After going through all the cool weddings I have been privileged enough to make cakes for over the last few years, along with scouring the internet for new wedding venues in London that are popping up all the time, I really want to get married again!
Of course, it goes without saying that at the time of publishing this (April 2021) we are just beginning to ease out of the longest lockdown and the current Covid restrictions have been in place since December. Soon we will be allowed 15 and then 30 guests at weddings and then, all going well, unrestricted numbers from 21st June, but of course take in to account the capacities of these venues and the government restrictions at the time you are planning for accordingly.
I am biased to a city wedding, as we got married in the City of London ourselves, At The Sterling in The Gherkin. They don’t officially do weddings, but we were lucky enough to get a deal as it’s our favourite London building. Since our wedding 5 years ago, things on the wedding scene have exploded! So many more venues are licensed for ceremonies and there are now so many options for alternative London wedding venues, that looking though I don’t know how I would possibly make the decision!
From galleries, to museums, studios to stylish spaces that are all about the architecture, London is the Place to get married in 2021. Have a read of my personal guide and see which of them steals your heart…
The Deck, The National Theatre
I had the pleasure of making the cake for the first wedding that took place at this stunning venue last year. On a stunningly sunny April day, the Thames views in this glass-walled space and terrace are perfect. The Brutalist architecture of the Nationsl Theatre- the building on top of which it is located add to the simplicity of this place. The Deck is an adaptable space that can be set-up to suit any style. It can hold 120 guests for a seated ceremony we can host up to 120 guests. For a seated wedding breakfast the capacity is 100, or for a more informal setting they can host up to 200 standing guests. Find out more here.
The Deck at The National Theatre
100 Barrington
This hidden gem is a versatile events space situated in Brixton. Built in 1879 and starting life as a furniture factory, the building maintains the original brickwork, high ceilings with exposed beams and open floor plan, making it the perfect venue for an urban wedding. It’s well suited for a standing reception leading on to evening party with a statement bar provided. It’s also licensed until 2am meaning the party can go on longer than most urban venues. See more info on 100 Barrington.
My monochrome modern art cake at 100 Barrington, Photo by Rebecca Carpenter Photography
One Friendly Place
This studio located in Deptford was built in the 1930s as a spice warehouse. It’s a 7500 sq ft gem and you can get free run of the whole place over four floors! It features a roof terrace, feature decaying conservatory, huge studio space, rock star pad, bistro and a floor of industrial chic. You can truly make this place your own while make the most of its artwork and fun features. Have a look here.
God’s Own Junkyard
This is a true hidden gem like no other. God’s Own Junkyeard is a treasure trove of neon signs old and new and the great news is, it’s available for wedding and events! It’s the home of a Neon and light artist, has the largest stock of vintage neons and signs in europe. They’re the oldest signmakers in London! Take a look. I promise you’ll fall in love!
The Neon Wonderland that is God’s Own Junkyard
Victorian Bath House
Perfect for a smaller wedding with a capacity of 50-90 guests, this opulent London venue is the perfect backdrop to your special day. It’s a grade II listed subterranean space with stunning Victorian architectural details inside and out. Take a look for yourself, because it’s just too stunning for me to explain!
The Victorian Bath House
Tanner Warehouse
Last year I had the honour of discovering this place for myself when I made a wedding cake for Heather and Natalie. Located on Bermondsey this converted warehouse dates back to the 1800s and oozes with character and charm. It’s the perfect backdrop for a city wedding and accommodates up to 350 for standing drink receptions and parties or up to 150 seated guests for wedding breakfast banquets. See it for yourself here.
Shoreditch Studios
I had the pleasure of delivering and setting up a wedding cake here a couple of years ago.
Shoreditch Studios is made up of two linked railway arch studios with over 3,500 sq ft of warehouse event space. Venue features include exposed Victorian brickwork, contemporary white infinity coves and high ceilings. This is the perfect blank canvas tto really make the space your own. It’s also perfectly located in the heart of Shorditch. Have a look.
MC Motors
This warehouse space has a chequered history. The space is complimented by a number of wonderfully textured walls which have naturally dilapidated over the past hundred or so years. It features a large selection of props ddisplayed throughout the 6000 sq ft space. It also has a stunning skylighted roof allowing for a generous amount of natural light. Take a look at this Alladin’s cave .
Banking Hall
This iconic and inspiring Central London location is an Art Deco gem. The spectacular Main Hall is perfect for weddings and can be transformed to cater for your ideas. Built in the 1930s, Banking Hall existed for many years as the busy headquarters of Lloyd’s Bank. A unique landmark in the heart of the City, it overlooks the Bank of England and is one of the most enviable, unusual venues for hire in London. Go check it out here!
