If you’re about to start planning your wedding, there’ll doubtless be one key element at the top of your mind – the venue.
Beyond the wedding dress and the perfect wedding ring, the venue is the one element of your wedding that has to satisfy not just the bride and groom but every other guest you want to be there.
Thankfully, if you’ve decided to get married in Birmingham, there are some fantastic options from the classic hotel venue to the more unusual riverside warehouse. Today, we’re going to offer our ten favourite wedding venues in Birmingham.
What to look for when choosing a wedding venue
There are some key considerations to think about when looking for a wedding venue. These include (but are not limited to):
- The location: It’s tough to find a location that suits every single person, but it’s best to go for something relatively central if you can.
- The amenities: Think about your guests needs and if you have specific things you’d like to do during the ceremony or reception; can the venue accommodate them?
- The photo opportunities: Your wedding photos will be among the most prized possessions after the big day – make sure the venue has great places in which to take photos.
- The size: Big, small, tiny, huge – whatever you decide, make sure it works for the number of people you want there and your budget.
- The included extras: Some venues offer full packages for weddings, others just room hire – make sure you get the full lowdown of what’s included.
- Licenses: When picking an unusual venue that doesn’t usually host weddings, make sure they have the appropriate licenses for the ceremony.
- The budget: Stick to your budget as closely as possible and try to avoid overspending just to get the ‘perfect’ venue.
Just remember that the above list isn’t exhaustive and you may have some specific requirements that are unique to you as the bride and groom or to specific members of the wedding party.
It’s also important to bear in mind that you probably won’t satisfy everyone. There will inevitably be elements of your chosen venue that aren’t perfect for certain people, but the list below should give you plenty of food for thought.
Without further ado, here’s our ten favourite wedding venues in Birmingham.
1. Aston Hall
Location: Aston, Birmingham
If you’re looking for a grand venue for your formal wedding, look no further than Aston Hall. Set in 50 acres of stunning parkland, it can host up to 80 guests for the ceremony and a whopping 400 for the party later on. There’s even space for a marquee.
2. Highbury Hall
Location: Yew Tree Rd, Birmingham
A Grade II manor home, Highbury Hall was built in 1878 and offers the perfect setting for weddings. Fully restored back to its original design, there are photo opportunities aplenty and they can provide full packages to make booking your wedding as straightforward as possible.
3. Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Location: Broad St, Birmingham
Those couples after a dramatic setting for their wedding need look no further than the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (or ‘REP’ for short). The ceremony space can hold up to 800 guests, and thanks to onsite production skills, you can expect an unforgettably unique, perfect day.
4. The Library of Birmingham
Location: Centenary Square, Broad St, Birmingham
Not many people know that you can actually get married in the Shakespeare Memorial Room at Birmingham’s biggest and most recognisable library. Couples can expect exclusive use of the Skyline Viewpoint and the intimate nature of the memorial room is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to go too overboard.
5. The Old Library
Location: Gibb St, Birmingham
You can find The Old Library in Birmingham’s Custard Factory. It’s a beautiful Victorian-Gothic building whose roots can be dated back to 1866. It’s an incredibly romantic setting thanks to the beautiful gardens, and the venue will happily create a bespoke package for any couple.
6. Botanical Gardens
Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Birmingham’s renowned Botanical Gardens offers three event suites for weddings, and they all have subtly different feels, depending on your preference. If you’ve visited the gardens before, you’ll know that this is a wedding venue adorned with natural, beautifully preserved gardens. Tailored wedding packages are available.
7. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Location: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
If you want to get married in a building steeped in history, the Grade II listed Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery could be perfect for you. It features a beautiful sweeping staircase perfect for photos and incredible rooms such as the Industrial Gallery and Edwardian Tearooms in which to conduct the ceremony and party the night away.
8. Hotel du Vin
Location: Church St, Birmingham
If your budget can stretch, the Hotel du Vin in Birmingham is a stunning wedding venue. Couples can expect a personal wedding planner to help with all arrangements for the big day, a spa for guests to relax in the day after the wedding and a perfect location thanks to its proximity to Snow Hill train station.
9. Plough & Harrow Hotel
Location: Hagley Rd, Birmingham
The Plough & Harrow Hotel is another Grade II listed wedding venue in Birmingham, and features forty-five guest bedrooms to help make accommodation arrangements as simple as possible. The beautiful gardens offer lots of photo opportunities, and wedding packages start at very reasonable rates for the budget-conscious.
10. The Bond
Location: Fazeley St, Birmingham
Fancy something complete different for your wedding? Why not give The Bond a try? This brilliant 19th century warehouse sits alongside the Grand Union Canal (you can even arrive by boat as the bride and groom if you want!), and has long played host to weddings and conferences. Full of history, atmosphere and unique photo opportunities, it’s a great alternative to the standard country house or stately home wedding.
Enjoy planning your wedding!
We hope we’ve given you plenty of inspiration for where to book your wedding in Birmingham.
Finding the right venue isn’t easy, but with a bit of persistence you’ll find the perfect spot in which to become husband and wife.
Just remember to go and view each venue you shortlist, because you really can’t get a total feel for it until you’ve stood in the space. Sometimes, it’s the venue you least expect to be impressed by which gets booked!