Gorgeous Outdoor Wedding Venues in London

By Ellie Smith

2 years ago

Where to say 'I do' al fresco


Always dreamt of tying the knot en plein air? Naturally, there are endless countryside venues which could fit the bill – but if you fancy a London wedding – whether for a twinkling cityscape backdrop, or just for ease – there are plenty of gorgeous venues to choose from. Here we highlight some of the most magical outdoor wedding venues in London.

Gorgeous Outdoor Wedding Venues in London

Hampton Court House

A Georgian mansion set within nine acres of 18th century gardens, Hampton Court House is ideal for those keen to create a countryside feel within the confines of London. It’s located on the edge of Bushy Park opposite Hampton Court Palace – the former home of Henry VIII – and caters for a range of different event types and sizes. Outdoor weddings are available to book in the venue’s beautiful grounds, which include romantic features such as a heart-shaped lake and a Rococo-style shell grotto.

Capacity: The grounds can accommodate large marquees for over 500 people.

MORE: fengarievents.com

Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden

Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries as a place for apprentices to study medicinal plants, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanical garden. It’s nestled in a microclimate next to the Thames on Swan Walk, and houses over 5,000 plants, with a focus on medicinal, herbal and useful varieties. Naturally, this makes an idyllic wedding backdrop. The garden is available for private hire on Saturdays and weekday evenings, meaning you’ll have exclusive access to its picturesque pathways and peripheries. Marquee hire is optional, and the venue can recommend accredited suppliers for other aspects of the event.

Capacity: 450 for standing reception, 200 for dinner and dance.

MORE: chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Syon Park

Syon Park

You might recognise Syon Park from Bridgerton, or perhaps Killing Eve. One of London’s last great houses, the privately owned, Grade I listed building is often used as a filming location thanks to its unique interiors and attractive landscaped gardens. These elements make Syon a popular wedding venue too, with various different options for locations including the Great Conservatory, which is decked out with palm, exotic flowers and trees. If you want to go fully outdoors, though, the Walled Garden Marquee is available for hire from May to September, with four acres of land to play with.

Capacity: From 200–600 seated guests.

MORE: syonpark.co.uk

Kenwood House Hampstead Heath

Kenwood House

A neoclassical villa set within Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is famous for its world-class art collection and restored interiors – but its grounds are equally striking. Within its 112 acres of luscious parkland, you’ll find ancient woodland, an array of sculptures and the venue’s trompe l’oeil: a purely ornamental, two-dimensional structure known as the ‘Sham Bridge’. Outdoor weddings here take place in the Kitchen Garden and on the Flower Garden lawn adjacent to the house, and you’ll need to arrange marquee hire through one of the house’s accredited suppliers.

Capacity: Up to 480 guests.

MORE: english-heritage.co.uk

Kew Gardens

Jeff Eden / RBG Kew

Kew Gardens

Sprawling across over 300 acres, the historic Kew Gardens (founded in 1759), lays claim to the world’s largest botanical and mycological collections in the world. Home to a wealth of beautiful buildings, including the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, it’s no surprise Kew Gardens is a much sought-after spot for weddings. There are numerous packages available, including an outdoor option that can be added on to hire of the Cambridge Cottage. Your guests will be seated in the Cottage’s private gardens facing the Drawing Rooms, and the wedding couple will exchange vows framed by the French doors.

Capacity: Up to 80 for the ceremony, with the option to go up to 120 for an evening celebration.

MORE: kew.org

The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn

Founded over 600 years ago, Gray’s Inn is one of four Inns of Court where barristers are trained – but it’s also home to one of London’s largest private gardens. Known as The Walks, these five-acre gardens were originally laid out in the early 1600s by the then Treasurer, Sir Francis Bacon, whose statue sits in the South Square. The gardens are available to book for outdoor weddings, with a summer marquee available for hire – equipped with air-cooling, a dance area, a bar, bathrooms and wooden decking. The catering team at Gray’s Inn offer a range of different menus, but the chefs can also work with you to create something bespoke.

Capacity: Up to 350 for a seated dinner, but additional stretch tents can be added to accommodate larger parties.

MORE: graysinnvenue.co.uk

Le Gothique

The Gothic-style Royal Victoria Patriotic Building on Wandsworth Common has an interesting history, built in the 1800s as an asylum for orphaned girls during the Crimean War. It served many purposes over the years, and in the 1980s underwent a big refurb, which included the opening of gastropub Le Gothique. Now it stands as a French restaurant, bar and event venue, complete with a secret cloistered garden, available to book for al fresco weddings. Its four sides are adorned with hanging baskets and troughs, with a retractable canopy system ensuring the event can go ahead whatever the weather. Its £99 a head all-in package, meanwhile, is a steal, including a three-course meal for all guests plus a prosecco reception and wine.

Capacity: Up to 250

MORE: legothique.co.uk