Gay and Lesbian Weddings in London

About Civil Partnerships

Civil Partnerships were introduced in the UK in December 2005. 

The Civil Partnerships ceremony gives you the same rights and responsibilities as straight couples get when they marry. Both you and your partner need to give formal notice in the area that you have resided for the previous 7 days. You then need to wait 15 days before the ceremony can take place.

For more information about Civil Partnerships visit the Stonewall website.

Venues – Civil Ceremony and Reception

Want to take your vows and have a good old knees-up under one roof? The venues below have a license to carry out the civil ceremony. They are also great for a party afterwards and offer glamorous or unusual settings.

London Attractions for Civil Ceremonies

The magnificent Tower Bridge can provide a truly memorable occasion. Enjoy your civil ceremony in the Bridge Master's Dining Room, and watch the sun set over London from the high-level walkways. Or, for something out of the ordinary, how about hiring the Victorian engine rooms?

The Science Museum is a great venue for a wedding as it offers a variety of themed galleries, catering to every size of gathering. One of the top choices is the Flight Gallery where your married life can take off beneath the famous Gypsy Moth and Wright Flyer!

Exchange your vows 135m above London at the top of the London Eye, and celebrate with a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne. If you're after stunning views and romance, this stylish and contemporary venue won't disappoint.

For the ultimate celebrity guest list, hold your wedding at Madame Tussauds - where else would you get to have Kylie as your bridesmaid? The award-winning team will help plan your day to fabulous perfection.

Hotels and Restaurants for Civil Ceremonies

For a stunning backdrop to your special event, how about the Roof Gardens? With unparalleled views of London's spectacular skyline and set in one and a half acres of themed gardens, this is an oasis in the heart of London.

The Park Lane Hotel, has introduced "Pink Weddings", a completely bespoke and all-inclusive service for same sex couples. Often described as "London's monument to Art Deco", the hotel is the perfect place for a touch of sleek glamour for all you Bright Young Things!

The Private Rooms at Buckingham Gate provide the perfect ambience for your special occasion. With imaginative floral displays, original entertainment, tailor-made menus and other special touches, the personal service will ensure your day goes perfectly.

One Great George St, located in the heart of Westminster, is a magnificent 4-domed Edwardian building. With its first-class facilities and standards of service it will bring a touch of elegance to your special day.

Renaissance Chancery Court London is another great hotel which offers civil partnership ceremonies. Located in the heart of London's West End, this award-winning hotel also has a fantastic restaurant, and a spa where you and your guests can get properly pampered before or after the ceremony. 

The Marriott West India offers a variety of function rooms and bespoke wedding packages. A gorgeous venue with a beautiful décor, fabulous food and impressive service, a sophisticated day is guaranteed.

Food, art and music come together at Sketch. This supremely stylish venue is the place for a chic ceremony in designer surroundings. Opulent and elegant, hip or informal, the different restaurants and bars within Sketch offer something for every mood.

London Wedding Venues – Reception Only

If you've got the ceremony sorted, and are just looking for somewhere to hold your celebration, London has no end of options for a unique and memorable "do".

London Attractions for Wedding Receptions

The Design Museum is located in an impressive modernist building on the River Thames near Tower Bridge. Described by the fashion designer Sir Paul Smith as "the natural home for everyone who has ever enjoyed or appreciated design", it could be the perfect setting for your wedding reception.

The London Wetland Centre is set in 105 acres of beautiful lakes, pools and lagoons. The Water's Edge Room and decked balcony have lovely views over the reserve. So, if you'd like to commune with nature as you commit to your lifelong partner, this is the ideal choice!

Alternatively, why not celebrate on the water? HMS President is moored among London's most famous landmark (St Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, the London Eye), and these breathtaking river views make the perfect backdrop for a wedding reception.  Whether your reception is formal or fun, intimate or grand, HMS President (1918) is a stunning location for your special day.

Dine amid the fine Victorian architecture at the Natural History Museum. And – as if the sweeping staircase, soaring gothic arches and fine terracotta carvings weren't enough – pride of place goes to the awesome reconstruction of the Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton.

More Great Ideas For Weddings in London

What better than a cruise down the Thames to celebrate the tying of the knot? With Bateaux London you can indulge in fine wine and cuisine whilst enjoying some breathtaking views of the capital.

Swissotel The Howard is a fantastic venue in a great location. With stunning views over the Thames, and a garden courtyard with a soothing waterfall, it's a unique venue in which to celebrate your big day.

If you're seeking a stylish retreat, K West Hotel & Spa has introduced a "Just Married Package". The soothing spa treatments are guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised after your big day and ready to start your honeymoon!

London Hen and Stag Nights

Make sure you get the send off you deserve! Widely recognised as one of the gay capitals of the world, London has plenty of gay bars and gay clubs where you can celebrate your last night of freedom!