Eltham Palace

Transformed in the 1930s by movie millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, this lovely mansion surrounded by the lush moated gardens where they once entertained society’s elite, bears the unmistakably stylish stamp of Art Deco.

As an exclusive setting for chic weddings or parties, its unique appeal makes it one of London’s most sought-after and glittering locations.

Couples can go ancient or ‘modern’ for their wedding ceremony at Eltham Palace by marrying under the original oak hammerbeam roof of the Tudor Great Hall or the glass dome of the circular coffee and cream Art Deco Entrance Hall.

Afterwards, interlinked rooms in the 1930’s mansion make a stylish setting for celebratory drinks. They include a dramatic pink, black and silver dining room – the Courtauld’s pet Lemur, who once lived in swanky hand-painted quarters on the first floor, features in the design of the room’s elegant double doors. Or in fine weather, guests can move through the French doors onto a terrace with lovely views across the 19-acre gardens with lawns, flower borders, mature trees and cool expanses of water.

Dining, dancing, speeches and celebrations may be staged in the adjoining medieval hall or in marquees set on lawns amid the gardens.

There is no shortage of backdrops for photographs both inside and out – including Virginia Courtauld’s gold mosaic bathroom and a charming wooden bridge high above the moated flower borders.

For both weddings or events, English Heritage provides the services of a hospitality professional to help fine tune arrangements as well as a range of carefully chosen accredited suppliers – from caterers to florists – to ensure every occasion runs smoothly and to the highest possible standards.