London wedding venues

Yes, if the venue is approved by the local council for civil ceremonies. Most London hotels, livery halls and historic buildings that host weddings hold that approval; ask each venue which of its rooms are approved. Otherwise the legal ceremony takes place at a register office, or in a church or other place of worship registered for marriages.

In England you each give notice of marriage in person at your local register office at least 29 days before the wedding, and the notice is displayed publicly for 28 days. The rules are different if either of you is subject to immigration control, so check the official guidance on gov.uk before you set a date.

Yes, within limits. Since 2022, civil ceremonies can take place outdoors within the grounds of approved premises, such as a venue's garden or courtyard, as long as the venue's approval covers it.

Not in England at present. Couples who want a humanist or celebrant-led ceremony also have a short civil ceremony, often at a register office, before or after the main day.

Heathrow (LHR), west of the city, has the most international flights; Gatwick (LGW) is to the south and London City (LCY) is in the east, near the City and Canary Wharf. Guests from Paris and Brussels can arrive by Eurostar at St Pancras International.

London weddings take place all year because most venues are indoors. May to September brings the gardens, terraces and long evenings, and December the festive season; Saturdays book first, and weekdays often cost less.

Not usually for a hotel wedding, where the events team plans with you. For a venue that hires out rooms only, such as a livery hall or museum, a planner or the venue's recommended caterer coordinates suppliers on the day.