Large Wedding Venues for Hire 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. These venues take 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.

Tips & Tricks for Organising a Big Wedding in London 

• Create a checklist – A checklist will keep everything organised and reduce stress, ensuring you don’t forget important details.
• Choose the right-sized venue – Whether you need space for 300 guests at the ceremony, a reception for 400, or a massive space for 500+ guests, use filters to find the perfect fit.
• Finalise the guest list and send invitations early – Send invitations 6-8 weeks in advance. Consider creative options like video invitations for a unique touch.
• Catering is key – Food is a big talking point, so choose a caterer or venue with a great menu. Don’t forget to check for dietary restrictions like vegan, halal, or kosher.
• Personalise your event – Take time to visit each table and interact with guests. It can be time-consuming, but it's worth it to make everyone feel special.
• Talk to the venue manager – Understand the terms, including how early you can decorate and how long you can stay for your event.
• Plan seating carefully – Opt for banquet-style seating for large weddings, which encourages guest interaction. Family-style seating also works well for a more intimate wedding.
• Party favours – Small, thoughtful gifts like themed cookies, keychains, or teas can make your guests feel appreciated.
• Provide accommodation – For guests traveling from afar, make sure there's somewhere to stay, whether it’s a hotel or a guest room.
• Consider a wedding planner – If the planning feels overwhelming, a wedding planner can handle everything from venue booking to decoration, making your big day stress-free.
• Create a wedding timeline – Having a detailed timeline for the day will keep things running smoothly. Include when guests should arrive, the ceremony start time, speeches, dinner, and dancing.
• Plan for parking and transport – Make sure your venue offers ample parking or is easily accessible by public transport. Consider hiring a shuttle service if the venue is far from hotels or transport hubs.
• Have a backup plan for outdoor events – London weather can be unpredictable. Ensure the venue has an indoor option in case it rains, especially for any outdoor elements like the ceremony or cocktails.
• Hire a photographer who specialises in large weddings – For large weddings, hiring a photographer with experience in capturing big events is essential. They will know how to manage the crowd and get great shots.
• Offer a variety of entertainment options – To keep your guests entertained, consider offering a mix of activities, such as a live band, a DJ, photo booths, or lawn games, depending on your venue's size and theme.

These tips will help you tackle the complexities of hosting a large wedding in London and ensure everything goes off without a hitch!

Top Questions to Ask Before Booking a Large Wedding Venue

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’ve 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’s the maximum capacity for a wedding event?

You need a venue that comfortably accommodates your guests—not just for seating but also for dining, dancing, and mingling. Check if the number includes space for extras like a stage, a bar, or a lounge area.

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

Large weddings often flow better with dedicated spaces for each part of the day. Ask if the venue has different rooms or sections so guests don’t have to wait while staff resets the space.

3. How flexible is the layout?

Can you arrange tables and seating to suit your vision? Whether you want banquet-style dining, a cocktail reception, or a mix of both, find out if the venue can adapt to your setup.

4. Do you offer in-house catering, or can we hire an external caterer?

Some venues require you to use their catering service, while others let you bring in your own. If they provide catering, ask about menu options, dietary accommodations, and tasting sessions. If you’re hiring an external caterer, check if there are extra fees.

5. What’s included in the venue hire?

Avoid unexpected costs by confirming whether essentials like tables, chairs, linens, lighting, and AV equipment are part of the package or if they need to be rented separately.

6. What’s the full cost breakdown?

Get clarity on pricing, including potential extra fees for things like corkage, overtime, or cleaning. A detailed cost breakdown helps with budgeting and prevents surprises.

7. What’s the payment schedule and cancellation policy?

Understand the deposit amount, when final payments are due, and what happens if you need to cancel or reschedule. This is crucial for financial planning.

8. Is the venue easy for guests to reach?

London’s traffic can be tricky, so check for good public transport links and nearby parking options, especially if many guests will be driving.

9. Are there on-site or nearby accommodation options?

For out-of-town guests, having nearby hotels—or even rooms at the venue—makes things easier. Some venues have partnerships with hotels that offer discounted rates.

