St Johns House

The feel

St. John’s House is a stunning Grade-one listed building that has been at the very centre of Hampshire Society for hundreds of years. Situated right in the heart of Winchester, our beautiful Assembly Room boasts unique 18th Century decor. Complete with original stucco plasterwork and stunning chandeliers, the room exudes regency elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for wedding receptions of all varieties and sizes.

St. John’s house has a colourful and vibrant history, with the building being used a function venue, hospital, cinema and even a prison during its lifetime! It has been visited by legendary figures throughout its lifetime, including famous musicians Niccolo Paganini and Franz Liszt. It is also said that Jane Austen once danced here!

As a smaller venue, we have a small friendly staff team, dedicated to ensuring your big day is a great success. We want planning for your special day be as stress-free as possible, so we will help you arrange additional services if required. We offer equipment hire and we will help find external hire for other items, including dance floors and tables. Our services can also include arranging a photographer, florist, bridal car, live entertainment and the wedding cake.

In addition to our grand Assembly Room, we can also offer two small breakout rooms for a small cost. These make the perfect spaces for bars, buffet spaces or a quieter space for those who need it.

We pride ourselves on being the most family friendly venue in Winchester (which is perhaps not surprising, as we are run by Winchester YMCA)! Our 14th Century Undercroft, which is used normally as a youth cafe, can also be hired out as a place for children and young people to use during the reception. This space boasts pool tables, computers and games consoles to keep the younger ones entertained, as well as a non-alcoholic bar.

Whether you want a finger buffet or a three course meal, we provide quality catering options to suit you! Choosing from one of our five recommended caterers, you can ensure your guests enjoy culinary delights at a reasonable price.

Our building stands in the city centre, making it easy to find and well-placed for local pubs, restaurants and shops. Although we do not have our own parking, we are close to train and bus stations and the Park-and-Ride bus (for drivers) stops outside our door! We are also surrounded by great local hotels, perfect for travelling guests.

Booking St. John’s House also has the added benefit of supporting a local charity. As an enterprise run by Winchester YMCA, all profits generated by the venue are put towards youth work in Hampshire, giving back to the community.