10 of the best outdoor wedding venues in London

Want to celebrate your love with the wind in your hair and sun on your skin? These outdoor wedding venues are some of the best London has to offer

Updated on 03 December 2021 • Written By Megan Murray

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10 of the best outdoor wedding venues in London

As one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, they say London has it all. And, when it comes to wedding venues, this might just be true. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a chic city wedding or a more traditional affair, London is brimming with beautiful venues that offer outdoor spaces for one heck of a party.

While England’s capital isn’t exactly known for its fabulous weather, the option to move the par-tay outside can make all the difference. From saying your vows basked in sunshine, to dancing the night away under the stars, an open-air element can be an atmosphere booster at any event. Even if you plan to enjoy the wedding breakfast inside, treating guests to a couple of glasses of fizz on a lawn or looking out from a terrace makes for a memorable section of your celebration.

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After all, one of the benefits of outdoor space at a wedding venue, is often killer views, too. For example, hold your bash at The Ned in Bank and your guests can look out from the hotel’s terrace to the City’s ornate skyline, full of period and Grade I and II listed buildings. Or, book your special day with Kew Gardens and you’ll be treated to manicured lawns, exotic plant life and colourful flowers to gaze at as you socialise.

If you needed any further convincing on why an outdoor area is a brilliant idea for your wedding day, then just think of the pictures. With a plethora of spaces to work with, you can have fun trying different shots with a multitude of backgrounds and making memories you’ll have forever.

Here, we’ve selected the most stunning outdoor wedding venues across London – be it a snazzy terrace, private garden or acres of land. Get ready to raise a glass, take some fabulous photos and celebrate your love with some of the best views in the city.

Kew Gardens

Photographer: Elaine Williams

Kew Gardens is one of the world’s most famous botanical locations and is not only home to an impressive variety of plant life, but also a plethora of stunning and historic wedding venues.

From The Temperate House, which is the biggest Victorian glasshouse ever built, to a Grade I listed Orangery, Kew Garden’s selection of venues are filled with character and unique charm.

Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding of 80 people at Cambridge Cottage, or going all out and asking 200 loved ones to watch your ‘I dos’ in the Nash Conservatory, outdoor spaces are available for drinks and socialising. Indeed, behind most venues you’ll find a secluded lawn just for the use of your party to clink glasses. You can also make the most of the outdoor scenery with a quick trip around the grounds in a buggy with your photographer, to take photos in all the most photogenic locations.

The Ned

Photographer: Allister Freeman 

Nothing says a London wedding like one of the most glamorous and talked-about venues in the city; The Ned. A former bank, this huge hotel, restaurant and member’s club is known for its ground floor’s regal, green marble pillars and live music, but upstairs there’s plenty more to see for those looking to tie the knot.

The Ned has six indoor options for drinking, dining and celebrating, including The Saloon with its huge windows, chalk frieze and glittering chandelier, or The Tapestry Room with rich walnut panelling and ornate wall coverings.

But what’s the point of being in the centre of the city skyline, and missing out on the view? The Ned boasts two glorious outdoor spaces which show that you don’t need a countryside setting to enjoy an al fresco wedding. The two outdoor terraces look out to iconic buildings such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and are great places for an intimate gathering, hosting up to 26 people. On the roof, guests can enjoy sights out over the chic open-air swimming pool and order drinks from inside the Princes Dome, with its duck-egg blue walls, chandelier and stunning ceiling details.

Horniman Museum

Photographer: Minna Rossi 

The Horniman Museum resides in South London’s Forest Hill, and is most known for its charming conservatory. The Conservatory as well as a whole host of other venues are available for wedding hire within the grounds with plenty of outdoor options for sunny days.

The Conservatory is arguably the most glamorous setting for a wedding at The Horniman, with an ornate glass roof to show off the stars above as you dance as newlyweds, and Victorian tiles underfoot. Its terrace allows for stylish pictures opportunities, as well as access to the award-winning gardens to spend time in before dinner.

Elsewhere, the Bandstand is perfect for small gatherings, offering spanning views of the London skyline and an indoors-outdoors experience. Its recent refurbishment has preserved the original Victorian features, while keeping the building in great condition.

Syon Park

Photographer: Will Patrick

Syon Park is one of London’s most recognisable wedding venues thanks to its domed glass conservatory which looks spectacular lit up at night. Indeed, we reckon you will have heard of this grand building which is a famous example Robert Adam’s neo-classical architecture and design.

Couples hoping to tie the knot here should know that Syon Park runs from April to October, with limited options during the winter months. There is a variety of venue spaces to pick from through the summer season though, whether you’re looking to host a large or small event, including a simple ceremony or just drinks.

For example, sip post-ceremony drinks in the private Inner Courtyard, decorated with delicate flowers, or spend time with guests in the Colonnade which looks out to pretty meadows. Or, for parties of up to 600, choose to celebrate in the Walled Gardens with a marquee and six acres of land at your disposal.

