Chartered Insurance Institute
- 160
- Moderate ($$)
London is one of the most iconic cities in the world and a fabulous place to celebrate a wedding of any size or style. According to our 2025 Wedding Report, 87% of Londoners themselves marry elsewhere, making it the region with the highest net movement of couples, but it’s a top-tier wedding destination for couples both within the UK, and abroad.
The great thing about London is that although it is very much a thriving urban hub, it’s also got plenty of famous parks if you want a touch of green on your big day. At the same time, it’s the perfect balance between heritage and modernity, with an incredibly diverse range of wedding venues on offer, from historical landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral to modern architectural marvels like The Shard. So, you’re sure to find a venue in London that matches your vibe.
Overall, its wonderfully rich history, multicultural energy and world-class hospitality make London a dream location, whether you want tradition, innovation or a blend of both. London is also one of the most well-connected locations in the UK, boasting excellent transport links, assuring its convenience for local and international guests alike.
All of this naturally comes at a price. London wedding venues are generally among the priciest of all, due to regional running costs like for like. It’s hardly surprising that venues in London naturally face higher running costs around property, rental and business rates than in other locations in the country. But this is something to be aware of when allocating your budget.
London’s weddings often mirror its cosmopolitan character: there are so many possibilities for creative expression. Because it’s such a diverse city, cultural fusion is a hallmark of many London weddings. For example, many venues cater to various nationalities and cuisines—from British to Asian to African to Caribbean—so if you’re looking to incorporate your own unique heritage and traditions, it will likely be more than possible in London. Whether it’s a classic black-tie affair or a more quirky, personalised celebration, anything goes, and you’re sure to find a wedding theme or trend that matches your vibe and aligns with your vision.
Beyond culturally diverse weddings, urban chic remains a top trend in London, with venues like No.11 Cavendish Square and Clapton Country Club offering stylish, industrial vibes. Luxury celebrations featuring grand ballrooms and Michelin-starred catering, such as those at the Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay, are also popular among today’s couples. That said, earth-friendly weddings are becoming popular too: couples are prioristing locally sourced food and menus that have a lighter impact on the environment. In terms of florals, extravagant blooms are all the rage in London, from meticulously crafted floral embellishments to 3D floral accents on wedding gowns, giving everything from a hint of texture to a statement feature.
London is home to a wonderful range of wedding venues, from opulent hotels to hidden gems, meaning whatever vision you have for your big day, and whatever your budget, you’re bound to find plenty of options in and around the capital.
London has over 2,000 years of history, and so much of that amazing history is represented in venues around the city, especially when it comes to grand and elegant venues that are bursting with luxury.
Despite being a major city, London is actually home to more than 3,000 parks, which means you don’t necessarily need to leave the capital if you’re hoping to make the most of the good weather and get married outside. Venues including The Phoenix Garden, The Hurlingham Club, Battersea Park Weddings, Woodberry Wetlands and Chelsea Physic Garden are all fantastic wedding venues that have open-air space for your ceremony and reception. Or, if you want a royal park backdrop, the Mandarin Oriental—which overlooks Hyde Park—is hard to beat.
London is such a diverse and historic city that there are also so many venues that reflect just how unique it truly is. You can choose a venue that ties closely to your interests, or is so unique that your guests will never forget your special day. The Queens House, London, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery, London Film Museum and ZSL London Zoo are just a sampling of some of the amazing venues you can choose from in and around London. For a venue with unique heritage charm, BMA House in Bloomsbury—a Grade II listed building located on the site of Charles Dickens’ former home—might just be “the one.”
Sports fans are also spoilt for choice when it comes to London wedding venues, with so many world-famous stadiums and sports grounds welcoming couples who have love not only for each other, but also for sports or a specific team. Cricket fans will love The Kia Oval and Lord's Cricket Ground, while rugby fanatics will go wild for Wasps FC. And when it comes to football, Arsenal Football Club, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and the iconic Wembley Stadium are just three stadiums to choose from. Another amazing venue to consider is Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to the hugely successful 2012 Olympic Games.
London might be known as an expensive city, but there are also loads of affordable and budget-friendly venue options to choose from. And the best part is, you don’t need to compromise on quality just because you don’t want to spend a fortune. Just a small selection of affordable London wedding venues includes Le Gothique, Belair House, Coulsdon Manor Hotel, Ark Royal Venue and Thames Rowing Club.
Overall, couples are now spending over £7,800 (or 37.5%) more to marry in London (£28,629) compared to the national average (£20,775), and the same applies to the wedding venue. Couples in London pay an average of £7,020 for their wedding venue, notably lower than the national average of £5,945 (excluding catering). Venue costs in London tend to be higher than the national average due to demand and the city’s premium services. So, flexibility with dates or off-peak seasons may help reduce costs and still let you enjoy a wedding venue in the capital.
Of course, average costs can vary dramatically depending on many other factors, including the type of venue and what sort of packages are available. The breakdown above and the examples of specific venues are just that—examples—and therefore merely indicative and illustrative.
You should generally expect to book a ceremony or reception venue in London at least 12-18 months before your wedding. However, the average lead time can naturally vary, depending on the venue and the time of year.
It’s possible to find last-minute dates around only 6 months in advance, but you might need to be more flexible with your wedding date. For this, off-peak dates and weekdays will likely be your best bet, and often have much shorter lead times, as there will be less demand at such times.
However, as a rule of thumb, if you have your heart set on a specific venue in London, enquire with them as early as possible to maximise your chances of securing a booking. You’ll almost always need to pay your venue a deposit as a percentage of the overall cost to lock in your wedding date.
London’s weather—and that of the UK generally—is unpredictable (famously so!), but every season has its own unique charm. Whether you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or a cosy indoor celebration, each season offers something special for your big day.
London is a true global hub, which makes it one of the easiest and most convenient cities for guests to reach. International guests have six airports to choose from:
All of these six airports are connected to London’s comprehensive rail and Underground networks. The best one to fly into depends on your budget, your departure and your destination. Heathrow and London City is good options for a fast and easy connection to London, especially for international travellers (and those coming from Canada in particular). Gatwick is more a middle option, with a fast connection to London via the Underground, but also accessible with low-cost airlines. Stansted, Luton and Southend offer good options for the cheapest deal, but you may need to travel longer and pay more for trains and baggage.
If you’re looking to really wow your guests, many couples like to rent one or two of London’s iconic buses, like the classic red Routemaster double-decker. This isn’t just a fun and memorable transportation option, but also a great way to travel around the city.
When it comes to accommodation for weddings in London, you’ll find no shortage of hotels that cater to all budgets and preferences. Popular areas like Westminster or Shoreditch have great options ranging from the luxury Savoy Hotel to budget-friendly chains like Premier Inn. For a bespoke touch, boutique hotels such as the Sun Street Hotel offer stylish stays close to top wedding venues. It’s a good idea to provide a list of recommended hotels and transport links between your ceremony and reception to make the day seamless for your guests.
Some popular wedding venues in London include:
Whether you are looking for a grand and elegant setting, or a more intimate and contemporary space, there is a wedding venue in London to suit your needs.
We cover all of London, including: