Although there’s no denying the beauty of a rustic barn or the grandeur of a stately home, finding the right wedding venue to fulfil your needs and expectations can require significant research. You may be looking for a more unique venue that suits your personality as a couple or something with the wow-factor to make your wedding a truly memorable occasion. In which case Keble is the ideal location.
Unique Wedding Venue
Keble College provides a unique and beautiful setting making it the perfect complement to a ceremony held elsewhere in Oxford. Founded in 1870, it’s one of the biggest colleges at the University of Oxford and one of the City’s most interesting historical landmarks.
Couples looking for individuality and character will appreciate the College’s beautiful grounds and stunning Victorian architecture. Keble’s striking red, polychromatic brickwork also provides the perfect backdrop to your celebration, making for picturesque and distinctive wedding photos.
Guests can marvel at the magnificent neo-gothic, Grade 1 listed buildings complemented by the tranquil Quads and discover hidden gems around the grounds, including the stunning Chapel, one of the most distinctive buildings in Oxford. The College is striking from the outside and charming on the inside, so you’ll hardly need to decorate as the venue itself bursts with character.
Keble’s Quads are kept to immaculate standards boasting pristine, striped lawns that make for an incredible outdoor setting. The spacious Liddon Quad is an ideal place for receptions with room for a marquee and breath-taking views of the grounds. Guests can enjoy canapes and a glass of bubbly alongside lawn games before moving into the spectacular Dining Hall for the wedding breakfast.
Availability
Availability is the most important factor when choosing a wedding venue. Whatever your requirements, Keble’s expert events team will do their best to accommodate you. The whole of the College can be hired exclusively for your reception and wedding breakfast. Keble can cater for up to several days hire so that you and your guests can continue the celebrations whilst exploring the College and wider areas of Oxford.
While Keble only hosts a few celebrations per year to keep events special as well as unique, the College can provide a range of suitable dates during Easter time or over the summer break.
Accommodating small and large weddings
Keble offers a wide range of facilities from stunning outdoor spaces, an awe-inspiring Dining Hall, modern and stylish bar, and several communal areas for socialising. A truly versatile venue, the College can accommodate smaller weddings or larger events up to several hundred guests. Keble’s sizeable Dining Hall is the longest in Oxford, seating up to 300 guests, making it the perfect space for big wedding bashes, whilst the Private Dining Rooms offer the ideal setting for more intimate celebrations. The College can also provide overnight accommodation for several hundred guests.
Catering
Keble’s iconic Dining Hall is fabulously gothic in style. Featuring a substantial banqueting space with awe-inspiring stained-glass windows, long tables and high ceilings, it’s certain to impress your guests.
With far-reaching walls adorned with oil portraits, high table and original stone fireplace, it’s no surprise that the hall is rumoured to be the inspiration for the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films. A guaranteed talking point, it’s an atmospheric setting that will transform your wedding day.
Your delicious wedding breakfast can be served in the luxurious Dining Hall or one of our romantic private Dining Rooms. Alternatively, Keble can serve you and your guests in a bespoke marquee on one of its iconic lawns, providing ample opportunity for distinctive photos.
Keble’s fantastic catering team have over 50 years of event catering experience and pride themselves on their high standards and the quality of their dishes. Understanding that every wedding is unique, menus are tailor-made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes. The College can cater for a variety of tastes, allergies and preferences, and Keble’s experienced chefs will work closely with you to create the perfect menu for your day.
Keble’s knowledgeable stewards can also recommend accompanying beverages from a wide variety of wines available or offer couples the chance to bring their own selection, subject to corkage. You can even celebrate with Keble’s own brand of Champagne – the perfect way to toast your event!
Budget Friendly
There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a venue, only to find that the costs aren’t viable. Keble College provides affordable packages that won’t break the bank. As part of the booking, you can have exclusive hire of the venue and B&B accommodation for the duration of your wedding. A standard package at Keble includes drinks reception in one of the beautiful Quads, wedding breakfast and reception in the breath-taking Dining Hall, party drinks in the bar and access to the grounds for incredible photo opportunities. A marquee can also be erected outside at additional cost to enhance your drinks reception and/or post celebration dancing.
Whatever your plans for your special day, Keble’s friendly events team will do their best to suit your pocket. Packages can be tailored to add special touches or broken-down into specific parts, making the budget one less thing to worry about.
Accommodation and Location
Keble College boasts a fantastic location within the heart of Oxford. It provides easy access for guests travelling via bus, train or car, though the Park & Ride hubs offer the most convenient access. With over 400 comfortable single, double and twin ensuite bedrooms, accommodation includes tea and coffee making facilities, free WIFI, and a generous selection of toiletries. Just 5 minutes’ walk from the City centre, guests can easily explore the main attractions of Oxford on foot or bike.
Guests will also benefit from the courteous and efficient Lodge staff on hand to make sure your stay runs as smoothly as possible. Overnight stays include a delicious breakfast, served in the Dining Hall, allowing you to meet the next morning and recount your special day with friends and family.
Keble College boasts high ratings on TripAdvisor due to its fantastic location, unique setting and exceptional service. The dedicated Events Team have years of experience and are on hand to ensure that your wedding exceeds all expectations. Their knowledge and experience will ensure your special day runs like a dream, giving you the confidence to enjoy the occasion, knowing that everything is taken care of.
If you’re looking for a truly unique venue for your wedding and an unforgettable stay, click here and a friendly team member will be in touch shortly.