Ashmolean Museum

The feel

Founded in 1683 the Ashmolean is the oldest public Museum in the world. The Ashmolean is a Grade 1 listed building with an impressive exterior made up of a majestic forecourt and a neo-classical façade, including stone pillars and a portico, which can be uplit in the evenings. These breathtaking features, together with the Museum’s original doors, create an entrance to remember.

Displaying half a million years of art and history, the spaces can be hired exclusively to provide a stunning backdrop for weddings and celebrations. The grand staircase and its stunning gilded chandelier lead into the Italian Renaissance and European Art Galleries for the ceremony or drinks reception. Reminiscent of an English country house, these galleries are filled with Old Master paintings and marble sculpture. The couple also has access to their own private entrance. The contemporary Atrium features a soaring staircase, which creates a dramatic stage for speeches. The couple and guests can then dine amongst Greek and Roman statues before dancing until late or relaxing in the Museum’s Vaulted Café.  

Set amongst the cityscape of Oxford’s dreaming spires, the Ashmolean is a magnificent venue in the heart of Britain’s cultural heritage. Its city centre location make it a landmark of the City. Its proximity to convenient transport routes and with five star and boutique hotels within walking distance make it the ideal venue for weddings, civil partnership or celebration.

All our galleries are licenced which means we can offer exclusive, intimate ceremonies with any backdrop, through to impressive evening receptions, dinners and dances combined with outstanding hospitality and entertainment. For guest numbers of up to 100 we suggest the European Art Gallery for the ceremony. This gallery is also available for exclusive ceremonies in the daytime whilst the Museum is open. The gallery is reminiscent of an opulent English country house with red silk-lined walls, crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and displaying Old Master paintings, marble sculpture. It also has an original 17^th-century harpsichord which can be played.

The contemporary Atrium is a popular choice for drinks and canapés receptions – typical guests numbers are 150 but it’s adjoining galleries and four floors can be opened up to accommodate as many as 900 guests.

The couple and guests can then dine amongst classical statues in the Greek and Roman Sculpture Gallery with maximum guest numbers of 150 before dancing until late or relaxing in the Museum’s Vaulted Café, inviting additional guests if the couple wish, to a maximum of 270.

The Ashmolean is a rich treasure house and has been inspiring minds since 1683. Grand, sweeping staircases, opulent reception rooms, architectural alcoves, cabinets filled with fine porcelain and priceless paintings offer a wealth of unique opportunities for engagement, pre-wedding and couples’ photoshoots and videography.

We pride ourselves in making sure that couple and their guests have an unforgettable time creating memories that last a lifetime. We understand that planning the perfect day needs an expert hand which is why we offer a dedicated wedding planner who will support the couple with every step of the way and be there on the day to ensure everything goes to plan.

We can offer expert guides and access to special exhibitions should the couple wish to add something different for their guests on the day or for the duration of their wedding festivities.

Over the years, the Ashmolean has developed a network of handpicked and trusted suppliers who feel the same way as we do about weddings. We work with outstanding florists, photographers, lighting, music and entertainment creatives and professionals who understand our couples’ ideas and our spaces and who strive to make every occasion even more special than the last.

We offer all couples a complimentary anniversary dinner with fizz in the Ashmolean’s Rooftop Restaurant. We also offer couples who book their evening reception a complimentary tasting with our exclusive caterer as well as a case of Champagne delivered to their door after their special day.