Undoubtedly the coolest quarter of London, East London is known for its quirky art scene, ultra-fashionable Brick Lane, and vibrant street markets. It's a place where history meets modern edge, offering everything from stunning warehouses to chic rooftops. As a result, it’s an absolute gem for couples looking for a unique wedding vibe.
According to our 2025 Wedding Report, 87% of London couples chose to get married outside of their home city. Although many are drawn to the chic venues in central London, a growing number of couples are turning to slower-paced areas like Devon, the Cotswolds, or even Norfolk, for a more relaxed, countryside wedding.
On the other hand, 17% of non-Londoners choose to make the pilgrimage to this vibrant city for their big day, and it’s the region with the highest net movement of couples. So, whether you’re a born and bred Londoner, or simply love the glamour of the big city lights, East London offers something for everyone. With its blend of cool, urban flair and rich cultural heritage, it's the perfect spot for couples seeking a location that's as vibrant and quirky as they are.
But, London weddings don’t come cheap. The average London wedding comes in at £28,629, which is £7,807 more expensive than the average UK wedding at £20,822. While life in the capital is undeniably more expensive, there are plenty of ways to make your East London wedding work for your budget.
For example, warehouses or open-air venues can often be a blank canvas, meaning you can get creative with decor without paying over the odds for a traditional wedding package. Food-wise, why not swap a formal sit-down dinner for an East London-style feast? Think street food trucks, sharing platters, or even a build-your-own taco station—way more fun (and budget-friendly) than a standard three-course meal. Whatever your plans, East London is the place for a quirky, uniquely “you” wedding.
Weddings in East London are all about the quirky, colourful, and creative vibes. It’s a place where you can totally express your unique style, blending modern cool with a bit of history and artsy flair. Neon, feathers, and disco balls will be completely in keeping with this stunning vibe, and a place you can get all of these is Junkyard Golf London Shoreditch. With mini golf, creative cocktails, and more photo opportunities than you can shake a disco ball at, it’s the perfect spot for a fun-loving couple who want their wedding to be a real party.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, chic city weddings are also super popular in East London. Made popular by Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, city weddings are all about mini dresses, sunglasses, and grayscale photography that captures the sleek, modern vibe of the urban landscape. Venues like town halls, registry offices, and modern loft spaces are perfect for this.
Let’s start with a venue that lives and breathes East London character. People’s Park Tavern is a laid-back, charm-filled pub sitting right on the edge of Victoria Park. It’s got that effortlessly cool, slightly boho vibe, perfect for couples who want a relaxed wedding with plenty of personality (and a killer beer selection). Plus, with a lush beer garden and fab indoor spaces, it’s a great all-weather (and therefore all-season) option.
If you’d prefer a touch of luxury, The Pelligon in Canary Wharf offers a sleek, modern setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames. It’s perfect for couples who want a chic city wedding with a touch of glam. Just be prepared for a higher price tag, as Canary Wharf venues tend to be on the pricier side.
If you’re looking for a real showstopper, consider the Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel. Built in 1884, the stained glass artistry, high ceilings, and grand architecture will make for an unforgettable day. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street station, which makes it a dream for guests travelling in from outside of London.
Leading on from the showstopping theme, you won’t want to miss Banking Hall. This Grade II listed art deco ex-bank oozes sophistication with its grand marble columns, towering ceilings, and seriously stylish interiors. If you’re after an unforgettable wedding day that still has that cool London edge, this venue ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s smack bang in the City, making it super convenient for guests. Just keep in mind that this level of luxury doesn’t come cheap—prices typically start from around £200 per guest, with a minimum of 100 guests required.
The average London venue comes in at £7,020, while the UK average sits at £5,945. That’s an increase of around 18%, or £1,075. But don’t panic just yet—if you want a wedding in East London, there are plenty of creative ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing style. Opting for a weekday wedding, going off-peak, or choosing a dry-hire venue (where you bring in your own caterers and drinks) can help cut costs. Alternatively, you could go for a less traditional reception. For example, a rooftop party, brewery reception, or a good old-fashioned pub knees-up with a live band. These usually end up being the most memorable anyway!
East London has one of the shortest lead times for a wedding in the UK. The stunning range of venues, vendors, and churches makes it easy to plan a wedding on a shorter timeline without compromising on style or quality.