Of course, the Great Conservatory itself offers a kind of indoors-outdoors feel, with glass panelling and exotic greenery. An evening here can cater for up to 200 people and looks magical, with tables and walkways lit by candles.

Hampton Court House

Photographer: Jonny MP

Hampton Court House is the ideal place for a London wedding that feels far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Out of the centre and sitting just near the Thames, it’s also close to the historic Hampton Court Palace.

Not only is this grand house stunning in size, decor and architecture, it is surrounded by eight acres of 18th century gardens, as well as flowers, palm trees and foliage, the gardens are home to a - wait for it - heart-shaped lake, complete with white swans which glide along it. What could be more romantic than that? In fact, the house was originally built in 1757 by the 2nd Earl of Halifax as a gift for his beautiful mistress, and so you could say that love and romance runs deep into the bones of this building.

For an intimate wedding, the shell-covered grotto is the stuff of fairytales, and can host up to 10 people with access to the grounds. There’s also the grand hall which looks out to Bushy Park which can hold 150 people, or the Victorian picture gallery and conservatory which leads out to a patio, also for use for up to 150 people.

The Old Royal Naval College

Photographer: Rich Howman

One of the most historic and eye-catching parts of London is Greenwich’s Old Royal Navel College and the green lawns that flank it.

Proclaimed as Britain’s ‘Sistine Chapel’, this iconic site was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, combining opulent fresco painted ceilings and beautiful terraces which look out to the Thames.

You could say that the best part of getting married at this famous venue is that it entitles you to roam the grounds and riverside for your wedding photos. Imagine, even, arriving by boat and capturing the moment as you step onto land with your partner.

Tie the knot in the neo-classical chapel, which has hosted such celebrations for over a hundred years, and enjoy the sights with a drinks reception on the King William Colonnade. Then, head inside to the Painted Hall, Admiral’s House or Queen Mary’s Undercroft for dinner.

BMA House

PhotographerFiona Kelly Photography 

Is it possible to find a wedding venue with classic grandeur and a country house feel in the middle of London, we hear you ask? The answer is yes, thanks to BMA House.

Having stood for over a century, this central London venue may be in the midst of one of the busiest cities on earth, but once you’re behind it’s huge, ornate gates, you’d never know. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, recognised as one of the greatest architects of the twentieth century, BMA House was opened by King George V and today retains Grade II listed status.

In the summer months, there are two outdoor areas that make for lovely spaces to celebrate, the Courtyard and the Gardens. As an added bonus, wedding photos look stunning in front of the ornate water fountain decorated with sculptures.

There are plenty of wedding packages available, leaving you free to pick an itinerary which suits your wants and needs. Enjoy a personal wedding planner, late-night food stalls to keep guests fed and a light-up dance floor.

Fulham Palace

If history is what you’re after, how about a Medieval Palace and gardens built in 704 AD, with a legacy spanning 15 centuries? Not too shabby, eh?

Fulham Palace has seven different event areas so that you can organise your day to make the most of this phenomenal space. Perhaps you’d like to base your celebrations in the Tudor Courtyard – an open-air space with a picturesque ancient archway and water-fountain. This area is perfect for drinks and nibbles, but could also be transformed for an outdoor dining experience.

If a marquee is more your style, The Chaplain’s Walled Garden lends itself to this kind of celebration wonderfully. In fact, the venue has a purpose-built marquee that fits snugly into the space, nestling just beside floral borders and the historic walls of the Tait Chapel.

If all this wasn’t enough, Fulham Palace also has rolling lawns, formal knot gardens, a Victorian glasshouse and a vinery to enjoy – and that’s just the outdoors options! After all, hire of the entire palace allows capacity of up to 5,000 people, so there are plenty of options depending on the kind of wedding you want – big or small.

Shoreditch Gardens

Let the lawns surrounding The Museum of Home become the historic setting for your wedding, right in the middle of Shoreditch, one of London’s coolest areas. Based on Kingsland Road, tucked away in plain sight, this leafy haven is like an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the east end.

Shoreditch Gardens is available to hire for events with a package that covers street food, unlimited drinks, furniture hire, music and more – to make organising your celebration hassle-free. As the team mainly cater for corporate events and parties, think of this as more of a relaxed, festival-style wedding option.

The space recently underwent a £12 million refurbishment which has made its events offering all the more appealing, with even the option to theme your day to a particular style or idea.

Tudor Barn Eltham

Fancy throwing your big day in the last surviving Tudor barn in London? Now, that’s what we call an impressive piece of history. The Tudor Barn Eltham is an enchanting venue, with striking medieval architecture and lots of outdoor space.

In the summer months, use the barn as a backdrop and host drinks on the lawn in front. Or, roam the thirteen acres of parkland for your wedding pictures and marvel at the authentic moat, rose gardens and bridge, which are all great photo opportunities. There are plenty of outdoors dining options, too, including a BBQ or hog roast, which would bring the party to life on a warm day.

The venue can cater for intimate weddings of 50 guests, right up to shin digs of 180. Take the opportunity to discuss your perfect day with the team, and whatever the size or location, they will help create a package for you.

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