One of the most important decisions to make for your wedding is your venue; are you looking for a classic church with an elegant ballroom reception or a regal country house ceremony and reception together with stunning scenery for the perfect photographs? Maybe you’re looking for something a little different, something that will give your big day one that none of your guests will forget. Here is just a small sample of locations within London that will leave your guests awe-inspired.
The Decorium
At the end of the 19th century, a competition was set a carriage ride away from the Hyde Park Hotel in North London, whoever was able to design a building that would accommodate the public swimming baths would not only have their designed built, but would win a £50 prize. Harold Burgess ultimately won the prize with his innovative design and the building opened in 1911, much to the delight of Londoners who cherished it for many years.
In the 1990’s, renovations were made to the building to give it a new lease of life, keeping its original features and charm that won so many people’s hearts; the original pool can still be found underneath the floor of the main suite. The Decorium opened its doors and has retained the popularity in the community as it did in its past life due to its beauty, style and adaptability as well as the staffs incessant need to cater to every whim possible. The neoclassical design gives character and provides an elegant setting for your special day; the foyer is breathtaking with a sweeping staircase and pure crystal chandelier, making it a prime spot for photographs. Through the foyer is the Emperor Suite which is 5,500 square feet of astounding architecture comprising of columns and detailed ceilings. This large space comes equipped with a dancefloor and the Anthony and Cleopatra suite to allow the bride and groom privacy to calm their nerves before the ceremony or to quickly change ready for the reception.
The Caesar Suite is smaller but no less spectacular due to the room being illuminated by natural light. It is a much more intimate setting for those who wish to have a more personal wedding but it can also be adjoined to the Emperor Suite to accommodate a much larger guest list.
The Gherkin
Dominating the London landscape is 30 St Mary Axe or, as it is more affectionately known as, The Gherkin. Mainly made of glass, it has become an iconic symbol of the city and opens the top three floors exclusively for private use. The ceremony takes place with astounding 360 degree views of London as well as holding a reception of 140 sitting guests or 260 standing and dancing ones. The catering is all taken care of by Searcys, who have a large quantity of restaurants, bars and royal houses on the resume. It really is a unique way to celebrate your big day but your guests will never forget having a 360 degree view of the sunset over the London.
House of St Barnabas
The House of St Barnabas has a wonderful history that began in 1679 when William Pym and Richard Frith built Soho Square, including a beautiful corner house with stables and a coach house. Even though it is a stone’s throw away from the London budget hotels, it’s history is one of grandeur with a wealth of aristocracy gracing its doors including the second Baron Crew, William Archer MP and Lady Cavendish who all taking residency here. The Grade I listed building still holds many of its original features and has been decorated with a sympathetic nod to its heritage as well as adding a dash of modernity.
The House of St Barnabas has four main rooms that are let out for private engagements such as weddings and parties; the Drawing Room is decorated in 18th century rococo plasterwork and overlooks Soho Square itself while the Bazalagette room is painted in a striking red and is perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings. The Dickins Room pays homage to the great writer as well as acknowledging the House’s role in ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, this is a great place for any true book lover to hold their reception while the cream silk room, named so due to the decoration on the walls, is perfect for a casual drink. If that wasn’t enough, the house holds a very private and secluded garden with ivy growing along the walls which adds to the historical feel of the building. It is a beautiful place to hold a special day, especially as all of the proceeds go towards The House of Barnabus-in-Soho charity that helps London’s homeless get back on their feet and back into the world of work. So not only will you be saying ‘I Do’ in a place steeped in glamour, history and elegance, but you will also be giving many people a second chance.
HMS President
Find your sea legs and hope aboard HMS President, an anti-submarine ship built at the end of World War I. She was the first of her kind and has inspired the modern day Frigate which has made her an important factor in maritime history. Today, HMS President is docked at Victoria Embankment and is now open for a delicious dining experience, or for private hire for your special day. You can take your pick out of the Ballroom that accommodates 350 guests who are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows so they can take in the beautiful sunset on the Thames, or there is the Gun Room that has a fully stocked bar, tub chairs and a balcony for a champagne reception before your meal. If you are looking for a small, intimate space, the Presidential suite is just the ticket as it is housed in the bow of the ship and holds up to 100 guests, or you may like the Ward Room which was originally the Officers Mess and it has lost none of its original features. It really is a unique way to spend your special day but one that you will remember for the rest of your married lives.