Riverside Wedding Venues in London

Industrial hideaways, island retreats, and riverside charm - these London wedding venues by the water are full of atmosphere and beautiful light..

As a London wedding photographer, I’ve found some real gems along the water - spaces with history, character, and the kind of light you want to bottle. From iconic Thames views to hidden-away waterfront corners, here are six of my favourite riverside venues in and around London.

1. Trinity Buoy Wharf

Let’s start with one of the coolest venues on the Thames.

Trinity Buoy Wharf is tucked away where the Thames meets the River Lea, and it’s got that rare combination of grit, soul, and wide-open space. It used to be a working dock (you can still feel that heritage in the bricks and rusted metal), but now it’s home to artists, installations - and one of the most unique wedding venues in East London.

The main wedding space, The Chainstore, opens right onto the water, with huge warehouse doors that flood the place with light. Inside, you’ve got industrial charm, exposed beams, and enough space to make the day completely your own. Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding Photographer

Why it’s great:

• That end-of-the-world, tucked-away feeling
• An actual lighthouse (how many London venues can say that?)
• Sunset light spilling across the water as you dance inside

2. Winchester House

This one’s a bit of a hidden treasure.

Set back from the road in leafy Putney, Winchester House feels more country house than city venue. The Georgian façade is lovely, but it’s the private lawn rolling down to the river that really seals it. It’s quiet, calm, and just feels really settled - the kind of place where nerves soften and smiles come easily.

You can get married inside or out (both options are charming), and when the weather plays nice, drinks on the lawn with the river behind you? Gorgeous. There’s something very timeless about this place. Winchester House Wedding Photographer

Why it’s great:

• The house has history without the stuffiness
• The river is right there, but it still feels completely private
• A peaceful setting that’s still really accessible for guests

3. West Reservoir Centre

OK, technically not riverside, but it’s still very much worth a spot on this list.

West Reservoir Centre is a 1930s waterworks building turned architectural venue, sitting right on the edge of a sparkling reservoir in Stoke Newington. It’s a modernist dream: exposed brick, huge windows, steel beams, and the kind of natural light that makes photographers do a little internal happy dance.

It’s stripped back, but in a really good way. There’s no need to do much to it - the building itself is the atmosphere. West Reservoir Centre Wedding Photography

Why it’s great:

• That warm, golden-hour light bouncing off the water
• A calm, clean space within an industrial setting
• One of the most unique urban ceremony settings in North London

4. London Rowing Club

London Rowing Club, right on Putney Embankment, has serious storybook charm. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying too hard. But the combination of river views, timber-clad interiors, and real London heritage makes it a dream venue for couples who want their day to feel relaxed, heartfelt, and full of little personal touches.

The best part? The upstairs balcony, which looks straight over the Thames. It’s perfect for drinks, photos, or just taking a quiet moment to soak it all in. London Rowing Club Wedding Photographer

Why it’s great:

• Rowing crews gliding by as you sip champagne
• Warm, wood-panelled interiors with a lived-in feel
• Totally unpretentious but still full of charm

5. The Oxo Tower

If you’re after something a little more polished and contemporary, The Oxo Tower could be your spot.

It’s perched on the top floor of the OXO Tower, and it comes with full-on panoramic river views, especially as the sun sets and the city lights start to twinkle. The interior is modern and neutral - white walls, huge windows, minimal fuss - so you’ve got full creative freedom to dress it up or keep it pared-back.

OXO2 is also one of those rare venues that balances cool with warmth. It’s stylish, but it’s not cold. And once the music kicks in, the city skyline makes a stunning backdrop for the party.

Why it’s great:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows with views for days
• Central London location, but it still feels personal
• A blank canvas that’s full of potential

6. Monkey Island Estate

OK, this one’s not in London - but I promise it’s worth the short drive.

Monkey Island Estate sits on a private island on the Thames near Bray, and it’s basically a real-life fairytale. To get there, you cross a footbridge or arrive by boat (yes, really), and once you’re on the island, you’re surrounded by manicured gardens, peaceful river views, and 18th-century architecture that feels like something out of a period drama.

You can take over the whole island for your wedding weekend - ceremonies by the water, dinner in a chandeliered ballroom, evening drinks under the stars. It’s equal parts elegant and secluded, and it makes everything feel just that little bit more magical. Monkey Island Estate Wedding Photographer

Why it’s great:

• That arrival moment of stepping onto your own island
• Beautiful light all day, especially down by the river
• A proper getaway without going far at all

7. Shangri La at The Shard

Shangri-La at The Shard is all about scale, light, and that unmistakable feeling of being above it all. Set high over the Thames, the floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the space in ever-changing London light, with the river and skyline stretching out beneath you. It feels modern and luxurious without tipping into cold or formal, and as the day moves into evening the atmosphere shifts beautifully, from soft daylight to glowing city lights.

What really works here is how intimate it still feels despite the height and drama. Ceremonies are calm and focused, receptions feel elevated and celebratory, and the views quietly do a lot of the storytelling for you. It’s a perfect fit for couples who want something contemporary, iconic, and deeply connected to London itself. Shangri-La at The Shard Wedding Photographer

Why it’s great:

• Unrivalled views of the Thames and London skyline
• Incredible natural light from sunrise to nightfall
• A luxury setting that still feels warm, modern, and atmospheric

8. art’otel London, Battersea

art’otel London, Battersea is a sleek, contemporary riverside venue with personality and creative flair. Its modern interiors, bold artwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer striking views over the Thames, including the iconic Battersea Power Station. The space works beautifully for both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations, with plenty of light and flexible layouts that let you make it truly your own.

Why it’s great:

• Modern, artistic interiors full of character
• Riverside location with views of the Thames and Battersea Power Station
• Flexible spaces that suit both intimate and larger celebrations

9. Trafalgar Tavern

Trafalgar Tavern is one of the most atmospheric riverside wedding venues in London, set right on the banks of the Thames in the heart of Greenwich. This historic riverside pub has all the character you’d hope for: tall sash windows, chandeliers, elegant private rooms, and views across the water that give the whole day a real sense of place. It’s especially lovely for couples who want a London wedding venue by the river, but don’t want anything too formal or polished. The light coming off the Thames is beautiful for photos, guests can enjoy drinks with the river just outside, and the whole building has that warm, lived-in charm that makes a wedding feel relaxed from the start. Trafalgar Tavern Wedding Photographer

Why it’s great:

• A historic riverside wedding venue in Greenwich
• Beautiful Thames views and lovely natural light
• Relaxed London pub atmosphere with enough elegance for a wedding