15 Landmark Wedding Venues in the UK That'll Take Your Breath Away
You'd never have thought you could *actually* get married in some of these places! Get ready to book the most iconic wedding of the year...
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When it comes to wedding planning, every couple wants to make their wedding day the most memorable, unique experience ever, and what better way to achieve this than by tying the knot at a landmark wedding venue? Not only will getting married at one of the UK's best landmark wedding venues make your guests say wow, but you'll also have some awesome photographs to look back on.
But what constitutes a landmark wedding venue? To help you find the best and most iconic spot to get married at, we've devised a list of the best wedding venues in top UK landmarks, leaving you utterly spoilt for choice - there are much worse problems to have, right?
Landmark Wedding Venues: 15 Iconic Locations For Your Big Day
From big city skyscrapers and historic naval ships to dreamy countryside castles and rooftop wedding venues, there's a landmark wedding venue to suit every wedding theme and style. Here we have a selection of 16 of the best landmarks to get married in including some we bet you didn't think you could get married in!
1. Searcys The Gherkin – Central London
One of London's most iconic skyscrapers, the Gherkin is sure to provide a truly memorable wedding day. The biggest selling point of Searcys at the Gherkin – though there are many – is the 360 degree panoramic view that you and your guests will be able to fully enjoy with exclusive use and hire of their two-level restaurant and bar
This London wedding venue attracts thousands of visitors every year and really is one of the city's most famous landmarks, and we can see why! Holding your wedding here means that your catering will be taken care of by the acclaimed chefs at Searcys, who will work alongside you to create a bespoke menu perfect for your big day. Couples searching for a foodie wedding venue will be delighted here.
2. Bath’s Historic Venues – Somerset
Bath's Historic Venues is a collection of unique wedding venues in the ancient Roman city of Bath. The Roman Bath Rooms give couples the opportunity to get married outdoors surrounded by ancient Roman history and beautiful architecture. But don't just take our word for it - this venue won the Gold Award for 2022/23 Wedding Venue of the Year at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards.
Couples can also tie the knot in the Botanical Gardens, a Victorian grade II-listed bandstand with the backdrop of the famous Royal Crescent, the Guildhall and the Victoria Art Gallery. If you're looking for a unique venue that blends history, culture and beautiful architecture, be sure to check out this amazing collection of venues.
3. Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard – East London
The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard is a modern couples dream, and is also one of London’s tallest wedding venues, offering some of the most breath-taking views across the capital. This landmark wedding venue can cater for small intimate weddings with it’s cosy ambiance, but can also transform into the perfect setting for large weddings for up to 110 people – the choice is up to you.
Here you'll find timeless elegance with modern twists, perfect for anyone that wants to make their wedding day one to remember. The in-house events team will also be on hand throughout the planning process to help your day run as smoothly as possible.
4. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh - Edinburgh
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is a city wedding venue located on Queen Street, right in the heart of Edinburgh. Opulent interiors, such as authentic wood panelling and gold details, will give a strong historical atmosphere to your wedding ceremony, and the New Library is the perfect location for any book lover to tie the knot.
Receptions can be held in the Great Hall, lined with columns and sculptures, and you can take your wedding photographs against the unforgettable backdrop of the Queen Street Gardens. There are several more rooms to choose from for your celebration and the venue can welcome up to 150 guests. You can browse even more gorgeous Edinburgh wedding venues here...
5. Cutty Sark - South East London
The good ship Cutty Sark is one of the most famous unusual wedding venues in London. This is the only venue where you can say 'I do' beneath the hull of a ship - and not just any ship, a truly iconic one. The Cutty Sark was once the fastest ship of her time and is now a London icon, permanently docked in Dry Berth, Greenwich.
The crew at Cutty Sark are just as famous as the ship itself for their impeccable customer service and attention to detail when hosting events. With the ship raised 3 metres above the ground and a geodesic glass canopy letting in light from all around, this truly is a landmark wedding venue like no other.
6. Aviary - Central London
There's no shortage of hotel wedding venues in London, but Aviary truly sets itself apart from the rest. Set on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel, this venue offers spectacular views of The Shard, the Walkie Talkie and more, perfect for an unforgettable ceremony and evening celebration. There are a variety of spaces here with a combined capacity of 300 guests.
Those planning a summer wedding should definitely check out the Palm Terrace for a gorgeous outdoor space. Getting hitched here also means that you can take advantage of the luxurious hotel accommodation - what could be better!
Rebecca Haddon, events coordinator, says "Aviary is on the rooftop of Royal London House, giving a chic London rooftop venue with all the benefits of a hotel wedding. Choose from delicious roving canapés and drinks, or an elegant sit-down dinner, this luxe rooftop restaurant and terrace bar offers a variety of tailored drinks and dining packages for up to 100 people, that will be sure to impress."
7. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama - Cardiff
This iconic Welsh wedding venue can be found in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and also borders one of the UK's largest parks, Bute Park. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama really does have it all - just let us explain why...
Here you can find two unique buildings to host your ceremony - the glass-walled hall and terrace overlooking the park which can accommodate up to 200 guests, or the intimate historic stables building at Cardiff Castle.
