Large Wedding Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Large Wedding Venues in London

Big wedding venues in London don’t need to be dull or expensive. These are our favourite types of venues for large weddings in the capital:

• Hotels – From elegant historical buildings that boast Victorian elegance to equally charming places in London’s more tranquil areas, hotels are ideal for large-scale wedding receptions. These venues feature stunning reception spaces (ballrooms, banquet halls, etc.). Need to provide accommodation for guests who’ll be coming from abroad? Then hiring a hotel for your wedding celebration is the best thing you can do. In such a case, both the rooms and the reception area will be in the same building! This takes a lot of the hassle out of organising your big day.

• Manor houses – Planning a Downton Abbey- or Jane Austen-themed party, or maybe you’re just passionate about history? You can’t go wrong with a traditional British manor house. These large wedding reception venues are spacious enough for big groups and are often located in pretty-as-a-picture locations. What’s not to like?

• Community halls – If you’re cost-conscious, this is a cheaper option for large wedding parties. Already have special decor ideas in mind? A simple reception hall will be perfect for you, as it gives you the opportunity to get creative. And the really good news? Community halls are spread all over London – no matter if you’re looking for a venue in Brixton or Stoke Newington, with Tagvenue you’re sure to find the perfect large wedding space.

Organising a large wedding in London – tips and tricks:

• Prepare a checklist – This tip is crucial because it makes the entire preparation process way less stressful. You don’t need to worry you’ll forget about something when you have everything noted down in one place.

• Book the right-sized space – Do you need a big ceremony space for 300 guests, a huge wedding reception venue for 400 or an absolutely enormous hotel function room for 500 or more guests? We have the right space for you. Use our search filters to select the planned number of guests and see what spaces come out.

• Finalise the guest list and send the invitations in advance – Preferably six to eight weeks before the wedding reception. There are many websites which will allow you to create personalised invitations from scratch or using pre-prepared templates. Do you want to prepare something extraordinary for your guests? Wouldn’t it be interesting to send them video invitations? 

• Don’t underestimate the importance of catering – The food really gets people talking. Choose a caterer tailored to your needs or a restaurant with a mouth-watering menu. Last but not least, check whether some of your guests have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, etc.).

• Make it personal – Don’t forget to pop around to each of the tables and say hi to your guests. It might be a bit time-consuming when you’ve invited upwards of 400 people, but it’s undoubtedly worth the effort.

• Talk to the venue manager – Ask about the wedding venue’s terms and conditions. It’s good to ask how early in advance you can drop by to decorate the space – and for how long you can celebrate your special occasion.

• Seat the guests properly – The most common layout of the room for the wedding reception is banquet-style seating, which offers round tables with 8 or 10 guests to a table. It is a perfect choice for any venue, but especially for large ones as it encourages the guests to interact with each other. The most important people – newlyweds, should be seated in the middle of the room. Another common layout for a wedding day is family-style seating. This consists of one long table or several rows of  longer tables. Again, it is a perfect seating style for large spaces. Not only does it create an intimate atmosphere and bring guests together but looks stunning on photos as well! Make sure to place guests at the tables together with other guests that they know. It will make them feel more comfortable during the reception.

• Treat the guests with party favours – It is always a good idea to give the guests small gifts in return for coming to the reception. It doesn’t have to be anything big. You can find plenty of inspiring ideas on the Internet.  From macramé keychains, small jars of honey, themed cookies  to loose-leaf teas packed in small boxes. And you can order ones that match your wedding theme! You can either buy them from websites like Etsy, or do it yourself!

• Provide a place to stay – There may be guests travelling from afar to attend your wedding. Most likely, they will not return home right after the reception, as they will be too tired to drive in such a condition. In that case, be sure to provide accommodations for these guests. Whether you pay for a hotel room or invite them to your house is up to you. 

• Hire a wedding planner – All this searching for decorations, party favours, catering makes your mind dizzy? Why not hire a wedding planner? They will guide you in all the decisions from deciding on a venue to choosing the decorations. In some cases you can even book a wedding venue that offers the services of an event planning team.

