A venue like no other
Upon walking into the Old Schools Quadrangle, you are greeted by glittering stone walls, glorious sunlight and magnificent proportions. From the breath-taking elegance, stone-carved ceiling and dual-aspect windows of The Divinity School – to the charming carved-woodwork and fan-vaulted ceiling of Convocation House – every corner is adorned with dappled light and dazzling architecture, all located in the historic beating heart of Oxford.
Ceremony & Reception
Hire time 16:00 to 01:00
2025: £10900
2026: £11500
2027: £12200
16:00 – Start of hire time, set up begins in Divinity School & Convocation House
16:30 – Guests arrive
17:00 – Ceremony begins
17:30 – Ceremony concludes
17:30 – Drinks reception in Old Schools Quad or Proscholium begins
18:45 – Call for dinner
19:00 – Dinner service to commence
21:00 – Dinner service to conclude
21:00 – Speeches & cake
21:45 – Music to begin and bar to open
23:15 – Last orders
23:30 – Bar closes
23:45 – Music to conclude
00:00 – Guests depart
01:00 – Venue closes
Guest numbers: 120 guests (+ 10 for dancing)
Reception
Hire time 16:00 to 01:00
2025: £10900
2026: £11500
2027: £12200
16:00 – Start of hire time, set up begins
17:30 – Guests arrive
17:30 – Drinks reception in Old Schools Quad or Proscholium begins
18:45 – Call for dinner
19:00 – Dinner service to commence
21:00 – Dinner service to conclude
21:00 – Speeches & cake
21:45 – Music to begin and bar to open
23:15 – Last orders
23:30 – Bar closes
23:45 – Music to conclude
00:00 – Guests depart
01:00 – Venue closes
Guest numbers: 120 guests (+ 10 for dancing)
Ceremonies & Blessings
Ceremony in Convocation House
Hire time: 3 hours
2025: £3500
2026: £3750
2027: £4000
Ceremony in The Divinity School
Hire time: 4 hours
2025: £6000
2026: £6500
2027: £7000
We offer many different types of ceremonies at the Bodleian, and we want to find the perfect type for you depending on your budget and needs.
If you have a smaller guest list why not have a look at our small weddings package for your big day.
The Bodleian Libraries & The Sheldonian
For those planning the most magical wedding day, choose our VIP package.
Begin your special day getting wed in Convocation House, basking in its high fan-vaulted ceilings and church-style seating. Then make your way to the Sheldonian Theatre for a drinks reception in style. As the sun goes down, you will cross the Quad to the Divinity School where you can impress all your guests with the room’s elegance and grandeur during dinner. Then finish the evening dancing the night away back in the Sheldonian Theatre!
2025: £22000
2026: £24000
Hire time: 13:00 to 01:00
Capacity for ceremony: 100 guests
Capacity for reception: 120 guests (+ 10 for dancing)
About us
Located in the heart of Oxford, The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and an impressive wedding venue emitting old-world charm. This beautiful 17th-century building formed the centre of Oxford science in the late 1600s and its galleries today offer a spectacular setting for any wedding celebration. You can wow your guests with an unforgettable event set in the heart of the ‘dreaming spires.’
The Bodleian & Sustainability
Gorgeously Green
We are proud to be members of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, and champion local produce, green choices and responsible suppliers from across the region.
Continue your love story at the Bodleian Libraries…
On the hunt for your dream venue? Look no further! Drop us a line to start planning your day…
We love love and we’d love to hear from you!