Affordable Wedding Venues in London

Wedding Venues in London & Average Costs

London is home to a wonderful range of wedding venues, from opulent hotels to hidden gems. On Bridebook, you can discover grand stately homes like No.4 Hamilton Place, or chic boutique hotels such as the Sun Street Hotel in Shoreditch. Alternatively, you might to prefer to host an outdoor ceremony in one of London’s iconic royal parks, in which case the Mandarin Oriental, which overlooks Hyde Park, might be more up your street. If you’re looking for something with unique heritage charm, BMA House, a stunning Grade II listed building right in the heart of Bloomsbury, on the site of Charles Dickens’ former home, might be “the one” for you. There really is a venue for every couple in London, whatever style or vibe you like.

Overall, couples are now spending over £7,800 (or 37.5%) more to marry in London (£28,629) compared to the national average (£20,775), and the same applies to the wedding venue. Couples in London pay an average of £7,020 for their wedding venue, notably lower than the national average of £5,945 (excluding catering). Venue costs in London tend to be higher than the national average due to demand and the city’s premium services So, flexibility with dates or off-peak seasons may help reduce costs and still let you enjoy a wedding venue in the capital. 

Of course, average costs can vary dramatically depending on many other factors, including the type of venue and what sort of packages are available. The breakdown above and the examples of specific venues are just that—examples—and therefore merely indicative and illustrative. 

Average Wedding Venue Booking Lead Times in London

You should generally expect to book a ceremony or reception venue in London at least 12-18 months before your wedding. However, the average lead time can naturally vary, depending on the venue and the time of year.

It’s possible to find last-minute dates around only 6 months in advance, but you might need to be more flexible with your wedding date. For this, off-peak dates and weekdays will likely be your best bet, and often have much shorter lead times, as there will be less demand at such times.

However, as a rule of thumb, if you have your heart set on a specific venue in London, enquire with them as early as possible to maximise your chances of securing a booking. You’ll almost always need to pay your venue a deposit as a percentage of the overall cost to lock in your wedding date.

Weather & Seasonality in London

London’s weather—and that of the UK generally—is unpredictable (famously so!), but every season has its own unique charm. Whether you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or a cosy indoor celebration, each season offers something special for your big day.

Spring (March-May) is ideal for outdoor wedding ceremonies and garden receptions, as the city’s parks and gardens come alive with flowers and colours (look out for lovely pink and white blossoms on many of the parks’ trees—cue dreamy wedding photos). Average temperatures range from 12°C (54°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in May, though moderate rainfall is common. March receives about 35mm, and May around 50mm. The occasional April shower is likely, so a backup plan for outdoor elements is always a good idea.

Summer (June-August) is the warmest of the seasons, with the longest daylight hours, which makes for memorable outdoor weddings, as well as rooftop celebrations. Venues like The Westin London City offer stunning open-air spaces, though these venues do book up fast, and costs peak during this time. Temperatures typically reach highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Rainfall is relatively low, averaging around 41-48mm per month. With the warmth and extended daylight, summer is the perfect time for those classic wedding moments.

Autumn (September-November) brings a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere to London. The red-gold foliage and crisp air create the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning wedding photos, which is perfect for hosting weddings in beautiful indoor spaces such as Royal Horseguards Guoman Hotel. Temperatures start at 20°C (68°F) in September, dropping to 12°C (54°F) by November. Rainfall increases, with October being the wettest month with about 71mm of rain.

Winter (December-February) transforms London into a magical wonderland, with the city decked out in twinkling lights and cosy indoor settings. Indoor venues filled with fairy lights create a romantic atmosphere. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is moderate, with December and January each receiving about 52-53mm. While snowfall is rare in London, it can happen—and tends to melt quickly if it does. For a winter wedding, consider hosting your ceremony and reception in stunning indoor spaces where your guests can stay warm and comfortable. If you’re planning outdoor elements, be prepared for chilly weather and consider a marquee or covered space.

Transport & Accommodation in London

London is a true global hub, which makes it one of the easiest and most convenient cities for guests to reach. International guests have six airports to choose from: London City Airport (LCY); London Gatwick Airport (LGW); London Heathrow Airport (LHR); London Luton Airport (LTN); London Stansted Airport (STN); and London Southend Airport (SEN)

All of these six airports are connected to London’s comprehensive rail and Underground networks. The best one to fly into depends on your budget, your departure and your destination. Heathrow and London City is good options for a fast and easy connection to London, especially for international travellers (and those coming from Canada in particular). Gatwick is more a middle option, with a fast connection to London via the Underground, but also accessible with low-cost airlines. Stansted, Luton and Southend offer good options for the cheapest deal, but you may need to travel longer and pay more for trains and baggage.

If you’re looking to really wow your guests, many couples like to rent one or two of London’s iconic buses, like the classic red Routemaster double-decker. This isn’t just a fun and memorable transportation option, but also a great way to travel around the city. 

When it comes to accommodation for weddings in London, you’ll find no shortage of hotels that cater to all budgets and preferences. Popular areas like Westminster or Shoreditch have great options ranging from the luxury Savoy Hotel to budget-friendly chains like Premier Inn. For a bespoke touch, boutique hotels such as the Sun Street Hotel offer stylish stays close to top wedding venues. It’s a good idea to provide a list of recommended hotels and transport links between your ceremony and reception to make the day seamless for your guests.