How to plan the perfect Kew Gardens Wedding?

If you’ve fallen for the botanical magic of Kew Gardens (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), the next step is turning that dream into a beautifully executed reality. As a dry hire venue with multiple spaces to choose from, planning a wedding at Kew requires thoughtful coordination, clever logistics, and a vision that brings it all to life.

But don’t worry — if you're reading this, you’re already in the right place. Whether you’re just starting to explore the possibilities or already envisioning champagne toasts in Temperate House, here’s everything you need to know to plan a luxury wedding at Kew Gardens.

1. Choosing Your Kew Gardens Wedding Venue(s)

One of the first and most exciting decisions you’ll make is choosing which of Kew’s stunning spaces to use. Each venue offers its own distinct charm and works beautifully in different seasons and styles.

• The Nash Conservatory: With floor-to-ceiling glass and views over the Gardens, this light-filled space is ideal for a ceremony. It’s particularly gorgeous in spring or early summer when the surrounding foliage is lush and green.

• The Princess of Wales Conservatory: Filled with exotic plants and lots to explore it makes the perfect venue for your drinks reception setting the atmosphere for the rest of the day.

• The Temperate House: A jaw-dropping glasshouse filled with beautiful plants — if you’re dreaming of a Wedding Reception that feels truly nature filled and truly unique, this is the one.

• The Orangery: A classic choice for dinner and dancing. The high ceilings, clean lines and vast windows give you a beautifully blank canvas with just the right touch of grandeur.

• Cambridge Cottage: A more intimate venue, perfect for smaller celebrations or as a charming addition to your day’s flow — think pre-ceremony preparations or a private dinner the night before.

Many couples choose a combination — a ceremony in the Nash Conservatory, a drinks reception in the Princess of Wales Conservatory and then dinner and dancing in Temperate House or the Orangery. Kew’s layout allows for a graceful flow between spaces, giving your guests a truly immersive experience.

2.Bringing in a Wedding Planner

Kew Gardens is a majestic canvas, but bringing it all together requires detailed, thoughtful planning — especially since it’s not a full-service venue.

A wedding planner will help you:

• Source and manage multiple suppliers and manage timelines

• Navigate Kew’s guidelines and restrictions (there are a few, as it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Build a cohesive design that fits the space

• Ensure seamless transitions between venues on the day

• Handle logistical challenges, like transport for guests, set-up access, and supplier handovers

In short, having a planner means you and your loved ones can soak up the experience without worrying about the behind-the-scenes orchestration. And that’s exactly how it should be.

3. Getting the Right Team of Suppliers

Kew Gardens is a dry hire venue, which means you’ll be bringing in all of your suppliers — from caterers and furniture to lighting and entertainment. The good news? You have total freedom to curate your dream team with the help of your planner.

Start with your caterer, as they’ll often play a key role in logistics (especially for kitchen setup). Kew has an approved list of caterers who are well-versed in the venue’s quirks and requirements. Choosing someone who understands the site is essential to keeping everything running smoothly on the day.

Next, consider your florist, production team, and furniture hire. These suppliers will help you create a design that feels cohesive across the different venues. A space like the Temperate House doesn’t need much — but clever, thoughtful additions (such as candles, soft uplighting or personalised tablescape touches) can elevate the whole experience.

Don’t forget to factor in logistics — things like power, transport, parking, and staff access need careful planning. This is where having the right suppliers (and a planner!) becomes invaluable.

4. Designing the Day

With so much beauty already built in, designing a wedding at Kew is all about enhancing, not overpowering.

Think about how your day will flow between spaces — from ceremony to reception to party. Each transition should feel natural and considered, both in timing and guest experience. Consider styling touches that create a narrative — a consistent palette or floral story that ties each part of the day together, even as the setting changes.

Lighting is another major design element. The glasshouses are stunning by day, but come alive at night with carefully placed lighting. Think warm washes, candlelight, and soft ambience to complement the natural beauty around you.

And yes, weather is always a factor in the UK — but one of the benefits of Kew is that you have both indoor and outdoor options. Build in a weather-proof Plan B from the start so that you’re covered (literally) no matter what the skies bring.

A Final Thought…

Kew Gardens offers a once-in-a-lifetime setting — a place where natural wonder meets timeless elegance. With the right team and a clear plan, it becomes the stage for a wedding that feels effortlessly elegant, unforgettable for your guests, and utterly magical from beginning to end.

And if you’d like help creating your story at Kew, I’d be delighted to hear from you, please get in touch with us here.