Are you planning a wedding in the city? Finding the right venue will be one of the biggest wedding planning decisions you make, so it's important to ensure you are well informed and take your time to find a location that is right for you.
Weddings are a great chance for couples to flex their collective creative muscles. If you and your partner like to shake things up, it's time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to your big day. Showcasing your personalities and styles is an important element of making your wedding day personal to you, and choosing a unique venue is integral to this. Once you've chosen a location, every other little detail will fall into place, creating a celebration perfectly tailored to you and your partner.
Taking into account your likes and interests is key to finding your ideal destination. If you or your partner is London born and bred, why not choose an iconic London landmark such as The Gherkin, The Barbican or St Pancras Station to host your ceremony and/or festivities? These spots are all part of London's trendy wedding scene, offering idyllic, and highly Instagrammable places to tie the knot.
If traditional hotel weddings and rustic barn celebrations aren't your thing, then our edit of the best unusual wedding venues in London is perfect for you. From high-end restaurants and boats to universities where you can be wed surrounded by hundreds of books (yes really!), browse the quirkiest places to say ‘I do’ in the capital.
art'otel London, Battersea Power Station
What: In search of a chic and arty venue? Why not tie the knot at art'otel London Battersea Power Station? Filled with modern decor and colour block fixtures, art'otel London makes a fine location for a swanky couple seeking a fashionable setting for their special day. Situated on the top floors of Battersea Power Station, art'otel London is set amongst a broad selection of divine restaurants and a rooftop bar, with panoramic views across the city.
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Book now: art'otel London Battersea Power Station
Electrowerkz, Angel
What: This alternative venue is certain to provide a quirky twist to any wedding. Situated in a spacious warehouse with an array of light-filled rooms, Electrowerkz is kitted out for large and loud celebrations. Choose between the cobbled Courtyard or the Glass House for indoor ceremonies, then head straight to its nightclub space for a boogie on the dancefloor at your wedding reception.
Where: 7 Torrens Street, EC1V 1NQ
Book now: Electrowerkz
Thames Luxury Charters, Tower Hill
What: For those really looking for a statement-making venue, then look no further than Thames Luxury Charters. Offering several unique vessels for hire, make a splash on your special day and take your guests on a cruise down the Thames as you say your vows.If you have a fairly large wedding party then you also don’t need to worry as the Dixie Queen vessel has capacity for over 400 guests, who will be more than pleased with the scenic backdrops and magnificent food. For something a bite more intimate, the TLC Edwardian and Elizabethan can seat 68 and 140 respectively.
Where: 9-10 Copper Row, SE1 2LH
Find out more: Thames Luxury Charters
Mama Shelter, Shoreditch
What: A trendy hotel set in London's most Instagrammable location, Shoreditch, Mama Shelter is an exuberant choice of venue showcasing vibrant decor, a karaoke lounge and breakout areas with arcade games. It's a top choice for vivacious couples! With plenty of rooms available for hire, you’ll be certain to find a setting to accommodate all of your guests.
Where: 437 Hackney Road, E2 8PP
Book now: Mama Shelter
The Zetter, Clerkenwell
What: The Zetter is an eccentric and fun-loving location, featuring Georgian architecture, hand-painted walls, rich colour palettes and fine antiques, this townhouse venue is exceptionally charming. An iconic landmark in Clerkenwell, the house once belonged to the Zetters family, whose legendary dinner parties, which were known to be Champagne-based soirees lasting into the night, were hosted by their daughter after the estate was left to her.
Where: 49-50 St John's Square, EC1V 4JJ
Book now: The Zetter
Inner Temple Hall, City of London
What: Steeped in history Inner Temple Hall offers a serene oasis with a Georgian style façade and opulent interiors. Unlock the doors to your dreamy al fresco-styled wedding in a stunning garden with Inner Temple Hall and embark on a truly unique experience for your big day.
