Weddings, Civil Ceremonies and Receptions

St Edmund Hall is perfect for that ‘Oxford Experience’ for those wishing to indulge in the ambience of an Oxford college with its buildings steeped in centuries of academic history. The historic and beautiful surroundings of the Hall are complemented by the excellent cuisine on offer. We are licensed for civil ceremonies and can offer a full wedding package: ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, or just the reception. The choice is yours. A varied menu of superbly cooked and presented food is available to suit all your requirements for both the wedding breakfast and evening reception.

The Old Dining Hall

Built in 1652, the College’s Old Dining Hall is maintained in its original condition with minstrels’ gallery and portraits of former Principals gazing down. It can accommodate an intimate seated dinner for up to 45 people.

This room is licensed for civil ceremonies and makes an ideal setting for the smaller ceremony (up to 60 people).

Old Dining Hall commercial setup in 2023
A wedding in the St Edmund Hall Chapel, photo by Alexis Jaworski
Photo by Alexis Jaworski - www.alexisjaworski.com

The College Chapel

Dating back to the late seventeenth-century, the College Chapel can accommodate around 65 guests for a wedding service. You do not need to be a member of the College to marry here, and our Chaplain will guide you through the legal requirements. The Chaplain is happy to conduct weddings when he is available, or you are welcome to arrange your own minister.

Read more about the Chapel

Wolfson Hall

Our main College dining room, the Wolfson Hall, is a much larger option. We can offer dining facilities for up to 220 people. The flexible arrangement of this room means it is ideal for music, dancing, drinks receptions and buffets. This room is also licensed for civil wedding & partnership ceremonies.

After the ceremony and main reception we are able to offer an evening reception with full bar facilities, music and dancing until midnight on Friday and Saturday (11pm on Sunday to Thursday).

A wedding reception in the Wolfson Hall - photo by Tom Calton
Photo by Tom Calton Wedding Photo & Film - www.tomcaltonweddings.co.uk

Accommodation and Menus

We can offer overnight accommodation for you and your guests in the variety of rooms that the College can provide.

The College has a wide choice of menus. We also have a good selection of fine wines and the Cellarer is available to give advice on the best wines to complement your selected menu. The Hall is licensed for the sale of alcohol and drinks can be available in a location of your choice.

Lunch being served in the Old Dining Hall

Planning your day

We can give assistance on all aspects of your special day, from flowers to entertainment and would be happy to suggest local suppliers to discuss your needs.

Planning the perfect day takes a lot of time and thought. The Conference Office and Bursary staff will be pleased to help and advise on all aspects of the day. We pride ourselves in being flexible and adaptable to your wishes.

For a full wedding brochure with menus and prices, please contact susan.mccarthy@seh.ox.ac.uk.

Photographs

To capture the essence of your day, photographs may be taken in the Front Quadrangle, Broadbent Garden or other areas of the College, which provide an ideal setting. Many of the wonderful wedding shots on this site were taken by Neil Hanson Photography, John Cairns Photography, Alexis Jaworski, and www.immage.co.uk.

A wedding party group photo in the Front Quad - photo by www.immage.co.uk
Exchanging vows in the Old Dining Hall - photo by www.immage.co.uk
The Old Dining Hall - photo by Neil Hanson, www.nordicpics.co.uk
The Wolfson Hall - photo by Neil Hanson, www.nordicpics.co.uk
The College's Front Quad, looking towards the Old Dining Hall - photo by www.alexisjaworski.com
A wedding breakfast in the Broadbent Garden - photo by www.johncairns.co.uk
Newlyweds in the College Chapel - photo by www.alexisjaworski.com
Wedding guests in front of the College Chapel - photo by www.alexisjaworski.com
The Broadbent Garden - photo by www.alexisjaworski.com
Newlyweds in the College churchyard - photo by www.nordicpics.co.uk
Photo taken by David fisher Studios

Legal Formalities

All couples must contact the Oxfordshire Registration Service. Please note that your marriage cannot go ahead unless the formalities have been completed.