Although Raccoon now operates internationally, supplying photography and videography teams around the world, London will always be our home and have our heart. Shooting events in London is never dull as the city boasts some of the most extraordinary and unique event venues and backdrops in the world. We have the privilege to have photographed events from the intimate in some of the city’s most luxurious private homes through to spectacular balls in settings catering for hundreds or thousands of guests.
This list could run to hundreds but we’ve chosen to focus on a range of neighbourhoods and settings to give you an idea of the wide range of venues and spots across London and to get your imagination and creativity soaring for your next occasion and will continue to roll out our favourite venues over the course of the year.
What makes for an unusual event venue?
You may be asking what it is that categorises a venue as unusual. There are so many factors that would put a location into the unique or wow category. The venues that we have selected for this list are venues that may not be immediately obvious in terms of the most architecturally outstanding (although this is definitely a factor), it could also be it’s historical significance, it’s exclusivity or typical restricted access, or it could be the uniqueness of having a party in a venue that usually has a very different function. Or it could be it’s ethos or the role it plays within the community. Or it could be it’s catering facilities or connection to a world class chef. There are so many reasons why one could consider a venue to be unusual and you will probably be led by the reason for your event, audience or company background in your decision.
It often pays to be working with an event planner who will typically have more access and negotiation skills or an existing relationship with a venue and they will be able to guide your ambitions in terms of what is possible in some of the more distinguished venues and what restrictions you may have to work around.
Thinking about the seasons
When is your event taking place? Do you need to be concerned about wet weather contingency? Do you want to ensure you can make the most of the venue terraces, outdoor spaces or gardens? Or is your party taking place during the winter and you know that you need to provide a warm and cosy environment. Or perhaps you have a series of talks, screenings and events that require a fully enclosed space with no natural light?
How to add to the venue’s existing wow factor
By working with the on-site venue planner or bringing in your own event event planner you can work with the existing attributes that you chosen venue has and make the most of a blank space - or alternatively choose a venue that requires little adding to it. You can do a lot to change the atmosphere of a place by bringing in a theme for your event and letting that play out through floral arrangements, set dressing and lighting. You can also use the theme or venue to inspire unusual catering or cocktail ideas or the presentation of that catering or the staff themselves.
So here you go… our first 5 selection. We’d love to hear about your recommendations too!
1. The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe
This world renowned building is one of the most iconic in London. From the top floors you have 360 degree views of the London skyline and arguably London’s most spectacular sunsets. With floor to ceiling windows, the event spaces on the 39th and 40th floors are extremely versatile with options for flexible spaces for more intimate corporate meetings or private lunches through to exclusive use of the Helix Restaurant and upper Iris bar with it’s glass domed roof. With top end catering and event teams The Gherkin has a deserved reputation as one of the most impressive settings for any event or celebration.
For more information about booking this dramatic space for your event visit their website here.
2. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
This really is a spectacular space for any event or wedding and it feels like a rare privilege to have access to such a prestigious space. Not only is it home to the best of British opera and ballet but this historic building offers a beautiful backdrop for any occasion and despite being in the centre of the busy streets of London you feel like you are stepping out of time. Whilst they offer a number of different event spaces, our favourite is the main stage which allows for a drinks reception in the orchestra pit followed by a meal on the stage to offer you a unique perspective for your guest’s experience.
For more information about booking this unusual venue for your event visit their website here.
3. Natural History Museum
Appeal to your inner child and book one of the most recognisable London landmarks in the world. The challenges of turning round this venue between closing time and the moment your guests walk through the door has not put off some of London’s finest event planners. This venue regularly hosts epic seated banquets, weddings and balls under the skeleton of the main exhibit, a blue whale. The experienced lighting team at the venue can assist to totally transform this space into a dramatic evening setting. Not only will you be offering your guests a once in a lifetime experience, you. will be supporting the next generation of scientists by supporting the museum.
Get in touch with this incredible venue through their website here.
4. The Asylum, Peckham
A relatively new additional to the events scene, this gem of a space has survived the blitz bombings leaving this deconsecrated grade 2 listed chapel intact only in so far as four walls, a roof and some pretty stained glass. If you are looking for a hidden and authentic space that requires little dressing given it’s natural charm then this will wow any guest. Don’t expect too much luxury though - this venue is very much back to basics. It’s most common use these days is for civil ceremonies as it offers such a beautiful backdrop for photographs so we are a big fan.
You can get in touch with the team at Maverick Projects here.
5. Tower of London
If you are a true Londoner there are probably numerous iconic London landmarks which you’ve never had the opportunity to explore. The Tower of London is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions and is now available to take over for private tours and exclusive usage to create a remarkable atmosphere and experience within walls which have seen nearly 1,000 years of siege, ceremony, triumph, blood and tears. This is another venue that offers great versatility in it’s spaces on offer to cater for an event of any size.
Get in touch with the team at at HRP here.
Once you chosen your venue, don’t forget to book your event photographer with us at info@raccoonlondon.com to ensure that every aspect of you event is captured just as you remembered it.
Tell us about your favourite venues in London
We’d love to hear from you with your suggestions for your favourite London venues - leave your suggestions in the comments below so we can add to our next post about unusual event venues in London.