Top Questions to Ask Before Booking a Large Wedding Venue

Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available in London. Large wedding venues not only provide ample space but also add grandeur and elegance to your special day. To help you find the ideal venue, we have compiled a comprehensive list of essential questions to ask venue managers. This guide is designed to equip you with all the information you need to select the perfect spacious wedding venue in London that meets your requirements.

1. What is the maximum capacity for a wedding event?: 

Knowing the venue's capacity is crucial, especially for a large wedding. Ensure the space can comfortably accommodate your guest list, including room for dining, dancing, and any other activities you plan.

2. Are there different areas for the ceremony, reception, and dining?

Large weddings often require separate spaces for different segments of the event. Ask about the availability of distinct areas to ensure a smooth transition between the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

3. How flexible is the layout?

Ask if the venue allows different setup options to match your vision, whether a grand banquet, a seated dinner, or a more casual cocktail setup.

4. Do you have in-house catering, or can we hire our own external caterer?

Some venues offer in-house catering services, while others may require you to bring in an external caterer. This can significantly affect your planning and budget.

5. What amenities are included in the venue hire?

Clarify what's included in the rental fee. Look for amenities like audio-visual equipment, lighting, dance floors, chairs, and tables, as these can add up if not included.

6. What is the cost breakdown?

Request a detailed cost breakdown, including additional fees like corkage or overtime charges. Understanding the full cost upfront will help you budget effectively.

7. What is the payment schedule and cancellation policy?

Knowing the payment timeline and what happens if you need to cancel or postpone your wedding is essential for planning.

8. Is it easy for guests travelling from afar to get to the venue?

Considering London's vastness and traffic, make sure the venue has easy public transportation access and ample parking for drivers.

9. Are there accommodation options nearby or on-site for out-of-town guests?

Nearby or on-site accommodation is a significant plus for guests travelling to London. Ask for recommendations and any partnerships with local hotels for discounted rates.

10. Are there any noise restrictions or curfew?

Especially relevant for venues in residential areas, knowing any limitations helps plan your event timeline.

11. Can we bring our own vendors (e.g., photographers, florists)?

Some venues might have preferred or exclusive vendors; clarifying this allows you to work with your chosen professionals.

12. Do you have options for personalising the space?

Ask how you can make the venue reflect your style or theme. This can include lighting options, decorations, and layout changes.

13. How do you handle different weather scenarios for outdoor spaces?

Understanding contingency plans for bad weather is crucial if part of your large wedding will be held outdoors.

14. Is there an on-site coordinator? What support is provided on the day?

An on-site coordinator can be invaluable in ensuring your day runs smoothly. Clarify what level of support the venue can provide.

15. How much time is allocated for setup and takedown?

For large weddings, setup and takedown can be extensive. Ensure you have enough time allocated to avoid rushing or additional fees.

By carefully considering these questions, you can ensure that the large wedding location you choose in London not only fits your logistical requirements but also encapsulates the essence of your dream wedding. 

Choosing the Right Vendors for Your Large Venue Wedding

Planning a fairy-tale wedding in London involves several crucial decisions, with selecting the right venue being the first step. Large wedding venues in London offer stunning backgrounds, from historic palaces and grand hotels to modern spaces overlooking the city skyline. However, organising a grand celebration in such venues requires meticulous planning and attention to detail, especially when choosing vendors who will bring your vision to life. Here, we will discuss the nuances of selecting experienced vendors who have experience managing and executing wedding events at large wedding venues across London.

Understanding the Scale

First and foremost, it's essential to grasp the scale at which you plan to host your wedding. Large wedding venues in London, often called grand wedding venues, majestic wedding venues, or simply spacious wedding halls, can accommodate a vast number of guests, usually in the hundreds. Large-scale events require vendors who can manage the logistics and dynamics of vast venues with complex layouts.

