WEDDINGS AT THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM

Set majestically in 16½ acres of award-winning parkland is the spectacular Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory. Rich in ornate detail, and benefiting from its own private terrace, the Conservatory is an inspiring and idyllic venue for a fairy tale wedding.

ConservatoryWhat can we offer?

  • Capacity for up to 100 guests
  • Licensed for civil ceremonies
  • Adjoining private terrace for al fresco entertaining
  • Area for marquee to create further entertaining space
  • Beautiful photographic location
  • Sole accredited caterer to suit any style and budget
  • Event production and management service
  • Fully accessible
  • Available from 1 April to 31 October

The Horniman Museum welcomes wedding receptions and ceremonies, and can even offer both as a combination hire package. This option requires the use of an additionally hired marquee, which can be erected on one of several sites on the private terrace area. The marquee not only creates greater flexibility, but also safeguards you and your guests in case of inclement weather.

The combination hire works in the following way:

Your guests would arrive for the civil ceremony in the Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory, which would be set up with theatre style seating.

After the ceremony the wedding party could then have the opportunity to meander into the exquisite award-winning Gardens for photographs. This could be followed by champagne or Pimms and canapés enjoyed in the marquee or al fresco on the terrace area, while your caterer sets up the Conservatory for dinner. The Conservatory looks stunning when illuminated only by candlelight and with simple decoration. After dinner, music and dancing could take place either in the marquee or in the Conservatory, with the removal of several tables.

Rose Bouquet

“The Conservatory is not only one of the most elegant buildings in South London, but it has a wonderfully enchanting ambience on balmy summer evenings” (Client)

“The Venue is divine and the staff were charming” (Event Guest)

“The Horniman Museum is like a home counties country estate in the Middle of London” (Event Organiser)

5 steps to organising your wedding at the Horniman Museum

Once you have decided that you would like to host your wedding at the Horniman Museum, here’s what you should do next –

  1. Make a provisional booking at the venue by calling 020 8693 1476 or 07950 328044. Email: sue@suzannejames.co.uk.
  2. Contact the Lewisham Registry Office to ascertain that they can perform the ceremony on your chosen day.
  3. If both the venue and the Registrar are available - confirm your booking in writing.
  4. The venue will then send you a contract and terms & conditions and your invoice.
  5. Confirm with the venue.

Lewisham Registry Office contact details

Email: Register.office@lewisham.gov.uk
External Telephone: 020 8690 2128
Fax: 020 8314 1078
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9.15am - 4.15pm
Address: 368 Lewisham High Street
Lewisham, London SE13
Availability: From 2.30pm Wed - Sat
The ceremony, by law, may not contain any music or additional wording, declarations which are religious by nature. However, it may be possible, with agreement from the registrar, to include non-religious music, readings or poetry for your wedding. Ceremonies will be performed in the afternoon.

Hire details

Event Hire period Capacity Price (£)
Ceremony only
(Friday only) 		2 hours (3.00-5.00) 100 (max) £840
Ceremony & Reception 8 hour (3.00-11.00) 100 (max) £2,730
Day Hire 6 hours (10.00-4.00) 100 (max) £2,100
Evening Hire 6 hours (5.00-11.00) 100 (max) £2,100
Prices exclude VAT
If your event overruns beyond 11.00pm then this will be charged at £500 per hour or part of an hour
Timings are shown for example only

Useful information

Bridal car
  • Toilets and baby change facilities are in close proximity to the Conservatory.
  • Free parking is available on neighbouring streets.
  • The nearest train station is Forest Hill, which is approximately a five minute walk uphill to the Museum.
  • Several taxi companies operate in the area.

Restrictions

  • The Museum is not available for hire from Sunday – Thursday (inclusive).
  • Barbeques are not permitted in the Gardens, terrace area or Conservatory.
  • Drinks may be consumed on the terrace area, but glasses cannot be taken into the Gardens.
  • To maintain the beauty of the Gardens, confetti is not permitted.
  • Candles are permitted in the Conservatory, but smoking is not.

Contact

Suzanne: 020 8693 1476

Back to Venue Hire page