When it comes to planning a wedding in London, Kensington and Chelsea are among the top locations to consider. Not only are they picturesque boroughs with plenty of stunning architecture, but they’re also home to some of the most luxurious and elegant wedding venues in the city. In this blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at six wedding venues in Kensington and Chelsea, discussing their benefits, capacity, accommodation options and any celebrity sightings.
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The Orangery at Kensington Palace
First up is The Orangery at Kensington Palace, an elegant venue set within the beautiful gardens of the palace. The Orangery was originally built in 1704 for Queen Anne and has since been used for various events, including weddings. The venue offers a stunning backdrop for your big day, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens and a beautiful terrace for outdoor ceremonies. The Orangery can accommodate up to 150 guests for a ceremony and 300 guests for a reception, making it ideal for both intimate and larger weddings. In terms of accommodation, there isn’t any onsite, but there are plenty of hotels nearby, including The Kensington Hotel and The Milestone Hotel.
One of the unique features of Kensington Palace is the opportunity to have a private tour of the palace’s State Apartments. This allows you and your guests to explore the lavish living spaces of royalty, including the magnificent King’s State Apartments and the Queen’s State Apartments. You can also take a stroll through the stunning Sunken Garden, which was redesigned in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s passing.
As for celebrity sightings, The Orangery has played host to a number of high-profile events, and of course is within the grounds of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s most recent home, along with Princess Eugenie and her husband. So, if you’re looking for a venue fit for a royal celebration, The Orangery is definitely worth considering.
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The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Next on our list is The Ivy Chelsea Garden, one of our favourite wedding venues, which is also a restaurant, in Kensington and Chelsea. The restaurant and bar have become famous for their botanical décor, with an elegant dining room and a beautiful outdoor garden space. The venue offers a number of different spaces for weddings, including The Glasshouse, which can accommodate up to 26 guests for a ceremony and 40 guests for a reception, perfect for smaller celebrations.
As for accommodation, The Ivy Chelsea Garden doesn’t have any onsite options, but there are plenty of hotels nearby, including The Draycott Hotel and The Sloane Square Hotel. In terms of celebrity sightings, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is frequently visited by many well-known names, such as Michael Cain, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Spencer Matthews.
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The Royal Hospital Chelsea
If you’re looking for a venue with a rich history, The Royal Hospital Chelsea is definitely worth considering. The venue was founded by King Charles II in 1682 as a home for army veterans and has since become a popular location for weddings and events. The venue offers a number of different spaces for weddings, including The Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 250 guests for dinner and 350 guests for a reception, Wren House which can accommodate up to 50 for ceremonies and 40 for dinner, and The Figure Court which is available for up to 400 people for a reception from 6pm.
You can also have your wedding ceremony at The Wren Chapel, which can accommodate up to 320 guests, although there are a few requirements that you need to match to be able to have your ceremony in the chapel, such as one of you, your grandparents or your parents must have been christened, married or confirmed here.
In terms of accommodation, The Royal Hospital Chelsea doesn’t have any onsite options, but there are plenty of hotels nearby, including The Draycott Hotel and The Sloane Square Hotel. As for celebrity sightings, The Royal Hospital Chelsea has been visited by many household names, including David Beckham, who attended the launch of the annual Poppy Appeal in 2020.
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The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel, a luxurious venue located on the banks of the River Thames, also available as one of the many wedding venues in Chelsea and Kensington. The venue offers a number of different spaces for weddings, including The Grand Room, which can accommodate up to 450 guests for the wedding breakfast and 700 guests for a reception, which offers stunning views of the river and can accommodate up to 250 guests for a reception. The Chelsea Harbour Hotel also offers onsite accommodation for you and your guests, with a range of luxurious rooms and suites available. They even have their own onsite spa, perfect for you to have a relaxing evening the night before your wedding, getting you ready for your celebrations!
In terms of celebrity sightings, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel has welcomed a number of famous faces over the years, including David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, who have been known to stay at the hotel when visiting London.
