Top things to remember when choosing a quirky wedding venue with Hosted By National Museums Liverpool

Hosted By National Museums Liverpool tell us its top tips for booking a quirky wedding venue...

Choosing the perfect venue is one of the most important decisions surrounding your wedding day and plays an essential role in setting the theme for the celebrations. Head of Events at National Museums Liverpool Katie Roberts draws on eight years of industry experience to share her advice to brides and grooms looking for an extra-ordinary space to tie the knot.

“While traditional weddings will always remain a popular choice, the number of couples looking for a quirky alternative is on the rise. According to UK Wedding Statistics only 27% of couples choose a religious building to be a part of their wedding day and only 5% choose to marry in a registry office - which means unusual venues are getting their time in the spotlight.

“At National Museums Liverpool we have a total of seven venues available for receptions – one with a full wedding licence - ranging from museums to art galleries. Each promises to make a statement whether you are looking for the full works or an intimate twilight wedding breakfast! However, there are key things that every couple should bear in mind when choosing the right venue for them.

“Thinking about capacity at your wedding is often a great place to start and will help you narrow down your choice of venues – hopefully making the process of picking your dream location a lot simpler. In recent years we have seen smaller, more intimate gatherings sky rocket in popularity. Not only do smaller weddings help to keep the budget down if that's a concern but it also allows you to share your special day with a handful of your nearest and dearest friends, family and loved ones. Our smallest wedding reception venue comes in the form of Sudley House which has a capacity of 50 for a wedding breakfast.

“Those who are looking for more of a grand affair can opt for the likes of the Merseyside Maritime Museum which offers a versatile space for a wedding or civil ceremony and reception to take place under one roof, with a capacity of 180. Situated on the top floor of our Grade I listed building, it offers unrivalled views across the Royal Albert Dock and the city's historic waterfront. If that's not big enough, World Museum can hold up to 600 guests for dinner.

“Once you're set on the size of your wedding, it's time to think of what kind of celebration you want. We are seeing more demand for less traditional formats with twilight receptions and even humanist weddings proving popular amongst couples. Choosing something like this not only adds an unusual element to the event but it also offers more scope and flexibility when it comes to choosing a venue. The Lady Lever Art Gallery is the perfect location for a twilight reception for example, with a stunning main hall filled with paintings and sculptures providing a truly romantic background for wedding photographs.

“Now you've selected your venue, you can explore your catering options. Long gone are the days of bland wedding breakfasts! The dishes your guests eat on your big day should be really special and if they can tie in with the theme of your wedding, it adds another element of excitement. Whether you opt for bespoke catering suited to your own personal preferences or choose from our exciting set menus, the team of chefs at Hosted by National Museums Liverpool will work with you to ensure everything is perfect. Having catered to a wide range of weddings across our venues, they can offer anything from fine dining to relaxed street food, and everything in between.

“Last but not least, it is important to choose a location that can provide a world-class service that means that you can relax and enjoy your special day. The multi-award-winning team at Hosted by National Museums works with brides and grooms to capture their individuality and create a day to remember. But don't just take our word for it – one couple that shared their special day with us said:

“Our wedding day was exactly what we wanted it to be - filled with memories, happiness and love. We honestly believe that the Hosted by National Museums Liverpool team made an already unforgettable day even more memorable, with a personal touch and phenomenal hospitality throughout."

For more information visit, www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/weddings