20 Museums That Make Unique Wedding Venues
If you and your partner are culture vultures and love browsing museums, why not host your wedding at one? Our round up of the best will soon convince you...
If you and your partner love nothing more than wandering around a museum, why not consider a museum wedding venue? They’re interesting buildings with lots of space, making them the perfect place to host a wedding – you and your guests might even get a free tour of the exhibits included!
When planning a wedding, museum doesn't instantly come to mind as an option for a venue. But, you'd be surprised to learn just how many museums are licensed for weddings and even those that aren't could host a blessing and you could have the legal wedding afterwards.
There's nothing better than a historic wedding venue with character and charm and museum wedding venues have all of those things and more.
Art Museum Wedding Venues You'll Love
Wondering how to find a beautiful backdrop for your special day with minimal effort? Art Museums are the way to go! Not only are they located in stunning historic buildings, but they are already filled with beautiful pieces of art that will make your big day feel even more special.
Particularly special for art-loving couples who love culture, take a look at our favourite wedding museum and art venues to consider for your celebration.
1. Natural History Museum, London
The Natural History Museum has a number of options when it comes to hosting your wedding at this iconic art museum wedding venue. Pose for photographs with your wedding party in front of iconic works of art before celebrating under a real life dinosaur skeleton - what could be more iconic?
To add an extra special twist to your day, you can take a trip on the celestial Earth Hall or dine with your guests next to fossils!
- Pricing: From £13,000
- Capacity: Up to 1,000
2. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Bristol
This beautiful Bristol wedding venue will provide a stunning setting for your big day – it boasts sweeping staircases, vaulted glass ceilings, and romantic balconies for perfect picture opportunities.
What's more, this fascinating wedding museum venue features exhibits of Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and other ancient findings you and your guests can marvel at. You can exclusively hire the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in the evenings and host your own private viewings of the art – this is the dream wedding destination for arty couples.
- Pricing: From £2,950
- Capacity: Up to 300
3. Jersey Museum, Jersey
This unusual wedding venue in the Channel Islands will provide the perfect escape for your celebration in Jersey. The Jersey Museum offers a unique atmosphere for couples seeking an intimate get-together with up to 60 loved ones.
This is one of the most beautiful wedding museum venues available, featuring an art gallery within a converted Victorian townhouse, retaining its vintage charm and elevated homely atmosphere.
- Pricing: Upon request
- Capacity: Up to 75
4. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Oxfordshire, consider the Ashmolean Museum, one of the most iconic buildings in Oxford. Established in 1683, this stunning museum wedding venue is the world's oldest public museum and is rich in history and charm.
The ornate artwork and beautiful sculptures provide an exclusive and impressive setting for the biggest day of your life. You and your guests can mingle as you take in the current exhibitions in the fascinating Italian Renaissance and European Art Galleries.
- Pricing: From £2,250
- Capacity: Up to 152
5. Northampton Museums and Art Gallery, Northamptonshire
The Northampton Museums and Art Gallery offers an elegant and sophisticated setting brimming with breathtaking artwork for your milestone celebration. Set in the Cultural Quarter, this beautiful venue hosts an internationally acclaimed shoe gallery and features fascinating art and temporary exhibitions.
You can celebrate with a standing reception in the Link with up to 200 of your loved ones and enjoy exclusive gallery viewings!
- Pricing: Upon request
- Capacity: Up to 120
6. Design Museum, Kensington
If you’re looking for a luxurious wedding venue to host a large Asian wedding, the Design Museum could be for you, with space to accommodate up to 750 of your loved ones within.
Dedicated to architecture and design, this eclectic museum lives up to its name with stunning interior and exterior ingenuities. Offering a selection of gorgeous indoor and outdoor settings with picturesque views of Holland Park, you can host an exclusive celebration away from the public.
- Pricing: From £5,000
- Capacity: Up to 300
7. The Foundling Museum, London
Get married overlooking the glorious Brunswick square at The Foundling Museum, located in one of the prettiest parts of West London.
Step back in time in this 18th-century house lined with ornate ceiling decor and vintage gold-trimmed portraits, before taking some magnificent wedding photographs upon the building's grand staircase.
- Pricing: From £2,000
- Capacity: Up to 250
History Museum Wedding Venues You'll Love
Make your marriage a piece of famous history by getting married in a famous history museum. From ancient motors to beautiful art from the Italian Renaissance, history buffs will be spoilt for choice with our selection of history museum venues.
8. The Derby Museums, Derbyshire
If you’re all about chic industrial wedding venues, take a closer look at the Silk Mill Museum within the Derby Museum. The building stands on the site of the world’s first factory and was visited by Benjamin Franklin, the American statesman, in 1771.
It has beautiful riverside views and is ideal for couples looking for a historic wedding venue. The entire museum is not available for exclusive hire; however, there are several gorgeous function spaces where you can host a private and memorable celebration.
- Pricing: From £780
- Capacity: Up to 200
9. Brunel Museum, London
The Brunels were a renowned engineering family in the 1800s, and today you can get married in their old Grade-II listed building. The perfect spot for an edgy, industrial chic celebration, the Brunel Museum combines exposed brick with twinkling candlelight for truly romantic celebration.
