There is something very special about weddings in London. The capital attracts couples from all over the UK, and indeed from right around the globe, and it’s easy to see why. London is a vibrant, diverse and eternally interesting place and, for weddings, it’s perfect.
Today, we’re visiting the wonderful RSA House and it’s always on our list of the capital’s hidden gems. It sits just a stone’s throw from the Strand yet it’s a peaceful, private haven that couldn’t be a better location for a wedding. Before we dive in and find out more, I want to tell you that RSA House offers a 15% saving to couples booking a Sunday wedding and if you’d like to get married this year, they still have a few dates available in September, October and November.
RSA House has been the proud home to The RSA (The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) since 1774 and today, this beautiful building is the perfect blend of historical and contemporary features.
It’s recently scooped the ‘Most Versatile London Venue’ award and when you step inside, it’s impossible not to fall in love.
The possibilities here are endless as Silvia, RSA House’s wedding expert, explains:
“My recommendation is to use all the beautiful spaces the House has to offer to amaze guests with a journey of discovery. Start the day with a ceremony in our bright and modern Benjamin Franklin Room that features a one-of-a-kind chandelier which looks incredible in photographs.”
Gabrielle McMillan Photography
“Then guests can mingle outside for confetti and group photographs before indulging in drinks and canapes in the Tavern Room.”
“This room is magical, you get a peaceful and serene feeling yet, you also get a real sense of being in Central London.”
“We’ll then invite guests to the Great Room for the Wedding Breakfast, via the incredible staircase. The room is dominated by the epic series of six individual paintings, painted by James Barry in the 1700s, and you always hear the ‘wows’ from guests when they enter.”
Victoria Somerset-How Photography
“Following the wedding meal, when guests think they have seen everything there is to see there’s one last surprise as they find the final space that lies beneath – the Vaults.”
“The iconic Vaults are extraordinary and you can dance the night away under the soaring arches and the 18th century exposed brick walls which are washed with coloured uplighters to transport guests to a glamourous club.”
Gabrielle McMillan Photography
RSA House really does give you so much to adore. The glass dome in the Great Room is just extraordinary – would you ever expect so much natural light in a room without windows? There’s also the picture-perfect arched window just outside this room and don’t forget ‘the 10 Downing Street door’.
This is the only one in London with the same façade as the PM’s residence and it’s been the setting for so many famous films and TV shows. Definitely a must-have on your photography list!
Victoria Somerset-How Photography
And, as you’re also right in the heart of London, you can head outside to have photos taken at any of the iconic locations that are nearby. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to backdrops as Embankment Gardens, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden as all just moments away or head to North Bank with fabulous views toward the London Eye or, if you’re planning a winter wedding, step out on the Strand where thousands of Christmas lights twinkle.
RSA House is also the perfect backdrop for a wedding – it can be transformed to suit any style of wedding. You have exclusive use of all the spaces and the team really work with you to bring your plans to life.
Silvia continues:
“We offer three packages for couples but these are just a starting point and we like every couple to put their stamp on their special day. We pride ourselves on outstanding service that goes above and beyond our couples’ expectations and we’re delighted to support the vast majority of the requests that we receive from couples.”
“Our food and drink offering is also something we’re very proud of. Our in-house caterer, CH&CO, design seasonal menus, incorporating sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients and they’re always open to creating tailored menus. For example, a couple recently requested a feasting menu inspired by Ottoman cuisine so Chef Darren prepared delicious Kleftiko lamb leg with rosemary, garlic and lemon alongside a mouth-watering selection of side dishes with a Greek twist.”
So, you have a wedding venue that’s full of history, that’s welcoming and flexible, that gives you a central London location with all the benefits that brings but one that is also peaceful and serene with a team that truly adores weddings and does absolutely all they can to make each and every one unique and memorable.
You have a fantastic variety of spaces, food and drink options aplenty and you have this venue all to yourself. It sounds altogether perfect, doesn’t it? But, how do you know if RSA House is for you?
Over to Silvia…
“When you look at your wedding venue, you want to have the same excitement that you felt when you met your partner. You should step inside a room and be wowed, the more you see, the more you should want to see. Your venue should leave you speechless. If you want to know when you’ve found your dream venue, in my opinion, there’s one thing to look out for – butterflies in the stomach!”
To find out more about weddings at RSA House, do visit their website for more details, to download the latest brochure or to book a showround. You’ll also find lots of information if you follow RSA Weddings on Instagram and there’s so much more than pretty pictures – you’ll be first to find out about the latest events and offers plus wedding planning tips, reviews and much more.
P.S. RSA House offers a 15% discount to couples booking a Sunday wedding and if you’d like to get married this year, they still have a few dates available in September, October and November. What are you waiting for? It’s time to get those butterflies in the stomach and start planning your wedding at a venue you’ll never, ever forget.
View all our RSA House articles here.
Tamryn Settle
View all Tamryn’s articles
Self-confessed wedding addict Tamryn spends her days in her Berkshire studio writing about all things beautiful and romantic with her black Labrador for company.