Your wedding day is supposed to be the most special and important day of your entire life, so it’s no surprise that couples who are soon to be wed want their wedding venue to understand their cultural or religious needs.
If you are part of London’s large Asian community, or marrying into it, it can be difficult to pinpoint an Asian wedding venue in the capital that is able to cater to your needs. Of course, the Asian community is diverse within itself, with the requirements of a Sikh wedding different to that of a Muslim wedding. Nonetheless, traditionally weddings in Asian communities are large-scale and lavish affairs, with the guest list often running into the hundreds. That is why it is important that the venue that you choose is able to accommodate for large parties, while still retaining a sense of warmth and grandeur.
To help you on your wedding panning journey, we have rounded up some of the best Asian wedding venues London has to offer, with our curated selection featuring banqueting halls, sky-high venues and buildings which are steeped in history. There are also a few more modern options too, including alternative and somewhat quirky venues that are sure to get your guests talking and are great conversation starters (particularly if lots of your wedding party don’t already know each other).
Typically, the key elements of an effective Asian wedding venue need to be a large capacity, excellent catering options and a sense of wow-factor that will impress and thrill your guests. Our pick of the most attractive Asian wedding venues London has to offer all have their own individual merits, whether that be sweeping views of the capital’s skyline or original oil paintings from eras gone-by.
Whether you are on the hunt for a large blank canvas venue where you can really make your vision come to life, or you would prefer a venue with built-in wow factor, our pick of Asian wedding venues in London is sure to have something that takes your fancy.
Searcys at The Gherkin
What: While Searcys at The Gherkin may not have the large capacity typically required for traditional Asian weddings, it does offer a truly unique setting for your big day - so perfect if you're paring things back a bit. In our eyes, there are few things more romantic than tying the knot high above London, with sweeping views of the city all around you and a dedicated events team on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Where: 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8EP
Porchester Hall
What: Perfectly proportioned to host a large banquet, Porchester Hall is one of the most sought-after Asian wedding venues in London. The classic art-deco design adds a real sense of grandeur, with high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and a large stage for live entertainment setting the scene for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening.
Where: Porchester Road, W2 5HS
Addington Palace
What: The Royal Pavilion at Addington Palace feels like a grand marquee but is actually a permanent space, which means it can be used whatever the weather. The all-white blank canvas space provides the perfect opportunity to tailor your wedding completely to your own tastes and cultural needs, while the space can host up to 650 guests for a wedding banquet.
Where: Gravel Hill, CR0 5BB
Alexandra Palace
What: If you want your nuptials to rival a royal wedding, it doesn’t get much more grand than tying the knot inside an actual palace. Alexandra Palace has a whole host of large-scale event spaces to choose from, including the 5,000 capacity Great Hall. If your guest list is a little tamer however, there’s also the stately Londesborough Room, which can seat 130.
Where: Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY
10-11 Carlton House Terrace
What: Able to host both your ceremony and reception, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace is comprised of an elegant pair of neighbouring townhouses. You can exchange vows in The Lecture Room which overlooks The Mall and St James’s Park, before dancing the night away in the high-ceilinged Wolfson Room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Where: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
The Brewery
What: Well-versed in hosting weddings of different cultures, The Brewery is a rustic and romantic space that is typified by exposed brick walls, wooden beams and high ceilings. The venue can accommodate up to 600 guests for dinner, with the kitchen turning out impressive seasonal menus which can easily be adapted to account for religious or cultural sensitivities.
Where: 52 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SD
Chelsea Old Town Hall
What: With an easily accessible location on the King’s Road, Chelsea Old Town Hall is a shrewd choice for couples who want to get hitched surrounded by history. The regal setting is punctuated by mahogany-panelled walls and soaring marble columns, while the collection of original oil paintings lining the walls makes for a stunning backdrop for photographs.
Where: King's Road, SW3 5EE
The RSA
What: Located just off The Strand, The RSA is best suited to couples who are looking for a dramatic backdrop to illuminate their ceremony or reception. The sequence of six breath-taking historic paintings which line the walls of The Great Room are a detail that your guests are sure to remember, while the glass domed roof allows for plenty of natural light too.
Where: 8 John Adam Street, WC2N 6EZ
The Connaught
What: One of the most refined hotels in the capital, The Connaught boasts seven event spaces, each one equipped with the hotel’s trademark sophistication and glamour. An in-house events team are on-hand to make sure the day goes off without a hitch, while a feast fit for royalty can be prepared by the team from acclaimed Jean-Georges at The Connaught.
