Whether you are planning a simple and intimate ceremony with a few friends and family or a lavish formal reception, Dulwich Picture Gallery is a perfect location for wedding receptions & civil ceremonies.
Say 'I do' in the world’s first purpose-built art gallery.
We offer a range of flexible packages in an oasis of greenery & tranquility just 15 minutes from central London.
Choose to host your reception in our Linbury room or the magnificent Soane Gallery, surrounded by our stunning collection of Baroque masterpieces. For a more intimate setting, our Gallery Café can be hired privately for evening receptions for up to 50 guests.
We're licensed for civil ceremonies in both the Soane Gallery and Linbury Room, which can accommodate between 10 and 150 guests.
To discuss ideas for your wedding, get in touch with our team on 020 8299 8713. Alternatively, you can email us at events@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
“The Gallery was so accommodating and well organised throughout the day. We loved the fact that we had the use of the traditional Gallery and access to the gardens, making use of both the indoor and outdoor spaces. The venue provided a fantastic backdrop to all our photographs and helped create a day full of happy memories.”
Rebecca and Ryan Gonsalves, Bride and Groom
FAQs
Exclusive use of the venue for your wedding after 5pm (non-exclusive before 5pm due to public opening hours)
Set-up and de-rig time for caterers, florists and other suppliers Operational support from your Event Manager on the day, and in the run up to your wedding
Free use of the PA system and wireless microphone when hiring the Soane Gallery or Linbury Room for your background music and speeches.
Christ’s Chapel is independent of the Gallery and comes under Church of England regulations. You would, therefore, need to contact the Parish Office directly on 020 8693 1524 or parishoffice@stbarnabasdulwich.org to discuss availability and eligibility.
As a listed building with priceless works of art on display as well as short set-up time in our Gallery and Grounds, we ask you to work with our approved list of suppliers for catering, marquee hire, furniture, lighting, AV equipment, flowers and entertainment. They are well respected and flexible suppliers who go through a rigorous approval process and therefore know the Gallery and our staff well. They would be happy to quote for your wedding day.
You are welcome to provide your own drinks. This would need to be arranged directly with your chosen caterer, who may charge a corkage fee in order to chill, deliver and serve the drinks. Feel free to discuss as part of your catering quotation.
We are not able to accommodate buffet style catering in the Soane Gallery, though this can take place in the Cafe. Red wine and dark coloured drinks are not permitted in the Soane Gallery however can be served in all other areas. In addition, any foods that are liable to stain are not permitted. These include saffron, beetroot, red berries and turmeric etc.
Yes, if always supervised by adults and the elegant surroundings of the gallery are respected.
Our usual licence allows for music and bar service until 11pm with all guests departed within 45 minutes. We are able to extend our licence for indoor events by one hour, to allow music and bar service until midnight. This is available on request and has an additional charge of £1,000 + vat.
Fireworks are not permitted at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Flames and candles are not allowed in any of our spaces, but LED Candles offer a great alternative to real flame.
The Bride and Groom are welcome to use the Gallery for photos in the evening. We will discuss the options with you and your photographer ahead of the day. Please note that flash photography is not permitted inside the Soane Gallery.
Dulwich Picture Gallery belongs to the Borough of Southwark. You can find all the details here: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriage-civil-partnershipand-citizenship/marriage-and-civil-partnership
You will need to contact Southwark Council Registrar’s Office directly on 020 7525 7669 or email registrars@southwark.gov.uk to book your registrars to conduct your ceremony.
Popular dates and times do get booked up well in advance so do contact them as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please note that Southwark Council are only able to arrange ceremonies up until 6pm, Monday – Saturday, or up until 1pm on a Sunday or Bank Holiday.
Do also remember that as well as booking a registrar for your ceremony in the borough in which you are to marry, you will also need to give notice of your marriage with the council where you reside. You can give notice up to a year in advance of your wedding date, but no later than one month before.
No type of confetti is permitted internally at the gallery. Biodegradable confetti and real petals only are permitted in the grounds
Due to the heritage listing of our venue, nothing may be affixed to any surface of the Soane Gallery, either internally or externally. Freestanding decorations can be considered in the Gallery however must be positioned at least 1 metre or falling distance, from any artwork. All positions must be agreed in advance with the Event Manager.
You can hold a date in our diary, free of charge and with no obligation. If you are holding a date we ask you to come and see the Gallery in person and we will ask for a decision within two weeks. Please get in touch if you would like to check availability and book a visit with our Event Manager.
To confirm your booking we will need to invoice for 50% of your total venue hire as a deposit. We will also send a venue contract with our full terms and conditions that will need to be signed and returned. Upon receipt of your deposit and signed contract your wedding will be confirmed and the date will be secured in our diary.