Drapers’ Hall:
Thomas Cromwell built his mansion on this spot in the 16th century. The Drapers’ Company has occupied this site for 500 years. Several reincarnations of the building later, what stands today is one of the grandest private event venues in London. The Queen and other heads of state have dined in the Livery Hall. It has even appeared on television as Buckingham Palace. As a result, for couples who want their wedding reception to carry genuine weight and history, there are few equivalent options in the capital.
Wedding couples receive exclusive use of the entire venue, including two outdoor spaces. This means the day belongs entirely to them, with no other event taking place alongside it. The in-house events team and gold medal-winning chef dedicate themselves entirely to the wedding from the moment guests arrive. The package also includes candelabra table centres, a dancefloor and a Steinway classic grand piano. Together, these details give the day a sense of occasion that few hired spaces can replicate.
The Livery Hall and Rooms
The Livery Hall is the centrepiece of any wedding at Drapers’ Hall. The ceiling depicts scenes from Shakespeare’s The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Marble columns line the room, a gallery runs above, gold leaf catches the candlelight and royal portraits look down from the walls. A collection of the Drapers’ finest silver is displayed around the hall. It holds up to 450 for a standing reception and 276 for a seated banquet. No standard hotel ballroom offers anything comparable.
The Drawing Room is a more intimate space with oak panelling and a formal atmosphere suited to smaller ceremonies, private dining or welcome drinks. The Court Room offers further private dining capacity for smaller groups. The Court Dining Room provides another option for intimate celebrations within the same building.
The Garden and Courtyard are the two outdoor spaces included in the exclusive use arrangement. They provide rare access to private open-air space in the heart of the City, well suited to summer drinks receptions and photography.
Catering
Drapers’ Hall has an in-house catering team led by a gold medal-winning chef. Wedding menus are bespoke, built around the couple’s preferences and the season. The venue also offers inclusive wedding packages that can be tailored in detail, as well as fully bespoke arrangements for larger or more complex celebrations. A dedicated events team guides couples through every stage of the planning process.
Is Drapers’ Hall Right for Your Wedding?
Drapers’ Hall suits couples planning a formal London wedding reception where history, grandeur and the drama of the setting are the defining priorities. The Livery Hall with its Shakespeare ceiling, Steinway piano and silver-lined walls creates a backdrop that no contemporary venue can replicate. Furthermore, the exclusive use arrangement and the dedicated team mean the celebration is entirely private and entirely personal.
However, it is not the venue for couples wanting a hotel with on-site accommodation or a more relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. It also does not license civil ceremonies on site, so the legal wedding typically takes place at a nearby registry office or church before the reception moves to Drapers’ Hall. Guest accommodation is arranged through nearby City, Shoreditch and West End hotels.
For couples considering other distinctive landmark venues in the capital, explore our wider collection of luxury wedding venues in London.
- Grade I listed building on Throgmorton Avenue, City of London EC2N 2DQ
- Drapers’ Company on this site for 500 years
- Exclusive use of the entire venue for wedding couples
- Livery Hall: up to 450 standing, 276 seated banquet, Shakespeare ceiling, Steinway grand piano
- Drawing Room, Court Room and Court Dining Room for smaller gatherings
- Garden and Courtyard for outdoor receptions
- Gold medal-winning in-house chef
- Candelabra table centres and dancefloor included
- Wedding packages and bespoke arrangements available
- No on-site accommodation
- Civil ceremonies not licensed on site
Full details and pricing on enquiry directly with the events team.
Getting There
Drapers’ Hall sits on Throgmorton Avenue in the City of London, EC2N 2DQ. Moorgate Underground station is immediately nearby, served by the Circle, Hammersmith and City, and Metropolitan lines. Bank, Liverpool Street and London Bridge stations are all within easy walking distance, making travel practical for guests arriving from across London or by national rail. For international guests, London City Airport is approximately nine miles by road.
Other Historic and Luxury Wedding Venues in London
Drapers’ Hall is one of a small number of historic City of London venues available for private wedding receptions. Explore our full collection of luxury wedding venues in London to compare Livery halls, landmark spaces and five-star hotels across the capital. For couples open to venues further afield, browse our wider selection of wedding venues across England.