History

Hampton Court Palace was built in the early 16th century, originally for Cardinal Wolsey. However, Henry VIII soon decided it would be an ideal spot to call his home. The infamous king lived here with all six of his wives and hosted many lavish banquets in the Great Hall.

Various monarchs, including William III and Mary II, George I and Queen Anne made many additions to the house and grounds, and Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public in 1838. Since then, visitors have flocked from all over the world. The palace hosts events including the eponymous Flower Show, the 2012 Olympics, and many happy couples' weddings.

Facilities

As a large palace with a long and rich history, Hampton Court Palace has many rooms to choose from for your entire wedding day. Whether you want an intimate ceremony or a grand ballroom, a modern event space or King Henry VIII's beer cellar, the palace can provide the ideal space for you.

Below, we have described just four of the spaces which you can choose to host your special day.

Garden Room

The Garden Room, built in a 1920s style has its very own walled garden and is perfect for your wedding ceremony, breakfast and reception. Play a game of croquet on the lawn while sipping on Champagne in a garden dedicated to your exclusive use for the duration of your wedding. The venue is available for hire during the day or the evening and you also have use of the palace's staircases, courtyards and gardens to provide magical backdrops for some truly wonderful wedding snaps.

Civil ceremony capacity - 180 guests
Dinner and dancing capacity - 180 guests
Reception capacity - 300 guests

Little Banqueting House

If you wish to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony, King William III's entertaining room in the gardens at Hampton Court may be exactly what you are looking for. With wonderful views overlooking the Thames, the room is decorated with 18th century paintings, including a ceiling mural, by Antonio Verrio. If you want a larger evening reception, you can hire the Undercroft, once Henry VIII's beer cellar, alongside the Little Banqueting House.

Civil ceremony capacity - 50 guests
Dinner capacity - 50 guests
Reception capacity - 80 guests

Great Hall

A medieval hall fit for kings, this must be one of the most spectacular wedding venues in England. It was originally built for King Henry VIII and he threw many lavish parties and banquets here. Now, the walls of the room are lined with elaborate tapestries which date back to the 16th century.

Civil ceremony capacity - 200 guests
Dinner capacity - 270 guests
Reception capacity - 400 guests

The Orangery and Privy Garden

This long room was once used as the greenhouse for King William III. Now, this glorious space opens to the grand and beautiful Privy Garden so you can enjoy a delightful drinks reception outside if the sun is shining. Inside, wood panelling, a chequerboard floor and marble statues will provide glorious grandeur to your wedding day.

Dinner capacity - 150 guests
Reception capacity - 250 guests

Catering

As an experienced venue which has hosted events from festivals to flower shows, Hampton Court Palace has a refined list of approved suppliers which you can use for your big day. These businesses all know the ins and outs of the magnificent venue so you don't need to worry about the details ad they have it covered. The list includes suppliers of marquees and fireworks, photographers, florists, production companies and various entertainers, and of course caterers.

If you have your wedding breakfast in the Garden Room, Ellena from CH&CO will serve delicious and nutritious seasonal food. On the other hand, if you dine inside the palace itself, you have a handful of experienced caterers to choose from to have a wonderful bespoke menu for you and your guests to enjoy.

To book this royal palace for a very special day, get in touch using the buttons below and to the right of this listing.