As a magnificent Grade I listed building, our venue offers an unparalleled wedding experience, combining the opulence of the past with modern sophistication. Immerse your guests in half-a-million years of history, art and culture, where fascinating exhibits and stunning architecture provide captivating talking points for your guests, and blend seamlessly with the refined elegance of your celebration. All our galleries are licenced to hold daytime or evening ceremonies and when the Museum closes in the evening, host your very own private night at the museum. Live out your own Bridgerton fantasy and incorporate our collections into your day by serenading your Ceremony with the sounds of our elegant walnut Kirckman harpsichord. After the formalities, our carefully selected culinary partners will delight your tastebuds with a bespoke menu of delicious food, perfectly complementing the grandeur of your surroundings. Descend into our underground Vaults to dance the night away, or retreat to our contemporary Rooftop restaurant, a striking contrast to the historic opulence of the galleries below. On the Rooftop you and your guests can unwind on the outdoor terrace, where you'll be treated to breath-taking views of Oxford's dreaming spires - an ideal backdrop for unforgettable memories. Whether you dream of a historic Ceremony, a stylish Reception or an unforgettable celebration, our venue offers the perfect blend of heritage and modernity. Make your wedding day as unique and beautiful as your love story.

Personal Message from the Manager

Name of Wedding Contact: Asia Yaqub

My name is Asia and I look after Weddings at the Ashmolean Museum. I absolutely love seeing our beautiful galleries come to life during Weddings. There is something incredibly magical and enchanting about getting married in such a unique venue. Which is why the Events Team and I are passionate about delivering all aspects of your dream wedding and ensuring you feel relaxed and able to enjoy your day, knowing all the finer details are being taken care of by the team.

Experience

Year Business Was Established

1683

No. of Weddings Hosted

More than 50

Public Liability Insurance

Yes

No. of People In Team

Overview of The Ashmolean Museum

Wedding Venue Type

Museum / Attraction

Wedding Venue Capacity

Dining Capacity

152

Reception Capacity

900

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Church Within Walking Distance

Sound System Available

Wedding Licence

Dancefloor Available

Confetti Permitted

Wedding Venue Details

City View

Grade I/II Listed Building

Exclusive Use

Disabled Access

Outdoor Reception Space

In-House Wedding Coordinator

Wedding Catering

Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol

In-House Wine List

In-house Catering

Halal Catering

Alcohol Licence

Kosher Catering

Asian Catering

Cultural Specialists

Other

Jewish Wedding Specialist

Asian Wedding Specialist

Pricing for The Ashmolean Museum

Wedding Venue Hire Only

£2,250 - £9,000

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What's Included?

Furniture included

Exclusive use

Wedding coordinator available on the day

Choice of preferred caterers

Private room(s) included (non-exclusive use)

Multiple course wedding breakfast

All packages include a dedicated Wedding Manager from your first enquiry, and a dedicated Operations Manager with Events Assistants on the day. CEREMONY & RECEPTION (from £8,130) Have your guests welcomed into the Museum via our iconic neo-classical forecourt and up the Grand Staircase to one of our beautiful galleries for your ceremony. Following the formalities your guests can enjoy the Atrium, the contemporary heart of the museum, before heading to the grand Sculpture Gallery for a sumptuous Wedding breakfast. While the night is still young, descend to our underground Vaults to party the night away. CEREMONIES & BLESSINGS ONLY (from £2,250) For couples seeking a ceremony surrounded by the Ashmolean’s world renowned collection, we have a number of galleries you can start the next step of your story in. The largest, our European Art Gallery, is a wonderfully romantic setting for up to 90 guests. For smaller, more intimate ceremonies and blessings from 15 to 35 people, the pre-Raphaelite Gallery, 19th Century Art Gallery and Cast Gallery allow you to exchange vows in truly one of a kind spaces. GALLERY RECEPTION ONLY (from £7,260) For couples who are just looking to celebrate at the Museum. On arrival, enjoy the Atrium, the contemporary heart of the museum, before heading to the grand Sculpture Gallery for a sumptuous Wedding breakfast. The night will still be young at this point and so we’ll lead your guests to the party in the Vaults – an atmospheric and informal setting to end the evening with dancing and live bands. ROOFTOP TERRACE & DINING ROOM - CEREMONIES AND/OR RECEPTION (from £3,480) Celebrate your story on our Rooftop - a quiet oasis hidden high above the busy city centre. This light and airy dining room is bathed in natural light by day and adorned in glistening city lights by night.

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In-house Catering (price per head)

£90 - £155

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Reviews for The Ashmolean Museum
(26)

Alex

Happy couple married in October

December 2024

Outstanding venue and service

We couldn't be happier about having our wedding at the Ashmolean Museum. It's a beautiful venue and very unusual (our guests loved it!) The staff were fantastic before, during and afterwards. We were able to customise the event to suit us, but always felt supported in the advice from the event team. The venue itself is good value for money. Worth noting that you are restricted in your caterers, who aren't cheap, but are good.

James and Alex

Happy couple married in September

September 2023

Asia and the team were absolutely fantastic - and what a great venue!

We were so pleased to be able to have our wedding at this venue - it was truly unique and our guests absolutely loved it. Asia and the team were outstanding in the run up to the wedding - a really personal service with great comms - she gave us confidence that everything was going to go as planned, and it did. On the day the events team ran like clockwork and carried the event along seamlessly. Will definitely recommend to others.

