I often get asked which are my favourite luxury wedding venues. It’s such a tricky one. I am blessed to work in some absolutely stunning venues throughout the UK and Europe, but I must admit, I do have a top 10 list that are an absolute must for various reasons.
Please remember that this list is not my personal list of favourites, it’s the top 10 luxurious wedding venues that I would put forward to a client to try to steer them to making a choice, and hopefully fall in love with one of them. So shall we fly around Europe and visit some of these?
Banqueting House, UK
It doesn’t get a more luxurious wedding venue than hosting your wedding at Banqueting House in London. Nestled in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from Downing Street, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, Banqueting House is the only remaining piece of what once was Whitehall – the King’s palace.
It has survived, as it was the only piece of the palace that was “modern” and built in stone, whereas the rest of the palace, built in wood, burnt in the great fire of London. Once open to the public, it is now only for private events, which makes it extra special.
And the cherry on top of the cake, is that the ceiling is covered, still to this day, by paintings of Rembrandt.
It is the only ceiling-scape that he painted that is still in the original place that it was commissioned for. Whenever I do events here, I love to use mirrored tables so that the ceiling becomes an intrinsic part of the event. Banqueting House is the perfect venue for that touch of regal grandeur.
The Peninsula Istanbul, Turkey
Composed of several buildings sitting on the magnificent Bosphorus in Istanbul, the Peninsula is majestic.
The buildings, which vary in age, are all interconnected and all feed onto the buzzing Bosphorus itself. It is a true 6* Luxury hotel, offering to any bride getting married all the extra special amenities on the big day.
The ballroom opens up onto the water and makes for some incredible photography moments.
Villa Luisa, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Seville, in Andalusia, Villa Luisa is a gem. Jump out of the taxi, or one of the many horse-driven carriages that flood the city and you step into a truly luxurious wedding venue.
The villa itself is set on a plot that is secluded from sight thanks to its high walls, abundant trees and greenery and beautifully Moresque and Andalusian landscaped garden. Not only is it beautiful, it’s also practical.
You can, most times depend on stellar weather in Seville and host the whole thing outdoors, however, if the weather gods were to fail you, their indoor option, an air-conditioned built conservatory that can hold several hundred guests is the perfect solution!
The Orangery at Kensington Palace, UK
After a long multiple-year refurb, it has finally re-opened and is breathtaking. It’s the perfect central London venue that is the most beautiful blank canvas setting.
Photo Credit: Roberta Facchini Photography
You can keep it as a blank canvas, or build the décor into it, and nothing is too much.
Its size means that you can easily host a more intimate wedding, but you can also take over the palace itself, and make it a bigger do.
I mean, an actual Royal Palace in Central London, that screams luxury wedding venue – doesn’t it?
La Foce, Italy
The epitome of a luxurious wedding venue in Tuscany, La Foce sits above a hilltop in the middle of the countryside, overlooking the vast rust-coloured hills.
The villa itself, a beautifully maintained fresco-adorned villa has accommodation as well as secondary villas for an intimate wedding setting.
But the crown jewel is the magnificent garden in the shape of an arrow, that creates the most perfect setting for your ceremony.
Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, France
It doesn’t get much more luxury than a luxury French chateau.
Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, a short drive from Paris is the perfect French classic chateau that every princess dreams of for her wedding day.
You can host the wedding indoors, or use the whole venue as the backdrop to your celebration. In any case, nothing says a more luxurious wedding venue than this.
Four Seasons Hampshire, UK
This manor house, just a short drive from London, is nestled on an estate in a corner of Hampshire that is a true breath of fresh air.
They have been able to keep all the original features of the period building, yet adding all the modern commodities and comforts that we need nowadays.
They have a huge number of rooms on-site, a ballroom as well as multiple external areas that can accommodate marquees and stretch tents. This is a true 6* Luxury hotel.
Casa de Pilatos, Spain
One of the most beautiful Moorish Andalusian palaces in Seville, Casa de Pilatos is nestled in the heart of the city centre.
Hidden amongst the many winding thin streets and many churches, its multicoloured tile walls and marble floors transport you to another world.
A museum by day, it transforms in the evening into a luxury wedding venue and becomes the theatre of your wedding.
Dine on the patio, pose in the imposing staircase or Spanish gardens, and then party the night away in the fresco-painted stables.
Borgo Pignano, Italy
When your take on luxury means back to nature, time and relaxation – Borgo Pignano is the answer. A true 6* Luxury hotel nestled in the Tuscan hills overlooking the region of Volterra, it is a haven of pure beauty and tranquillity.
A collection of rooms and private villas, Borgo Pignano becomes like your private village to host your guests during your Tuscan wedding weekend.
Photo Credit: Anneli Marinovich Photography
No need to leave, the food, the activities, and of course, the wedding are all set in the sprawling grounds of the property.
Santa Marina Mykonos, Greece
I can’t list my favourite luxury wedding venues without mentioning the incredible Santa Marina in Mykonos.
A boutique 6* Luxury hotel in a quieter corner of the island, you will find yourself never wanting to leave.
The private beach, the various restaurants, and the ease of moving around on the island will tick all your boxes and those of your guests.
For a more intimate wedding, it is the perfect setting to chill, get married and party!
Le Beauvallon
And here is a final wildcard luxury wedding venue, that I couldn’t not mention...
A completely private and exclusive venue nestled in the Bay of St Tropez, with a near-perfect view of the famous village itself, Le Beauvallon is an exclusively private-hire venue.
It consists of a 38-room residence with all the salons you could dream of, a ballroom, gardens, and its very own beach club and pool! Forget normal luxury wedding venues – this is the new must!
Although it isn’t a hotel, it is very much up there with any other 6* Luxury hotel.
Filled with unique art pieces from around the world, the property is a unique setting for the modern couple that loves to dip their feet into the St Tropez bay.
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