Wedding Venue Visit: Fulham Palace

Deciding on a wedding venue has been quite an extensive search for the two of us. Unlike if we were to get married in Washington D.C. or Florida where we are familiar with so many venues,  everything here in London is new to us! There are so many amazing venues that are overflowing with charm and history that it has become a fun but overwhelming process. I am the type of person that I feel like by looking at their website and browsing photographers sites from past weddings, I can quickly tell if the venue is for us or not. Castles, old manors, converted churches, beautiful gardens, the options are amazing here in England. Having all of our guests come over to London makes us both want a really fantastic place. We love the idea of the country home, but we have become to realize that it may not be convenient for our guests. When we were introduced to Fulham Palace, we thought it may be the best of both worlds.

Fulham Palace was the home of the Bishop of London since 700, correct, 700 not, 1700 or 1970, craziness! The venue is located across the bridge on the Thames, close by to Chelsea and Kensignton. As you enter the venue there is an adorable pink house on the left {hello! A sign for me!} as the gate keepers home. You continue walking down a long drive {this would be a fantastic guest entrance} and then you enter through the courtyard that is overflowing with lavender for what could be used as cocktail hour.

We have visited Fulham Palace twice now, the first being a beautiful sunny day and the second being a gloomy rainy day. We have seen the best of both weather settings. During the Summer time when the lavender is in bloom, and hopefully, fingers crossed, the sun is shining, I imagine the courtyard overflowing with candles and lavender for a beautiful cocktail reception. 

The on site chapel has drawn me to this location because it is absolutely perfect for our size wedding. We are looking into having 100 guests at our wedding and we could hold a blessing in the chapel. 

Isn't this chapel precious! 

Guests could exit the ceremony to the beautiful lawn area for Pimm's cocktails and passed canapes while playing a little croquet? How much of a British Summer wedding would that be! 

I love the option at the palace that there is an existing marquee {yes, in the States we refer to as a boring old...tent}. The Marquee is set up in the garden and is not an additional to fee to hire. With strings of bistro lighting and beautiful flowers and linens, oh the reception could be so pretty. It helps that the garden itself has blooming hydrangeas all Summer long. 

There are a two more spaces in the building where guests could move in for dancing; the grand hall and library, I love that it has options and isn't so cookie cutter. Bovingdon's is the exclusive caterer at the venue, some people do not love the idea of an exclusive caterer, however, having worked as one site in DC for years, it has its perks of really knowing the venue and how it works. Julie is the Director for the venue and she has been a pleasure to connect with, as I imagine if we move ahead she would be throughout. 

So what do you think so far at our options? Beau and I have one more location to look at this evening and then we are hoping to really make some decisions. Once we have the venue selected, it will all fall into place and we can start planning all of the fun details! Hello glitter! Hello flowers! 

See a couple other venue sites here and here. 

{most images taken on my iPhone. Other images from HERE and HERE}