THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Our pick of the capital’s top venues with al fresco spaces

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THE BARBICAN

020 7382 7246 | www.barbican.org.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? One of London’s most distinctive buildings, the Grade II listed Barbican is an icon of brutalist architecture. With its coarse concrete surfaces, landscaped gardens, lakes and trio of high-rise towers, it makes a memorable big-day backdrop. The Barbican Conservatory is a botanical oasis famous for its cascading plants, high glass roof and tranquil fish pools. Licensed to host weddings, it’s a magical space to celebrate with friends and family.

LET’S CELEBRATE! There are two ceremony options available. The spectacular Conservatory (80 guests) is a tropical joy to discover. The Conservatory Terrace (150 guests) is flooded with light under its glass roof and offers a magical setting overlooking thousands of plants. After the I dos, guests can enjoy drinks and canapés from the venue’s caterer, Searcys, while enjoying this tropical paradise.

Receptions for up to 300 guests are held in The Garden Room, which benefits from picturesque views of the city and Barbican Lakes. This newly refurbished space has a state-of-the-art lighting system to create the perfect atmosphere for post-dinner dancing.

WE LOVE… The second largest conservatory in London, the venue is home to 2,000 species of plants, trees and tropical fish, making it one of the capital’s most unusual places to tie the knot.

BMA HOUSE

020 7874 7020 | https://bmahouse.org.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? The impressive exterior of this Grade II listed venue reflects the building’s rich heritage. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911, the building holds many telltale details inside and out. Outside, the courtyard and garden are two hidden gems in the heart of London, with a private terrace and patio surrounding a central pond. The area provides a wonderful al fresco spot for drinks receptions, while the wrought-iron gates and fountain centrepiece offer a fairytale backdrop for photos. elegant high ceilings and plenty of natural light. The largest space at BMA House is the Great Hall (200 ceremony guests and 300 evening guests). This breathtaking environment boasts a heigh ceiling, Corinthian columns and beautifully large windows. Smaller parties will love the intimate Prince’s Room (60 ceremony guests and 75 evening guests).

Those wishing to get outdoors can hold their post-vow celebrations in the Courtyard (300 guests) and the Garden (90 guests), which are available for open-air buffets. The Garden pairs perfectly with the Garden Room, a contemporary space boasting a botanical theme.

WE LOVE… All couples will benefit from a complimentary menu tasting, and packages are flexible to include a number of wonderful additions to suit the day and budget.

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN

020 7352 5646 | www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Stretching 3.8 acres alongside the River Thames, Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in London. Divided into quarters by intersecting paths, the walled grounds are a tranquil setting for weddings, not to mention a mecca for plant-lovers. Couples can hire the venue on an exclusive-use basis on Saturdays and weekday evenings. LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies can take place in The Gallery (70 guests), a bright airy space sitting to one side of the main lawn. Blessings can also take place throughout the garden, and receptions can be catered for in a marquee. These are pitched either on the Main Lawn (200 seated guests) or the Lower Lawn (100 seated guests) for a wonderful wedding breakfast.

WE LOVE… Tours can be arranged for your guests for a small extra charge.

GRIM’S DYKE HOTEL

020 8385 3100 | www.grimsdyke.com

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Set within 40 acres of beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands, yet only 12 miles from central London, this Grade II listed hotel is steeped in tradition. Found in an idyllic setting, this country house is brimming with history and original features. With gardens that bloom for year-round enjoyment, guests will love the al fresco dining on the Library Bar terrace while taking in the natural surroundings. LET’S CELEBRATE! The venue is home to three wedding spaces. The Music Room (88 guests) is an impressive suite, complete with feature fireplace, a minstrel gallery and high ceilings. Smaller parties will love the intimate Drawing Room (40 guests), with its characterful décor and views across the croquet lawn.

Couples who love the great outdoors are able to tie the knot outside in the pretty Rose Garden (88 guests). All wedding packages include a choice of menus, which are created in house using the freshest ingredients.

A LONDON WEDDING VENUE LIKE NO OTHER

Situated within 125 acres of National Trust parkland this 18th-century country house offered on an exclusive use basis. Leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind you and step into a world of tranquillity and natural beauty. Morden Hall exudes elegance, charm and sophistication, making this a truly spectacular place to celebrate. With intimate ceremony rooms where your loved ones can watch you take your vows, a dining room flooded with natural light and landscaped gardens for you to take in your idyllic surroundings, Morden Hall offers everything you could wish for and more for your special day. Morden Hall is situated in Morden, South London with its own tube station (Morden) just a 5-minute walk away and is the end of the Northern line. It is also just 10 minutes from the A3 connecting you to Surrey and close-by to places such as Wimbledon and Richmond

0208 1020553 | weddings@mordenhall.com | www.mordenhall.com | @mordenhallweddings

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STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE

020 3478 9442 | https://strawberryhillhouseevents.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? With five acres of idyllic grounds to explore, the gardens of this Gothic house are full of abundant plants, walks, lawns and woodland. Behind the building’s stunning white façade, visitors find brightly coloured rooms, original features, stained-glass windows and a fascinating history.

LET’S CELEBRATE! Ceremonies take place in the Gallery (100 guests), with its statement red walls and gold ceiling providing real wow factor. This room and the Round Drawing Room are perfect for a wedding breakfast for up to 130 people. Evening receptions are held across a number of rooms, allowing guests to explore the venue and party the night away.

Couples who want to get outside can host an al fresco celebration for up to 250 friends and family in a marquee.

WE LOVE… Every room tells a story, with cases full of artefacts evoking the life of original owner and writer Horace Walpole.

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WEST LODGE PARK HOTEL

0208 216 3900 | www.westlodgepark.co.uk

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Nestled in 35 acres of grounds, this beautiful country house hotel provides endless photo opportunities immersed in nature. The grounds house an amazing arboretum with more than 800 species of trees. The hotel is traditionally designed, with 59 bedrooms to relax in, a restaurant, terrace and bar. There’s even a helipad for a truly memorable entrance. LET’S CELEBRATE! Celebrations can take place here for parties of up to 200 guests. Inside, there are five function rooms as well as the hotel’s new Garden Pavilion, which was constructed during lockdown on the croquet lawn under the venue’s glorious giant redwoods. For those wishing to make the most of the natural surroundings in the warmer months, a marquee in the gardens is the perfect choice.

WE LOVE… The happy couple receive a complimentary menu tasting, a bridal suite for the wedding night and a full English breakfast the next morning.

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