If you’re looking for gay wedding venues, London is one of the UK’s most welcoming and inclusive communities.
It’s a place where love thrives, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a wedding for London locals or creating a destination wedding for the perfect LGBTQ+ couple — either way, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice.
Eventbrite is home to many LGBTQ+ event organisers whose work makes us proud. We know what an inclusive wedding venue looks like, and we want to share this with you so you can start your venue search on the right foot.
We’ll explain why London is the perfect wedding spot for same-sex couples, outline the points that should be on your wishlist when hunting for the best wedding venues in the city, and run you through 10 of our all-time favourite London wedding spots.
Why is London the perfect wedding spot for same-sex couples?
In London, it doesn’t matter who you are or who you’ve fallen in love with. If you want to get married, London is the perfect place to do it — and there are plenty of reasons why.
London has a long history of welcoming LGBTQ+ couples and actually hosted the UK’s first-ever gay wedding between Peter McGraith and David Cabreza in 2014.
But wedding planners shouldn’t just be eyeing up London as a great wedding spot because of the city’s history in marriage equality. It’s also the perfect spot for any couple’s wedding because of its huge range of beautiful venues, scenic parks and iconic skyline.
London has a massive selection of wedding venues. We’re talking gardens, country clubs, industrial spaces, hotels and resorts, waterfront spots, mansions and estates, vineyards, and everything in between.
Most of those venues will be inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly, too — but we’ll talk more about what you should look for in gay wedding venues in just a minute.
Finally, London has a wide selection of unique and quirky vendors. It doesn’t matter what your clients seek in catering, entertainment, wedding favours, videography, or photography. London has it.
Never planned a special event in London before? Don’t worry. Check out our event planning checklist to help you stay on track.
What are the best LGBTQ+ friendly wedding venues in London?
After running through our favourite London wedding venues, we’ll give you some advice on how to pick the best one for you. Without further ado, here are 10 of our favourites, all of which are same-sex couple friendly, of course!
1. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens offers not just a venue but an experience with its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to conservation. Less than 7 miles from central London, the venue includes 320 acres of gorgeous gardens with over 30,000 plant species. It offers 5 different wedding venues where you can celebrate your special day.
This venue is a dream for those who wish to merge their love for nature with their nuptials, providing a serene, beautiful environment that respects and celebrates nature.
2. The Electric Cinema
Combining historic charm with contemporary comfort, The Electric Cinema creates a unique wedding experience that reflects a couple’s love for film and art. This venue is especially suited for those who wish to escape the traditional and enjoy a day that’s as entertaining as it is unforgettable.
The venue offers three different rooms, each with a different capacity, ranging from 50–112 guests.
3. Hackney Town Hall
The grandeur of Hackney Town Hall lends itself beautifully to wedding celebrations that aim to be both majestic and inclusive. The venue’s historic beauty and modern facilities make it a popular choice among couples looking for a space that offers a blend of old-world charm with new-world openness.
The 1930s Art-Deco-styled venue has gorgeous original features, including chandeliers and a sprung dance floor. Accommodating up to 550 standing for reception, it’s great for couples wanting a large wedding. There are six rooms available for hire, each with a different capacity and unique features.
4. The Shard
The Shard is more than just an iconic skyscraper; it’s a symbol of modern London. Its sleek, cutting-edge design and spectacular views make it a bold choice for couples who want their wedding to make a statement. The stunning backdrop is perfect for wedding photographs.
Shangri-La The Shard hosts bespoke weddings for 20 to 110 guests.
5. Wilton’s Music Hall
With its faded grandeur and theatrical past, Wilton’s Music Hall offers a backdrop full of character and nostalgia. The venue was even voted Best Historic Wedding Venue at the UK Wedding Awards. It’s an enchanting choice for those who value storytelling and history, providing a stage not just for a wedding but for the story of a lifetime.
Wedding hire includes the entire building, but there are only a few select dates available each year.
6. Sunbeam Studios
Sunbeam Studios blends historic architecture with modern amenities, offering a light, airy space that adapts to any wedding theme. It’s particularly suitable for fashion-conscious couples who appreciate a photogenic venue that delivers both style and substance.
The light spaces offer couples a canvas to be as creative as they like.
7. The Gherkin
As one of London’s most iconic buildings, The Gherkin sets a futuristic tone for weddings. Its 360-degree views and sleek interiors provide a luxurious and modern setting, ideal for couples looking to start their future with a clear, broad view of the horizon.
Searcey’s at The Gherkin offers an exclusive space for ceremonies with up to 130 guests and receptions for up to 260 guests. It also offers stunning sky-high private dining rooms for more intimate weddings.