Catering

The culinary experience at your wedding plays a huge role in overall guest satisfaction. When looking for catering services, search for caterers with a proven track record in large-scale event catering. These providers should offer menu tastings and customizable menu options and have experience serving a large number of guests efficiently without compromising on the quality of food or service. Also, finding caterers familiar with your chosen venue is beneficial, as they would be well-versed in the kitchen facilities and logistics.

Decor and Design 

Decorating a large wedding venue requires an artistic vision and meticulous planning to ensure the space feels intimate yet grand. Find decorators and florists who have experience with large venues in London and can show a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to scale their designs to suit expansive spaces. These vendors should be able to work with the architectural elements of the venue, enhancing its natural beauty while also creating captivating focal points that draw your guests into the celebration.

Photography and Videography

These are essential in capturing the essence of your grand special day. When selecting these vendors, prioritise professionals with experience with large wedding venues. These photographers and videographers should be skilled in navigating through large crowds and expansive spaces, capturing the exquisite and intimate moments of your day. They should also be familiar with the lighting conditions of your chosen venue, ensuring that every picture and video shot reflects the magnificence of the setting.

Entertainment

The entertainment you choose plays a significant role in setting the tone for your wedding. Whether you're leaning towards a live band, a DJ, or a mix of both, ensure that your entertainers have experience performing in large spaces. They should be adept at engaging with a widespread audience, ensuring the energy and excitement are palpable throughout the venue. Additionally, your entertainers should coordinate with the venue's acoustic settings and technical specifications to provide a seamless audio-visual experience.

Event Planner

Lastly, the backbone of a successful large-scale wedding lies in seamless coordination. A wedding planner or coordinator experienced in large venue events can be invaluable. They should have a robust network of reliable vendors and a proven track record in managing events' logistics, timings, and flow in grand settings. Their expertise can alleviate much of the stress of planning a big wedding, ensuring that every detail is executed flawlessly.

Your wedding is a reflection of your love story, magnified in the grandeur of a big venue in London. Selecting the right vendors is critical in bringing your vision to life, ensuring every moment of your celebration is imbued with beauty, joy, and seamless execution. From caterers and decorators to photographers and entertainers, each vendor plays a pivotal role in creating a day as majestic as the venue itself. With the right team by your side, your special day will not only be a grand celebration but an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

FAQs about Large Wedding Venues in London

How much does it cost to hire a large wedding venue in London?

Big wedding venues in London come in all shapes and sizes as well as at different price points. On average, hire fee per day can be found anywhere from £500 to £1300, while rates per person are set around £65 to £150. When it comes to minimum spend, you can expect to pay as low as £800 per session or £2000 per day. (All data from Tagvenue.com platform).

What are some unique large wedding venues in London?

Book a unique large wedding venue in London and be sure that you will have a wedding that will amaze and astound your family and friends. After all, it’s not just about the size of the venue, it’s what you do with it.

• Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe – Situated on the Thames, this reconstructed Elizabethan theatre complex offers couples an amazing historic ambiance and an experienced events team. Wedding packages are also available.
• Asylum Chapel – A beautiful Grade II listed Georgian chapel from 1827 for those favouring a distressed historic look and modern amenities, this chapel is a popular London wedding venue.
• 1901 at Andaz London Liverpool Street – Be amazed by the luxurious Victorian era grand ballroom and imagine your wedding amongst stunning Greco-Roman columns and stained glass ceilings.

Which areas of London offer charming/breathtaking large wedding venues?

London is known for its charming wedding venues, but if your party is especially big, it might be a problem to find a venue that is spacious enough. There are many beautiful historical spaces in the City of London or Covent Garden, but if you are looking for a unique wedding experience we suggest you also consider spots in the outskirts of London. There are many breathtaking wedding spaces surrounded by nature just waiting for you to say ‘I do’.

How long before the wedding should I book a venue?

Ideally, you should book a wedding venue about 9 months before the wedding, or even earlier if you are planning the wedding for May or October (which are the peak seasons). This will give you enough time to make sure the venue you want hasn't been booked already, as well as give you the time to book your vendors, prepare the decorations, decide on a menu, and sort out all the details of the hire.