After a bit of a break, we would like to welcome you back to the Bodleian Wedding Blog! What an excellent opportunity to remind you why the Bodleian Library is the perfect wedding location. The Divinity School and Convocation House are the ideal settings for a beautiful wedding steeped in Oxford charm. Nestled in central Oxford, these venues are within walking distances to both hotels and transport as well as being amongst the dreaming spires.
The Divinity School is the beating heart of the University of Oxford. As the oldest purpose-built room for teaching at the University, this medieval room is a blank canvas to create your perfect wedding. Our grand windows let in plenty of natural light during the day and as the sun sets, up-lighters can be used for an enchanting atmosphere into the night. We can seat up to 150 people for a ceremony, with 120 for a fantastic Wedding Breakfast and then an extra 30 for dancing!
Otherwise, the rich chestnut interior of the Convocation House creates a stunning contrast for your bridal gown. In this elegant space we can comfortably seat up to 100 people. With the Convocation House benches dating from the 1600s, your guests will be able to feel the history on your historic day. Originally, the Convocation House was a debating chamber, and this creates a dramatic aisle for you to walk down.
With both rooms licensed for legal weddings, we are experienced in hosting all kinds of ceremonies – from religious to secular as well as celebrant-led. Whilst Saturdays are by far the most popular (and most requested!) day, we hold weddings on Sundays and throughout the week too. More and more we see couples wanting to have their ceremony and reception at the same venue, the good news is that we can do this at the Bodleian too!
Our hire time begins at 16:00, perfect for a ceremony at 17:00 in Convocation House. Once you have said your “I dos” this is followed by a private drinks reception in the Old Schools Quadrangle. Whilst you sip on some bubbly, we prepare the Divinity School for the Wedding Breakfast to begin at 18:30. Then the room is yours for speeches, cake, music, and of course – dancing until just before midnight, and like Cinderella, you and your party will need to depart so we can begin to close down the Bodleian.
We understand that picking the perfect wedding venue is an exciting, but possibly overwhelming experience. At the Bodleian Libraries, we have a committed and experienced team of Wedding specialists ready to answer all your questions about the Bodleian. Our team is Kate, Rachael, and brand new is Scarlett who joined in September!
If you’re interested in seeing our fantastic spaces in person, please do not hesitate to contact us – we love showing couples round the venue! At your show around we will also talk through our wedding packages and answer all your questions. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today about your big day at the Bodleian.