-star luxury townhouse hotel, 11 Cadogan Gardens. For an eventful evening filled with exquisite modern British dining and contemporary interiors for a monumental celebration. Combining a mix of lavish suites and private dining rooms the Cadogan Gardens is a charming venue space to host your matrimonial events. Exuding opulence and grandeur, its private dining space, The Curio holds up to 30 guests for a cosy reception.
Where: Chelsea, SW1X 0BP
Find out more: 11 Cadogan Gardens

The Barbican, Barbican

What: If you have ever been dumbfounded by your favourite Instagram influencer uploading pictures of a tropical oasis and claiming that it can be found in the middle of central London, the likelihood is that you are seeing the Barbican’s rooftop Conservatory without even realising it. Without a doubt The Barbican’s best-kept secret, the Conservatory is an incongruous space that houses exotic fish and more than 1,800 species of tropical plants under its glass roof. It is certainly one of the most unusual wedding venues in the capital, but by no means does that make it second rate.
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS
Find out more: The Barbican

Cinnamon Kitchen, City of London

What: Housed in what was originally a warehouse in the City’s Devonshire Square, Cinnamon Kitchen has worked its way to becoming a London landmark for Indian food since first opening its doors to the public in 2008. While the excellent food may have been the initial draw, Cinnamon Kitchen City’s shiny wedding licence means it can also accommodate civil marriage ceremonies. The 16-seater private dining room is ideal for a smaller party and for an extra special touch to really add to the atmosphere, a colourful Indian-style tent can also be erected on the terrace.
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, City of London, EC2M 4YL
Find out more: Cinnamon Kitchen

Not a fan of indoor venues? Discover some of our rooftop wedding venues and say 'I do' in the sky.