At Golborne, we are extremely lucky to deliver celebrations in some of London’s most iconic landmark venues. We specialise in dry hire because we pride ourselves on honing the fine details that make your day bespoke. For this, the Victoria and Albert Museum, is a London wedding planners’ dream venue and we are honoured to be featured on their list as a recommended wedding planner. Weddings at the Victoria and Albert Museum are our idea of perfection and we tell you more about the spaces we love here.
Weddings at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Join the legacy of true love and romance
What more romantic and iconic destination for a London wedding than the Victoria and Albert Museum? Perhaps one of the most famously in love royal couples, Albert and Victoria, adored one another. The museum is a testament to love.
“Even in in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth. How that moment shines for me when I was close to you, but with your hand in mine!”
Albert to Victoria, 15 November 1839.
Elegant, atmospheric, iconic and unforgettable – these are the standards we expect from a dry-hire wedding venue, and weddings at the V&A do not disappoint. The elegant spaces the museum has to offer for ceremonies and the reception are breathtaking.
In addition, by hosting your wedding at V&A you are also giving back to the Museum's fantastic research, supporting their exhibition programme, and helping keep admission free.
Here are some of our favourite spaces within the museum.
The John Madejski Garden
For such a centrally located venue, the outdoor space is such a surprise and delight. The John Madejski Garden is a magical and tranquil space featuring a beautiful ellipse with elegant fountains. In the evening the garden is illuminated, allowing the 19th century terracotta facades to become more visible as the night draws in. This space creates the perfect backdrop for a ceremony and/or drinks reception.
Standing reception - up to 600 guests
Pre-dinner drinks - 400 guests
Civil Marriage or Partnership Ceremony* - 250 guests
*Please note that the legal marriage ceremony must take place under the Café Awning.
Image credit: The V&A
The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Sculpture Galleries
The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Sculpture Galleries display some of the Victoria and Albert Museum's finest sculptures, providing a stunning setting for pre-dinner drinks or an intimate dinner. However, please note that red wine cannot be served in the galleries due to the nature of the objects on display. The black and white mosaic flooring enhances the impressive collection beautifully. In addition, the tall windows opening onto the John Madekski Garden, allow guests to flow between the two spaces.
Standing reception - 250 guests
Pre-dinner drinks - 250 guests
Dinner - up to 100 guests
Image credit @ Golborne Events
The Dome at The V&A
The Dome is one of London’s hidden treasures. A reception or dinner can be served in the Dome with beautiful tables and flower displays nestled within its soaring ceiling and classical architecture. Complemented by Dale Chihuly’s central glass sculpture, the Dome is one of London’s most elegant and impressive settings for a wedding celebration of up to 250 guests. However, if you wish to dance the night away, do let us know in advance as we will lay a protective dance floor.
Seated dinner and dancing - 250 guests
Pre-dinner drinks area - 400 guests
Standing reception - 600 guests
This space is not licensed for wedding ceremonies
Image credit @ Golborne Events
The prestigious Raphael Court
This space is perfect to accommodate our larger weddings at the V&A for up to 400 guests. Your wedding breakfast can be served in the prestigious Raphael Court. We recommend taking advantage of the dome’s impressive space where your guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks. We then suggest your dinner is served in the museum’s largest, most impressive space. The Raphael Court houses some of the most important surviving examples of Renaissance art in the world. The seven Raphael cartoons, dating back to 1516, are complemented by a truly breathtaking gilded Spanish altarpiece. This lends a striking and impressive backdrop to wedding celebrations, an unforgettable experience for the couple, as well as their guests.
The Raphael Court is also the largest licensed space civil ceremony allowing up to 400 guests.
Seated dinner - 400 guests on round tables or 300 on long tables
Standing reception - 400 guests
Civil Marriage or Partnership Ceremony - 400 guests
Image credit @ Tell your Story Photo & Film
Beauty enhanced, not overshadowed
As London wedding & event planners we are always thrilled when we have the chance to plan bespoke events or weddings at the V&A. It is such an elegant choice. We love to execute every detail to make sure your day is enhanced by such an exclusive location.
Our vast experience with the Victoria and Albert Museum means we are well versed in the various restrictions working within a Grade II listed building. We are not phased by the short set-up time between the closing of the museum to the public, to the arrival of your guests. This however has an impact on practical aspects which is where we can support. For example, marquees are not permitted in the gardens and only the accredited list of suppliers may be used. In addition, Golborne has a very strong relationship with fantastic suppliers who work efficiently within the quick set-up times. We know what works and what doesn't. What is achievable and what isn't. We are well-versed in creating incredible events that seem almost impossible within the set up timeframe.
We are well versed with the restrictions which are mainly due to the precious nature of the building itself. For instance, no fireworks or open flames are permitted. However, if candlelight is on your wish list, we can suggest alternatives, such as battery-operated candles. It is possible to supply your own drinks as the V&A doesn’t charge corkage, but your chosen caterer will charge to deliver, chill and serve. We can advise on all these details and use our extensive knowledge to ensure your wedding fits perfectly within the guidelines. We are here to create your perfect day, tailored specifically to you as a couple, your budget and your style.
Get in touch for a complimentary consultation on how we can make your wedding day fit for royalty.
