While the Institute of Contemporary Arts perhaps can’t offer the grandness of a royal wedding, it certainly comes a close second thanks to its enviable location – the ICA sits right on the Mall, between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.
Of course, that unrivalled setting in the heart of central London also means the venue boasts views over The Mall, as well as of other iconic London landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye. If you have your heart set on a central London wedding, the Institute of Contemporary Arts boasts two distinct spaces which are licensed to host either civil ceremonies or weddings.
The two spaces, The Nash Room and The Brandon Room, are both decorated with original Regency plasterwork and are bathed in plenty of natural daylight thanks to glass windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. The rooms are the creation of John Nash, an architect of the Regency and Georgian eras who was among the most prominent of his kind, so a grand vintage feel is guaranteed on your big day.
The rooms are also particularly suited to summer weddings, as the spaces open out onto three balconies which overlook the manicured landscapes of St James’s Park. For summer ceremonies, the team at the Institute of Contemporary Arts can also arrange for your guests to have access to the stunning Carlton House Terrace Gardens, perhaps for a drinks reception before your main meal.
The ICA’s Nash Room and Brandon Room can each host up to 90 seated guests for a civil ceremony or wedding, while the two spaces can also be combined to allow for up to 150 seated guests. You can also opt to have a standing reception or cocktail hour by combining the rooms, also with a capacity of 150 guests.