Description
Discover The Garden Museum: A Stunning Wedding Venue in Central London
Imagine saying “I do” or celebrating your wedding reception with breathtaking views of the River Thames and the iconic Houses of Parliament. The Garden Museum, set on the south bank of the Thames, offers just that—a unique and unforgettable setting for your special day. Housed in the beautifully restored medieval church of St Mary-at-Lambeth, this venue blends rich history with modern elegance, creating a peaceful oasis right in the heart of London.
Spaces & Capacity
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively celebration, The Garden Museum’s versatile spaces can be tailored to fit your vision. You’ll have exclusive use of the venue, ensuring your wedding feels truly personal and private.
- The Nave: This historic main hall is the heart of the museum. With soaring vaulted ceilings and stunning stained-glass windows, it can host up to 140 guests for a seated dinner and dancing, or up to 250 for a standing reception. Its dramatic medieval architecture sets a romantic and memorable atmosphere for your wedding breakfast and evening party.
- The Dan Pearson Garden: Designed by award-winning landscape architect Dan Pearson, this beautiful courtyard garden offers a rare green escape in central London. Surrounded by a modern glass and bronze cloister, it’s ideal for an elegant drinks reception or smaller, intimate celebrations.
Planning Your Wedding Reception
The Garden Museum is available for exclusive hire for wedding receptions. While it isn’t licensed for civil ceremonies, you can hold a humanist ceremony on-site during your reception. Many couples choose to have their legal ceremony at one of the nearby registry offices before moving to the museum to celebrate.
To make your day seamless and special, catering is provided by a carefully selected list of trusted suppliers who know the venue well. They create exceptional menus inspired by the museum’s beautiful gardens, ensuring your guests enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Why Choose The Garden Museum?
- Prime central London location with stunning views across the Thames to the Houses of Parliament.
- A unique combination of medieval church architecture and contemporary design elements.
- A secluded private garden perfect for outdoor drinks receptions and intimate moments.
- Flexible indoor and outdoor spaces that allow your event to flow naturally.
- Exclusive use of the entire venue, giving you privacy and control over your celebration.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of Garden Museum
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Pricing for Garden Museum
Reviews (12)
- AApril 2021 Wedding Couple11/12/2023Absolutely seamless from start to finish Absolutely seamless from start to finishIn regards to feedback of the day I’m not sure where to start. The whole day was absolutely seamless from start to finish. We have had no end of comments from our guest saying the same thing. Jessie, your attention to detail during the planning of the wedding was fantastic and we had such a stress free build up and day because of this. We can’t thank you enough for everything you have done, no detail was missed and we honestly had the best day of our lives, we couldn’t have done it without you In regards to feedback of the day I’m not sure where to start. The whole day was absolutely seamless from start to finish. We have had no end of comments from our guest saying the same thing. Jessie, your attention to detail during the planning of the wedding was fantastic and we had such a stress free build up and day because of this. We can’t thank you enough for everything you have done, no detail was missed and we honestly had the best day of our lives, we couldn’t have done it without you
- JJeremy Ellis11/12/2023Amazing buildings with stunning architecture Amazing buildings with stunning architectureAmazing buildings with stunning architecture on the new additions to the church. The museum is about gardens, but also a lot about local history, and about the benefactors who saved the Church from demolition. The café deserves to be called a restaurant with excellent coffee and a menu that changes daily. It also has great staff who are knowledgeable about the food and wine.Amazing buildings with stunning architecture on the new additions to the church. The museum is about gardens, but also a lot about local history, and about the benefactors who saved the Church from demolition. The café deserves to be called a restaurant with excellent coffee and a menu that changes daily. It also has great staff who are knowledgeable about the food and wine.
- PPaul Green11/12/2023Haven of tranquility and well worth visiting Haven of tranquility and well worth visitingThe Garden Museum is a haven of tranquility and well worth visiting. The Victorian Church building and the cloister garden are atmospheric and peaceful. Recent renovations have improved the visitor experience whilst the character and history of the building have been retained. Dan Pearson designed the cloister garden and it's impressive, as is the cafe. The Garden Museum is a haven of tranquility and well worth visiting. The Victorian Church building and the cloister garden are atmospheric and peaceful. Recent renovations have improved the visitor experience whilst the character and history of the building have been retained. Dan Pearson designed the cloister garden and it's impressive, as is the cafe.
- DDiana Parker11/12/2023Calm and peaceful atmosphere Calm and peaceful atmosphereThis was amazing I had not heard of it before. It is based in a church next to Lambeth Palace. It had a very calm and peaceful atmosphere. This was amazing I had not heard of it before. It is based in a church next to Lambeth Palace. It had a very calm and peaceful atmosphere.