- Pricing: From £2,350
- Capacity: Up to 137
10. London Museum of Water and Steam, West London
A wedding at the London Museum of Water and Steam will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The Grade I listed buildings, engine houses, and courtyards are bathed in history and will look incredible in the background of your wedding pictures. Celebrate your big day exclusively, immersed in stories of the industrial revolution.
- Pricing: Upon request
- Capacity: Up to 150
11. Museum of the Order of St John, North London
This unusual London wedding venue is situated in the heart of bustling Islington and celebrates the history of the religious military Order of St John. This stunning venue's lineage dates back to the 11th century and exudes historic charm and reverence.
While the museum doesn't offer exclusive use of its entire premises for your wedding, you can book a private tour as part of your milestone celebration.
- Pricing: Upon request
- Capacity: Up to 250
12. National Railway Museum, North Yorkshire
The National Railway Museum is home to over 300 years of locomotive history and has over a million objects on display. Pose amongst the iconic trains and take in their stories as you start a new chapter of your life together! This York wedding venue is ideal if you’re looking for a large-capacity wedding venue, too – offering exclusive use for up to 500 people.
- Pricing: Upon request
- Capacity: Up to 400
13. Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Hampshire
If you or your partner is obsessed with cars, and you also want a lovely wedding venue with gorgeous grounds, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum is the ideal setting. This beautiful wedding venue is on the seven thousand-acre Beaulieu Estate, with the Beaulieu River running through it.
Host an exclusive ceremony and reception in the enchanting 13th-century Domus within Beaulieu Abbey or the National Motor Museum, which boasts a collection of cars from every era.
- Pricing: Menus from £138
- Capacity: Up to 120
14. Ulster Museum, County Antrim
Ulster Museum can provide an exceptional setting for your special day. This stunning museum wedding venue is sleek and stylish, not to mention brimming with history. Dedicated to natural science, the exhibitions here will allow you and your loved ones to explore the earth's past and journey beyond the stars.
Nestled in Belfast's lush Botanic Gardens, you'll find this exclusive venue an idyllic escape while still at the heart of this captivating city.
- Pricing: From £500
- Capacity: Up to 150
15. St Albans Museum + Gallery, Hertfordshire
Boasting over 2,000 years of history and timeless elegance, St Albans Museum + Gallery will set the scene for your intimate and sophisticated museum wedding. This Georgian landmark features sweeping staircases, tall ceilings, and a chic city-centre setting.
With regularly changing exhibitions and state-of-the-art installations, couples and guests alike can explore the intriguing history of St Albans. What's more, you and your loved ones can dine and dance with the utmost privacy in this exclusive-use venue.
- Pricing: From £1,400
- Capacity: Up to 100
16. Museum of the Home, East Central London
If you'd like a unique wedding venue in the heart of East Central London, consider hosting your momentous occasion at the Museum of the Home. This museum strives to reveal and examine how we feel about our home through fascinating exhibitions steeped in domestic history.
Situated within 300-year-old Georgian almshouses and surrounded by vibrant gardens, you and your loved ones can privately enjoy this stunning setting for the day.
- Pricing: From £450
- Capacity: Up to 200
17. The British Motor Museum, Warwickshire
Looking to host your celebration in a modern wedding venue? The British Motor Museum might be the ideal spot for your contemporary museum wedding. You and your beloved can take iconic wedding photos in front of the world's largest collection of historic British cars.
Say 'I do' on the rooftop Sky Suite's private outdoor balcony with sweeping views of the Warwickshire countryside as your backdrop. While this venue doesn't offer exclusive use, your guests will receive free entry to the museum for the day.
- Pricing: Menus from £85
- Capacity: Up to 400
18. Museum of London, Central London
If you want a city wedding venue, it's hard to do better than the Museum of London in the heart of the capital! This museum wedding venue is ideal for history lovers – you can say your vows underneath the lit pagoda in the recreated 18th-century Pleasure Garden before enjoying drinks in the Victorian Walk.
The setting is perfect for amazing photos, too – not only do you have exclusivity of the cool exhibits, but St Paul’s Cathedral is just a short walk away.
- Pricing: Upon request
- Capacity: Up to 400
19. Museum of London Docklands, East London
We love the setting of the Museum of London Docklands – it’s right by the water and is a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse wedding venue that dates back to 1802.
The galleries at the venue tell the story of London’s Docklands and the River Thames, encompassing everything from Roman times to the present day. Exclusive use means you can make the most of the exposed brickwork and original wooden features for your wedding.
- Pricing: From £1,200
- Capacity: Up to 300
20. Burgh House & Hampstead Museum, Westminster
Built in 1704 and rich with antiquity, Burgh House & Hampstead Museum is a historic, Grade I listed beauty and utterly romantic wedding venue.
The pride and joy of the local community, Burgh House is a cultural hub for art exhibitions, concerts, and workshops and features over 5,000 objects that tell the story of Hampstead Village. Offering exclusive use of the setting, you can enjoy a private and intimate celebration with 100 loved ones.
- Pricing: Upon request
- Capacity: Up to 70
If you’ve really fallen for the idea of a wedding venue with a story to tell, make sure you browse through these striking historic wedding venues.
