I’ve been lucky enough to work at or visit some of the most breath-taking wedding venues across the UK. It’s hard to get a real feel for a place from just a website, so I thought I’d share a bit more about some of my favourite conservatory wedding venues. Whether you’re searching for Orangery wedding venues, Conservatory wedding or Glasshouse venues, there’s something to suit every style. I’ve focused on 5 of London’s most iconic orangery options:
1. Kew Gardens Wedding
Set within 320 acres of beautiful, botanical greenery, Kew Gardens makes a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. This South London location offers lots of wedding packages across their site whether it’s for your ceremony, reception, or both.
The Nash Conservatory, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, provides a delightfully light and airy vibe for your wedding ceremony. You can continue to enjoy reception drinks here too or out in the gardens (weather permitting!). Alternatively, head over to the Prince of Wales Conservatory for your drinks and canapés, where guests can explore the 10 different climate zones that fill the space.
For your wedding breakfast and reception, choose between the Temperate House: the largest Victorian Glasshouse in the world filled with rare and exotic fauna, as well as a striking spiral staircase and balcony. Or head to the Kew Garden Orangery for a glamorous backdrop of towering ceilings and arched windows, offering breath-taking views of the gardens. If you do choose separate spaces for your ceremony and reception, then their on-site buggy will help move your guests around, showcasing more stunning views of this World Heritage Site.
For your accommodation, guests can choose to stay nearby in Richmond or Kew Village itself. Or they can head further afield as there’s plenty of public transport options such as trains (only half hour away from Euston), buses and tubes including the Kew Gardens Station on the Richmond line. Although this venue does have parking, it is on a first come first serve basis.
Photo credit: Laura Arnott and Ellie Williams
2. Syon Park Conservatory Wedding
At this historical venue, your ceremony will take place in the beautiful Syon house followed by a drinks reception in the lovely courtyard in the centre of the house. You and your guests will then enjoy a secluded stroll along the wooded Queen’s Walk and be greeted by the dramatic glass dome of the Great Conservatory for the rest of your celebrations.
I’ve recently worked at this site and I adore the elongated windows that allow natural daylight to fill the impressive space, which is decorated with palm trees, exotic flowers and trees to create a mesmerising, magical setting.
You can choose to stay over at the Syon House where you and your bridal party can enjoy the lavish luxury of butler service – ideal for those post-party headaches! But there’s also a Hilton nearby for your guests to stay, or you’re not too far from Brentford city centre or Richmond for additional accommodation.
Photo credit: Kristin Sautter
3. Horniman Conservatory Wedding
Originally built in 1894, this Grade 2 listed conservatory has recently been restored to its historical glory and is more spectacular than ever. It’s a popular destination for weddings and photoshoots – and you can see why!
The elegant window-walled structure allows plenty of light in and striking views out onto the award-winning gardens and London skyline. I particularly love the elegant pillars throughout the room which you can decorate with twisting florals.
This space suits both intimate and extravagant weddings, including your ceremony, reception or both. Its patterned black and white tiles complement any wedding décor and make the perfect dance floor for your evening entertainment – have you ever partied in a conservatory before?
Located in South- East London, your closest areas for accommodation would be Crystal Palace or Peckham. But with Forest Hill tube station only a 10 minute walk away from the venue, there are lots of direct tubes and trains your guests can grab if they’re staying more central.
Photo credit: Jude Photography and Unknown
4. Barbican Conservatory Wedding
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in the heart of the city, this is the one for you. With London skyline views, its conservatory of exotic plants contrast beautifully with the brutalist design of the Barbican Centre.
Your wedding ceremony will take place in the heart of the tropical oasis where the vibrant greens and colourful blooms will make your photos pop! You can then hold your drinks and canapés in the Main Conservatory before moving into the Conservatory Terrace: a space drench in natural daylight and a gorgeous setting for your wedding breakfast. You’ll then head into the Garden Room for your reception. With floor to ceiling windows, this unique location provides a stunning spot and colour-changing lights, for your guests to dance all night long.
Being in the city, it’s easy to get to other attractions for your guests to visit whilst they’re in town. To learn more about a recent wedding here, read my feature in Love My Dress!
Photo Credit: Joe at the Curries
5. Chiswick Gardens and House Wedding Venue
Although Chiswick hosts a house and garden, your wedding ceremony will take place within the elegant rotunda glasshouse. A 19th century location set within Italian-themed gardens, including iconic sculptures, scented roses, wisteria and blossoming blooms.
I particularly love the layout of the chairs; set in a semi-circle so everyone gets a great view of you under the glass roof and more importantly, they can hear your vows! After the ceremony, enjoy the stunning gardens and skyline views before moving to the Garden Pavilion: a marquee not far from the glasshouse, decorated in neutral ivory and chandelier lighting, creating a blank canvas for your wedding décor and florals.
There is parking at this venue but again, it’s limited. With so many iconic London areas on the doorstep: Fulham, Shepherd's Bush or the beautiful Chiswick itself, your guests could find accommodation close by and get a train, tube or bus in, with the nearest tube station being Turnham Green on the District line. They’ll then be quite central to explore any more of London whilst they’re there.
Photo credit: Unknown and Kate Nielen
Find your dream conservatory wedding venue
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog and feel inspired to go ahead with your glasshouse wedding venue. If you need any support finding the right one for you, then get in touch here.
