If you’re dreaming of a classic London wedding, can there be anything smarter than celebrating your big day in a majestic mansion in the heart of St James’? It’s not often that you get the opportunity of being the Lord and Lady of one of central London’s grandest Palladian properties (just metres away from The Mall and Buckingham Palace), but as Bride and Groom at 116 Pall Mall you’ll be entitled to exclusive use of this magnificent property for the day or entire weekend of your wedding.
Within spitting distance of all the classic central London wedding venues, the majestic 116 Pall Mall gives you the glamour and opulence of the 5 star hotels without the stuffiness that can sometimes be associated with a hotel wedding.
The triple-award winning venue is home to the entrepreneurial Institute of Directors, and was built by the famous Georgian architect, John Nash, who also designed parts of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James’ Park and Marble Arch. The interiors are adorned with an abundance of fine art and beaux art treasures and all manner of breathtaking details that really sets 116 Pall Mall in a class of its own. When I was lucky enough to visit I was particularly taken with the breathtaking exterior, truly spectacular staircase, and the elegant garden — quite a rarity for a quintessential London wedding venue.
Over the past two years the building has undergone major refurbishment masterminded by one of the most renowned interior designers in the business, Russell Sage, whose previous designs include The Hospital Club, Savoy Grill, The Balcon and The Goring Hotel. With the ability to seat up to 250 guests, or up to 200 with a dance floor, the 10 magnificent individually designed event spaces that Russell has redesigned will suit whatever style of wedding you’re after.
The place is steeped in history too — Bond writer, Ian Fleming was a regular at the bar when the building housed the United Service Club and over the years the venue has been used as the backdrop to many famous films and television series including Gandhi, Foyle’s War, The Dark Knight and Downton Abbey.