Many happy couples dream of exchanging vows by a tranquil lake, inside an immaculate garden, or in a grand, open space in the countryside. Where they do so is entirely up to them, as there are such locations worldwide. However, nothing quite beats London.
London is a perfect destination for a romantic wedding, as it boasts a rich history, iconic venues, and excellent transport links for international guests. Yet you might worry that Britain’s unpredictable weather could ruin your big day, which is why a marquee wedding is a worthy consideration.
With this, you can say “I do” in front of a beautiful backdrop while having the flexibility to choose where to place your tables, bar, furniture, flowers, and dancefloor. It is beyond charming and so easy to sort, too. If this sounds like an ideal solution for you and your other half, continue reading to learn about the best marquee wedding venues London has to offer for outdoor weddings.
The Best Marquee Wedding Venues in London
London is an ideal destination for a marquee wedding, offering a surprisingly diverse landscape that lends itself perfectly to a romantic wedding. Why not exchange nuptials in a stunning palace? Perhaps you are more keen on private walled gardens or a historic estate. London offers this and so much more.
Our goal is to help you find the perfect destination before hiring a wedding marquee in London, ensuring you and your partner have a day you’ll never forget.
South West London
When it comes to greenery, it is hard to beat South West London. It has become a popular destination for those planning a picture-perfect outdoor wedding in the capital, as it’s home to various royal estates and riverside venues that will blow away your guests.
Here are our top picks for a marquee wedding in South West London:
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is fit for royalty, as the regal landmark is steeped in history, designed purely to rival the beauty of the Palace of Versailles. It has also served as a grand backdrop for centuries to many romantic weddings, gala celebrations, banquets, and historic meetings. Therefore, it could be an ideal destination for your wedding.
When guests can take their eyes off the red brick Tudor architecture, they’ll be wowed by its immaculate gardens and charming cobbled courtyards. Whether you are after a large and luxurious wedding or a smaller, more intimate reception, the royal landmark provides opportunities for both.
Dry hire is also available to help you customise every aspect of your special day. After booking Hampton Court Palace, you can hire a wedding marquee in London from us, which can also include bar hire, lighting, furniture hire, and climate control.
The Secret River Garden
The Secret River Garden offers the quiet and seclusion of the country, yet it is only 20 minutes from the heart of London. Located in Twickenham, your guests can celebrate your nuptials on the riverside lawn, which offers a relaxing river and a stunning woodland area.
The dry hire option allows you to customise your wedding day as you see fit, as you can hire a marquee, catering, bar, and more. You can even access the venue the day before your wedding to set up, helping to take pressure off your shoulders before walking down the aisle.
North London
North London has become well-known for its village-like charm and endless green spaces, making it a popular choice for engaged couples. Thanks to its hilly terrain and historic venues, you’ll be spoiled for venues that offer expansive views of the city skyline or open green spaces.
Here are our top choices for an outdoor wedding in North London:
Stephen’s House & Gardens
Impress every guest by hosting your reception at Stephen’s House & Gardens. The grand Victorian estate is licensed for civil marriages and partnerships and features large and beautiful gardens to host a large marquee wedding.
The classic Victorian house will look great in your wedding photographs, and you can even exchange vows inside its traditional Drawing Room or Salon. Once you’ve said, “I do,” you and your guests can move to one of our magnificent marquees while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding ancient trees, tranquil river, and wildlife ponds.
Capel Manor Gardens
If you want to celebrate your nuptials at a wedding venue surrounded by gorgeous botanicals, Capel Manor Gardens might be an ideal option for you both. You, your partner, and loved ones can enjoy beautiful views of the historic Georgian manor, surrounded by award-winning floral displays that will take your breath away. One bonus of choosing this venue is that you and your partner will also become a part of Capel Manor Garden’s rich history, as the picturesque estate dates back to the 13th century.
It’s also a top pick if you’re welcoming out-of-town guests to your wedding, as it is close to the M25 but still offers the tranquil seclusion of the countryside.