10. Are there any noise restrictions or curfews?

If you’re planning to party into the night, check for any time limits on music or outdoor celebrations, especially at venues near residential areas.

11. Can we bring our own vendors (photographers, florists, entertainment, etc.)?

Some venues require you to use their preferred suppliers, while others allow you to bring your own. If you have specific vendors in mind, confirm they can work at the venue.

12. How customisable is the space?

Want to add personal touches like unique lighting, décor, or themed elements? Ask about restrictions and possibilities for customisation.

13. What’s the backup plan for outdoor spaces in case of bad weather?

If your wedding includes an outdoor component, a solid contingency plan is a must. Make sure there’s a covered or indoor alternative available.

14. Is there an on-site coordinator, and what support is provided on the day?

A venue with an experienced coordinator can be a game-changer, helping with logistics and problem-solving on the big day. Find out what level of support is included.

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

Larger weddings take longer to set up and clear away. Ensure the venue allows enough time for decorators, florists, and vendors to get everything ready without stress.

16. Does the venue offer flexible pricing for bigger events?

For grand weddings or spacious venues, pricing may vary based on the number of guests, the time of year, or any additional services required. Make sure you get clarity on how flexible the pricing is for large events or expansive celebrations.

17. Are there any restrictions on decoration or themes for a grand event?

If you're planning a grand celebration, ask about any venue policies regarding décor and themes. Some venues may have specific rules, such as limitations on hanging items, certain lighting setups, or preferred colour schemes.

18. How does the venue handle crowd management for big gatherings?

Managing a large crowd is key to keeping things running smoothly. Ask about the venue’s crowd control options, such as the layout, signage, and staff available to assist guests during the event.

19. Can the venue provide a staging area or green room for the wedding party?

For large-scale weddings, having a private area for the wedding party to relax and prepare can make a big difference. Check if the venue has a designated space for the bridal party to get ready and unwind before the ceremony.

20. Does the venue have experience hosting large-scale events?

If you're planning a lavish celebration or a large gathering, it's worth asking if the venue has hosted similar-sized events before. Experienced venues will be more equipped to handle the logistics of big weddings, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

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. 

Pro Tip: The 30-5 Minute Rule for Weddings 

The 30-5 Minute Rule is an easy way to keep your wedding on track:

• Have guests arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony. This gives them time to grab a seat, chat, and not awkwardly sneak in late.
• Start no more than 5 minutes late. A little buffer is fine, but big delays can throw off the whole schedule (and test everyone’s patience).

Stick to this, and your day will run way smoother!

Big Wedding Venues in London for 200, 300 or 500 guests

Planning a wedding and need a venue that fits your guest list? Check out these top options:

Venues for 200 Guests

• The Events Suite at London Shenley Club – Seats up to 250 guests and comes with catering, a wedding license, and a private bar. Plus, the terrace makes it a great choice for both summer and winter weddings.
• The Arena (Studio 1) at Park Village Studios – A 2,700 sq. ft. Victorian riding arena that you can fully customise for your dream wedding. Ideal for couples looking for a unique, flexible space.

Venues for 300 Guests

• Gihon Suite at Eden Experiences – A top venue in Croydon that accommodates up to 250 for banquets and 300 for theater-style or standing receptions. Perfect for an elegant celebration.
• Whole Venue at Imperial Banqueting – A modern and sophisticated space with high ceilings, chandeliers, and customisable mood lighting. Fully air-conditioned for your guests’ comfort.

Venues for 500 Guests

• Waterfront Suite at Holiday Inn London – Overlooking the Grand Canal, this flexible space offers wedding packages with a three-course meal, house wine, a dancefloor, and even an executive riverview bedroom for the newlyweds.
• The Ballroom at 8 Northumberland Avenue – A breathtaking Victorian ballroom with chandeliers, grand columns, stained glass windows, and intricate details—perfect for a fairytale wedding.

No matter your guest count, these venues offer stunning settings for your big day! Which one catches your eye? Book and celebrate your big day as you like!