Choosing your venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process. The right setting will shape the tone, style, and overall experience of your day, not just for you, but for every guest attending. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the options, don't worry. We've put together a complete guide to help you make the best choice, whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a celebration with all the trimmings.
Know Your Vision
Before you start browsing venues or booking viewings, it’s important to have a clear idea of the kind of wedding you want. Your venue should reflect your personal style, complement the atmosphere you’re hoping to create, and support the practical elements of your day.
Start by asking yourselves what sort of experience you want to offer your guests, and what will make the day feel authentic to you as a couple. Are you picturing a laid-back celebration with casual dining and live music, or something more formal with a sit-down meal and elegant décor? Perhaps you’re dreaming of a romantic outdoor ceremony, a quirky city celebration, or a weekend-long countryside escape.
Consider the mood, the season, and the type of setting you’re drawn to: industrial chic, rustic barn, coastal, garden, modern, traditional? Think also about the flow of the day. Do you want everything in one place or separate locations for the ceremony and reception? Will there be entertainment, speeches, or late-night dancing? Do you value flexibility to customise the space, or would you prefer a venue that offers a defined package?
Having a strong sense of your vision early on will help you narrow down your venue options and ensure you’re choosing a space that supports not just the logistics, but the atmosphere and personality of your big day.
Consider the Location
Location plays a huge role in the success and convenience of your wedding. Ideally, the venue should be easy for the majority of your guests to reach. This means looking at transport links such as train stations, bus routes, or major roads. Ample parking is another consideration, especially if many guests will drive.
The venue’s surroundings are equally important. Beautiful backdrops or local landmarks can provide stunning photo opportunities that add an extra special touch to your memories. For example, The Oystercatcher is nestled along the Thames in the heart of Greenwich, offering a truly unforgettable setting. Our riverside location boasts panoramic views of the capital and provides a stunning, central backdrop that’s both accessible and memorable. It’s perfect for London locals and guests travelling from afar.
Set a Realistic Budget
Establishing a realistic budget is crucial to avoid unwelcome surprises. Weddings can be expensive, but having a clear understanding of what your venue’s costs cover will help you stay on track. Remember to ask venues about hidden costs, such as hire fees, VAT, or staffing.
One of the best things about hosting your wedding at The Oystercatcher is that we don’t charge a hire fee. Instead, we work on a minimum spend basis made up entirely of food and drink from our menu, meaning everything you spend goes towards your day. The cost is inclusive of VAT, service charge, and any necessary security, so there are no nasty surprises.
Know Your Guest List
Before settling on a venue, it’s essential to have a rough idea of how many guests you plan to invite. The size of your guest list directly affects the kind of space you need.
A venue that’s too small will feel cramped and uncomfortable, while a venue that’s too large can feel empty and impersonal. Think about the layout and whether the space allows guests to move freely between dining, socialising, and dancing areas. Consider also if the venue can accommodate special needs like children’s seating or accessibility for elderly guests.
With two beautifully designed floors, plus an expansive outdoor terrace, The Oystercatcher can comfortably accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger receptions. Our upstairs offers a light-filled dining space ideal for your wedding breakfast, while the downstairs area opens directly onto the terrace, which is perfect for an alfresco drinks reception.
Visit in Person
Photos are great, but nothing compares to visiting a venue in person. You’ll get a true feel for the layout, flow, and ambience, and you’ll know instantly whether it’s “the one”.
The Oystercatcher offers 360° tours of both our upstairs and downstairs spaces online, which is a great way to get a feel before your visit. But we highly recommend popping in for a walk-through and chat with our friendly team. You’ll get a proper sense of the atmosphere, views, and how your day could come to life here.
Ask the Right Questions
When you’re touring venues or speaking with coordinators, don’t be shy about asking detailed questions. The answers can reveal a lot about what your experience will be like.
Consider asking questions such as:
- What is included in the hire cost?