Offering 40 colourful, well-manicured gardens, it will certainly provide a memorable backdrop for your big day, resulting in fantastic wedding photographs that you will not be able to get enough of.
South London
Many people choose to wed in South London, as it offers a rich maritime heritage, unforgettable skyline views, and striking Jacobean architecture. Fortunately, there are many exceptional venues to choose from when planning an outdoor wedding in the sub-region. Take a look at some of our top picks:
Charlton House & Gardens
If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding in South London, Charlton House & Gardens is a fantastic choice. It is arguably one of the finest Jacobean manor houses in England, surrounded by stunning parkland that will provide a gorgeous backdrop to your special day. Built during James I’s reign, you and your partner will exchange vows and celebrate your marriage on grounds steeped in history.
Venue hire only options are available to help you personalise every aspect of your day while enjoying the beauty of its mesmerising gardens.
Greenwich Yacht Club
Take control of every aspect of your big day at Greenwich Yacht Club, which welcomes marquees onto its beautiful private deck or lawn that overlooks the river. Saying “I do” here will allow you, your partner, and guests to enjoy the serenity of water without leaving the capital.
It’s a perfect option for both small and large weddings, accommodating 2-250 guests.
East London
East London is a top destination for couples who prefer a more urban wedding in the capital. It offers industrial-chic spaces and grand venues that never fail to impress guests, making it a destination for every couple across the sub-region.
Here are some fantastic options for a marquee wedding in East London:
Forty Hall Estate
Located approximately 10 to 15 miles from East London, Forty Hall Estate is an idyllic destination to host a wedding reception. After marrying in The Hall, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, you and your loved ones can step inside our stunning marquee to enjoy a wedding reception to remember.
When you’re not dancing the night away with your new husband or wife, you can enjoy the picturesque backdrop of their award-winning, aptly named, Walled Garden or the spectacular Historic Courtyard.
The Chain and Buoy Store & Riverside Terrace
The Chain and Buoy Store & Riverside Terrace is a Grade II listed former manufacturing site. Now with an expansive riverside terrace, it is ideal for a wedding marquee. Built in 1864, this historic building is attached to the only lighthouse in London and directly faces the Trinity Buoy Wharf Pier, allowing guests to arrive by boat.
While the venue can host indoor weddings, it also features a dry-hire 600-capacity space for an outdoor wedding and marquee, offering stunning views of its attractive urban garden. There’s no need to cut back on that guest list with this venue!
Central London
Central London’s diverse landscape ensures there is a venue to match every happy couple’s needs, as you can exchange vows in a dramatic urban setting or a gorgeous garden.
Here are our top picks for an outdoor wedding in Central London:
Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden is a stone’s throw from Central London and home to London’s oldest botanical garden, dating all the way back to 1673. It is well-regarded for its dry-hire format. Here, you can rent the entire venue, which includes two expansive lawns perfect for an outdoor wedding with a marquee. Therefore, you and your other half can celebrate in style while enjoying the natural beauty of thriving plant life, including ginkgo trees, beautiful palms, and fragrant Mediterranean herbs.
However, it is wise to book the venue as soon as possible. The Chelsea Physic Garden only permits a small number of weddings each year.
Inner Temple Garden
Inner Temple Garden provides an extraordinary blank canvas for an outdoor wedding in Central London. Spread across three acres, this tranquil secret garden is located between the River Thames and the atmospheric city. The venue can be hired exclusively on weekends throughout the summer and is surrounded by serene ancient trees, making you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
When to Book Marquee Wedding Venues in London
It is advisable to book outdoor marquee wedding venues in London at least 12 to 18 months in advance. However, if you plan to exchange vows in the height of summer, we recommend booking a venue at least 18 to 24 months before the big day.
Outdoor venues are becoming increasingly popular, which is why you must lock in your dream wedding destination as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to secure the venue for your desired dates. It will also provide ample time to find and hire third-party suppliers, such as florists, caterers, and live entertainment, before their slots fill up.
Contact us at Dynamic Marquees for a free quote on our marquee hire in London, which can include flooring, heating, lighting, bar hire, and furniture.