Matthew Pattimore Photography

Wedding: January

January 2023

'I absolutely love this place'

I absolutely love this place. If you love beautiful art, incredible architecture and an amazing photo op around every corner, this is the place for you.

Emily & Andrew

Happy couple married in June

January 2023

'Beautiful, special and unique'

The Ashmolean is an absolutely beautiful, special and unique place for a wedding. We had such a great experience and the staff were so attentive and kind throughout the process. Overall we are certain our wedding day was all the more special for us, memorable for the guests, and will be an interesting story for us to tell throughout our lives because we got married in the Ashmolean.

Kirsten & Ben

Happy couple married in September

January 2023

'Took the stress out of planning our big day'

Our wedding at the Ashmolean was truly spectacular - the museum provided an exquisite backdrop to our ceremony and celebrations. All our guests commented on how exciting it felt to be in the museum after-hours. The sculpture gallery made a striking setting for our meal, and the European Art Gallery was just beautiful. We couldn’t recommend the Ashmolean staff highly enough, and they completely took the stress out of planning our big day.

Sophie & Luke

Happy couple married in August

January 2023

'A dream come true for us'

Our wedding at the Ashmolean was absolutely perfect. It was everything we had dreamed it would be, and more. If we were to describe our special day in three words it would be: unique, whimsical and breathtaking. We would absolutely recommend the Ashmolean for anyone looking for a classic wedding with a little bit of mystic magic and a unique touch on class and elegance. It completely lived up to being a dream come true for us on our special day.

Bryony & George

Happy couple married in August

January 2023

'Nothing was ever too much to ask'

I would recommend the Ashmolean for a wedding to anyone, it truly is a stunning backdrop for such a special occasion. It was just what we wanted and all our guests were so impressed! Asia was absolutely amazing from start to finish and nothing was ever too much to ask. All the attention to detail was so on point. The room was set up perfectly and all staff on site were so kind and attentive.

Vicky & Simon

Happy couple married in September

January 2023

'Amazing venue, wonderful staff & fantastic food!'

Our wedding reception at the Ashmolean was incredible - the most amazing venue, wonderful staff and fantastic food! Many of our guests have said that it was by far the best setting for a reception they have ever experienced and we would agree - so many different spaces to use, surrounded by history yet also elegant and modern. Asia and her team were faultless in their delivery on the evening and their professionalism, kindness and attention to detail were so appreciated.

Abi & John

Happy couple married in September

January 2023

'Magical, exciting and special'

Our wedding day at the Ashmolean was magical, exciting and special. The Ashmolean staff were wonderful. Most of my nerves evaporated as soon as I arrived as the staff put me immediately at ease and I was able to relax and enjoy the experience. It was so well organised and everything flowed perfectly! I would highly recommend The Ashmolean Museum for weddings. It is such an iconic venue which requires no extra effort to decorate as it is beautiful inside and out.

Amelia & Jack

Happy couple married in August

January 2023

'Everything we hoped it would be'

Our wedding day at the Ashmolean was everything we hoped it would be. The venue was beautiful, of course, and the staff on the day made sure everything was seamless and ran smoothly. The attention to detail was superb, and having so many members of staff there on the day made us feel reassured, and we felt that everyone really cared about our day being a success. It was a perfect day, and we would highly recommend the Ashmolean as a memorable and special venue for a wedding.

Location & Contact Details for The Ashmolean Museum

Website

Phone

Wedding Venue Address

Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2PH, England, United Kingdom

Nearest Town

Oxford

Nearest Motorway & Junction

M40 J8A

Nearest Train Station

Oxford

Nearest Airport

Heathrow

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Ashmolean Museum Wedding Open Evening

11th January 2025

Ashmolean Wedding Open Evenings: Saturday 11th and Saturday 18th January from 17:30 Experience the beauty of our venue, meet fantastic recommended suppliers, and sample delicious complimentary treats

Ashmolean Museum Wedding Showcase

18th January 2025

Ashmolean Wedding Open Evenings: Saturday 11th and Saturday 18th January from 17:30 Experience the beauty of our venue, meet fantastic recommended suppliers, and sample delicious complimentary treats

Gallery

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FAQs

Find out a bit more from our FAQs

What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Inject your personality into your day! This day is all about celebrating your love story with your nearest and dearest, so make it memorable by making it unapologetically YOU.

What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?

Using wedding favours to gift each guest a personalised book recommendation.

Describe The Ashmolean Museum in 5 adjectives

Unique, historical, opulent, dramatic, memorable.

Where’s the best photo spot at The Ashmolean Museum?

Our European Art Gallery. This spacious gallery evokes the richness of a historic art collection in an Italian palace or English country house where marble and bronze sculptures, fine furniture, Old Master paintings and imposing portraits are displayed in this stately reception room. A staircase leads down to the gallery, perfect for making your grand entrance.

What’s your favourite canapé?

Our exclusive catering partners create food with passion. Their ingredients are sustainably sourced and showcase the best seasonal produce, beautifully designed and provides an extraordinary culinary experience to inspire you and your guests. Two of our most popular items are the Blue cheese mousse with Cotswold crunch digestive & quince, or the Peppered beef carpaccio with truffle purée.

What is The Ashmolean Museum most unique feature?

Not many venues can say they are home to half-a-million year's worth of history - the Ashmolean has been telling stories since 1683, and it really is such a unique talking point for your guests to be able to explore our historic galleries during your Reception.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

We pride ourselves on ensuring every wedding is as individual as the couple that book with us, and want to bring your dream wedding to life.

Press & Awards

All our awards & press mentions

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