*REOPENING EARLY 2019* Contact our team today to reserve your date.
The Painted Hall, created between 1708–27 by Sir James Thornhill, is often described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of the UK’. Your wedding day is a one-of-a-kind experience that deserves a venue like no other. The moment you enter the Painted Hall, you will know that you have found such a venue. Exquisite paintings by Sir James Thornhill soar to the lofty ceiling of a room that always inspires awe and wonder. Here in the “finest dining hall in Europe”, your wedding breakfast will feel warm and intimate, even in the midst of such grandeur.
Beyond the hall itself, there is a wealth of venue treasures to discover. The majestic vaulted Undercroft that sit beneath the buildings can be hired separately or in combination with the hall. This setting showcases a different side of the Old Royal Naval College, a unique ambience, no less impressive. The Victorian Skittle Alley is a remarkable period setting which you can hire in conjunction with the Queen Mary Undercroft, giving your guests a chance to try their hand at skittles, 19th century style! It also works perfectly as a calm space for any guest that wants a moment away from all the excitement.
Your guests will arrive via the beautiful Westgate entrance, just moments away from the Painted Hall. Alternatively, why not make your entrance as dramatic as your venue and arrive by boat?Amidst the majesty of the Painted Hall, the bride will make her way down the aisle, with all eyes on her, the centrepiece of Sir James Thornhill’s masterwork. Here a beautiful civil ceremony is conducted, lasting for around half an hour and leaving barely a dry eye in the hall!
Once you have said your “I do”s, guests are invited to take advantage of warm weather, with an al fresco drinks reception on the King William Colonnades. During the cooler months, guests will be welcomed to the Queen Mary Undercroft for their pre-dinner drinks. This is a wonderful opportunity to take photographs capturing the enchanting backdrops offered by the grounds at the Old Royal Naval College. Before long, guests will be called to dinner. On returning to the Painted Hall, you will find it transformed for your wedding breakfast and speeches. Here in the “finest dining hall in Europe”, your celebration will feel warm and intimate, even in such grand surroundings.
As the mood changes, your guests will appreciate a change in scenery, as they discover more of the Old Royal Naval College’s elegant spaces. Take to the Undercroft to cut the cake and dance the night away in atmospheric surroundings. Hire the Queen Mary and your guests can even try their hand at skittles in our refurbished Victorian Skittle Alley!