London wedding venues with gardens are something special, adding magic and a relaxed flavour. Here are ten of our favourite places around the capital with glorious outdoor spaces
BMA House – full bloom in Bloomsbury
The headquarters of the British Medical Association is an oasis in Bloomsbury, thanks to its grand courtyard with beautiful fountain and lovely physic garden with pond. The Lutyens-designed building offers various spaces suitable for weddings, including the lofty Great Hall, with a capacity of 200 for a wedding ceremony. The Snow Room has floor-to-ceiling windows, while Paget Room has mahogany pillars and twin fireplaces. The lovely Garden Room is a double-height space perfect for drinks receptions. bmahouse.org.uk
Chelsea Physic Garden – botanical retreat
This world-famous medicinal garden’s protective walls and position close to the Thames have created a microclimate perfect for both rare botanical plants and fairytale summer-themed wedding receptions. The four-acre grounds offer ample space to erect a marquee and hire of the entire garden also gives you access to the Garden House Gallery and Reception Foyer. The Garden and Main Lawn are available throughout the year – there is also a lower lawn for smaller receptions. While your wedding can’t take place here, there are many picturesque churches nearby and this is a unique London outside space. chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
The HAC – grand City style
This splendid venue sits in five acres of grounds. But while it feels like a country house, it’s tucked away behind City Road, EC1. As home of the Honourable Artillery Company, it’s also steeped in history. The 18th-century Armoury House sits alongside the ultra-modern Prince Consort Rooms. This gives you the option to host part of your celebration in grand Georgian style, and spill out into the gardens, before moving on to the superb party space capable of hosting 400. The HAC is available for exclusive hire on weekday evenings and at weekends and there’s a dedicated team to help plan your celebration. hac.org.uk/events
Horniman Museum – Victorian elegance
This beloved Lewisham museum has three very special venues in a 16-acre garden setting. The elegant Victorian conservatory is star of the show, with its wedding-cake ironwork. It can be hired between April and October and you get the bonus of a terrace area and views across the gardens. The contemporary pavilion is available year-round and has a private terrace. Smaller ceremonies take place at the restored Bandstand. All weddings are organised through Suzanne James. horniman.ac.uk
Kenwood – village flavour
Located in the leafy surroundings of Hampstead, this beautiful Robert Adam mansion is known internationally for its fine artworks and loved by Londoners for its grounds. Both the house and gardens are stars here. It has a ceremony licence for 100 – and if yours is a very large after party you can have a marquee in the grounds for almost 500 guests. Opt for dinner and dancing for up to 80 in the Old Kitchen or a celebration for 100 in The Orangery – this also has magnificent views over the grounds. The Music Room and Green Room are included in hire of The Orangery, but are also a good choice for more intimate affairs. english-heritage.org.uk
Kew Gardens – green treasures
A national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site, The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is the perfect spot for a romantic garden wedding. The newest addition is the restored Temperate House. Home to 10,000 lush plants and hosting up to 300 for a standing reception, it is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world and with amazing cathedral-like proportions. The Nash Conservatory is a dramatic space for a wedding or civil ceremony, as well as being a great space for dancing. The Orangery is a Grade I-listed building with huge arched windows. Other options include Cambridge Cottage, tucked away in the grounds. kew.org
London Wetland Centre – back to nature
Located on the River Thames in Barnes, just a few minutes from Hammersmith, this 105-acre Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust reserve is a watery paradise for birdlife, featuring ponds, wildflower meadow and rain garden. The Observatory offers a panoramic view over the lake and London skyline behind it. The Water’s Edge room can seat 110 for dinner or 200 for a reception and has a decked balcony. The thatched Wetland Living building, has a capacity of 42 for a seated ceremony. wwt.org.uk
Roehampton Club – west London chic
Located close to Richmond Park, Roehampton Club offers a perfect slice of green and pleasant countryside, just 20 minutes by train from central London. Set in 100 acres of parkland, and with exceptional sports facilities, it also has idyllic Victorian gardens. Wedding ceremonies and celebrations can cater for small and large groups and the property has versatile and light-filled event spaces. Bespoke menus are tailored to your style of celebration and an experienced events team is on hand to help plan your event. roehamptonclub.co.uk
Royal Hospital Chelsea – grand gardens
It’s only a stone’s throw from the hubbub of the King’s Road but once you enter Royal Hospital Chelsea’s amazing gardens – home to the Chelsea Pensioners and annual Chelsea Flower Show – it feels like the country. The Wren-designed buildings are spectacular, with internal and external spaces suitable for everything from a lavish party to an intimate gathering. The Great Hall is the largest indoor space with a superb mural by Antonio Verrio. The State Apartments offer further fine artworks, while Wren House is an intimate setting with lovely garden and river views that can host a civil ceremony for 50. chelsea-pensioners.co.uk
Strawberry Hill House – Gothic fairytale
The expansive lawns of Strawberry Hill House make this a lovely venue for a London wedding with a flavour of Gothic romance. The house itself is a fantasy castle, with white turreted exterior and fan-vaulted Gallery decorated in red and gold. Smaller parties can be accommodated in the Round Room and wedding parties are also welcome to use other rooms in the state apartment. strawberryhillhouse.org.uk
MORE WEDDING VENUE INSPIRATION?
Beautiful country properties within easy reach of the capital
