South London is home to a number of iconic (and lesser known) wedding venues. From the magnificent Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich to an urban, industrial warehouse in Brixton, we’ve found the perfect location for your special day…
Words: Madeleine Howell
1 Syon Park
The magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Syon Park, is one of London’s most sought after wedding venues. You can opt for a ceremony in the Great Hall or the State Dining Room, and proceed to dance the night away in the Great Conservatory after drinks in the charming Inner Courtyard Garden.
Photography by nickrayphotography.co.uk
Syon Park
2 Fulham Palace
The tranquil Fulham Palace provides a historical backdrop for stunning wedding pictures. Rooms to hire vary in style from Tudor to Georgian. Four rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies including the ornate Bishop Terrick’s Drawing Room and the classical Great Hall, and the surrounding thirteen acres are ideal for balmy garden parties.
Photography by Jo Hughes at captivephoto.co.uk
Fulham Palace
3 Hampton Court
Set amidst magical 18th century gardens, Hampton Court House is a glamorous, picture-perfect venue within easy reach of south west London. Designed by Thomas Wright for the mistress of a love-struck Earl, today it can host your very own love story. With a licence for civil ceremonies for up to 150 people, and large marquees for up to 500, you’re sure to have a ball.
Photography by guymilnes.com
Hampton Court
4 Morden Park House
Morden Park House, set in Morden Park, is perfect for a country-style wedding in south London. The Borough Register Office is a Grade II* listed fine 1770 house in extensive grounds, and was originally built for John Ewart as part of the Morden Hall Estate. The building was recently restored with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the interior has a number of contemporary features including a marble paved entrance hall, and a grand imperial type staircase with wrought iron balustrades.
Photography by guymilnes.com
Morden Park House
5 Battersea Arts Centre
Eclectic historical architecture including an impressive marble staircase, a bustling foyer and a striking Council Chamber – the Battersea Arts Centre is a truly dramatic location for a wedding that stands out from the crowd. There’s also plenty of space to dance as you take centre stage on your special day.
Battersea Arts Centre
6 Sacred Heart, Wimbledon
The Sacred Heart Catholic church in Wimbledon, just next to Wimbledon College, is the perfect church for solemn vows. Organ music can be arranged via the Director of Music, as can soloists and even a choir. The Gothic revival architecture is equally as striking on the outside, viewed from Edge Hill, as it is on the inside.
Photography by rogerspictures.com
Sacred Heart Wimbledon
7 Brixton East
Brixton East 1871 on Gresham Road was once a furniture warehouse, and extends to over 4500 square feet. Wooden beams, bare concrete and minimal finishing make for an industrial backdrop to a truly modern, chic wedding in SW2. Complete the look with shimmering candles, twinkling lights and all your loved ones.
Photography by capturedbykatrina.co.uk
Brixton East
8 The Painted Hall
The magnificent Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College is recognised as one of the greatest examples of decorative painting in England, and has even been described as the Sistine Chapel of the UK.
Photography by rogerspictures.com
The Painted Hall
9 Dulwich Picture Gallery
Happy couples can celebrate their nuptials amidst paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Gainsborough in the Soane Gallery at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, or opt for a more contemporary feel in the Linbury Room. On sunny days, the Gallery Gardens and the Meadows offer ample space for a magnificent party.
Photography by rogerspictures.com
Dulwich Picture Gallery
10 Dulwich College
The award-winning architecture of Dulwich College, designed by Charles Barry Junior (whose father designed the Houses of Parliament), makes for wedding photographs you’ll be sure to treasure. The triangular gables, turrets and cupolas are inspired by 13th century North Italian buildings and prove a majestic, striking backdrop.
Photography by guymilnes.com
Dulwich College
11 Admiral’s House
The 17th century Admiral’s House is the oldest building within the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, and was commissioned by Charles II in 1660. The setting is regal, yet intimate, with tranquil views overlooking the nearby Thames.
Old Royal Naval College
12 Eltham Palace
The wood-panelled entrance hall, the Italian drawing rooms and the verdant gardens of Eltham Palace host elegant, romantic ceremonies and receptions. There are also experts in flowers, lighting and entertainment on hand to ensure your big day runs as smoothly as possible.
Eltham Palace
13 The Asylum Chapel, Peckham
The Asylum Chapel situated at Caroline Gardens in Peckham is a Grade II listed venue built in 1826. Originally a charitable institution, these days it serves as a visually arresting, unusual venue for wedding ceremonies and photo shoots, and is suitable for up to 120 guests.
Photography by rogerspictures.com
The Asylum
14 Belair House
Belair House is a stunning two-floor Georgian mansion which boasts panoramic views of Belair Park in West Dulwich and a glossy bar and dining room for your reception. In summer, enjoy the grounds, conservatory and terraces, and in winter, celebrate with your honoured guests beside heartwarming open fires.
Photography by guymilnes.com
Belair House