A trio of royal homes that now host weddings

Balmoral Castle could soon open its doors to weddings. The royal residence has put in an application to its local council to be able to host celebrations.

The plans would see the Queen’s Building on the estate, not far from the main castle, hosting weddings and other events for over 250 people. The King, or whoever filled the form in for him, promises to keep music low and make sure every party stops by half past midnight at the latest.

If Balmoral does get the go ahead for weddings, it will join a select group of royal residences where marriages may take place. If you fancy a right royal do for your big day, here are some ideas of where you can party like a prince or princess.

Kensington Palace, London

It’s one of the most famous royal homes in the world but it’s also a marriage venue. Kensington Palace is licensed for civil ceremonies and hosts a very limited number of weddings every year. As you’d expect, it’s top of a lot of wish lists but Historic Royal Palaces, which looks after the site, keeps the amount of ceremonies low.

There are several areas licensed for marriages. The Orangery can seat up to 150 while The King’s Gallery hosts around 100 guests for ceremonies. Receptions can be held in both rooms as well as in The King’s Gallery and the truly historic Cupola Room where Queen Victoria was christened.

The palace has so much royal history that your guests could spend the whole reception just talking about that. It was built by William III and Mary II, became the childhood home of Queen Victoria and in the late 20th century was the residence of many royals including Diana, Princess of Wales. It’s now the London home of the Prince and Princess of Wales along with George, Charlotte and Louis.

Hampton Court Palace

Henry VIII married his sixth and final wife, Katherine Parr, at Hampton Court but that hasn’t put couples off. In fact, the sumptuous Tudor building is among the most sought after wedding venues in England.

Marriages can take place in the Garden Room and the Little Banqueting House which is decorated with murals by Antonio Verrio. You can also conjure up your inner Henry VIII by saying ‘I do’ in the Great Hall, designed for the legendary king to feast in – and he certainly did that. All three can host receptions as well and Hampton Court has another space, just for nuptial parties, in the Orangery and Privy Garden.

Hampton Court is about as famous as it gets when it comes to royal homes. Built by Cardinal Wolsey and handed over to Henry VIII in a vain attempt to stop him binning his adviser, it became a favourite with the king and his many queens. William III would later transform parts of it but the last king to live there was George II – his successor, George III, hated the place. It opened to the public during Queen Victoria’s reign and it’s now run by Historic Royal Palaces.

The Tower of London

Speaking of Henry VIII, another place forever associated with the king and his wives is the Tower of London. And, since 2020, it’s been licensed for civil weddings.

The Martin Tower hosts small weddings, the New Armouries is ready for bigger dos (up to 150 people) while the Medieval Palace hosts up to 40 guests who get one of the best views in London to enjoy along with the wedding.

The Tower of London is one of the most iconic royal buildings in the world. It was begun by William the Conqueror and, for many years, monarchs traditionally stayed within its walls before their coronations. It’s still owned by the Crown Estate but no royal has lived there for centuries.

St.