- Are there restrictions on decorations, music volume, or timings?
- Can you bring your own suppliers, such as photographers, caterers, or entertainers?
- What catering options are available? Is there a tasting session?
- How is the venue staffed during the event?
- What happens if the event runs late?
- Are there contingency plans for bad weather if you want an outdoor ceremony or reception?
Clear communication now can prevent misunderstandings later and ensure the venue can meet your needs.
At The Oystercatcher, we pride ourselves on flexibility. From DJs to acoustic sets, magicians to dessert tables, we’ll help you plan it. We cater for all dietary needs (including kids’ meals), and we’ll work with you to design a menu that suits your style and your guests’ tastes.
Think About Season & Weather
Your wedding season affects many choices, and your venue should be prepared to handle the challenges and opportunities of your chosen time of year.
In warmer months, outdoor spaces can be a wonderful addition, but consider whether there’s adequate shade, shelter, or cooling options if the sun is strong. Conversely, winter weddings benefit from cosy, intimate interiors with good heating and ambient lighting.
Our venue is ideal year-round. With full-length glass doors downstairs that open onto the terrace in warmer months, and a cosy, atmospheric interior for winter weddings, The Oystercatcher offers the best of both worlds, no matter the forecast.
Consider Food & Drink Options
Food and drink are at the heart of any wedding celebration, so your venue’s catering offering is key.
Find out whether the venue provides in-house catering or allows outside caterers. Consider the menus on offer, and whether they can accommodate dietary requirements and preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or children’s meals.
At The Oystercatcher, food is our passion. Choose from elegant plated menus (Gold, Platinum or Diamond tiers), sharing platters, canapés, children’s options, or late-night snacks. For drinks, we offer a wide range of expertly mixed cocktails, wines, prosecco and champagne – and we’re happy to collaborate with you to create something bespoke for your big day
Venue Perks and Hidden Gems
Sometimes what makes a venue truly special are the extras that aren’t immediately obvious. Look for features like stunning views, interesting architectural details, outdoor terraces, or unique backdrops that make your photos stand out.
Consider also practical perks such as no hire fees, inclusive pricing, or the ability to bring your own decorations and suppliers. These can save you money and give you more control over the look and feel of your day.
With no hire fee, stunning views, dog-friendly access, and a dedicated events team, The Oystercatcher is full of hidden gems. Our venue includes all furniture, crockery, cutlery, glassware, napkins, and professional staffing. All that’s left for you to bring are your personal touches, like flowers and a wedding cake.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Always check what past couples have said. Real stories offer honest insight into how a venue performs on the big day.
We’re proud of the glowing feedback from couples who’ve celebrated with us. From exceptional service to seamless organisation and unforgettable meals, The Oystercatcher has helped countless couples create truly memorable wedding days. For example, Tara and Lee shared their experience:
“We hosted our wedding at the Oystercatcher and it was fantastic. The customer service from the front of house and the events team was nothing short of excellent. The food was delicious, everything was hot and cooked to perfection. The venue itself is so beautiful with amazing views across the river and beautiful greenery which made it so easy to dress the space. Overall we had the best experience with the Oystercatcher and would thoroughly recommend them.”
Wedding Venue Hire at The Oystercatcher
If you’re looking for Wedding Venue Hire in Greenwich, The Oystercatcher offers everything you need. Our riverside venue provides a picture-perfect setting, all-inclusive support, and the flexibility to make your day unique.
Here’s what’s included:
- No hire fee: just a minimum spend on food and drink
- All furniture, glassware, cutlery and staff included
- Two stunning spaces, plus a riverside terrace
- Bespoke food and drink menus, with dietary options
- Custom entertainment options (live music, DJs, etc.)
- Experienced event team to guide you from start to finish
We’d love to hear about your plans. Get in touch with our team today to book a tour or learn more about hosting your special day at The Oystercatcher. You can also discover more about hosting your special day with The Oystercatcher in our wedding brochure.