Kew Gardens

The seed for Kew Gardens was sown in the exotic garden at Kew Park created by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury. George III enriched the gardens and later purchased Kew Palace, in 1781 as a nursery for the royal children. As well as 300 acres of gardens Kew’s landmark buildings include the Palm House, built by architect Decimus Burton and iron-maker Richard Turner between 1844 and 1848 and which was the first large-scale structural use of wrought iron. This was followed later in the 19th century by The Temperate house, which at twice the Palm House’s size, is the largest Victorian glasshouse in existence. In 2003, the gardens were put on the list of World Heritage Sites.

As well as 300 acres of gardens, which are open to the public throughout the year, Kew offers five distinct and magnificent venues for private wedding hire.

Spaces for Hire

Cambridge Cottage, a former Royal residence is an exquisite example of Georgian design. Steeped in history it was originally the home of Lord Bute. The property passed through a distinguished line of British nobility from George III, the Duke of Cambridge to King Edward VII. It offers an intimate classical setting for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions throughout the year as well as corporate events and soirees. ‘The Drawing Room is a sanctuary its walls adorned with paintings from Kew’s historic collections illuminated by natural light. Licensed for 80 guests for your civil ceremony or up to 80 guests for a reception. The adjoining Gallery has seated dining space for a further 80 and houses exhibitions of botanical art. Both rooms open onto the secluded Duke’s Garden.

Not far from the Main Gate is the 18th century Orangery featuring with its high ceilings and full-height windows. Tall, arched doors open onto the terrace affording sweeping garden vistas. The Orangery can accommodate up to 400 people for a drinks party or seating for up to 230. The Nash Conservatory, moved brick by brick from Buckingham Palace to Kew by King William 1V in 1836, is a beautiful 19th Century glasshouse that provides a versatile event space for both daytime and evening weddings. The Nash Conservatory is licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships for up to 200 guests.

For a truly unique event experience, enjoy a canapé reception in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, famed for its rare orchids and Chinese Water Dragons.

Kew’s most famous landmark The Temperate House is at the heart of the gardens. This Victorian glasshouse is both a masterful feat of engineering and a perfectly balanced environment for a vast array of plants. It houses over seventeen hundred species of plants and palms from the sub-tropics. The north and south octagons can house smaller receptions, before dining in the central House. Alternatively, the entire house can be used for larger weddings of up to 400 for a reception, 200 seated and 180 for a dinner/dance. By night, the glasshouse is spectacularly illuminated.

The Sir Joseph Banks Building is a striking, partly subterranean space that is appropriate for both daytime and evening events. Large windows within the main room overlook the surrounding lake at water level, which provides a tranquil setting and an abundance of natural daylight.

Guests enter the venue through the private atrium, which may be used as a welcome area, whilst the building’s frontage affords a view of an adjacent lawn. The lawn, suitable for an outdoor reception, has the renowned Kew Palace as a backdrop, and also looks back to the Sir Joseph Banks Building, and its lake and water feature.

The Sir Joseph Banks Building is exclusive to you and your guests, on the day of your event and may be used for religious ceremonies when used in conjunction with the Orangery for the reception. The building is available daily and can accommodate up to 180 for a dinner/dance and 230 for a cocktail reception. 

Event Types

Wedding Ceremony, Civil Partnership Ceremony, Wedding Reception, Civil Partnership Reception.