London is home to many livery companies, those fascinating and enigmatic ancient guilds that have guided the capital’s trades and crafts for centuries. Many of the companies have their own halls, beautiful hidden gems in the heart of the City, with access exclusive to their members and those who hire the space for an event or wedding.
Livery halls are such beautiful and atmospheric places, and their grandeur, history and uniqueness makes them absolutely perfect wedding venues.
Many livery halls offer that ‘stately home feel’ that is so desirable for weddings, but in the heart of the City, with their own special history and character — not to mention the sense of exclusivity that comes from hiring a venue that is not open to the public.
London is a treasure trove of these majestic buildings, all of which have so much to offer. It wasn’t easy, but I have managed to narrow down my top five London livery hall wedding venues…
Stationers’ Hall
Stationers’ Hall is such a romantic venue, and one of the City’s original livery halls. It’s therefore no surprise that a history-loving groom chose it as his venue on ITV’s Don’t Tell the Bride.
The private and secluded garden has been beautifully landscaped to provide a stunning location for your memorable photos, in the sunshine or under the shade of one of London’s most ancient plane trees.
Inside, oak floors gleam and original carved panelling reminds you of the venue’s proud history. Grand stained glass windows and soaring ceilings complete the picture-perfect wedding breakfast setting.
Haberdashers’ Hall
Haberdashers’ Hall offers the perfect blend of historical tradition and contemporary comfort and elegance.
You can enjoy your reception al fresco in a charming courtyard, complete with dancing fountain. In the stunning modern Livery Hall, which has all the gravitas of a grand feasting hall, your wedding breakfast will have all the atmosphere of a royal banquet!
The venue is full of touches, such as fascinating sculptures, an elegant spiral staircase and impressive architecture, to make your wedding day wonderfully memorable.
Clothworkers’ Hall
Clothworkers’ Hall is a remarkably spacious and beautiful venue, with ample room for a grand party. Home to one of the ‘Great Twelve’ livery companies, access to this prestigious and magnificent City gem is available only to those who hire the space for events.
Approaching the Entrance Hall, with its Italian travertine marble pillars and trompe l’oeil paintings, through the private courtyard, guests just can’t help but feel overwhelmed by excitement. A majestic marble staircase is the ideal spot for perfect wedding photos, and the grand main hall is a striking setting for a scrumptious wedding breakfast.
Founders’ Hall
Founders’ Hall is situated right by St Bartholomew the Great, making it a wonderfully convenient reception venue for couples holding their ceremony at the esteemed church. Although nestled in the heart of the City, its location is delightfully tranquil.
Each room offers a different style, allowing you to make each element of your day beautifully unique. The Livery Hall is the perfect wedding breakfast setting, where grand portal windows offer plenty of natural daylight and superb views of the gardens of St Barts.
Brewers’ Hall
Brewers’ Hall is a beautifully intimate secret gem venue. Nestled on a quiet City square, this livery hall wedding venue can accommodate up to 120 guests.
Smaller parties can enjoy a reception in the elegant Court Room, where interesting antiques provide an excellent talking point and the show-stopping Verona marble fireplace draws the eye. The oak-panelled Livery Hall offers natural daylight, hand-carved window architraves and beautiful chandeliers, for a wonderful wedding breakfast setting.
Guest post by Jodie Martin of ITA* Venues
Images provided by ITA* Venues
