A Guide to LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Venues in London

Discover LGBTQ+ friendly wedding venues in London, from iconic town halls to alternative chapels, pubs and private clubs. Explore inclusive venues for your wedding day.

Two grooms in white suits kissing in front of a heart-shaped vine sculpture against a brick wall.
Two grooms in white suits kissing in front of a heart-shaped vine sculpture against a brick wall.

London is, without a doubt, one of the most inclusive cities in the world to say "I do." But as a wedding photographer, I know that for queer couples, finding a venue isn’t just about the "look" - it’s about the feeling. It’s about walking into a space and knowing that you, your partner, and your community are genuinely celebrated, not just "accommodated."

If you’re looking for a venue that ditches the stuffy traditions and embraces your story exactly as it is, here is my curated guide to the best LGBTQ+ friendly wedding venues in London.

1. The iconic trailblazers: London’s Registry Offices

London’s town halls are legendary for a reason. They offer that "quintessential London" vibe without the rigid formality of a traditional church.

  • Islington Town Hall: A true piece of history. Islington hosted the UK’s first same-sex marriage in 2014. The grand marble staircase is basically a rite of passage for London couples.

  • Old Marylebone Town Hall: With 7 different ceremony rooms (from the cozy Paddington Room to the grand Westminster Room), it’s perfect for everything from elopements to big bashes. It’s timeless, elegant, and famously welcoming.

  • Chelsea Old Town Hall: Located on the iconic King’s Road, this is the place for couples who want a bit of "rock n’ roll" history with their registry ceremony. The steps are the ultimate spot for a confetti explosion!

newly-weds in the paddington room of old marylebone town hallnewly-weds in the paddington room of old marylebone town hall

2. The "cool & alternative" crowd

If you’re the kind of couple who finds "traditional" a bit boring, these venues offer a blank canvas for something unique.

  • Asylum Chapel (Peckham): This Grade II listed building is raw, atmospheric, and breathtakingly beautiful. It’s perfect for my documentary style-the crumbling paint and stained glass provide a backdrop that feels honest and artistic.

  • The Hackney (Hackney Road): A characterful East London venue in a converted 1856 brewery, with exposed brickwork, timber beams and a striking skylight. The venue offers exclusive wedding hire for celebrations of up to 60 seated or 100 standing guests, with catering and event coordination available in-house. Its industrial interiors and natural light make it an interesting option for couples looking for something different from a traditional town hall.

  • The Barbican Conservatory: Want a tropical wedding in the middle of a brutalist concrete masterpiece? This is it. It’s one of the most unique spaces in the city and very popular with the LGBTQ+ community for its "otherworldly" feel.

    Planning note: The Barbican Conservatory is scheduled to close in January 2027 for a major restoration, with reopening planned for 2030. If you're considering this venue, check directly with the Barbican's events team about availability for your intended wedding date.

Relaxed documentary wedding photography at Asylum Chapel PeckhamRelaxed documentary wedding photography at Asylum Chapel Peckham

3. The Bohemian Pubs & Private Clubs

For a "party-first" wedding where the vibes are high and the awkwardness is low.

  • The Union Club (Soho): Set in a Georgian townhouse on Greek Street, The Union Club offers a characterful alternative to a conventional wedding venue. It's licensed for civil ceremonies, with a dining room for ceremonies of up to 70 guests and smaller rooms for getting ready or taking a quiet moment away from the celebrations. Couples can contact the club directly to discuss their plans and requirements.

  • The Bedford (Balham): A stunningly restored pub with a circular "Globe-style" theatre. It’s grand but completely unpretentious—ideal for a late-night party and "In the Box" portrait sessions.

Why the "vibe" matters

As someone who is also training to be a counsellor, I’m hyper-aware of the "wedding performance" pressure. Many LGBTQ+ couples feel they have to perform a certain way for the camera.

My approach is the opposite. I’m there to capture the quiet glances, the loud laughs, and the moments you didn't even know were happening. No awkward posing, no fake smiles—just the real, unscripted joy of your day.

How to spot a truly inclusive venue:

  1. Look at their language: Do they use "Bride and Groom" exclusively on their site, or "Couples/Partners"?

  2. Check their galleries: Do they showcase real same-sex or gender-non-conforming weddings, or just "styled shoots"?

  3. Trust your gut: During your tour, do the staff ask about "The Bride" or do they ask about you?

Planning your wedding?

If you want a photographer who gets the "relaxed, documentary" vibe (and maybe a few "In The Box" shots for your guests), I’d love to chat. Check my availability for your London wedding.