The Gherkin
30, Saint Mary Axe, England, EC3A 8BF, United Kingdom
The Gherkin Weddings
A contemporary architectural masterpiece – The Gherkin London is an impressive events venue offering 360-degree views of the capital from its 40th floor. The building’s modern glass and steel design lend an ambience of serenity and sophistication. At the same time, its breathtaking views and unrivalled hospitality ensure your wedding stays etched in memory.
The Scene at The Gherkin London
With its iconic location, state-of-the-art facilities, masterful design and breathtaking views – The Gherkin’s top three floors rival many events and private dining spaces in London. In the evenings, as the city lights up around the building, your guests will be treated to beautiful views, creating incredible opportunities for wedding photography.
Weddings at The Gherkin can be tailored to suit a couple’s individual specifications. Intimate celebrations are well suited for the private dining rooms on the 38th floor. For more elaborate celebrations, levels 39 and 40 offer a more fitting ambience.
The Gherkin London Wedding Ceremonies
Surrounded by views of the Capital, The Gherkin literally offers couples that ‘top-of-the-world’ feeling as they say their vows. The 39th and 40th floors are licensed for ceremonies and can host a maximum of 140 guests.
While The Gherkin offers full-service catering and bar options, BYO catering is also permitted following approval. The spaces are flexible, which means you could style it depending on your wedding theme. Hire levels 39 and 40 (Helix & Iris Bar) exclusively for weekend events. For weekdays, Iris Bar on the 40th floor is available for hire.
The Gherkin London Wedding Receptions
Wedding receptions at the Gherkin feel particularly special owing to fantastic views of the city lighting up as the sun goes down. The venue can accommodate 260 guests in a cocktail-style reception over levels 39 & 40 with packages starting from £165 + VAT per guest.
The Iris Bar & Helix Restaurant on levels 39 and 40 can be hired exclusively for your wedding reception at The Gherkin. In addition to the outdoor views, the appeal of the 40th floor is accentuated by a glass-domed ceiling that creates the illusion of being directly under the sky. Perfect for that first dance under the stars.
For a more intimate experience with fewer guests, couples could choose from one of the five private dining rooms on the 38th level – Cirrus, Cumulus, Nimbus, Alto and Stratus. Individually, these rooms could host about 20-30 guests for a seated lunch or dinner. Alternatively, couples could group two rooms together to create one continuous space hosting 50 guests in a banquet-style event or 60 guests in a standing reception.
Speak to the in-house team for a bespoke package that aligns with your individual needs. A full day hire from 2pm until midnight starts at £21,000.
Wedding Photography Near The Gherkin London
Some of the most popular wedding photography locations near The Gherkin London are:
- St Katherine Docks
- Southbank
- Barbican Centre
- Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge
Capacity
Up to
260
Standing 
Up to
140
Dining 
Up to
140
Theatre 
Up to
70
Cabaret Wedding Venue Details
Ceremony Only
Reception Only
Facilities
In-house Catering
Dry Hire
In-house Catering & Dry Hire
Sit Down
Cocktail
Food Stations
Shared Platters
Spaces At This Venue
Levels 39+40 - Helix & Iris
Helix restaurant on Level 39 of The Gherkin is famed for its contemporary British menus and panoramic city views. When combined with Iris Bar on Level 40, together they present stunning opportunities for events like wedding receptions and seated dinners for a maximum of 260 and 140 guests respectively. Natural light floods both levels during the day lending a fresh, contemporary vibe. After sundown and as the rest of the city lights up, the space assumes a more dramatic character.
Level 40 - Iris Bar
The Iris Bar on Level 40 of The Gherkin is the ultimate cocktail bar. Count on the bar’s mixologists to whip up delicious cocktails using fresh ingredients and fine liquors as you enjoy a 360-degree view of London. The expansive bar with a domed glass ceiling can be hired exclusively for corporate events, seasonal parties, wedding receptions or even award evenings. Iris Bar can also be hired semi-exclusively for a reception-style event with 70 guests.
Level 38 - Private Event Spaces
On Level 38 are five smaller private dining rooms that can be hired individually, grouped in pairs, or even, as an entire takeover of all five depending on the size of your guest list. Named loftily after different cloud formations - Cirrus, Nimbus, Cumulus, Stratus and Alto - the rooms cater for a range of celebrations from board meetings, five-course feasts and Champagne brunches to intimate wedding dinners, Christmas dos and business breakfasts.
Helix restaurant on Level 39 of The Gherkin is famed for its contemporary British menus and panoramic city views. When combined with Iris Bar on Level 40, together they present stunning opportunities for events like wedding receptions and seated dinners for a maximum of 260 and 140 guests respectively. Natural light floods both levels during the day lending a fresh, contemporary vibe. After sundown and as the rest of the city lights up, the space assumes a more dramatic character.