- SSushma Sabnis11/12/2023Delightful gem in LondonDelightful gem in LondonIt is a delightful gem in London. The church surroundings are very tastefully transformed . Highly recommendedIt is a delightful gem in London. The church surroundings are very tastefully transformed . Highly recommended
- LLara Kamala11/12/2023Amazing!Amazing!Amazing! I enjoyed every minute of it. The staff were very helpful and sweet.Amazing! I enjoyed every minute of it. The staff were very helpful and sweet.
- JJulie Walker11/12/2023A Hidden Gem A Hidden GemLovely restaurant and gardening museum, punching above its size, plus beautiful churchy things like the tower with astonishingly good views over the Thames etc plus a walk in baptismal font, stained glass windows and a lovely flower themed exhibition atm. A hidden gem and also very pleasant friendly staffLovely restaurant and gardening museum, punching above its size, plus beautiful churchy things like the tower with astonishingly good views over the Thames etc plus a walk in baptismal font, stained glass windows and a lovely flower themed exhibition atm. A hidden gem and also very pleasant friendly staff
- FFrank Rooney11/12/2023Wonderful museumWonderful museumWonderful museum in a converted church which was newly renovated recently. Well worth a visit to find out about the world of gardening in England from public parks to private gardens.Wonderful museum in a converted church which was newly renovated recently. Well worth a visit to find out about the world of gardening in England from public parks to private gardens.
- DDane Harrow11/12/2023Beautiful and BrightBeautiful and BrightThe museum is beautiful and the permanent exhibition is charming. The cafe is bright and simple with fresh locally sourced food. I love this placeThe museum is beautiful and the permanent exhibition is charming. The cafe is bright and simple with fresh locally sourced food. I love this place
- CCaroline Barnett11/12/2023A peaceful placeA peaceful placeA peaceful interesting visit in a beautifully converted church. The staff were friendly, the exhibits were interesting, the cafe served very good choices for lunch. It is on the south bank so views from the tower are over the river and spectacular.A peaceful interesting visit in a beautifully converted church. The staff were friendly, the exhibits were interesting, the cafe served very good choices for lunch. It is on the south bank so views from the tower are over the river and spectacular.
Location & Contact Details for Garden Museum
Where is The Garden Museum wedding venue located?
The Garden Museum is located in central London at SE1 7LB, London, Greater London, England. It sits on the south bank of the River Thames, offering stunning views across the river to the iconic Houses of Parliament.
What historic features does The Garden Museum offer for weddings?
The venue is housed in the beautifully restored medieval church of St Mary-at-Lambeth, featuring dramatic medieval architecture such as soaring vaulted ceilings and stunning stained-glass windows. This unique blend of historic and modern design creates an elegant and romantic atmosphere for your wedding.
Can I hold both my wedding ceremony and reception at The Garden Museum?
The Garden Museum is licensed for exclusive hire of wedding receptions but not civil ceremonies. However, humanist ceremonies can be held on-site during your reception. Many couples choose to have their legal ceremony at a nearby registry office before celebrating at the museum.
What are the venue spaces available for weddings at The Garden Museum?
The Garden Museum offers two main spaces:
- The Nave: A historic main hall seating up to 140 guests for dinner and dancing or 250 for a standing reception.
- The Dan Pearson Garden: An award-winning courtyard garden ideal for drinks receptions and intimate celebrations.
Is The Garden Museum suitable for both small and large wedding celebrations?
Yes, the versatile spaces at The Garden Museum can be tailored for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. Exclusive use of the venue ensures a private and personalized wedding experience regardless of guest count.
Does The Garden Museum provide catering services for weddings?
Catering is provided through a carefully selected list of trusted suppliers who are familiar with the venue. They offer exceptional menus inspired by the museum's beautiful gardens, ensuring a memorable dining experience for your guests.
Can I have an outdoor drinks reception at The Garden Museum?
Absolutely. The Dan Pearson Garden, a secluded private courtyard garden surrounded by a modern glass and bronze cloister, is perfect for elegant outdoor drinks receptions and intimate moments.
What makes The Garden Museum a unique wedding venue in London?
The Garden Museum offers a unique combination of:
- Prime central London location with breathtaking views of the Thames and Houses of Parliament.
- Historic medieval church architecture blended with contemporary design.
- Secluded private garden spaces for outdoor celebrations.
- Exclusive use for full privacy and control of your wedding day.
Is it possible to have dancing during the wedding reception at The Garden Museum?
Yes, The Nave can accommodate seated dinners and dancing for up to 140 guests, allowing you to celebrate your special day with both dining and dancing in a stunning historic setting.
How do I book The Garden Museum for my wedding reception?
To book The Garden Museum, it's recommended to contact the venue directly to discuss availability, pricing, and any specific requirements. They offer exclusive hire to ensure your wedding celebration is personalized and private.
