Services

Weddings at the Ashmolean Museum

A unique setting for wedding ceremonies and celebrations

With two magnificent galleries licensed to hold civil ceremonies for up to 80 guests and wedding receptions for up to 100 guests, the Ashmolean Museum offers a range of fantastic choices and opportunities for your special day.

Find out more about the venues

Every booking supports the work of the Museum.

Catering

The Ashmolean Café is also available to host a sit-down meal or a buffet. Superb food, excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere will delight you and your guests.

In association with digbytrout Restaurants, who manage the Ashmolean Café, we can provide catering and expert management for your wedding reception.

Current wedding menus and prices can be found in the following document: Wedding Receptions Menus

Find out more about the Ashmolean Café

Photo Opportunities

The Ashmolean is the perfect backdrop for the wedding photographs. Suggested locations include the Museum’s forecourt, the grand staircase, the Randolph Sculpture Gallery, and the Mallett Gallery. Further galleries are available on request.

Oxford Registrar

All arrangements with the Registrar must be made prior to booking the venue and confirmation must be supplied in advance.

Venue Hire Prices

• Civil ceremony
  Hire of the Mallett gallery/Randolph Sculpture gallery: £1,500
  
  
• Post ceremony drinks reception
  Hire of the Mallett gallery / Randolph Sculpture gallery: £1,000
  
  
• Dinner
  Hire of the Ashmolean Café for dinner/buffet: £500
  
  
• To hire the above three options: £2,700
  This option includes the venue hire fee, event management and co-ordination at the event, security in the Museum, furniture hire and cloakroom facilities.
  
  Other options and set-ups can be discussed.

NB: there will be an extra charge for security in the Ashmolean Café area after guests have left the galleries.

Bookings & enquiries

In these exceptional surroundings we help you tailor your event to your personal requirements. Experienced and friendly staff pride themselves on their attention to details, and would be delighted to show you around the Museum to discuss the possibilities.

For further information or to see the venue, please contact the Events Office:

Paula Falck
0044 (0) 1865 288299
paula.falck@ashmus.ox.ac.uk

Benedicte Montain
0044 (0) 1865 288364
benedicte.montain@ashmus.ox.ac.uk

Recommended suppliers

If further equipment or services are required, the Museum has preferred suppliers.

Please contact us for details. We have contacts for florists, photographers, musicians and lighting suppliers

Ceremony – Terms & Conditions

See also General Terms & Conditions

• As the Museum is open to the public until 5pm, civil ceremonies start at 5.15pm.
• The celebratory ceremony of the renewal of vows can begin later in the evening. Civil ceremonies must be followed by a reception at the Ashmolean Museum.
• Clients must make the arrangements with the Oxford Registry Office and provide confirmation of this, before booking the ceremony at the Ashmolean Museum.
• The Museum reserves the right to change displays of art and objects at any time.
• During the Museum’s major redevelopment programme, some of the artworks may be temporarily taken off display. You will be informed of any major changes prior to the day.
• All bookings must be confirmed in writing on the Museum’s booking form.
• The person who signs the booking form shall be considered the Hirer.
• A non-refundable 50% deposit is required when making a booking. This will be held as a security against cancellation.
• The customer will be invoiced for the balance of the venue hire fee after the event and payment is due within 30 days.
• Red wine is not permitted in the galleries and naked flames are not permitted in the Museum.
• There are some restrictions on food served in the galleries.

The Museum reserves the right to charge a fee for damage or additional clean-up if required.