Dreaming of a fairytale royal wedding? From grand palace halls to majestic fortresses, Historic Royal Palaces look after some of the UK’s most iconic royal buildings. Now, you can become royalty for the day by hosting your wedding at one of these stunning venues. So, discover Historic Royal Palaces’ gorgeous venues, perfect for your regal wedding day, below.
Banqueting House
Designed by revolutionary architect Inigo Jones, the Banqueting House is one of London's most dazzling wedding venues. The Banqueting House is the last major survivor of the Palace of Whitehall, once the greatest palace of its time in Europe, which was almost totally destroyed by fire in 1698.
When it was completed in 1622, the new building caused a sensation. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Rome, architect Inigo Jones created a building for King James I unlike anything Londoners had ever seen. The Banqueting House has also been a royal chapel, museum, and is now restored to its former glory. Specially created for entertaining, the Banqueting House’s timeless majesty means it remains one of London's grandest venues.
No matter what size your wedding, the Banqueting House guarantees an unforgettable setting for your big day. Your families and guests arrive via the elegant entry hall, and follow in the footsteps of kings and queens, climbing the grand staircase to the majesty of the Main Hall. At the Main Hall, magnificent pillars and glittering chandeliers will draw guests' gazes toward a breathtaking masterpiece; Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ glorious painted ceiling.
Wonderfully atmospheric, the Undercroft is where Stuart kings once retreated from public life. Today, this intimacy makes it a special space for an unforgettable evening. This charming, vaulted space is full of character, perfect for celebrating your special day.
Tower of London
Image by Maria Assia Photography from Helena and Adam's Real Wedding
A World Heritage Site just a stone’s throw from the Thames, the Tower of London is one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks! From a secure fortress to a royal palace to an infamous prison, the Tower of London has been the site of many historical events. William the Conqueror first started building on the site with a mighty stone tower in the 1070s. Now, nearly 1000 years later, the Tower of London continues to be a commanding presence in the centre of London.
At the centre of this ancient fortress is its oldest and most recognisable building – the White Tower. The King’s Great Hall is a truly special space for dinners and receptions. A truly spectacular view awaits guests atop the wooden stairs, stretching from Tower Bridge to the Shard. Adjoining rooms hold vast displays of armour belonging to kings including Henry VIII and Charles I.
Built over 700 years ago, the chambers in St Thomas's Tower were part of the Tower's residential area. Receptions can be held in the unrestored hall, a stunning record of the building’s history. Dinners are held in the king's colourful bedchamber, with its grand fireplace, four-poster bed and King Edward I's oratory.
The Reveller is a contemporary building, nestled under Tower Bridge arches, that seamlessly combines the old with the new. The Reveller can be used also in conjunction with other venues around the Tower to offer guests a truly memorable experience.
Hampton Court Palace
Image courtesy of Hampton Court Palace
Home to Henry VIII, who lived here with all six of his wives, Hampton Court Palace is truly an iconic historical wedding venue. Hampton Court Palace is really a tale of two palaces blended together. It's a combination of the Gothic Palace of Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII and the Baroque Palace built by the Stuart monarchs William and Mary. The palace was a royal residence from the early 1500s until the 1730s. Set amid 60 acres of beautiful gardens, this magnificent Tudor palace is an amazing setting for your special day.
The Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace is one of the most jaw-dropping venues in the country. Originally designed as a feasting chamber for Henry VIII, it was the last medieval great hall to be constructed for the English monarchy. Today, the Great Hall makes a perfect venue for show-stopping ceremonies and lavish receptions with its stained-glass windows, sumptuous tapestries, and magnificent hammer-beam ceiling.
Set peacefully amid the palace gardens, the Little Banqueting House is one of the most picturesque spaces. Boasting stunning views of the Thames, the Little Banqueting House also has a gorgeous interior, which includes spectacular 18th-century paintings and murals by Antonio Verrio. So, this enchanting space is perfect for romantic, intimate celebrations.
The Orangery is a long, elegant space that was originally designed as a private greenhouse for King William III. The marble sculptures, wood panelling and classic chequerboard floor reveal the room’s original purpose. Today, the Orangery makes a timelessly sophisticated venue for drinks receptions. The stunning Garden Room is also perfect for Hindu weddings as fire ceremonies can take place here outside. It's also the perfect spot for you and your guests can enjoy drinks and photographs before heading inside for your evening entertainment.
Kensington Palace
From its first monarchs-in-residence, King William and Queen Mary, to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who now live here, Kensington Palace has been the seat of British royalty since the 17th century. Kensington Palace’s timeless elegance and fascinating past create a charming atmosphere for your special day.
The State Apartments are a succession of opulent rooms consisting featuring The King's Gallery and The King's Drawing Room. The King’s Gallery wows with the priceless artwork decorating its walls. Also, The King’s Drawing Room has a magical and elegant atmosphere. Both rooms’ magnificent grand windows provide stunning views across the grounds.
Meanwhile, the Orangery and Lawn allow you to exchange vows under Corinthian columns, especially beautiful in the summer sun. To marry on the lawns of Kensington Palace is truly exclusive as marquee events require special permission from the Royal household. So, you can truly feel like royalty on your big day!
The Pavilion, overlooking the Sunken Garden, presents another gorgeous opportunity. This glass-fronted venue is a blank canvas for your own vision of a luxury royal wedding. It features a covered terrace area, making it ideal for seated dinners of up to 300 guests and receptions of up to 800. So, whether it’s within the glorious State Apartments, the spellbinding Orangery or out on the picturesque lawns of Kensington Gardens, this is a one-of-a-kind setting for a fairytale wedding.
Hillsborough Castle
As the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has hosted some of modern history’s most recognisable figures, from Eleanor Roosevelt to the Dalai Lama. Steeped in 300 years of history, Hillsborough Castle has been a grand family home as well as a charming royal residence. Now, you can have this graceful Georgian home, along with its stunning 100 acres of landscaped gardens, as the backdrop for your magical day. The house’s idyllic grounds, with their pretty terraces, meandering waterways and immaculate lawns, are perfect for summer celebrations.
Follow in the footsteps of royalty, presidents and peacemakers by hosting your guests in the historic and luxurious State Rooms. The impressive Throne Room is the ceremonial heart of the castle, perfect for a fairytale wedding. This majestic space is dominated by a glorious silk coat of arms and two magnificent ‘chairs of state’. Enjoy a regal dinner in the spectacular space where The Queen received guests at a coronation ball in 1953.
The Red Room is both luxurious and intimate. It features hundreds of priceless paintings from the Royal Collection, a beautiful oak floor and crimson silk damask walls. Or, the elegant State Dining Room has a view of the rose garden, with a long history of hosting grand occasions.
The original library, now known as the State Drawing Room, makes for a breathtaking reception space. Delicate colours favoured by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, give the room an elegant, relaxing atmosphere. So, whether you’re after understated elegance or unabashed grandeur, now you can enjoy their luxurious surroundings for your own special day.
Have you fallen in love with one of Historic Royal Palaces' gorgeous venues? We don't blame you! You can get in touch with Kensington Palace, Tower of London, Banqueting House, Hillsborough Castle and Hampton Court Palace on Guides for Brides.