For most people, marriage means the local church or registry office, but it is increasingly common to get married somewhere else. Many unexpected places now hold marriage licences and here are seven grand and unusual locations where you could tie the knot (at least you could do, if you had the money).
Number seven – Battersea Power Station
It might not sound in the least bit romantic, but you get a clear view of many of London’s biggest landmarks and the room itself is sleek and crisp. If you’ve got your heart set on a post-industrial wedding, where else would you choose?
Number six – The Decorium
The Decorium used to be a swimming pool. But don’t let that mislead you – the Emperor Suite is as grand as anywhere.
Number five – Pinewood Studios
A great many James Bond films have been shot at Pinewood Studios. Hopefully, the leading man at your wedding will be rather better behaved with the ladies.
Number four – The Ritz
British hotels don’t come much more famous than The Ritz. The place is literally the byword for luxury and opulence. Weddings are held in William House, an 18th Century building that adjoins the hotel proper. If you book The Ritz as a wedding venue, you can expect doormen and ‘palace-style cooking’.
Number three – The Inn at Whitewell
You might think this is a rather prosaic selection. After all, The Inn is precisely what its name suggests. However, it is also a rather striking hotel with distinctive rooms and a reputation for exceptional food. It also featured in the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon comedy series, The Trip, in which Coogan is commissioned by The Observer to review six restaurants in the North.
Number two – Manchester Art Gallery
Get married in the Vallette gallery and then take drinks in the Pre-Raphaelite galleries afterwards. You can also have dinner and dancing in the Atrium as long as your party is 100 people or fewer.
Number one – The Natural History Museum
Yes, it’s true – you can get married in The Natural History Museum. There are a number of different rooms available of different sizes, each featuring its own exhibits. You could get married in the Earth Hall, which has marvellous sculptures or if you’re feeling particularly flush, you could hire out the Central Hall and have your wedding overseen by the skeleton of a diplodocus. It’ll cost £10,000 for the room alone, however.