Wedding venues don’t come any grander than these iconic London hotels, offering sumptuous surroundings and world-class style for your wedding day
When it comes to celebrating in style, the capital has it covered. Our pick of iconic London hotels offer that perfect combination of location, elegant architecture and fantastic service. Of course, all of these fabulous hotels also boast sumptuous honeymoon suites and offer fantastic perks to couples who choose to book with them – be it expert wedding planning guidance or free access to their lavish spas and gyms in the run up to the big day.
The Berkeley
An iconic hotel in Knightsbridge, The Berkeley has its own dedicated events wing, accessed through a private entrance, and provides exceptional spaces to design an event ranging from a smart dinner with friends and family to a full-scale ball. The ballroom exudes glamour, with floor-to-ceiling windows and crystal chandeliers, while the adjoining Belgravia Room has fantastic pillared arches and is perfect for wedding ceremonies. Extra services include a dedicated wedding planner and access to the hotel’s prized ‘black book’ of wedding contacts. Capacity: Up to 450; the-berkeley.co.uk
Claridge’s
With its close connections to both royalty and high fashion, Claridge’s is inimitably London. There are multiple spaces that can host a civil ceremony and/or party and a dedicated on-site wedding team to help plan down to the last detail. The stunning Art Deco ballroom is perfect for hosting a reception or dancing. Other choice spaces include the French Salon, replete with gold-encrusted cherubs. Claridge’s choreographer in residence Marius Caluser can even help you execute the perfect first dance.
Capacity: Up to 400; claridges.co.uk
The Connaught
Mayfair’s first new ballroom in 80 years – The Mayfair Room – opened at The Connaught in 2009, masterfully created by Guy Oliver in grand 1930s style and with a sprung parquet floor and state-of-the-art sound system. The hotel also offers a variety of more intimate spaces; the Regency Room is perfect for smaller gatherings and has fabulous 18th-century features. The hotel has dedicated wedding planners and you will also find one of London’s finest hotel cocktail bars (the martinis are legendary) and a two Michelin-starred restaurant. Capacity: Up to 200; the-connaught.co.uk
The Dorchester
This 1930s landmark on Park Lane offers ten super-glamorous event spaces, ranging from salons suitable for intimate gatherings to the fabulous Art Deco ballroom on the ground floor – recently refurbished and with a capacity of 500 for a sit-down dinner. For a more intimate gathering, the Crystal Suite offers light-filled contemporary space with views over Hyde Park. With bespoke menus and in-house event designers, The Dorchester’s teams can also help plan a unique event. Capacity: 1000; dorchestercollection.com
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane boasts a super-smart Mayfair location and impeccable service. For weddings, there are eight event spaces of different styles and sizes. The cherry wood-panelled ballroom has a full wall of windows that create a light-filled setting. Other glamorous spaces include the Hamilton Room with panoramic views over the hotel garden terrace. For intimate and less-formal gatherings, Four Seasons’ 10th-floor rooftop lounge offers a unique space with far-reaching views to the City.
Capacity: Up to 250; fourseasons.com/london/
The Langham
One of Europe’s original Grand Hotels, The Langham on Regent Street celebrated its 150th birthday in 2015. As well as its glorious ballroom – an Absolutely Weddings favourite for fashion shoots – it has eleven private dining rooms. There is also a beautiful 18th-century Courtyard Garden (a great rarity in the West End) that can be accessed from the ballroom. The Langham’s wedding menu, created in collaboration with Chez Roux, focuses on seasonal luxury ingredients and a dedicated events manager is on hand to help plan your celebration. Capacity: Up to 375; langhamhotels.com
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
This grand Victorian hotel in Knightsbridge has a peerless location. Interiors blend period elegance with contemporary comforts and venue choices range from the fabulous ballroom with 24-carat gilding and private foyer and cloakrooms to the somewhat more intimate Loggia and Carlyle rooms. The adjoining Mandarin Terrace offers outstanding Hyde Park views. You can even arrange for guests to enter privately via the Royal Entrance in the park. Each couple is assigned a wedding specialist to organise all the planning details, and the hotel is just has happy to assist with an intimate wedding breakfast as a grand ball. Capacity: Up to 400; mandarinoriental.com/london/
The Ritz
Famous for its divine afternoon teas, The Ritz is a super-smart location for a London wedding. Weddings take place in William Kent House, a lavish 18th-century space with grand entrance hall, sweeping staircase and a series of fine linked reception rooms. Interiors are packed with extraordinary period furnishings and details. With its red walls and painted and gilded ceiling, William Kent Room is a stunning setting for a winter wedding banquet, while the Music Room is the largest single space, with romantic pastel décor. Many salons have views over Green Park and William Kent House also has a lovely private terrace. Capacity: Up to 200; theritzlondon.com
The Savoy
An iconic London hotel steeped in history, The Savoy also has some of London’s finest wedding reception spaces. Leading wedding planner Bruce Russell and his expert team are on hand and you are spoiled for choice when it comes to spaces. The glamorous Lancaster Ballroom can accommodate 300 for dinner and dancing, while The River Room – the largest single space – can host up to 400 and has been the venue of many legendary parties. There are also more intimate spaces – all come with a romantic history and period details. The hotel has its own pier, so you can arrive or depart by boat or host part of your celebration on the Thames if you choose. Capacity: Up to 400; fairmont.com/savoy-london/
St. Pancras Renaissance
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is one of London’s most romantic grand hotels, seamlessly blending period opulence and ultra-modern comforts and service. Originally the Midland Grand – and with astounding Gothic architecture and Victorian engineering by Sir George Gilbert Scott its awe-inspiring Grade I-listed interiors are unique. Reception spaces include the fantastic Hansom Hall & Terrace. For period glamour, opt for The Gallery – an extraordinary curved room with chandeliers and beautiful views. It goes without saying that this is the perfect destination if you are welcoming guests on Eurostar or plan to tour the Continent in grand Victorian style for your honeymoon.
Capacity: Up to 475; stpancraslondon.com/