Booking the College allows you exclusive access to both buildings throughout the entirety of your day. Anyone hoping to include their dog in their ceremony is in luck - this venue is completely pet friendly!
8. OXO2 – South East London
Situated on level two of the famous OXO Tower, OXO2 is an extremely desirable landmark wedding venue for city-loving couples. The views are sensational and will allow you to look over plenty of London’s iconic landmarks whilst standing in one yourself.
This iconic venue is a completely blank canvas, giving you freedom to decorate it how you wish. There are two rooms up for grabs here which, when combined, have a capacity of 400 standing or 200 seated guests. Planners and caterers will be happy to work with you throughout the wedding planning process to help with décor and food.
9. Wagtail - Central London
The views from rooftop wedding venue Wagtail are incomparable! Rebecca Haddon, events coordinator, says "Wagtail has 360 degree views across London, right on the edge of the Thames. You can see Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, The Shard, St Paul’s, The Monument, BT Tower, the Gherkin, with views stretching all the way to the Crystal Palace transmitter."
And the interior is just as beautiful as the views outside, with several beautiful dining rooms and terraces, all found in a gorgeous 1920s building in Central London. Rebecca says "Our art deco architecture is reflected in our interior design, and in the heart of the city you really feel that you can touch the nearby landmarks."
Whether it's an intimate ceremony or an all-out celebration you're planning, Wagtail has you covered. The Cupola is a cosy spot for a small gathering of 10 guests, while exclusive use will get you space for up to 250 guests. If you'd prefer just to have your wedding breakfast or evening reception here, there are plenty of nearby town halls where you can say 'I do.'
10. Warwick Castle – Warwickshire
If you and your partner are hungry for history at your wedding, you might want to consider getting married in a castle wedding venue. There's no shortage of gorgeous castles in the UK, and Warwick Castle truly is a standout option. This venue was host to many parties by the Earls of Warwick over hundreds of years, and nowadays is available to host another grand celebration - your wedding!
Take your pick of ceremony and reception spaces - there's the Fortress, the Conservatory, East Lawn, Central Courtyard, and more. With so much to choose from, this venue can cater for any wedding from 10-120 guests - the choice is yours.
11. Mansion House, Edinburgh Zoo - Edinburgh
Listen up animal lovers. If you've dreamed about getting married in a unique animal-based venue, then Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo could be the perfect landmark wedding venue for you. Here you'll find a variety of locations where you can host a civil, religious or humanist ceremony.
The gloriously romantic Macmillan Room overlooks the venue's manicured gardens, as well as the city of Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills. After your ceremony, head to the Geddes and Gillespie Suite for you wedding breakfast and evening reception with up to 150 guests.
12. St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar by Searcys - North West London
St Pancras is famously one of London's most iconic train stations, with it's stunning architecture and range of shops and eateries - and now you can get married here too! Romantic ceremonies bathed in natural light can take place under the famous Barlow Shed, before heading into the champagne bar to treat your guests to a champagne tower at St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar.
Wedding breakfasts can take place in the brasserie, decorated in a stunning 1920s art deco style with a dance floor perfect for boogieing the night away. And if you've planned a European honeymoon, simply hop on the Eurostar and let yourself be whisked away.
13. HMS Warrior – Hampshire
Ahoy there... The amazing HMS Warrior is sure to make your wedding memorable, blending Victorian architecture with a charming ambiance and 21st century hospitality. This iconic landmark venue is part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy group, offering many unique historical wedding venues across the UK.
This ship was first launched in 1860 and boasts a rich history, allowing you to tie the knot surrounded by Victorian splendour. The Upper Deck is the ideal location for welcome drinks, offering views over Portsmouth Harbour, while the Gun Deck and Half Deck can transform into a dreamy reception space.
14. Hampton Court Castle - Herefordshire
Dreaming of a fairytale wedding venue? Hampton Court Castle is set within 500 acres of Herefordshire countryside and dates all the way back to the 15th century. Here you'll find a number of ceremony spaces ideal for both civil ceremonies and religious ceremonies.
There's also a range of unique period features, including ornate staircases and even hidden doors. The Library is a picturesque location for drinks and canapes before heading to The Grand Ballroom for a spectacular wedding breakfast and evening reception.
Foodie couples will love this venue as it includes a variety of delicious, beautifully presented dishes with locally sourced ingredients - there's even a ceremonial sword to cut your cake.
15. Westminster College - Cambridgeshire
Timeless, elegant and historic - Westminster College is perfect for anyone looking for a truly memorable landmark wedding venue. This Grade II-listed building boasts many of it's original features and some pretty stunning grounds ready to be the perfect backdrop for all your wedding photo ideas.
The College's Grand Dining Hall is the perfect place for a dreamy wedding breakfast with up to 120 guests, before transforming into a reception space for 300 guests in the evening. There are also various spaces for more intimate weddings, as well as 38 en-suite bedrooms for anyone looking to spend the night.
If you want your wedding to stand out from the crowd, check out our ultimate roundup of unusual and unique wedding venues in the UK for something a little different.