Where: Crown Office Row, EC4Y 7HL
Book now: Inner Temple Hall
The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
What: Calling all pub lovers! – The Cadogan Arms is a glamorous establishment that has stood proudly for two centuries. A chic spot for matrimonial events, this hip venue is a beautifully modern space with warm-toned wooden panelling which complements its ornately carved ceiling and exquisite chandelier. Make a toast to the newlyweds with a beer before unwinding on its luxe red velvet seats.
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Book now: The Cadogan Arms
Searcys at The Gherkin, City of London
What: If it’s incredible views and a wedding in the clouds you're looking for, then The Gherkin offers everything you could want. The iconic glass dome at the top of the building is home to Searcys restaurant, where you can host your wedding reception. Enjoy incredible food and panoramic views over London at this unique venue.
Where: 30 St Mary Avenue, EC3A 8EP
Book now: Searcys at The Gherkin
The Barbican’s Conservatory and Garden Room, Barbican
What: Add some botanical style to your London wedding day by saying ‘I do’ in the gorgeous Conservatory and Garden Room at The Barbican - a unique space that's home to over 2,000 species of tropical plants. Despite its city location, your guests will feel they have been transported to a lush green rainforest with the ceremony room being encased by trees and tropical vegetation.
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Book now: The Barbican
The Royal College of Surgeons, Holborn
What: For more intimate weddings that don't scrimp on wow-factor, consider hiring The Library at The Royal College of Surgeons for your big day. This historic space is home to hundreds or rare books and coveted collections, as well as striking decor thanks to its dark green colour scheme, original fireplace and book-lined shelves. Begin with a Champagne and canape reception to allow you and your guests to soak up the atmosphere, before enjoying a three-course seasonal meal complete with wine, coffee and petit fours.
Where: 38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE
Book now: The Royal College of Surgeons
The Crypt at Bleeding Heart, Farringdon
What: Tucked away in the City of London, The Crypt at Bleeding Heart offers a fairytale venue in the capital. Steeped in history and boasting stone walls and wooden beams, this rustic setting adds to the romance of any day, but especially when also adorned with candles and flowers to bring the space to life. Set within St Etheldreda's, it's one of England's oldest Catholic Churches and has even been mentioned in two of Shakespeare's plays.
Where: 14 Ely Place, EC1N 6RY
Book now: The Crypt at Bleeding Heart
St Pancras Brasserie & Champagne Bar by Searcys, King's Cross
What: For some serious indulgence, you can’t get more glam that marrying in London’s longest Champagne bar. Searcys St Pancras is a Grade I listed train-shed and a century and a half since it opened, it is still at the heart of St Pancras station life. The Grand Terrace (pictured) is fully licenced so you can hold your ceremony and your reception at this truly unique London venue.
Where: St Pancras International Station, N1C 4QL
Book now: St Pancras Brasserie & Champagne Bar by Searcys
One Hundred Shoreditch, Shoreditch
What: With it's pastel pink tiles, large ceramic amphoras and natural light, One Hundred Shoreditch is one of the most stylish wedding venues in London. It boasts five contemporary event spaces, each with its own unique style and atmosphere such as the lush California-style rooftop or the eponymous One Hundred Room, which offers impressive views of the London skyline and caters up to 40 guests for dinner and 80 for a standing event. Here you can enjoy bespoke menus and friendly service in a glamorous setting.
Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Book now: One Hundred Shoreditch
Shangri-La at the Shard, London Bridge
What: This iconic London landmark is sure to add extra wow factor to your special day. Spanning levels 34 to 52 of the Shard, Shangri-La takes the luxury hotel wedding experience to new heights. All three event rooms are river-facing and accessed via a grand staircase with fantastic views, not to mention those stunning chandeliers. Dining options are seemingly endless and there's also the option to devise a bespoke menu with the accomplished kitchen team.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: Shangri-La at the Shard
If you are still searching for your perfect wedding venue, then browse more incredible London wedding venues here - you can narrow down your search by venue type, style, entertainment, facilities and more.