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The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a prestigious wedding venue in Kensington and Chelsea that is highly sought-after for its stunning Victorian architecture and world-renowned collections of natural specimens. This venue offers a range of event spaces suitable for weddings, including the impressive Hintze Hall that can accommodate up to 450 guests for a reception and the Earth Hall which provides a unique and dramatic setting for a wedding ceremony, along with many other areas suitable for your celebrations. The Natural History Museum also offers in-house catering and event planning services, ensuring that every detail of your special day is taken care of.
The Natural History Museum provides a memorable experience for you and your guests, offering the opportunity to dine and dance beneath the iconic blue whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling of Hintze Hall. This 25-meter-long specimen provides a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for your celebration that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the venue provides a range of museum tours and exhibitions, giving you and your guests the chance to explore the fascinating world of natural history. The museum’s Victorian architecture and unique setting also make for fantastic photo opportunities, creating lasting memories of your special day. Much loved Ollie and Gareth Locke married on the well-known steps of Hintze Hall, under Hope the whale, back in 2020, with just 13 guests due to Covid restrictions.
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Chelsea Old Town Hall
Adding to our list of esteemed wedding venues in Kensington and Chelsea, we couldn’t forget the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall. This stunning Grade II listed building is situated in the heart of Chelsea and is renowned for its elegant Victorian architecture and rich history. The venue offers a range of beautiful event spaces suitable for weddings, including the elegant Main Hall and the intimate Small Hall, each exuding its own unique charm.
Chelsea Old Town Hall can accommodate varying wedding party sizes, with the Main Hall accommodating up to 340 guests for a ceremony and 180 guests for a reception, while the Small Hall accommodates up to 140 guests for a ceremony and 80 guests for a reception. There are also smaller spaces available for your ceremony, especially if you are looking for a legal ceremony only, before your celebrations elsewhere, which are part of the register office, for example, The Rossetti Room, which accommodate 12 guests for a ceremony. The venue boasts exquisite period features, including a magnificent grand staircase, stained glass windows, and ornate ceilings, creating a romantic and sophisticated ambiance for your special day.
One of the advantages of Chelsea Old Town Hall is its convenient location, surrounded by vibrant boutiques, fashionable restaurants, and picturesque streets, providing an array of options for stunning wedding photographs and a vibrant atmosphere for your guests to enjoy. Furthermore, the venue offers flexibility in terms of catering options, allowing you to customize your wedding menu according to your preferences and dietary requirements.
Chelsea Old Town Hall has also hosted its fair share of celebrity weddings. It has been the chosen venue for notable figures such as Pierce Brosnan Judy Garland, and of course, most recently, Jamie and Sophie Laing. Choosing Chelsea Old Town Hall for your wedding will not only provide a touch of glamour and history but also the opportunity to create your own memorable moments within its elegant halls.
In terms of accommodation, Chelsea Old Town Hall doesn’t offer onsite options. However, with the wedding venues being situated in a prime location of Kensington and Chelsea, it means that there are numerous hotels and accommodations nearby, ensuring that you and your guests can find comfortable and convenient places to stay.
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Kensington and Chelsea offer a wealth of stunning wedding venues, each with their own unique benefits and features. Whether you’re looking for a venue with a royal history, a rooftop garden setting, or a luxurious hotel with onsite accommodation, there’s sure to be a venue in these boroughs that will suit your needs. With their excellent facilities, stunning aesthetics, and enchanting ambiances, these venues provide an exceptional backdrop for celebrating your love and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. And who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two while celebrating your special day!
If you’re feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed about where to start with planning your wedding, don’t worry, I’m here to help! As a friendly and experienced wedding planner, I can help you find the perfect venue, connect with the best suppliers, and make sure your big day runs smoothly from start to finish. So if you’re looking for a wedding planner in Kensington and Chelsea, or anywhere in London, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here. I’d be so happy to be a part of making your wedding dreams come true!
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