Not every couple dreams of a country house wedding. For a cool, contemporary alternative, Madam Lola's in Brighton is an artist-owned cabaret club with a capacity of up to 220 people, offering a wedding venue built around creative expression and style.
Set right on Brighton seafront in Kemptown, Madam Lola's is an easy 15-minute walk from Brighton train station, in an area known for sea views, atmospheric sunsets and the bulk of the city's cocktail bars and pubs - useful whether guests want nearby accommodation or fancy carrying on to more bars afterwards.
Madam Lola's is artist-owned and led, putting the performers who work there at the heart of what it does. On a normal night, guests can expect cabaret, professional dancers, aerial performers, live vocalists, comedy, drag and DJ sets, with the evening typically starting around 7pm with drinks, moving through two acts, and finishing with a DJ set and dancing. The venue holds a licence to stay open until 2am, seven nights a week.
The building itself is impressive too - this Grade II listed building dates back to 1892, and its 7.5m copper Indo-Saracenic dome is one of Brighton's most recognisable architectural landmarks. Couples can take exclusive hire of the full venue, with capacity for up to 220 standing or 120 for a seated banquet. For smaller celebrations, the Upstairs Balcony holds 25 standing, while the Booth and Table spaces offer more intimate options for 5 and 3 guests respectively.
For a wedding, the usual programme is set aside and couples work directly with the in-house team to shape the experience. That might mean a bespoke show created for the occasion, exchanging vows on stage in front of guests, canapés and drinks or a seated meal for the reception, and a DJ running through the night for couples who want the celebration built around dancing. Tech and facilities are state-of-the-art, from a club-ready Martin Audio surround sytem, to full projector and screen set up. Madam Lola's does not run its own catering, but welcomes outside caterers, so couples can bring in food to suit their event.
Madam Lola's promises a wedding that's fun, immersive and unique, get in touch with the team to discuss ideas and start planning.