Wedding Venues in South East London

All About Getting Married in South East London

South East London is an exciting, bustling and diverse area of the capital known as the home of time itself. It also has an abundance of green spaces, a thriving arts and culture scene, amazing food, bags of character… we could go on. And if you’re considering the capital as a location to base your wedding day, you couldn’t do much better than South East London. With its leafy parks, riverside views and eclectic mix of venues, South East London is a dream spot for couples wanting to get married somewhere with a wide variety of options. 

Our 2025 Wedding Report revealed that South East London (along with the rest of the capital) is where 6% of UK weddings take place, which is a 1% increase on the previous year. And while the average cost of a wedding in London is £28,629 ​​– the highest in the country by quite a way – more than four in five (83%) of local people choose to stay close by for their special day. This shows that, while it can be pricier, couples consider South East London to be worth it.

South East London is the perfect wedding destination if you want London convenience with a bit more space to breathe, plus a range of venue options that align with the vision you have for your big day.

Popular Wedding Themes & Trends in South East London

Weddings in South East London are all about effortless style, urban character and a strong sense of individuality. Couples in the area often embrace a laid-back yet creative approach, making the most of the plethora of diverse venues. From exposed-brick warehouses in Peckham to cosy heritage pubs in Greenwich and airy art spaces in Deptford, there's so much to choose from which align with creative couples’ visions.

And creative flair is at the heart of a lot of couples' decisions. Whether it’s handwritten vows, curated playlists or immersive experiences like live illustrators and guest DJs, weddings in South East London contain loads of personalised touches.

Food is a major focal point, too. South East London’s buzzing food scene feeds (pun intended) directly into wedding catering trends, with couples hiring local food trucks, independent caterers and street food-inspired feasts. This can be bao buns, wood-fired pizza, vegan platters... there really is no limit. Many menus reflect the couple’s heritage or shared story, while drinks offerings often include craft beers from local brewers, wines from nearby bottle shops or bespoke cocktails featuring ingredients from South East London markets.

Sustainability and community are also important to many couples in South East London, hence the focus on local vendors. Ethical floristry, seasonal produce, repurposed decor and consciously chosen suppliers are all considered a big deal. DIY and upcycled touches, like hand-lettered signage, thrifted tableware or family-made cakes, add personality while keeping things grounded and eco-conscious.

Fusion weddings are also on the rise, with couples who have mixed backgrounds bringing them together to throw a one-of-a-kind celebration with exciting and original ceremonies, food and entertainment. And with growing guest lists featuring friends and family travelling in from overseas, multi-day celebrations are often considered.

Wedding Venues in South East London & Average Costs

Whether you’re after a three-day celebration in a manor house, a day at your favourite football stadium or an elegant affair at a museum, there’s a wedding venue for everyone in South East London.

As London is the most expensive place to get married in the UK, there is, of course, a wide range of venues that are luxurious if you’re looking to throw a wedding that will truly wow your guests. There are so many grand and graceful venues that ooze class and sophistication, and let you spend the day being spoilt. You could go for Kingswood Arts, a castle-like mansion with an in-house catering team that specialises in loads of different world cuisines. Belair House is a beautiful Georgian house with a selection of rooms for you and your guests, including its signature ballroom. Salomons Estate is a Victorian mansion set within its own private 36 acres of grounds. Mycenae House is perfect for larger guest lists and has some wonderful gardens, including its own woodlands. And Charlton House & Gardens is a wonderful Jacobean Manor, which still has many of its original features, like its spiralling oak staircase and fireplaces.

Being such an eclectic city, there are tons of venues around the capital that are unique or bring something a little bit different to the table. Many call back to South East London’s industrial and maritime past, like Cutty Sark and Old Royal Naval College. There’s the royal connections of The Queens House for fans of the royal family, or museum-lovers might get a kick out of exchanging their vows at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Horniman Museum and Gardens or Peter Harrison Planetarium.

South East London is also home to a passionate community of sports fans, and there are plenty of venues that are also shared by some top teams. Whether you love sport or not, Charlton Athletic Football Club, The Kia Oval, Selhurst Park Stadium and Millwall Football Club are undoubtedly unique wedding venues.

Just because South East London has a range of pricier venues, that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of lower-cost venues in the area, too. The Admiral Hardy, The Crown & Greyhound, The Exchange and Asylum Chapel are just some of South East London’s more affordable wedding venues, and make for great considerations.

The average cost of a wedding venue in South East London is £7,020, which isn’t actually the most expensive region in the country (a crown held by Yorkshire and the Humber). That just shows that you don’t necessarily need a huge budget to get married in South East London, and the range of venues available means there’s something out there for everyone.

Average Wedding Venue Booking Lead Times in South East London

South East London is a hugely popular wedding destination, and many venues have a lead time of around 18 months. For the more popular venues and dates (such as weekends during the summer), don’t be surprised to have a wait of more than two years. Similarly, niche venues and those that can cater to large guest lists will have a similar wait.

Midweek dates, winter weddings and less traditional venues often offer more flexibility, so if you’re happy to consider different options, you should be able to secure something around six months from now. And as a bonus, you’ll likely save money too, thanks to many venues offering off-peak discounts.

Weather & Seasonality in South East London

South East London has the same relatively mild climate as the rest of the capital, making it a good spot for weddings all year round. You can usually depend on summers being warm and winters being chilly, but with the possibility of rain at any time of the year.

Spring (March - May) is a lovely time in South East London, as parks like Greenwich Park come to life. Temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), making it perfect for traditional weddings, and venues like Westerham Golf Club give you the chance to make the most of sunnier days.

Summer (June - August) is warm and welcoming, with average highs of 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F). Garden venues, terraces and open-air receptions make for a great choice, like Tudor Barn Eltham and Brown and Green Life, and are a unique take on a wedding in the capital.

Autumn (September - November) in South East London comes with cosy vibes and golden autumnal shades. Expect temperatures between 11°C and 18°C (52°F to 64°F), which means there can still be plenty of sunny days left to enjoy despite the slight chill.

Winter (December - February) is quieter and more budget-friendly, with highs of around 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F). It’s ideal for candlelit ceremonies, low-key receptions and festive touches. Venues with indoor spaces, like The Admiral’s House, are a must-have to ensure you and your guests can escape the elements.

Transport & Accommodation in South East London

One of the best things about getting married in South East London is how accessible it is. Areas like Greenwich, Peckham, Dulwich and Lewisham are all well connected by National Rail, London Overground and the DLR, as well as numerous bus services. That means guests coming from across the capital or further afield won’t struggle to find their way around.

London Bridge and Waterloo stations serve as major rail hubs for anyone travelling from outside the capital, with great links across the UK. And for those flying in, London City Airport (LCY) is closest, while Gatwick (LGW) and Heathrow (LHR) are also easy to reach by train.

When it comes to accommodation, there’s a great mix of options, including independent boutique hotels, tons of Airbnbs and all the big-name chains, both pricey and affordable. On top of this, a hotel makes for a brilliant venue choice. It allows you and your guests to stay in one place, so you can relax and enjoy your wedding day without needing to think about the logistics and transport. Two great South East London hotel wedding venues include Intercontinental London - The O2 and The River View Lounge.