Where: Carlos Place, W1K 2AL
The ICA
What: Perched between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, The ICA is certainly a venue that comes with an in-built sense of occasion. Your wedding day here will be surrounded by original Regency plasterwork and floor-to-ceiling windows, while summer ceremonies can be granted access to the stunning gardens of neighbouring Carlton House.
Where: The Mall, SW1Y 5AH
One Marylebone
Image: didarvirdi.com
What: For an ornate space that will guarantee the jaws of your guests hit the floor, it’s hard to do better than One Marylebone’s Soane Hall. Standing at 27 feet high, the glamorous and dramatic space features opulent mosaics and stained glass windows which ooze elegance and sophistication. There’s a large dancefloor too for when the celebrations really get going.
Where: One Marylebone Road, NW1 4AQ
No. 11 Cavendish Square
What: A Grade-II listed townhouse with character in spades, No. 11 Cavendish Square combines modern elegance with historical charm. The light and airy Orangery is perfect for a wedding breakfast, while couples tying the knot in the summer months can enjoy use of the courtyard garden, which comes with a ‘living’ wall and attractive water features.
Where: 11-13 Cavendish Square, W1G 0AN
Cavendish Banqueting Suite
What: Purpose-built for accommodating Asian weddings, Cavendish Banqueting Suite is one of the largest Asian wedding venues London has to offer. The 400 capacity Grand Hall can be adapted to meet your needs, with the likes of ‘curtains’ of twinkling lights or traditional statues all able to be added to the space. Expect a banquet-style feast too.
Where: Edgware Road, NW9 5AE
Cinnamon Kitchen
What: Found in the heart of the City, Cinnamon Kitchen is an easily accessible venue that offers a modern approach to Asian weddings. A colourful Indian-style tent can be erected on the terrace for you to tie the knot, while you and your guests can then feast on a menu of Indian classics in the large dining room. There’s an adjoining cocktail bar too for drinks.
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
One Whitehall Place
What: Combining history with sheer luxury, One Whitehall Place is among the most prestigious Asian wedding venues in London. Attractive design features including glittering chandeliers, ornate sculptured ceilings and a grand marble staircase, while the venue’s views of the River Thames and the London Eye are further draws.
Where: 2 Whitehall Court, SW1A 2EJ
Café de Paris
What: Originally opened in 1924, Café de Paris hasn’t lost any of its inherent glamour over the years. Weddings here take place against a backdrop of high ceilings, statement chandeliers and imposing columns wrapped in gold. There is also a stage flanked by two curved staircases, an obvious place for live entertainment at your evening ceremony.
Where: 3 Coventry Street, W1D 6BL
National Maritime Museum
What: It can be difficult to source venues for large-scale Asian weddings in central London, but the National Maritime Museum is easily accessible, finding its home in Greenwich. Worried about bringing together guests who don’t already know each other? The soaring glass roof and the venue’s plethora of naval artefacts should provide plenty of talking points.
Where: Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
The Barbican
What: Often thought of as London’s best kept secret, the conservatory at The Barbican is a unique and memorable space to get hitched. You can exchange your vows against a backdrop of exotic fish and more than 1,800 species of tropical plants, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer up enviable views of the capital’s skyline for your guests to enjoy.
Where: Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
What: Steeped in history and with the aesthetic to match, The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn is the kind of wedding venue that will really get your guests talking. The surrounding grounds are just as tempting though, with private gardens available for drinks receptions and as a backdrop to your official wedding photographs.
Where: 8 South Square, WC1R 5ET
Skylon
What: If you want your wedding to be a modern affair, but one that still packs a punch, Skylon is a great option. Found on the third floor of Royal Festival Hall, the venue overlooks the Thames and takes in famous London landmarks, while inside the space features high ceilings, cosy banquette seating and a large central bar.
Where: Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX
Somerset House
What: Somerset House is undoubtedly one of the most breath-taking buildings in the capital, so hosting the most special day of your life here makes sense. The large courtyard is a popular space for weddings all year round (tents and marquees can be erected), while indoors, Seamen’s Hall comes complete with sweeping views of The Thames and other landmarks.
Where: South Building, WC2R 1LA
If you don’t mind exploring a little further afield for your big day, check out our pick of the best wedding venues in Essex.