Banking Hall
ZSL London Zoo
Fancy meeting the giraffes on your wedding day? ZSL London Zoo is a unique and iconic setting for both ceremonies and receptions. This truly unique setting will be one for your guests to treasure forever. The stunning Mappin Pavillion is a Grade ll listed building overlooking the kangaroos, wallabies and emus in their homes! What’s not to love about a wedding at the zoo! Find out more here.
LSO St Lukes
This stunning venue hosted a wedding I was lucky to make a cake for last year. With its blend of 18th-century architecture and contemporary features, this Grade I-listed church creates a beautiful setting. It boasts a inside a contemporary interior with fascinating hints of original 18th-century architecture. It’s a versatile space able to accommodate up to 220 guests for seated dinners or 425 for standing receptions. See more about it here.
My modern London Cake at LSO St Lukes
Century Soho
Century is one of Soho’s best kept secrets. It’s a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of Soho down below, you wouldn’t even know you’d missed it! This unique and stylish building with its exposed brick walls, natural light and impressive roof terrace is the perfect place to create your perfect wedding. Century is licensed for weddings and can seat 90 guests for ceremonies, followed by a rooftop reception with up to 150 guests. See more here.
Brunswick House
This wonderland venue is Vauxhall’s sole surviving Georgian mansion. With exposed decaying brickwork walls and signature period features, Brunswick House is a compelling and historic residence which has provided guests with spaces for gatherings, entertainment and celebrations for over 300 years. Become part of its history and find out more about it here.
Andaz Hotel
If you’ve ever walked past Liverpool Street Station, then you will have passed this place! Like most people though, you probably didn’t even know this enormous hotel was there! This city hotel is one of my personal favourites and I am lucky enough to be on their preferred supplier’s list. The hotel is a rabbit warrant of different rooms, old traditional architecture mixed with new, stylish elegance. The building that dates back to 1884 also boasts an intriguing masonic temple that was only recently rediscovered when the hotel was redeveloped. Take a peek for yourself here.
Boat Space at Hoxton Docks
Located on the picturesque Regent’s canal in Hoxton E2 London, this ex-coal storage facility has been transformed into a versatile multifaceted events space. It still has its warehouse ambience and with its uniqueness and history, Hoxton Docks is a blank canvas that can be transformed for your event. See more here.
Natural History Museum
Hintze Hall is the largest room in tis iconic venue, which can seat up to 450 guests for a ceremony and wedding breakfast. With its beautiful Victorian architecture and soaring arches, it provides the perfect setting. For a more intimate celebration, you can mingle with your guests in the beautiful Images of Nature Gallery or enjoy the contemporary Darwin Centre courtyard, ideal for a summer wedding or drinks reception. Have a look at how the Natural History Museum caters for all here.
Peckham Springs
This beautiful railway arch bar is an impressive open plan space with huge windows that gaze on to South London’s railway tracks. It can be reserved alongside the stunning Bamboo Garden which can hold up to 160 guests seated and 250 standing. What’s not to love about this urban venue with a ton of outdoor space that’s covered over in case of rain on your wedding day. Here you can really get the best of both worlds. Find out more.
Dalston Heights
Dalston Heights sits on the top floor of a former cardboard box factory in Dalston, Hackney E8.
The total floor area of this place is a massive 7200 sq ft! It’s split into two distinct working areas with a large make-up & styling room. The spaces are filled with a collection of eclectic props and furniture which can be arranged to suit, dress it as you like and make your own. The can seat up to 200 guests and also provide in-house catering. Find out more here.
Underglobe at Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe
The dramatic setting of Shakespeares globe is perfect for the theatre and history lovers out there! Underglobe, which seats 100 to 350 guests, or up to 450 standing, is right under the Globe Theatre itself and features a full-size model oak tree and sweeping staircase, for that all-important grand entrance. It’s the perfect place to create your very own wonderland. Find out more about this stunning and iconic venue for evening events here.
Pump House Gallery – Battersea Park
This historic Grade II listed Victorian building is set in 200 hundred acres of stunning parkland within easy reach of Central London, It’s a unique and tranquil setting for your wedding with beautiful views over the lake and the Pump House Lawn. The gallery provides a unique and distinctive setting for weddings and is licensed for ceremonies. It has a total capacity of 70 people, up to 130 people seated for dinner on the Piazza, and 150 people for a standing drinks reception on the Piazza. See more about this picture perfect venue here.
So, that’s the round up. It was hard for me to whittle it sown to just 20, to be honest. There are so many possibilities, that, having done my research into discovering more unusual and alternative wedding venues in London, I’m completely bowled over by the choice. I hope one of them becomes the home of your dream wedding in 2021 or beyond…
Get in touch if you’d like a modern and unique wedding cake to perfectly complement your stunning London wedding venue. That’s what I specialise in!
K x
