The Bodleian Libraries, Oxford

Credit: Alexandra Jane Photography

The Bodleian Libraries make for a beautiful wedding venue set in the heart of Oxford and surrounded by many other iconic structures, such as the prestigious colleges, Bridge of Sighs and The Sheldonian Theatre. The Old Bodleian Library's eye-catching architecture provides an ideal scenery for any wedding photos. Charming archways lead into the Old Schools Quadrangle where you will often find intricate stonework, gargoyles and Tower of the Five Orders.

Within the Old Bodleian Library, the historical spaces provide a spectacular backdrop for any wedding. The Divinity School is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a magnificent stone carved ceiling and large arched windows. Adjoining this, Convocation House provides a chapel-style setting with a fan-vaulted ceiling and is connected to the anteroom, Chancellor's Court. Couples can you choose to tie the knot in the Convocation House with up to 100 loved ones; it's a 17th-century room, constructed as a meeting place for the university's supreme legislative body. It features a fan-vaulted ceiling, fine woodwork and fixed wooden benches. The interconnected Chancellor's Court is the University's former courtroom.The university's oldest teaching and examination room, Divinity School, host up to 150 guests and dates from the 1400s. As well as the magnificent stone carved ceiling, the huge arched windows down both sides create shafts of light which give a dramatic effect to the room.
   Post-vows, 120 seated guests or to 200 standing can celebrate here. For wedding receptions, there is also the option of enjoying your drinks reception in the Sheldonian Theatre, before retreating to the Bodleian for the dinner. Blackwell Hall is the Weston Library's splendid entrance atrium, with a colonnade overlooking Broad Street is also has a main hall area, there is also the option of hiring the Rooftop Terrace for small drinks receptions and is perfect for admiring the city's spires. Blackwell Hall can accommodate 250 seated or up to 400 standing friends and family. When tying the knot here, couples will benefit from dedicated wedding support from the day of booking to on the day; guests on the day can enjoy tours of the Bodleian Libraries and couples can make the most of Duke Humfrey's library.

Contact: 01865 287199 | https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/venue-hire/weddings
The Bodleian Libraries, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG