Why Get Married in a London Pub
Choosing a venue is usually the first step to planning a wedding, and undoubtedly the moment every couple finds themselves perching somewhere on the panic scale.
Some start their search with a checklist of venue must-haves, and some are only seeking the perfect atmosphere – whatever the approach, it may take a few attempts to find the one. On average, couples visit four venues before agreeing on their venue (I may have visited 18, but hey, who's counting?!), so rather than feeling deflated each time a venue visit doesn’t exceed your expectations, just know that your perfect location is on the horizon.
While you're considering manors, hotels, and farms, do take a moment to ask yourself if alternative city venues like museums, warehouses, art galleries, or pubs might resonate with you more. If you met in a particular city, have always lived there, or simply love the vibe of it, celebrating in these cool urban spaces can be especially meaningful - and so fun!
Here at OQ we love a pub wedding - and it’s easy to see why! Pubs and restaurants offer a unique combination of traditional decor and a comforting relaxed space, and this kind of familiarity is becoming increasingly popular with our couples. Perhaps you have a local you want to support, or you want to go exploring around the streets of your city to find a new favourite - either way, you're likely to discover that these kinds of spaces are often very versatile, and will invite everyone to feel welcome, kids and adults alike. There are different styles of pub of course, but typically this type of venue particularly suits laid-back couples who love rustic charm, intimate spaces, and deliciously hearty homemade food.
Each pub is as individual as its neighbourhood and the people within it, and you can count on carefully elected beer, wine, and traditionally British menu options, as well as friendly can-do attitudes. Also, because weddings are not their main source of income, you can often find some fantastic prices for exclusive use of the entire venue. Some pubs and restaurants have their own bedrooms, or are associated with a nearby hotel, which can be particularly useful for any guests looking for easy accommodation options. Last but not least, choose a pub thats in an area that's got something cool about it, wether that be a iconic building or wicked graffiti - the city streets make for some unforgettable photography opportunities!
To start you off with some pub inspiration, we're going to have a look at one of our top favourites here in London: The Counting House near Bank. Located in the centre of our capital, this venue has ‘city wedding’ written all over it. With a wood carved bar, marbled and dark oak walls, mosaic floors, and high vaulted ceilings, there really is so much more to the architecture here than you might expect. We love that this grand Victorian building still bears the echo of its century as a bank, with stunning period and replica features. The glass domed ceiling and grand chandeliers provide an immediate wow-factor, and an uber-stylish location for photographs! There are multiple function rooms available for hire individually for intimate receptions, or at the weekend you can hire out the whole venue and surround yourself with up to 250 guests. Not to mention their homemade pies are an amazing addition to your wedding breakfast! OQ have been continuously wowed by this venue, so why not take a look at our Instagram for a little more inspiration at what our previous couples have done there.
