10 unique wedding venues in the UK for alternative couples

The skies are blue, a string quartet plays on the lawn and a Champagne reception is there to greet your guests. Sounds gorgeous, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is, but it doesn’t mean it’s perfect for every couple. Some couples, who aren’t envisaging the big white wedding, might dream of something a little different - whether that day includes rustic street food, a small room for an intimate ceremony, or a totally modern hotel with glass panelling. If you fall into that category, one of the UK’s most unique wedding venues for alternative couples might be for you.

We know that finding your dream wedding venue can be nothing short of overwhelming - it’s a really big task, and finding somewhere that speaks to you as a couple is integral to your big day. You’ve likely already decided that you want something a bit out of the ordinary for your wedding, and now you’ve got the task of finding the perfect alternative wedding venue.

Perhaps the size of the venue takes priority for you, or you have a strict budget in mind. Well, we’ve pulled together a list of the most unique wedding venues for alternative couples across the country, offering up hotels, restaurants, town halls and even a distillery.

Get sifting through our list of the best quirky wedding venues for alternative couples in the UK, from restaurants that celebrate musical artistry to venues that hark back to a forgotten ancient age. All of our wedding venues have something special and unique to offer, so you’re set to find something spectacular. If you need a further helping hand with finding a wedding venue that suits your style, check out our list of some of the best wedding fairs and open days across the country.

Watershed, Bristol

What: If there’s anywhere to look for an alternative wedding venue, it’s the buzzing city of Bristol. You’ll find Watershed by the harbour, proudly showcasing the more industrial side of Bristol’s heritage with outstanding views of the water. With blank-canvas event spaces - including the option to marry in a cinema - it’s ideal for film lovers and modern romantics alike. Host up to 190 guests with tailored ceremony and reception packages that include in-house catering and expert coordination. From intimate gatherings to lively evening celebrations, Watershed blends flexibility with flair. Plus, all event proceeds go to supporting Watershed’s values-led cultural programme.
Where: 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, BS1 5TX
Find out more: Watershed

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

What: Calling all gin and spirit lovers! We've got the wedding venue for you. If you're looking to celebrate at an unusual wedding venue, Bombay Sapphire Distillery might just be your cup of tea. Available for exclusive evening wedding receptions and blessing ceremonies in front of the pond and Mediterranean Glasshouse. This is where Bombay Sapphire grows its botanicals, and in the summer months, you can host a reception on the patio with these sparkling fixtures as your background. Alternatively, The Mill Bar and Terrace - a multi-level area for cocktails and fizz - overlooks the River Test, and includes hire of the Entrance Hall for a dancefloor or buffet. As alternative wedding venues go, this is one of the most memorable.
Where: Laverstoke Mill, Whitchurch, RG28 7NR
Find out more: Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Aviator Hotel, Hampshire

What: The Aviator Hotel Hampshire is the perfect choice for the couple who wants something that's stretching just from the more traditional, into a little alternative. If, as a couple, design is something you're passionate about, then the Aviator Hotel Hampshire has exactly what you'll be looking for. There are photo opportunities at every turn. For example, the Cody Room, an intimate space for just 20 people, is decked out in a rich teal blue colour, with grand candelabras on the table and dark oak furnishings. You'll have the chance to choose from a selection of packages that are designed to make your day all that much easier, whether you're searching for luxe, deluxe or the ultimate package.
Where: 55 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, GU14 6EL
Find out more: Aviator Hotel Hampshire

Crazy Bear Stadhampton, Oxfordshire

What: Lights, camera, action! Crazy Bear Stadhampton is one of Oxfordshire's most eccentric wedding venues, and definitely suited to alternative couples looking to get hitched. Tucked away in the Cotswolds countryside, the venue has everything you need for a special celebration, whether you're hosting a small handful of guests or everybody in your phonebook. Just imagine this – you enjoy your wedding breakfast in a cosy marquee with billowing white satin overhead, lights string from every direction and unique lighting hangs down above the tables. In the evening, you'll have the chance to enjoy your very own firework show, before heading to one of the hotel’s uniquely decorated bedrooms.
Where: Bear Lane, Stadhampton, OX44 7UR9
Find out more: Crazy Bear Stadhampton

