You’ve found your prince, now what about the palace?
A beautiful building, steeped in history, centuries of majesty and splendour – is there a better place than Kensington Palace to celebrate your marriage and the start of a new life together?
Situated within its own private gardens, The Orangery at Kensington Palace combines the atmosphere of a royal palace in the heart of London with a feeling of rural serenity. It adds a certain thrill to know you are walking in the footsteps of kings and queens; to invite your friends and family to toast your future happiness just as courtiers would have with their crystal glasses hundreds of years ago.
The graceful interior of The Orangery lends itself to wedding receptions and is available for functions throughout the year. The original Portland stone terrace situated along the south of the building may also be used for receptions and offers a fine view of both the private gardens and Kensington Gardens. The expansive lawns beyond are in the formal English style and they too may be used for receptions and dinners by special arrangement.
The feminine influence of generations of royal women has shaped this stylish palace and elegant gardens. The birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, the palace first became a royal residence for William and Mary in 1689. Mary felt ‘shut in’ at Whitehall and much preferred her new Kensington home, which was enlarged by Sir Christopher Wren.
Built for Queen Anne in 1704-5, The Orangery – the Queen called it her ‘summer supper house’ – was used for court entertainments. The delightful architecture – attributed to Nicholas Hawksmoor with modifications by Sir John Vanbrugh – recalls the elegance of Queen Anne’s England, with large windows, exquisite white panelling and Corinthian columns.
As you would expect, such a grand palace can accommodate receptions with marquees on the lawn for up to 1000 guests, or a more intimate wedding reception for up to 150 guests inside The Orangery.