Description
Discover The Crypt at St. Etheldreda's: A Historic Wedding Venue in Central London
If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that blends rich history with a romantic atmosphere, The Crypt at St. Etheldreda's is a perfect choice. Nestled in Ely Place, a private gated street in central London, this medieval crypt has hosted celebrations for centuries—including a famous three-day wedding feast held by King Henry VIII in 1531. Your special day here will be surrounded by timeless charm and unforgettable character.
Capacity and Wedding Spaces
The Crypt offers an intimate yet flexible setting that works beautifully for both formal dinners and lively receptions. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or a larger celebration, this venue adapts to your needs:
- Seated Wedding Breakfast: Comfortably accommodates 50 to 124 guests.
- Standing Reception: Welcomes up to 200 guests for a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Just steps away, the charming Cloister Garden provides a peaceful outdoor space perfect for a drinks reception before your meal. For your ceremony, you can exchange vows in the stunning St. Etheldreda's Church, the oldest Roman Catholic church in England, located directly above The Crypt.
Venue Features That Make Your Day Special
The Crypt’s historic architecture creates a magical backdrop that’s both elegant and unique—ideal for memorable photos and an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Key features include:
- Architectural Charm: Beautiful stone floors, vaulted ceilings, ancient arches, and magnificent stained-glass windows set a breathtaking scene.
- Exceptional Catering: The renowned Bleeding Heart French Restaurant, right next door, offers bespoke menus crafted by their Executive Chef to perfectly suit your tastes.
- Exclusive Use: Enjoy complete privacy with exclusive access to the venue throughout your event.
- Dedicated Wedding Coordination: An experienced in-house coordinator will guide you through every detail, ensuring your day runs smoothly and stress-free.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of The Crypt
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Pricing for The Crypt
Reviews (4)
- NNoreen09/10/2025The Wedding of our dreamsThe Wedding of our dreamsWhat a beautiful venue and wedding you gave us. We had 122 very happy guests. The food, drinks and service - all absolutely top class. We don’t believe anywhere else in London could have outshone The Crypt and Bleeding Heart for our wedding. We are so grateful to you all for giving us the wedding of our dreams. It was truly magical. Noreen xxWhat a beautiful venue and wedding you gave us. We had 122 very happy guests. The food, drinks and service - all absolutely top class. We don’t believe anywhere else in London could have outshone The Crypt and Bleeding Heart for our wedding. We are so grateful to you all for giving us the wedding of our dreams. It was truly magical. Noreen xx
- RRay09/10/2025Stunning Gothic VenueStunning Gothic VenueA year ago today I was a newly married man and walked through the entrance of the Crypt and just froze – I was totally stunned and lost for words. To this day I still cannot find the words to describe the just how beautiful and magical it was to see this amazing venue glowing with candlelight and subtle lighting highlighting the great features of this gothic crypt. Catering for our guests was never going to be easy, but with the amazing selection of food available from the Bleeding Heart restauA year ago today I was a newly married man and walked through the entrance of the Crypt and just froze – I was totally stunned and lost for words. To this day I still cannot find the words to describe the just how beautiful and magical it was to see this amazing venue glowing with candlelight and subtle lighting highlighting the great features of this gothic crypt. Catering for our guests was never going to be easy, but with the amazing selection of food available from the Bleeding Heart restau
- GGabriella Collaco09/10/2025This venue was perfect This venue was perfectThis venue was perfect for our wedding day and super flexible and customisable. Amy the wedding co-ordinator in particular was incredible with answering millions of my questions and making sure everything went perfectly on the day. Incredible venue overall.This venue was perfect for our wedding day and super flexible and customisable. Amy the wedding co-ordinator in particular was incredible with answering millions of my questions and making sure everything went perfectly on the day. Incredible venue overall.
- Terry09/10/2025The Crypt: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of FarringdonThe Crypt: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of FarringdonWe hosted our wedding reception, dinner, and evening party at the Crypt at St Etheldreda’s, and it was nothing short of magical. Andy, the head chef, created a stunning menu that delighted every guest, perfectly paired with the impeccable service provided by the wonderful Benoit and his team. Nobody left hungry, and our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food and the flawless service. The entire evening was beautifully coordinated, everyone going above and beyond to accommodate every requestWe hosted our wedding reception, dinner, and evening party at the Crypt at St Etheldreda’s, and it was nothing short of magical. Andy, the head chef, created a stunning menu that delighted every guest, perfectly paired with the impeccable service provided by the wonderful Benoit and his team. Nobody left hungry, and our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food and the flawless service. The entire evening was beautifully coordinated, everyone going above and beyond to accommodate every request
Location & Contact Details for The Crypt
What is the historical significance of The Crypt at St. Etheldreda's as a wedding venue in London?
The Crypt at St. Etheldreda's is a medieval crypt located on Ely Place in central London, renowned for its rich history and romantic atmosphere. It has hosted celebrations for centuries, including a famous three-day wedding feast held by King Henry VIII in 1531, making it a venue steeped in tradition and charm.
Where is The Crypt located and what is its full address?
The Crypt is located in the heart of London, on Ely Place, a private gated street. Its full address is EC1N 8SJ, London, Greater London, England, GB.
What is the guest capacity for weddings held at The Crypt?
The Crypt offers flexible accommodations for different wedding styles:
- Seated Wedding Breakfast: Comfortably seats between 50 to 124 guests.
- Standing Reception: Welcomes up to 200 guests for a more relaxed and social event.
Are there outdoor spaces available for wedding events at The Crypt?
Yes, just steps away from The Crypt, the charming Cloister Garden provides a peaceful outdoor space perfect for a drinks reception before your meal.
Can couples exchange their wedding vows at The Crypt venue?
While the crypt itself serves as a stunning reception and dining space, couples can exchange their vows in the breathtaking St. Etheldreda's Church, located directly above The Crypt. St. Etheldreda's is the oldest Roman Catholic church in England and offers a spectacular ceremony setting.
What architectural features make The Crypt a unique wedding venue?
The Crypt boasts extraordinary architectural charm, including:
- Beautiful stone floors
- Vaulted ceilings
- Ancient arches
- Magnificent stained-glass windows
Is catering provided at The Crypt, and what options are available?
The renowned Bleeding Heart French Restaurant, located right next door, provides exceptional catering services for weddings held at The Crypt. They offer bespoke menus crafted by their Executive Chef to perfectly suit your tastes and preferences, making your dining experience truly special.
Does The Crypt offer exclusive use for wedding events?
Yes, The Crypt provides exclusive use of the venue to wedding parties, ensuring complete privacy and dedicated access throughout your entire event.
Is there wedding coordination support available at The Crypt?
The Crypt features dedicated wedding coordination, with an experienced in-house coordinator who will guide you through every detail of your wedding planning and event day, helping to make the experience smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable.
What type of weddings is The Crypt best suited for?
The Crypt is ideal for weddings seeking a blend of historic atmosphere and intimate elegance. Its capacity allows both intimate gatherings and lively receptions, with options for seated dinners and standing celebrations. The unique medieval setting is perfect for couples looking for a romantic, character-filled venue in central London.