Guest Capacity
Standing: 0 - 260Dining: 0 - 140
Theatre: 0 - 140
Cabaret: 0 - 70
Features
Wi-FiFlatscreen TV
Whiteboard
Flipchart
Audiovisual (AV) equipment
Conference call facilities
Natural light
Accessible venue
Dance floor
The Iris Bar on Level 40 of The Gherkin is the ultimate cocktail bar. Count on the bar’s mixologists to whip up delicious cocktails using fresh ingredients and fine liquors as you enjoy a 360-degree view of London. The expansive bar with a domed glass ceiling can be hired exclusively for corporate events, seasonal parties, wedding receptions or even award evenings. Iris Bar can also be hired semi-exclusively for a reception-style event with 70 guests.
Guest Capacity
Standing: 0 - 160Dining: 0 - 140
Theatre: 0 - 140
Cabaret: 0 - 70
Features
Wi-FiFlatscreen TV
Whiteboard
Flipchart
Audiovisual (AV) equipment
Conference call facilities
Natural light
Accessible venue
Dance floor
On Level 38 are five smaller private dining rooms that can be hired individually, grouped in pairs, or even, as an entire takeover of all five depending on the size of your guest list. Named loftily after different cloud formations - Cirrus, Nimbus, Cumulus, Stratus and Alto - the rooms cater for a range of celebrations from board meetings, five-course feasts and Champagne brunches to intimate wedding dinners, Christmas dos and business breakfasts.
Guest Capacity
Standing: 0 - 60Dining: 0 - 50
Theatre: 0 - 60
Boardroom: 0 - 30
Features
Wi-FiFlatscreen TV
Flipchart
Audiovisual (AV) equipment
Conference call facilities
Air conditioning
Natural light
Accessible venue
The Gherkin London Catering
Adding an element of ‘wow’ to every event is the onsite catering at The Gherkin. The menus are heavily inspired by modern British cuisine and feature an abundance of seasonal ingredients. The Gherkin is big on sustainability and champions responsibly-sourced local produce. Treat your tastebuds to the flavour bombs when you host your event at The Gherkin.
BYO caterer options are available with prior approval. The venue can accommodate a range of dietary requirements and also offers menu options for vegans. The site has an alcohol license but also provides a corkage option.
Highlights of Catering at The Gherkin London:
- Vegan and vegetarian options available
- Menu options include buffet-style, plated menus and grazing tables
- Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner options available
- Bar service provided by venue
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Location
Nearby Hotels
- Leonardo Royal London City
- Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
- The Ned
- Andaz London Liverpool Street
Nearby Restaurants
- Angler
- Kitty Hawk
- New Street Grill
- The Ivy City Garden
Nearby Parks
- Postman’s Park
- Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
- Altab Ali Park
- Mint Street Park
Nearby Attractions
- Tower of London
- Spitalfields Market
- Sky Garden
- Tower Bridge
Venue Testimonials
Cocktails at sunset was beautiful! The drinks were tasty, the service was outstanding and the view was spectacular.
Pamela Hicks ·
Its the most Dynamic looking building in the London’s skyline […] iconic and simple beautiful! […] stands out visually from every angle.
Yamma Asif ·
Had our Xmas party here and the staff were fabulous and accommodating from get go.
Pippa Cox ·
Frequently Asked Questions
Weddings at The Gherkin start at £165 per guest (excluding VAT) for a minimum of 75 guests.
The Gherkin London can organise small and large weddings. The private dining rooms on level 38 can accommodate between 8-50 guests in a seated capacity. Alternatively, levels 39 and 40 can be hired to host up to 260 guests for a reception-style event.
A wedding at The Gherkin can be customised to align with the couple’s needs and requests. The venue has a ceremony license, so couples could choose to plan their entire wedding day here or just book the place for an evening reception. Weddings here can be an intimate affair for 10 or a lavish party for 260 guests.
Thanks to The Gherkin’s location in the city’s financial district, there are many hotels within close proximity for guests to pick and choose from.
- Leonardo Royal London City – Room prices from £149 per night
- Four Seasons Hotel London – Room prices from £455 per night
- The Ned – Room prices from £238 per night
Street parking is available around The Gherkin. Alternatively, park at the multi-storey car parks at Tower Hill, Middlesex Street & Buckle Street.
Modern British cooking is at the heart of all the menus at The Gherkin London. The ingredients are both responsibly sourced and sustainable. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
The Gherkin is a short drive from the City of London. It can also be easily reached via tube, train or bus. Aldgate and Fenchurch Street stations are a 3-minute walk while Liverpool Street and Bank stations are within a 5-minute walk from the building.
Videos
Video Credit: The Wedding Filmmakers Ltd
Video Credit: Andrew Collin Films
Video Credit: Lincolnshire Videography