While some couples book their venues well in advance, it's not unusual to find your dream spot in East London with just 6 to 12 months of planning. In fact, many venues here are flexible and will accommodate last-minute bookings, especially in less peak wedding seasons.
That said, the busiest months, particularly from April to September, tend to fill up faster, so if you’re eyeing up a summer wedding at a popular venue, it’s a good idea to start your search earlier—at least 9 to 12 months ahead of time.
Although one of the warmest spots in the UK, London isn’t known for its sunshine. But, don’t let that put you off an outdoor ceremony—a slightly overcast day is much better for your photographer than a blindingly bright one! Plus, a little drizzle never hurt anyone—just embrace the British charm and have some stylish umbrellas on standby.
Spring (March-May) brings highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Parks will be in full bloom, and the days are getting longer, meaning East London will have a fresh, romantic feel in the air. It’s a gorgeous time to get married, but April showers are real—so make sure you’ve got a solid wet-weather plan just in case. Consider a space like the Greenwich Yacht Club. With beautiful outdoor spaces for photos and large windows that let in plenty of natural light, it’s the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor, so you can enjoy the best of both.
Summer (June-August) tops out at 25°C in London, with the odd heatwave pushing the temperatures into the low 30s! As a result, you’ll want to ensure your venue has plenty of shade, good airflow, and lots of refreshing drinks on hand—no one wants sweaty wedding photos! Check out the Hilton London Tower Bridge for a sleek, modern option with plenty of air conditioning, and close to some of London’s most iconic landmarks
Autumn (September-November) is the perfect time for a cosy, moody wedding with a lot of warm golden light. Lean into the atmospheric feel of the season with the Old Royal Navy College. The hand-painted ceiling went super viral a few years ago—and we can see why! It’s a stunning spot, with its grand architecture and rich history, giving your wedding day that extra wow factor. Plus, the nearby park gives you the chance for some beautiful autumn photos with all those golden leaves around you. Temperatures top out around 20°C, making it cool enough for an intimate vibe, but not too cold that you’ll need to bundle up in heavy layers.
Winter (December-February) is crisp and chilly in the Capital, and East London is no exception. But, the frost and grey cast can make for some magnificent photos, especially if you have a river view. With temperatures of between 8°C and 10°C, it’s perfect for a cosy celebration. Consider a unique spot like the Victorian Bath House, one of London’s hidden gems. Tucked away under the bustling city, and with exclusive use for you and your guests, this venue offers a sense of intimacy that’s perfect for a winter wedding.
The beauty of East London is in its ease of transportation. Whether your guests fly, drive, or catch the tube or train, there are plenty of ways to get around.
If your guests are flying in, London Heathrow (LHR), London City Airport (LCY), or London Luton (LTN) are all great options depending on where they’re coming from. Heathrow’s the biggest, so it’s got the most international flights, and it's just an hour or so from East London by car or train. London City Airport is perfect if you’re flying in from Europe, as it’s much closer to the city and has direct connections into places like Canary Wharf and Shoreditch. Luton’s a bit further out, but with good train links to East London, it’s still a convenient choice.
Once your guests are in London, the tube is undoubtedly the easiest way to get around. The Central Line can take you straight into the heart of places like Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, while the District and Hammersmith & City Lines are perfect for hopping between areas like Whitechapel, Aldgate, and Tower Hamlets. Plus, the Oyster Card or contactless payments make travel seamless, and you’ll find trains running frequently throughout the day (and even later into the night on weekends).
If guests are driving, East London is pretty easy to navigate by car, with major roads like the A12 and A13 leading you straight into the area. However, it’s worth noting that parking can be a bit tricky in certain spots, especially around the busier neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Canary Wharf. Oh, and be sure to remind them of the congestion charge if they drive through central London—we wouldn’t want any unexpected fines spoiling the day!
If your guests need a spot to rest their head, they’re sure to find a spot in East London. Whatever their budget, there’s ample choice for every budget. Consider a spot like Hotel Novotel London Excel for a great middle-of-the-road option. Bonus—they’re also a licensed wedding venue! Alternatively, you can find a range of quirky Airbnbs, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly stays like Premier Inn and Travelodge, which have comfy, no-fuss rooms in handy locations.
