Description
Planning your wedding at The National Gallery means celebrating your special day surrounded by world-famous art in one of London’s most iconic locations. Situated right on Trafalgar Square, this elegant venue offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that will make your wedding truly unforgettable. After the Gallery closes to the public, select spaces open exclusively for evening wedding receptions, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your celebration.
An Entrance to Remember
Start your wedding with a grand arrival on the Portico Terrace, where you and your guests can enjoy spectacular views of Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and the London skyline. It’s the perfect spot for welcome drinks and capturing beautiful wedding photos. From there, your guests will move through the charming Mosaic Terrace, featuring intricate floor mosaics and a domed ceiling, before entering the impressive Central Hall, known for its vibrant walls and glass ceiling that create a stunning first impression.
Elegant Reception Spaces
The National Gallery offers a range of exquisite spaces to suit weddings of all sizes, each with its own unique character to match your vision:
- The Barry Rooms: This architecturally stunning space boasts a grand domed roof, marble pillars, and a collection of British and European portraits. It’s perfect for receptions up to 300 guests or seated dinners for 150.
- The Wohl Room: Featuring green damask walls and gold-framed Venetian paintings, the Wohl Room is flooded with natural light from its spectacular glass roof. It comfortably hosts up to 300 guests for receptions or 250 for seated dinners.
- Room 32: Surrounded by Italian Baroque masterpieces, including works by Caravaggio, this is the Gallery’s largest space—ideal for grand celebrations that need room to impress.
- Annenberg Court: For couples wanting a modern vibe and space to dance the night away, this versatile area offers a dramatic entrance down a sweeping staircase and plenty of room for late-night fun.
Curated Culinary Experiences
To match the elegance of your surroundings, The National Gallery partners with top-tier suppliers, including the renowned British caterer Searcys. Their expertly crafted menus range from sophisticated canapés and bowl food to formal wedding breakfasts, all designed to delight your guests and complement the artistic atmosphere.
Your Wedding Details
- Capacity: Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering of 10 or a grand celebration with up to 300 seated guests, the Gallery can accommodate your needs.
- Availability: Wedding receptions take place exclusively in the evening after 6:30 pm, once the Gallery has closed to the public, ensuring a private and exclusive experience.
- Ceremonies: While the Gallery isn’t licensed for civil ceremonies, it’s an exceptional venue for receptions and symbolic blessings. Many couples choose to hold their official ceremony nearby before celebrating here.
- Photography: From the iconic Portico Terrace to the grand galleries and Trafalgar Square itself, you’ll find endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos that capture your day perfectly.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of The National Gallery
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Pricing for The National Gallery
Reviews (7)
- HHugo Wright09/02/2022Stunning Wedding Spaces filled with World Famous ArtworksStunning Wedding Spaces filled with World Famous ArtworksThis iconic building overlooking Trafalgar Square offers a range of stunning event spaces, filled with exquisite masterpieces. The events team is friendly and professional and ensures every event runs to perfection. The National Gallery is highly recommended and is surely one of the most spectacular locations in which to hold your wedding.This iconic building overlooking Trafalgar Square offers a range of stunning event spaces, filled with exquisite masterpieces. The events team is friendly and professional and ensures every event runs to perfection. The National Gallery is highly recommended and is surely one of the most spectacular locations in which to hold your wedding.
- TThe Admirable Crichton07/02/2022Luxurious venue - an art lover’s paradise Luxurious venue - an art lover’s paradiseA venue team that truly understands the importance of partnership to deliver a fantastic experience for their clients. We are always so impressed by how helpful and accommodating the National Gallery team are. They really go out of their way to ensure their clients have the most special day and work in close harmony with us as suppliers to ensure this happens. They have a wide array of galleries perfect for intimate celebrations or larger wedding parties, plus a great space for dancing as well as the ultimate view for drinks across Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery is definitely one of our top recommendations for couples looking for an unique wedding venue and luxury, personal experience. A venue team that truly understands the importance of partnership to deliver a fantastic experience for their clients. We are always so impressed by how helpful and accommodating the National Gallery team are. They really go out of their way to ensure their clients have the most special day and work in close harmony with us as suppliers to ensure this happens. They have a wide array of galleries perfect for intimate celebrations or larger wedding parties, plus a great space for dancing as well as the ultimate view for drinks across Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery is definitely one of our top recommendations for couples looking for an unique wedding venue and luxury, personal experience.
- EEmma L31/01/2022Our guests were suitably impressed.Our guests were suitably impressed.A very belated big thank you for helping create such a fantastic evening for our guests. The National Gallery is an incredibly special venue and our guests were suitably impressed.A very belated big thank you for helping create such a fantastic evening for our guests. The National Gallery is an incredibly special venue and our guests were suitably impressed.
