5 of The UK’s Most Maximalist Wedding Venues
I love a touch of maximalism for a wedding. Used correctly, it can breathe life into the details, & help you express all the elements that are important to you as a couple. It’s your wedding day; why should you have to choose?!
To celebrate all things excessive, I’ve put together a round of some of my favourite maximalist wedding & event venues across the UK. From small intimate gatherings to multi-day celebrations, there’s something for weddings of all sizes, without skimping on any of the details.
Strawberry Hill House & Garden
Twickenham, South West London
An 18th century neo-gothic icon, designed & built by politician & writer Horace Walpole. Natural light pours into the Gallery through enormous windows, catching the light in the gilding that decorates the vaulted ceiling. The vibrant red walls make it a striking venue, with lots of opportunity for bright colours & rich jewel tones.
Steeped in history, Strawberry Hill House is a fine example of the Gothic Revival, with its own fairytale library & gardens; ideal for couples with a love of literature & nature.
Stained glass windows provide opportune backdrops for couples’ portraits.
Image credits: Strawberry Hill House
Rose Castle
Cumbria
More than 800 years of history awaits at Rose Castle, which has seen many guests from royalty to poet William Wordsworth in its time.
This venue has its own chapel, as well as a number of unique reception rooms to choose from for your ceremony. The 19th century Chinoiserie wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for portraits & cocktail hour shots.
For outdoor weddings, Pettinger’s Garden can seat up to 50 guests, with gorgeous views.
Image credits: Rose Castle
Port Eliot Estate
Cornwall
This Grade-I listed house & gardens is a truly eclectic gem of the south coast. Overlooking the River Tiddy with breathtaking views of the viaduct, the gardens & Orangery offer perfect opportunities for outdoor dining.
The House at Port Eliot is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in the UK, having served as a home for more than 1000 years. Over this time the house has accumulated a wealth of artefacts & objects of interest from its many guests.
Having visited the home, I was captivated by the intricate Riddle Mural that covers the walls of the Round Room. Painted over several years by Robert Lenkiewicz, this mural includes vignettes of art history & anecdotes from the history of the family of the house.
Image credits: Port Eliot Estate
Aynhoe Park
Oxfordshire
This Jacobean estate was built in 1615, & has seen many eclectic iterations, with Baroque elements still in place throughout the property. Detailed cornicing meets sweeping staircases, &…what’s that? A stuffed giraffe?
One of the key features of this venue is that it is home to owner James Perkins’ abundant collection of art, taxidermy, & cultural relics - a maximalist’s fever dream. It is an absolute wonderland, with so many details your guests will never struggle for a conversation piece.
Nestled in the sprawling Oxfordshire hills, the private landscaped gardens & parkland offer incredible versatility for outdoor receptions & couples portrait backdrops.
Image credits: Aynhoe Park
L’Oscar
Holborn, London
A vibrant boutique hotel situated in the bustling heart of the city, L’Oscar is the ideal venue for intimate maximalist weddings. The Library can seat up to 70 for dinner, & features striking peacock murals in gold & navy, which contrast dramatically with the wood panelling.
Or if you’re considering a ceremony at Holborn Town Hall, whisk your guests just around the corner to the private reception, kicking off with cocktail hour.
The events team at L’Oscar are excellent, & can support you at every step of your planning journey.
Image credits: L’Oscar London