When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, choosing the right venue for your special day is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For some couples, bigger is always better. They want the most lavish locations with as much pomp and grandeur as possible to make their special day an extravagant affair. Traditionally, weddings have been fairly large events, but a growing number of couples are choosing to downsize their nuptials, opting for smaller-scale, more intimate style weddings that shun lavish celebrations for something more low-key.
Couples are increasingly choosing to strip back their wedding celebrations to much smaller affairs with just their most treasured friends and family. There are plenty of benefits to a more intimate affair, too. Not only does it hugely diminish the stress of organising a large scale event, it’s a great way to cut costs, so you can allocate your budget to the things that matter the most to you. Perhaps you have your heart set on a dream honeymoon destination, a beautiful ballgown, or a memorable multi-course feast for your wedding breakfast.
If you’re frantically searching ‘small wedding venues near me’ in an attempt to find a more intimate spot, then we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find our top pick of the best small wedding venues in London, where you can make your ‘big day’ a little less, well, big, but certainly just as memorable. Have a browse and see if any of these small wedding venues in London spark your interest.
Durrant’s Hotel, Marylebone
What: Going for a smaller-scale wedding doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the luxury of the day – quite the reverse. As Durrant’s Hotel’s varied, intimate spaces prove, you can have all that and more. In addition to an enviable London location, you’ll find plenty of options ideal for small guest lists. The Regatta Room hosts up to 50 for ceremonies, with space for 80-guest receptions, which the charming wood-panelled Oak Room accommodates 24 for breakfasts and ceremonies and receptions of up to 50. Going even smaller? Tie the knot in the Spy Room with 16, and celebrate with 50 of your nearest.
Capacity: 16-80
Where: 26-32 George Street, W1H 5BJ
Find out more: Durrant’s Hotel
The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell
What: Pub restaurants (particularly gastropubs) are all the rage now, and with venues like The Camberwell Arms on the table, it really isn’t difficult to see why. Primed with cosy, intimate spaces, and a private dining room which accommodates up to 50 for ceremonies and wedding guests, and 65 for receptions, The Camberwell Arms is as charming as it gets. The private dining space boasts its own bar, and menus can be personalised to your tastes and style for the day. Whatever your plan, expect the finest British produce, feasting plates, and a great time.
Capacity: 50-150
Where: 65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
Find out more: The Camberwell Arms
The Westin London City, City of London
What: A five-star fully licensed venue nestled in the heart of London, The Westin is a city-based setting which offers a dynamic group of small venue spaces all built with state-of-the-art technology for an exclusive event. With stunning views of the River Thames, its alluring terrace space makes a beautiful setting for a sophisticated ceremony. Accommodating up to 100 guests, the iconic Hythe + Seek space can be hired exclusively for a standing reception. Featuring a bespoke planning service and on-site catering at your fingertips, you’ll have all the assistance you need to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Capacity: 8-300
Where: 60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
Find out more: The Westin London City
10-11 Carlton House Terrace, Trafalgar Square
What: A dreamy location for a fairytale fantasist, Carlton House Terrace is the perfect pick for those planning an intimate and romantic celebration. Modern interiors and classic period details fill this London townhouse with unique charm, and if you’re looking for a cosy space, The Library is perfect for a private wedding breakfast for up to 30 guests.
Capacity: 30-200
Where: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH
Find out more: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace
Holmes Hotel London, Marylebone
What: For a magnificent ceremony draped in grandeur, book with Holmes Hotel, home to intricately adorned rooms ideal for intimate celebrations. Accommodating up to 60 guests, The Gallery makes a beautiful spot to host your occasion. For micro-celebrations, the hotel’s Cellar is perfect for a small, private set up for just eight guests. Whether it be for a wedding dinner or reception, this versatile venue can be decorated to your exact requirements.
Capacity: 8-130
Where: 83 Chiltern Street, W1U 6NF
Find out more: Holmes Hotel London
The Milestone Hotel & Residences, Kensington
What: This Grade-II listed venue brings all the glitz and glam of some of the capital’s most luxury spots, but for those looking to keep the ceremony more low-key, you’ll find several intimate spaces that don’t compromise on quality. Head to The Oratory for a ceremony with just eight of your nearest and dearest, complete with ornate vaulted ceilings and striking wood panelling. Elsewhere, The Park Lounge can host up to 30 for a drinks and canapes reception, or just 20 for a sit-down wedding breakfast.
Capacity: 8-40
Where: 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
Find out more: The Milestone Hotel & Residences
Grove House, Roehampton
What: Located just minutes from Richmond Park, Grove House is a Grade II-listed Georgian manor dating back to the 18th century, surrounded by four acres of idyllic landscaped gardens. While it can host up to 150 guests in the grand Portrait Room, it’s also perfect for smaller weddings. The light-filled Terrace Room is licensed for 60, and boasts its very own outdoor patio, whilst smaller, outdoor ceremonies are equally popular for those looking to celebrate with just their closest friends and family.
Capacity: 60-150
Where: Froebel College, SW15 5PJ
Find out more: Grove House
The Chapel Bar, Islington
What: Looking to host a wedding in Islington? The Chapel Bar offers a contemporary setting for your special day, and whilst you can’t host your ceremony here, you can also choose from several spots for an intimate reception. Head upstairs to the Terrace Room, a tranquil space that’s perfect for smaller groups. Here, you can host a seated banquet for up to 22 guests, and make the most of its covered garden whatever the weather. Catering is flexible, whether you’re planning a canape reception or a three-course feast, with plenty of drinks packages to ensure your guests are kept in good spirits.