- CClaire31/01/2022We'll all be recommending the National GalleryWe'll all be recommending the National GalleryI wanted to take the opportunity to say a HUGE thank you on behalf of the team for your impeccable hosting yesterday. The room was beyond our wildest dreams, perfect for us to spread out, network, and host external guests. The tech was A* and the signage meant low-stress for guests arriving/leaving. Lawrence (Art Historian) - your talk was SO inspiring and so relevant... it really set the tone... again, thank you! We'll all be recommending the NG to stakeholders...I wanted to take the opportunity to say a HUGE thank you on behalf of the team for your impeccable hosting yesterday. The room was beyond our wildest dreams, perfect for us to spread out, network, and host external guests. The tech was A* and the signage meant low-stress for guests arriving/leaving. Lawrence (Art Historian) - your talk was SO inspiring and so relevant... it really set the tone... again, thank you! We'll all be recommending the NG to stakeholders...
- NNicola31/01/2022Magical Evening!Magical Evening!They were so happy with how everything went. They had such a magical evening and we had very good feedback from all of the guests - everyone was in awe of the history surrounding them. It was such a privilege to work in such a stunning venue!They were so happy with how everything went. They had such a magical evening and we had very good feedback from all of the guests - everyone was in awe of the history surrounding them. It was such a privilege to work in such a stunning venue!
- KKartini and Mark14/12/2021Magical Evening... Stunning Venue!Magical Evening... Stunning Venue!Kartini and Mark were so happy with how everything went. They had such a magical evening and we had very good feedback from all of the guests - everyone was in awe of the history surrounding them. It was such a privilege to work in such a stunning venue!Kartini and Mark were so happy with how everything went. They had such a magical evening and we had very good feedback from all of the guests - everyone was in awe of the history surrounding them. It was such a privilege to work in such a stunning venue!
- AAsh and Randy15/11/2018Everything could not have been more perfect!Everything could not have been more perfect!We just wanted to send you a note to say thank you for Saturday. Everything from the venue, to the service, to the food, to the décor etc. could not have been more perfect. We could not find one single thing that we would change. Again thank you so much for making our special day so fantastic. Our family and friends will be talking about this for YEARS!We just wanted to send you a note to say thank you for Saturday. Everything from the venue, to the service, to the food, to the décor etc. could not have been more perfect. We could not find one single thing that we would change. Again thank you so much for making our special day so fantastic. Our family and friends will be talking about this for YEARS!
Location & Contact Details for The National Gallery
Where is The National Gallery wedding venue located?
The National Gallery is located in the heart of London at WC2N 5DN, situated on the iconic Trafalgar Square in Greater London, England. Its central location provides a stunning backdrop with views of Nelson’s Column and the London skyline.
What makes The National Gallery a unique wedding venue?
The National Gallery offers a unique blend of history, world-famous art, and exquisite architecture, creating a breathtaking and culturally rich atmosphere for your wedding. Celebrations take place in beautifully designed spaces surrounded by masterpieces, enhancing the elegance and exclusivity of your special day.
What are the main reception spaces available at The National Gallery for weddings?
The venue features several elegant spaces including:
- The Barry Rooms: Grand domed roof, marble pillars, ideal for up to 300 guests reception or 150 seated.
- The Wohl Room: Flooded with natural light under a glass roof, suitable for up to 300 reception or 250 seated guests.
- Room 32: Largest space surrounded by Italian Baroque art, perfect for grand celebrations.
- Annenberg Court: Modern and spacious, ideal for dancing and late-night events with dramatic staircase entrance.
Can The National Gallery host wedding ceremonies?
The National Gallery is not licensed for civil ceremonies. However, it is an exceptional venue for evening wedding receptions and symbolic blessings. Couples often hold their official ceremony elsewhere nearby and then celebrate their reception at the Gallery.
What are the capacity limits for weddings at The National Gallery?
The Gallery can accommodate intimate weddings starting from 10 guests up to grand celebrations with 300 seated guests. The choice of space within the venue can be tailored to your number of attendees.
When are weddings held at The National Gallery?
Wedding receptions at The National Gallery take place exclusively in the evening after the Gallery closes to the public at 6:30 pm, ensuring a private and exclusive atmosphere for you and your guests.
What culinary options are available for weddings at The National Gallery?
The National Gallery partners with top-tier caterers like Searcys to provide curated culinary experiences. Options include sophisticated canapés, bowl food, and formal wedding breakfasts—all crafted to complement the elegance and cultural ambiance of the venue.
Are there picturesque locations within The National Gallery for wedding photography?
Yes, the venue offers numerous stunning photo opportunities including the Portico Terrace with views of Trafalgar Square, the Mosaic Terrace with its intricate floor mosaics and domed ceiling, and the Central Hall with its vibrant walls and glass ceiling, all perfect for capturing memorable wedding photos.
How can guests enjoy the grand entrance at The National Gallery wedding venue?
The grand arrival starts at the Portico Terrace, offering spectacular outdoor views and a welcoming space for drinks and photographs. Guests then proceed through the charming Mosaic Terrace before entering the imposing Central Hall, creating an unforgettable entrance experience.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Every single penny spent with us goes directly into the Gallery and our art.
