Your dream day
Sunday 18 October 2026, 10:30 – 15:00
This October, the Bodleian Libraries invites you and your partner to step into a world of timeless romance. Our Weddings Open Day is your chance to explore the spaces where love stories unfold – beneath our stunning carved stone ceilings and within the pages of centuries-old history. Come and imagine your dream day with us.
What to expect
Explore the venue: You’ll be guided through the Bodleian’s breath-taking rooms and hidden corners. From the golden glow of the Divinity School to the quiet intimacy of Convocation House, each dressed in styling by our wonderful suppliers.
Meet the Weddings Team: Each couple will be personally welcomed with a one-to-one tour by a member of our dedicated weddings team. We’ll walk you through the ceremony and reception spaces—sharing ideas, answering your questions, and helping you picture the day that feels right for you. We’re experienced professionals, but above all, we’re romantics at heart. We love what we do because we love love – and nothing brings us more joy than helping to shape such a meaningful moment in your story.
Meet Our Curated Suppliers: Throughout the day, you’ll meet a handpicked selection of talented local and national suppliers. From floral artists to cake makers, to Wedding Planners, musicians, stylists and caterer- each brings experience, creativity and a deep understanding of what makes a celebration feel truly personal.
Live styled setups: Walk through beautifully styled mock tablescapes, flower arrangements, cake displays, and live demonstrations. Experience the textures of silks, beautiful table décor, and soft ambient lighting that elevate the atmosphere.
Step into the heart of the library: As part of the day, you’ll have the rare opportunity to join a special guided tour with a member of our tours team and an expert in the Bodleian’s history and secrets. Our tour guide will take you into the atmospheric Duke Humfrey’s Library: a breath-taking room lined with ancient books, warm oak, and centuries of whispered stories. The tours team has a love for the building that is infectious – and they’ll help you imagine how your own story might weave into the fabric of this historic place.
Suppliers
Oxford Fine Dining
The Bodleian Libraries work in partnership with Oxford Fine Dining who have, for over 10 years, been creating and executing one-of-a kind weddings throughout Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.
Oxford Fine Dining’s dedicated Weddings and Events planner understands the importance of your wedding day and will work closely with you to ensure every detail is considered and every expectation exceeded. Their chefs use innovation and creativity tailored to you to ensure deliciously different menus on your most special occasion.
Fine Planning
“Our Fine Planning team specialise in complete planning support, production, and day management with an understated elegance encompassed by effortless luxury. Our planners boast over two decades of experience in the weddings and events industry, making our unique service a valuable addition to your planning process, providing clients with our in-depth expertise, ensuring a seamlessly planned event, and curating a celebration that is timeless.”
Fabulous Flowers
Exceptional florists who are knowledgeable and passionate about flowers and floral art.
They are renowned for high quality floral design, outstanding professionalism and a specialist team that can cater for any need.
Fabulous Flowers Weddings, located in Oxford and Abingdon, Oxfordshire, are at the forefront of luxury wedding and event flowers. Gary Cooper and Matthew Taylor lead a team of exceptional florists who are knowledgeable and passionate about flowers and floral art and are excited by new trends in art, design and fashion.
THAT Event Company
THAT Event Company are an Oxford based audio, visual and lighting events hire company, supporting weddings of all sizes.
With stock including uplighters, speech systems and dance floors, they have high quality equipment and expertise to help create your special day.
Their dedicated Team is focused on making sure your event is a complete success, technically, logistically and aesthetically.
V&H Photography
Relaxed storytelling Wedding Photography from two best friends.
Manor House Music
Manor House Music was founded in 2005 to fulfil the need for a top quality string quartet who could not only play for weddings, civil partnerships and corporate functions but could also be booked for concerts and festivals, providing a high calibre of performance for all events.
The Store
The Store is an inviting boutique hotel in the heart of the city of Oxford with 101 rooms, a destination restaurant, rooftop bar, restorative spa and plenty of spaces to discover and explore.
The Shaker Bar
Specialising in exquisitely crafted wedding cocktails and bespoke drinks experiences. Transforming your special day into an extraordinary occasion, that yourselves and your guests will remember long after the last dance
Bloom and Crumb
At Bloom & Crumb, I create modern, bespoke wedding cakes that taste as beautiful as they look. Each cake is crafted with love, care, and a touch of your story baked in.
Fiona Mac Celebrant
Fiona excels in creating a celebration that is personal, bespoke and memorable.
Why attend?
Choosing the Bodleian means choosing history, elegance, and unforgettable settings. This Open Day lets you:
Speak with our team directly, including venue management, events coordinators, and heritage specialists, to understand what’s included and how your day can be tailored.
Visualize your day in real life. Feel the spaces, seethe décor, hear the music, and see how light adorns the historic architecture in golden tones.
Confirm that trusted suppliers feel right for your style – ask questions, see their work in situ, and discuss availability.
Practical Details
Date & Time: Sunday 18 October— 10:30 to 15:00
How to Register: Secure your guided appointment via this link (space is limited).
Travel & Access: Located in the heart of Oxford, accessible by public transport or car (parking info included in registration). We’re step‑free accessible, except the guided library tours.