Hampton Court Palace was the chosen place of residence for many kings and queens of England and has elaborately expanded over the centuries. With building beginning in 1515, the Tudor palace, with its red-rose Tudor brick, soon became a favourite of King Henry VIII. In the 17th century, William and Mary expanded the palace with the contrasting Baroque architectural style of Wren. The property is guaranteed to impress with its cobbled courtyards, peaceful gardens and soaring staterooms.
The Privy Garden was created to allow a quiet space for the monarch’s exclusive use, but today the garden has been restored for everyone to enjoy how it would have looked for William III in 1702. The Privy Garden can be used for private receptions, with guests able to arrive by boat and enter the palace through the magnificent Tijou Screens, designed by Jean Tijou in 1690, straight into the garden.
Credit: Historic Royal Palaces
Celebrate in style The Little Banqueting House is a small but picturesque space, ideal for intimate celebrations of up to 50 guests for a ceremony and seated reception and 80 for a drinks reception. Built for William III, it’s set slightly away from the main palace, overlooking the river with a rich sense of majesty and history.
Set in the beautiful Tiltyard Gardens, The Garden Room was built in a 1920s style and boasts a private walled garden. Large enough to seat 180 friends and family, it’s licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, and is a great area for live bands and dancing. It also can be used in conjunction with other spaces, including the Little Banqueting House or the Palace State Apartments, to provide a memorable day for all guests.
The King’s Guard Chamber displays a remarkable collection of nearly 3,000 swords, bayonets, muskets and pistols on the walls. This awe- inspiring room replicates William III’s assertion of power and dominance over his court and can accommodate up to 150 nearest and dearest for dinner and 200 for the evening drinks reception.
The painted ceiling by Antonio Verrio can be found in the Queen’s Drawing Room, which looks out onto the gardens and can hold 120 loved ones for the service.
The Great Watching Chamber was the first of Henry VIII’s State Apartments beyond the Great Hall and can fit 100 people for the vows.
Seated receptions can take place in The King’s Eating Room with up to 40 people, The Cartoon Gallery (150), The Orangery & Privy Garden (250) or The Great Hall (270). The Great Hall is one of the most jaw- dropping historical venues in the country. Originally designed as a feasting chamber for Henry VIII, it was the last Medieval great hall to be constructed for the English monarchy. With its stained-glass windows, sumptuous tapestries and magnificent hammer-beam ceiling, today the Great Hall makes a perfect venue for showstopping ceremonies and lavish receptions.
We love... A dedicated and experienced events manager will work with couples to ensure the day is planned to perfection. With exclusive wedding photography, access to private gardens, elegant cobbled courtyards and breathtaking staircases, this 500-year old treasure makes a spectacular backdrop for weddings.
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