Looking for the best Art Gallery Wedding Reception Venues in London? Yes! We hear you, and we dream the same dreams and have you covered, hence why we have written this post just for you.
Continue reading if you have you ever considered hosting your wedding breakfast and reception at one of London’s beautiful art galleries. We really are spoilt for choice with a whole range of permanent and temporary collections, from medieval to post-modern and from cubism to impressionism – there really is something to satisfy any sophisticated bride or groom in the search for their perfect wedding venue.
Most of the galleries in London offer intimate spaces for entertaining where it is possible to combine tours of the artwork during the reception, followed by a seated meal under some of the world’s most spectacular masterpieces. From Cranach’s Adam and Eve at The Courtauld Gallery to Leonardo Di Vinci’s Madonna on the Rocks at the National Gallery, it is no wonder that this option for a wedding reception has always been (and will always be) a popular choice.
Our Guide on the Best Gallery Wedding Reception Venues in London
Here are some recommendations out of multiple options for you to choose from. Our wedding planning team are on hand to help guide you through the process of choosing the perfect venue for your ceremony and reception, but for now, happy browsing!
Whitechapel Gallery
Whitechapel Gallery, situated in the vibrant area of Aldgate, East London is the perfect venue choice for brides and grooms looking for larger gallery spaces. Known for its critically acclaimed temporary art exhibitions, Whitechapel Gallery is the cool kid on the block. With clean lines and bright gallery spaces this venue is a fantastic choice for both larger dinners and lively parties.
Capacity: The Whitechapel gallery can host a gathering of 10 guests or a reception of 250 people.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery contains some of the most prominent faces that have ever lived in British History. From a world-class collection of Tudor portraits to the celebrated celebrity culture of today, the National Portrait Gallery is one of those spaces that is guaranteed to have instant appeal for any visitor. The entertaining spaces within the gallery are effortlessly beautiful, complemented with exquisite mosaic floors and decorative features. This is one of the most interesting and important galleries in the UK.
Capacity: The National Portrait Gallery can host parties between 80 and 400 people.
Serpentine Gallery
Perhaps you might prefer the surroundings of Royal Hyde Park as a backdrop for your wedding celebration? The Serpentine Gallery is an incredibly important collection of contemporary exhibitions and a representation of all that is celebrated in modern art culture. Depending on the time of year that you are considering for your wedding there are reception and dining spaces available in the main galleries, or perhaps the world famous Serpentine Pavilion is more appropriate as the trendiest option for summer celebrations.
Tate Britain
Tate Britain can be found on Millbank near the bustling area of Pimlico. This gallery is known for its collection of British art from the 16th Century to the present day. Artists such a Turner, Reynolds and Bridget Riley adorn the walls at Tate Britain where the artwork becomes part of the celebration itself. With an abundance of spaces available Tate Britain is a sophisticated and popular choice to celebrate your special day.
Capacity: Tate Britain can host up to 300 people for receptions.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Dulwich Picture Gallery is one of the hidden gems on London’s art scene situated in Dulwich Village, South East London. This venue is one of the most popular amongst brides due to its beauty, privacy and elegant art collection. Be inspired by the many portraits on offer within the gallery’s collection, complemented by exquisite gardens that are ideal for a spring or summer wedding party.
Capacity: Up to 120 guests for a wedding reception.
Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection is home to London’s most beautiful collection of interiors, armour and 18th Century French and Dutch masterpieces. This is a bright, colourful gallery with spaces that appeal to those that have an appreciation for luxurious beauty and artistic finesse. Perfect for intimate wedding breakfast or standing receptions, The Wallace Collection will literally take your guest’s breath away.
Capacity: Up to 140 guests for dinner & dancing.
Saatchi Gallery
Saatchi Gallery is famous for its collection of contemporary installations and thought-provoking work. Situated in the beautiful area of Chelsea, the venue itself has a fantastic balance of intimacy with bold contemporary design qualities. This a venue where it is possible to stage the most refined, luxurious wedding breakfast in one space and then an entirely different contemporary design in another.
Capacity: Dinner and dance for up to 600 people.
National Gallery
One of the most visited galleries in the world, London’s National Gallery is a real haven of spectacular treasures. The collection is vast and houses some of the most important pieces of art in existence, representing most of the Master painters throughout history and the present day. The National Gallery is a must see and boasts numerous spaces for entertaining – this is a guaranteed favourite for any bride or groom that is in love with the arts.
Capacity: It can host events and drinks receptions for up to 500 people.
The Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld Gallery, situated on the Stand at Somerset House, is considered one of the most intimate spaces for art in the world. With a collection of some of the world’s most famous paintings and a sublime collection of impressionist works, this remarkable gallery is the ideal venue to host small sophisticated luxury wedding breakfasts. It really is utterly sublime and it has just had a complete transformation renovation.
Capacity: It can host events and drinks receptions for up to 200 people.
Discover our destinations portal here full of other wonderful places to get married or if you’d love to chat through your plans over a glass of fizz then simply give us a call on 0203 723 0195 or email [email protected]