8. The Barbican Conservatory
Nested in one of London’s key cultural venues, the Barbican Conservatory offers a lush, botanical setting surrounded by brutalist architecture. This contrast creates a unique, visually striking venue that celebrates both the arts and the natural world, perfect for couples who appreciate both.
The newly refurbished Garden Room can host up to 220 guests. It has grand floor-to-ceiling windows that give attendees stunning views of the city skyline.
9. Grove House
Set amidst landscaped gardens and near the tranquillity of Richmond Park, Grove House offers a picturesque Georgian mansion setting ideal for LGBTQ+ weddings. The venue features three opulent rooms for various aspects of the celebration, accommodating both large and intimate gatherings.
Its proximity to nature and classical architecture provides a romantic backdrop, while the experienced on-site team ensures a smooth and tailored wedding experience, reflecting the personal style and uniqueness of each couple.
10. No. 4 Hamilton Place
Elegant and rich in history, No. 4 Hamilton Place offers a luxurious Edwardian townhouse setting with stunning views over Hyde Park. This venue is known for its ornate and sophisticated interiors, making it a splendid choice for couples who seek a blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
The venue supports LGBTQ+ weddings with a commitment to providing a bespoke and inclusive celebration experience.
Top considerations when searching for the perfect gay wedding venue
Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a challenge for any happy couple. But let’s get real for a minute: finding the perfect gay wedding venue can often be even more challenging.
Not only do you have all the typical considerations like costs, packages, the perfect location, and accessibility — but you also need to ensure the venue and staff are welcoming and inclusive.
So, let’s look at how to create a shortlist your clients will absolutely adore.
LGBTQ+ friendly staff and policies
You should check venues out and vet them to ensure they happily welcome LGBTQ couples and same-sex unions.
First, review their website information, contact forms, and marketing materials. Look for inclusive language, pronouns, and imagery that aligns with your couple’s ideal wedding.
Next, take note of how flexible and accommodating the venue is. Ask plenty of questions to ensure management is willing to give your couple the wedding they deserve.
You should also ask if it’s affiliated with LGBTQ+ wedding associations or groups.
Networks like The Gay Wedding Guide and G Wedding Directory have close links with many wedding venues. If you see one of these names, you know you’ve found a venue happy to host an LGBTQ wedding.
Looking to connect with venue managers that have LGBTQ+-friendly policies?
Check out a same-sex wedding expo like the Gay Wedding Show. They connect gay wedding venues, registrars, photographers, videographers, floral designers, DJs, and caterers from all over.
Pro tip: Before booking a venue, ask the venue manager for recommendations or testimonials from other same-sex couples. This will validate all the inclusive language and welcoming promotional materials.
Venue costs and packages
Several gay wedding venues in London now offer wedding packages tailored to same-sex couples.
This includes a selection of celebrants and non-traditional event running orders — but you’ve also got to look for upfront and transparent costs. This will ensure you’re avoiding discriminatory pricing.
Need a hand managing costs? Take a look at our event budgeting guide for tips and inspiration.
Pro tip: Sit down with the wedding couple to create a wish list of venue features (e.g. open bar, in-house catering, outdoor seating, big capacity, parking, rules).
If your couple isn’t picky, you can opt out of a package and negotiate several ad-hoc services for cheaper.
Venue accessibility and location
A London wedding is all about location.
For example, if your clients have a lot of guests travelling to London, you need to focus your search on gay wedding venues close to airports, train stations and hotels. But if your couple are from London and they’re planning a more intimate affair with mostly locals, you can look for a more central spot that’s easy for guests to reach by public transport.
The location also adds a lot to the atmosphere. For example, Shoreditch will offer a different atmosphere to Chelsea. It all depends on the vibe the couple are looking for.
Finally, there’s the event layout and accessibility.
If the wedding you’re planning includes elderly or disabled guests, you need a venue that’s accessible. That means seating plans, restrooms, and spaces that empower those individuals to ensure they feel respected and included at all times.
Pro tip: Make sure you have a clear understanding of accessibility requirements when shortlisting venues.
Ready to create your shortlist of gay wedding venues?
London is the perfect place for a gay wedding. It’s a welcoming and inclusive community with many unique wedding venues and vendors prepared to do everything possible to ensure clients have a special day.
As a wedding planner, you’ve got to make sure all the right boxes are getting ticked and that you can book a property the special couple will absolutely adore.
So, are you ready to start creating the perfect LGBTQ+ wedding? Join Eventbrite now and discover how to boost your network and supercharge your wedding planning.