Capacity: 22-150
Where: 29a Penton Street, N1 9PX
Find out more: The Chapel Bar
The Cadogan, Chelsea
What: Tucked away just off Sloane Street, The Cadogan Hotel is Chelsea glamour at its finest. The hotel is fully licensed for both ceremonies and receptions, with a range of elegant spaces which you can tailor to your vision. The Oscar and Lillie rooms can be hired individually, or combined for those looking for something a bit larger. The showstopping Royal and Penthouse suites are ideal for micro ceremonies, hosting six or ten guests respectively. Plus, with 54 chic guest rooms onsite, guests can extend the celebration with an overnight stay.
Capacity: 6-80
Where: 75 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SG
Find out more: The Cadogan
11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea
What: A five-star luxury townhouse hotel, 11 Cadogan Gardens is ideal for those looking to host a spectacular celebration in Chelsea. Combining a mix of lavish suites and private dining rooms, the Cadogan Gardens is a charming venue specialising in exquisite modern British dining. The Curio Room exudes opulence and grandeur, and can hold up to 30 guests for a cosy reception, whilst The Mirror Room is even more intimate, with space for an eight-person wedding breakfast.
Capacity: 8-30
Where: 164 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
Find out more: 11 Cadogan Gardens
The Beaumont, Mayfair
What: There’s no need to compromise on style just because you want to keep things more intimate. The Beaumont is a five-star hotel found right in the heart of Mayfair, offering an array of elegant spaces for events from 30 to 60 guests. Opt for The Lotos Room with its 1920s Hollywood glamour, and host a seated wedding breakfast for up to 45 guests, or choose The Sargent Room for an intimate dinner for just 30. Plus, you can extend your celebration by taking over the hotel’s gorgeous suites and premier rooms.
Capacity: 40-60
Where: 8 Balderton Street, W1K 6TF
Find out more: The Beaumont
Mowgli Street Food Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia
What: For a low-key, lively wedding celebration in the heart of London, Mowgli Charlotte Street is a versatile venue to suit a range of wedding sizes. For an intimate wedding day, the restaurant has a second floor private area that can cater to up to 40 people standing and there’s also a private dining room with space for 30 guests. Handily, the decor is already sorted for you – the space is adorned with twinkling fairy lights, hanging lanterns and green foliage. When it comes to food, Mowgli’s street food menu is great for a sharing-style feast and the team can also help organise a bespoke menu, too.
Capacity: 30-150
Where: 5 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RE
Find out more: Mowgli Street Food Charlotte Street
Bellanger, Islington
What: Bringing all the grandeur of a Parisian Grand Cafe, Bellanger is an elegant wedding venue in the heart of Islington. This classic brasserie-style spot is perfect for an intimate reception, boasting a newly refurbished private dining room that’s tucked away at the back of the restaurant. Expect ornate detailing, plenty of natural light and antique mirrors, with a cosy, little space that can seat up to 50 banquet-style. Bellanger also offers a dedicated events coordinator, seasonal floral decor, and French-inspired set menus full of fresh, regional flavours. What’s not to love?
Capacity: Up to 50 guests
Where: 9 Islington Green, N1 2XH
Find out more: Bellanger
The Crown & Anchor, Chiswick
What: Primely located on Chiswick High Road, The Crown & Anchor is ideal for couples planning a relaxed, pub-style wedding reception. For intimate gatherings, make the most of the upstairs room with capacity for just 25 for a wedding breakfast or up to 30 for a standing reception. Here, you and your guests can enjoy an extensive selection of beers, and elevated pub grub – whether you fancy a buffet, a multi-course feast, or even a Sunday roast. The choice is yours.
Capacity: 25-150
Where: 374 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TA
Find out more: The Crown & Anchor
Cinnamon Kitchen, City of London
What: Housed in what was originally a warehouse in the City’s Devonshire Square, Cinnamon Kitchen has worked its way to becoming a London landmark for Indian food since first opening its doors to the public in 2008. While the excellent food may have been the initial draw, Cinnamon Kitchen City’s shiny wedding licence means it can also accommodate civil marriage ceremonies. The 16-seater private dining room is ideal for a smaller party and for an extra special touch to really add to the atmosphere, a colourful Indian-style tent can also be erected on the terrace.
Capacity: 16-150
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
Find out more: Cinnamon Kitchen
The Lady Ottoline, Holborn
What: Tucked away in the heart of Bloomsbury, The Lady Ottoline offers an elegant pub backdrop, with a venue that’s steeped in literary history. The Morell Room seats just 14, whilst the first floor dining room is a slightly larger setting, with capacity for up to 40 for a ceremony and wedding breakfast. Choose from a variety of fixed packages, including Prosecco receptions, three course menus, and late night snacks.
Capacity: 40-60
Where: 11A Northington Street, WC1N 2JF
Find out more: The Lady Ottoline
The Rum House at Jim & Tonic, Stratford
What: For couples looking for a cool East London setting, the Rum House spans three stylish floors in the heart of Stratford. Part of Jim & Tonic’s distillery and bar, this prohibition-themed venue combines industrial chic spaces with sprawling riverside views, ideal for weddings of all sizes. Here, you can mix and match the spaces to bring your wedding day vision to life. Start with cocktails and canapes in the ground floor bar, before heading upstairs for a wedding breakfast in the Barrel Room or a relaxed reception on the Rooftop, complete with fire pit and heaters for chilly evenings.
Capacity: 60-120
Where: 133 High Street, E15 2RB
Find out more: The Rum House at Jim & Tonic
On the hunt for a small wedding venue but not based in London? No problem – we’ve also rounded up the best small wedding venues across the UK, perfect for celebrating with your inner most circle.
