The UK is blessed with a range of traditional and contemporary wedding venues - some dating back to the days of the Vikings, others the epitome of avant-garde. Whether the bride and groom opt to swop vows on the waters or up high, there is arguably the perfect location for any couple.
Bollinger at the Balmoral
The five-star Balmoral Hotel, situated in the heart of the Scottish capital Edinburgh, has sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle and the historically important old town. A fine example of Victorian architecture with a local Scottish Baronial twist, it is one of the more romantic venues up for grabs. Why not go the whole Scottish hog and don the tartan, pay the piper and do the Highland fling?
The opulent Bollinger Bar is the ideal location for a Champagne reception, where the groom and his bride are also treated to accommodation offering a right regal rose-petal turndown and a morning-after champagne breakfast-in-bed.
The venue is licensed for both civil and religious ceremonies and is equipped to cater for between 40 to 260 guests. Any remaining doubts as to the splendour and efficiency of the Balmoral Hotel as the preferred wedding venue can be laid to rest with the news that it has been included on the Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List of “The Best Hotels in the World for Location”.
Skibo Castle – Madonna’s pick
Another majestic nuptial venue is the ancient Skibo Castle, overlooking the Dornoch Firth in bonny Scotland. The chosen wedding venue of pop icon Madonna to film producer Guy Ritchie, Skibo dates way back to the 12th century. Dubbed Schytherbolle in Scottish Gaelic or Fairyland in English, the name adequately reflects the beauty and ambience of this old world wedding setting.
HMS Belfast – nautical nuptials
For an entirely new experience, join the ghost crew of the World War II battleship, the HMS Belfast, and tie the knot at a rate of knots! De-commissioned in 1963 and lovingly preserved as a museum ship in the Pool of London, this site (in full battle gear) is arguably the location for the intrepid military man and his prospective partner.
There is a range of venues for the event itself, as well as the high-powered bash afterwards that includes the elegant Officer’s Wardroom, the venue of the vows, the Ship’s Company dining hall for the autumn and winter wedding reception or the Quarterdeck for those balmy summer evenings.
‘Eye Do’ at the London Eye
But the pièce de résistance for the modern man and his wife is arguably the London Eye. It’s possible to hire a dedicated Eye Pod, resplendent with flowers, to swop your I Do’s.
For a more personalised touch, opt for catering equipment hire that reflects both the bride and groom’s personalities. Hire outsized glasses for cocktails and champagne in celebration of the booming groom, choose fragile china to complement the beauty of the bride, and include the bride’s theme colours in the linen rental - then simply marvel at the sight of London at your feet!
