Funky Wedding Venues

Venue Review

Character: Southbank Centre, at the heart of London’s South Bank Cultural Quarter.

Funky Features: Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, Southbank Centre’s 21 acres is at the heart of an arts quarter stretching from the London Eye to Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.

Location and History

The Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre reopened in June 2007 after a two-year programme of refurbishment, which restored many of the buildings original 1950s design features. As well as being London’s premier concert hall, the Royal Festival Hall is one of the masterpieces of post-war British architecture. For couples looking for a location with a wonderful cultural history and unique atmosphere, the Royal Festival Hall is the perfect choice. The Hall provides a venue in a central London location with unrivalled views of the capital’s skyline and river, and excellent transport links.

Spaces for Hire

The Royal Festival Hall has three spaces that are licensed for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.  The Weston and St Paul’s Roof Pavilions, both located on level 6 of the Royal Festival Hall, have spectacular views across London, either towards the London Eye and Palace of Westminster; or towards the City, each providing a beautiful backdrop for photography.  Both spaces also have access to the original 1950s roof top areas, now refurbished, and balconies running the full length of the room. 

Both spaces can accommodate 150 guests for a standing reception, 80 theatre style (for the ceremony itself) or 50-90 guests for a seated dinner (depending on layout).  Each space has its own dedicated toilet facilities and food preparation areas.

For a larger event, the Level 5 Function Room can accommodate up to 250 standing or 160 seated (either theatre style or for dinner) and is also licensed for weddings and civil partnerships.  Use of these spaces can be combined depending on the size and format of your event: for example, the ceremony could take place in the Westminster Roof Pavilion, your guests could then move to the Level 5 Function Room for a seated dinner and return to the Westminster Roof Pavilion for an evening reception.