Oxford is a gem of a city. Its blush sandstone walls are built from ever-budding curiosity, lofty ambition, and romanticism… of both kinds. The city glows golden in the sunlight and inspires all who pass through it to lift their eyes and minds to eternal truths and beauties. As the poet Matthew Arnold famously penned in Thyrsis, “And that sweet city with her dreaming spires, she needs not June for beauty’s heightening.” Whatever the time of year, the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’, as it’s come to be known, might just be the place to marry your love, and to begin dreaming together. 

The city’s charms speak for themselves and, wherever you choose to tie the knot, its varied cobbled streets, stone-cut ancient walls and elegant archways could form part of your wedding photographs before and after the ceremony. That being said, there are particular beauties to be gained by choosing your venue well, and below we’ve listed our pick for the top 5 Oxford wedding venues. 

The Bodleian Library

What could play host as a wedding venue in Oxford better than the Bodleian Library itself – arguably the very pulse of this beautiful university. At the heart of the city centre, its elevated archways beckon you and your guests in to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime occasion in this historic space. Convocation House, one of the first meeting rooms for the university’s council, and which also housed King Charles II’s parliament during the English Civil War, can be hired for wedding ceremonies seating roughly 100 guests. Its dark wooden details, pew-style seating, stone vaulted ceiling, and ceremonial atmosphere creates the perfect place to exchange vows amongst loved ones. Immediately next door (and on ground level making it accessible to all), celebrate your reception in the beautifully lit Divinity School which is known as an exquisite example of late gothic style architecture. The stunning detail of this room, especially its ornate ceiling, is highlighted by the sheer amount of natural light pouring through its palatial glass windows. And not to mention, the picturesque Hertford Bridge, or “Bridge of Sighs” as it is known, is located directly across the street and makes for iconic Oxford wedding photos. 

The Perch

If you’re looking for something a little different, have your guests enjoy a 20-30 minute walk away from the city centre and through Port Meadow, a lush and vast wild-space dear to many, to the Perch, one of Oxford’s own treasures. The Perch is also accessible via a short drive up the meandering, poplar-lined Binsey Lane beloved by Gerard Manley Hopkins himself. This sprawling, generous country gastro-pub is known for being frequented by Lewis Caroll of Alice and Wonderland fame as well as C.S. Lewis, but has been a sanctuary for many dreamers and storytellers alike. Nestled just next to the River Isis (Oxford’s word for the Thames), it has space flexible enough to host both large and small weddings, and both wedding ceremonies and receptions. A marquee can be erected easily in its grounds whilst still being tucked away so that guests can enjoy its lush outdoor seating area, dotted with wooden picnic tables and shaded in part by several beautiful, old willow trees. A ceremony under the trees, perhaps? The spacious pub itself sports a classic country style with English heritage elements – low hanging ceilings in parts with dark wooden beams set against white plaster, as well as tastefully decorated newer rooms fit with natural light, greenery, and fresh pops of colour. A short walk through a romantically lit garden tunnel will lead you to fantastic photo opportunities along the Thames.

Oxford Town Hall

The City of Oxford is made up of more than just the university, and one of its grandest offerings is its own town hall. Capable of hosting weddings and receptions in smaller rooms for 40 guests all the way up to 500 guests in its largest settings, this historic building will wow you and your guests with its delicate romanticism. It’s hard to imagine a wedding venue with more fairytale-like charm than the grand hall, with its pale blue walls and white lacy, latticed trimmings, highlighting the impressive pearly gate-like organ at the front. Smaller spaces on offer include traditional rooms with classic English fireplaces and dark wooden panelling. Whichever room you choose for your wedding, photo opportunities abound in the vaulted stone corridors of the building, lined with carefully set frosted windows.

The Ashmolean Museum

If it's Oxford’s cultural richness you’re after, then nothing could compare to getting married in its oldest museum - in fact the world’s oldest museum which is still open to the public. The Ashmolean boasts various classically styled rooms which serve as options for both ceremonies and receptions, often painted in rich blues and reds. Getting married surrounded by half a million years of artefacts and treasures creates the perfect setting to create your own treasured history together. Guests can enjoy dining amongst Greek and Roman statues or romantic oil paintings. The building itself is worthy of the jewels it contains, boasting stunning chandeliers, imposing staircases, classic parquet flooring, and a Greek façade reminiscent of the acropolis itself.

Christ Church Cathedral

Last but certainly not least is the majestic splendour of, arguably, Oxford’s flagship college. Known for its grand dining hall having inspired the ‘great hall’ in Harry Potter, and its enormous stone staircase and ‘dark academic’ archways having been used in the actual filming thereof, this college would serve as the setting for nothing short of a magical wedding. The ceremony itself could be held in its spell-bounding cathedral, doubling as the City of Oxford’s cathedral, amidst breath-taking stained glass windows, impossibly high ceilings, and stone as old as the city itself. Guests could amble easily across its grandiose courtyards to a reception venue fit for kings – think traditional, old stone walls set on dark wooden flooring, lined with imposing windows and hung with portraits which tell a thousand stories, as you begin your own together. Photography opportunities are not limited to its beautiful archways and halls either, as just outside the college is the sprawling Christ Church Meadow. A 10 minute walk through its primary tree-lined avenue will take you to the Thames River itself, gently flowing on as you commemorate your special day.

So, if you are dreaming of a charming city wedding surrounded by centuries of history and prestige, look no further than Oxford. You can't go wrong with any of these beautiful Oxford wedding venues.

You want your day to be perfect and so do I! As a professional wedding photographer, I can help seamlessly blend the enchanting allure of Oxford with the magic of your special day! Be sure to contact me if you'd like to chat more.

(All photos taken by Katie Bell Photography)