Here at the Platinum Ring Company we are on countdown until the 29th March 2014 when the first same sex weddings will take place. Thanks to the Marriage Act 2013 successfully passing through Parliament back in July the first same sex marriage is now happening earlier than previously expected. Also, Scotland has now passed gay marriage too so soon Scottish couples will be able to wed in their home country. With such exciting times ahead we decided to take a look at some of the best wedding venues out there that may begin to hold same sex marriages when legalised.
Brighton
Brighton is the gay capital of Britain so why not get married there? Bring a sense of the exotic to your nuptials by getting married at the Royal Pavilion. This unique wedding venue brings India to the UK and the red drawing room is so sophisticated. Take photos outside the building in the manicured gardens, and if the weather is poor head into the music room. If you are after something more shabby-chic or outdoorsy then book in at Brighton Music Hall. Enjoy pier to pier views of the front while stood under Victorian arches or take a step outside and hold your reception in their tipis. With an open fire and plenty of fairy lights, this is a truly romantic setting.
Gretna Green, Scotland
Gretna Green in southern Scotland has long been the location for runaway brides and is now one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations. Anvil Hall is one of Gretna’s more formal venues and is one of the largest wedding venues in the area. A historic building it has airy domed high ceilings and lets in plenty of light. Another great venue is Bonshaw Tower. A peel tower that has barely changed over the last 500 years, it is surrounded by secluded gardens making it the perfect location for beautiful photographs. This quaint and personal location is perfect if you are looking for a low key event.
Cardiff
Cardiff has recently been voted the best place in Britain for young people to live so it makes the perfect location for a wedding if you are young and in love. The National Museum here has recently started holding weddings and we can’t think of anywhere else which looks so grand and sophisticated. Have your ceremony in one of the many portrait galleries before heading down the swooping marble staircases to the grand hall for your reception. This venue will hold over 300 guests and they will even bring in specialist Asian caterers if you fancy a taste of the orient. For a location with even more history head around the corner to the grand Cardiff Castle. A mix of gothic revival and medieval architecture you can decide between the elegant library, the brick lined undercroft or intricately designed banqueting hall for your event.
London
There is an endless array of gorgeous venues in London but we’ve managed to whittle them down to our favourite 4. For a modern wedding rent out the deck at the National Theatre. A stunning rooftop venue with views of the city it has a chic and minimalist theme with colourful lighting. The Royal Courts of Justice is a magnificent Grade I listed building that would really impress your guests. Gothic revival architecture and a great location on the Strand makes it a highly desirable wedding venue.
Or if you have the budget go grand by getting married at the Natural History Museum! Centrally located in South Kensington it has an imposing central hall and stunning landscape gardens. Plus, where else can you say you got married under a Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton? Do you live in any of these areas and are considering getting married in one of the suggested venues? Or perhaps you may have a better suggestion? Send us a tweet about it!