Dining

Events

Weddings

What are the venue hire costs for weddings and evening events?

Wedding venue hire is £12,000 + VAT (£14,400 including VAT) for Saturday or Sunday bookings. Evening events typically range from £1,250 for smaller rooms during weekday hours to higher rates for exclusive evening hire of the main hall. Additional costs apply for events extending beyond 23:00 at £1,000 + VAT per hour.

What is the maximum capacity for seated dinners and standing receptions?

The venue accommodates up to 260 guests for seated dining using long tables in the main hall. For standing receptions with canapés or bowl food, capacity can reach 300 guests. Smaller rooms like the Queen's Room accommodate up to 22 people for boardroom-style dining.

Can I use external caterers for my event?

External caterers are not permitted at Middle Temple - all catering must be provided in-house. However, for weddings requiring Asian cuisine, specific approved Asian caterers are permitted with a kitchen buy-out fee of £5,000 + VAT (£6,000 including VAT).

What are the typical catering package costs per person?

Catering packages vary by event type: corporate events start at £98 + VAT per person (minimum 20 guests), Christmas packages are £150-£188 + VAT per person, and evening party packages range from £157-£181 + VAT per person. All packages include staffing, equipment, glassware, and white linen.

When is the venue unavailable due to Hall Lunches?

The venue cannot accommodate events on Tuesday through Friday due to Hall Lunches taking place during these days. This significantly limits availability to weekends and Mondays for most event types.

What additional mandatory costs should I budget for?

Mandatory additional costs include: staff taxi fees of £250 + VAT for events ending after 22:30, event security at £42 + VAT per hour per staff member (one per 100 guests), and potential cloakroom staff at £25 + VAT per hour (4-hour minimum) if manned service is required.

Is there built-in AV equipment or do I need to hire externally?

Most rooms do not have built-in AV equipment, so audio-visual needs must be hired from accredited suppliers. The venue provides a list of approved AV suppliers for production, lighting, and sound equipment. Basic PA systems for speeches may be available in some packages.

What are the standard event timings and extension costs?

Standard event timings are typically 09:00-17:00 for daytime events or 18:00-23:00 for evening events. Extensions beyond 23:00 cost £1,000 + VAT per hour, and early guest arrival before 18:00 also incurs £1,000 + VAT per hour charges.

What optional extras are available and at what cost?

Optional extras include clothed poseur tables at £25 + VAT each, additional staffing for cloakroom service, upgraded wine packages, and extended hours. Party novelties and Christmas decorations are included in relevant seasonal packages at no extra charge.