Horizon 22, London

What: It’s hard to find a unique wedding venue in London, we know that. Strange as it seems, being the capital, it’s easy to feel like every wedding venue in London is a copy of another. But, there is an alternative option out there for you - meet Horizon 22. This is the highest event space in London and is certainly a wedding venue that your guests won’t forget. As soon as your guests arrive, they’ll have their breath taken away. Set on level 58, you’ll step into a beautiful open space with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous 360-degree views of London’s skyline. With a capacity of up to 500 guests for standing receptions or 280 seated, Horizon 22 offers plenty of space to celebrate with everyone you love.
Where: 22 Bishopsgate, City of London, EC2N 4AJ
Find out more: Horizon 22

Newcastle Civic Centre, Tyne & Wear

What: Perhaps one of this northern city’s most unique settings, Newcastle Civic Centre offers a striking backdrop for weddings, combining grand modernist architecture with the city’s rich local history. This Grade-II listed landmark features a range of flexible event spaces, but its Banqueting Hall is a favourite amongst couples, boasting capacity for up to 500 for a wedding breakfast, with room for a few more for an evening reception. Elsewhere, the Pandon Room is ideal for more intimate celebrations, with capacity for 20 to 120 guests, and works just as well for a sit-down dinner as it does for an evening of drinks and dancing. With an experienced events team on hand throughout the planning process, it’s a memorable choice for couples looking for a wedding venue with real character.
Where: Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH
Find out more: Newcastle Civic Centre

Le Café du Marché, London

What: If you’re a couple who considers themselves quite the Francophiles, then you’ve no doubt found your dream wedding venue in Le Café du Marché - a family-run restaurant that’s been running since 1986. This gorgeous space has an authentic French feel, are brought to life in a cosy, rustic setting on a cobbled Clerkenwell street. The restaurant is housed in a converted warehouse, built on top of a former coach house. Lucky for you, many of the building’s original architectural features are still intact, and you’ll also have the option to customise the venue’s decor. Make things even more French and opt for a croquembouche - a stunning tower of profiteroles drenched in golden caramel - instead of the traditional three-tier wedding cake. Bon appetit!
Where: 22 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, EC1M 6BX
Find out more: Le Café du Marché

Roman Baths & Pump Room, Bath

What: If you're searching for a wedding venue that is spectacularly special from the moment you arrive to the last dance of the night, opt for The Roman Baths. A venue with the most fascinating 2,000 year history, The Roman Baths are steeped in romance and beauty. Suitable for weddings of all kinds, the small, the private ceremony and the grand. Your ceremony will take place just to the side of the baths themselves, first thing or later in the day, when the museum is closed. Can you imagine the photos here? Flooded with natural light, glows from the water and the most incredible architecture surrounding you. The Pump Room is a Georgian-era beauty that dates back to 1795, with a magnificent crystal chandelier, a stage, and plenty of space for dancing. 
Where: Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
Find out more: Roman Baths & Pump Room

Stockwith Mill, Lincolnshire

What: The expansive Lincolnshire Wolds are home to Stockwith Mill, a 17th century water-driven corn mill that acts as a tremendously unique and beautiful setting for couples tying the knot. There are two choices for your wedding day here - Millers Field and The Stables. For up to 100 guests, Millers Field is a beautiful and secluded five-acre field alongside the River Lynn, with spectacular views and the option to add bell tents. The Stables is a bit of a safer option if you're concerned about the weather. But, should the sun shine, you can still choose to host a bit of your day outside. This glorious setting features the stable's original exposed wooden beams and those spectacular views you'd expect of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Where: Harrington Road, Hagworthingham, Spilsby, PE23 4NE
Find out more: Stockwith Mill

Thames Luxury Charters, London

What: Now could you really ask for a more unique wedding venue than a boat floating down the UK's most famous river? We think not. Thames Luxury Charters offers a whole fleet of vessels ready to host your unique special day. Among them, The Elizabethan accommodates 200 guests standing, and 140 seated. It's the most popular choice, thanks to versatile features including a retractable roof for an open air experience with views of London landmarks. For grand celebrations, The Dixie Queen makes an iconic setting for up to 620 guests. In fact, it's so large Tower Bridge will rise up to let you pass. The Edwardian, meanwhile, is charming and intimate, perfect for weddings of up to 90 guests. 
Where: Butlers Wharf Pier, Tower Bridge, SE1 2YE
Find out more: Thames Luxury Charters

After flicking through our list of the UK’s most unique wedding venues for alternative couples, you’ve hopefully got a lot of ideas open to you. But if you’re struggling with the process of nailing down the perfect location, just take a look at our top tips on how to choose a wedding venue - we’ve covered all the bases so you can feel confident exploring your options.