Find Wedding Reception venues for rent in Leeds, UK

About Leeds

The buzzing city of Leeds, one of the UK’s biggest northern cities, is well-known for its exciting music scene and great architecture, as well as its proximity to some of England’s most beautiful national parks.

From its lively hub at Millennium Square filled with historical buildings to the elegant Victoria Quarter or its range of bustling markets, there is no shortage of sights, activities, and most importantly, venues that will impress you.

A fun student city, Leeds is also home to excellent shopping, bars and restaurants, and the nightlife is legendary. Unsurprisingly, its location near the Yorkshire Dales means it is often the city of choice for many events, combining the natural beauty of the countryside with all the music, food and entertainment you could need in the city centre.

Wedding Reception Options in Leeds

A wedding reception is a big event. After your big day, you’ll want to make sure everything is perfect so you can have your first dance and party the night away without worrying about a thing. When planning your reception, you should consider a couple of key players who will help your evening go off without a hitch.

• Photographers & Videographers
  One for both your wedding ceremony and reception, a photographer is invaluable for capturing every moment of your big day. From cutting the cake to dad dancing and photos with your bridesmaids, these are memories you’ll look back on fondly. Many people forget that a videographer can be equally important, allowing you to relive your happiest memories, whether saying ‘I do’ or your first dance.
  
  
• Wedding Planners
  Although planning a wedding might sound fun, it can be surprisingly stressful. Hiring a wedding planner will allow you to fully relax and focus on your wedding day, without worrying about chasing caterers or finding a band. Wedding planners can help you finalise every detail of your wedding, from finding a venue to booking vendors and making sure everything runs smoothly on your big day.
  
  
• Caterers
  Many venues recommend caterers but it’s worth searching for one you’re happy with. After a day of celebration, your guests (and yourself) are sure to be ready for some great food. Whether you want to go traditional with a three-course meal, informal with a buffet or have summer vibes with a huge barbecue, wedding caterers can help make sure everyone is satisfied and ready to party the night away.
  
  
• DJ
  What would a wedding reception be without a DJ? Although you might have hired a band, many call it a night around midnight. So for those looking to dance into the early hours, a DJ can compile everyone’s favourite tunes so that guests of all ages can enjoy a night to remember. Plus, it’s a much safer option than plugging in your phone and putting Spotify on shuffle!

Wedding Reception Companies in Leeds

• Linda Abrahams & Co
  Linda Abrahams & Co, run by owner Victoria, has been in business for over 25 years and offers Leeds-based wedding and event planning. They will guide you every step of the way, are always in contact by email, phone or in person, can manage everything from choosing a venue to budget management, transportation and dress consultations, and even organise a creche. Having been in business for so long, they not only have exclusive partnerships with a range of venues and vendors but have access to unique wedding transportation such as classic cars, horses and carriages or even a helicopter!
  
  
• Salt’s Catering
  Salt’s Catering, based in Leeds, provides bespoke catering options for weddings in and around the city. No matter what kind of food you’re after, they offer a huge range of choices, whether it's Italian, Caribbean, Mexican or Thai. They also do canapes, barbecues, buffets, afternoon tea and picnics and can cater to any dietary requirements. You’ll likely have a hard time choosing just one! They also provide a variety of drinks packages including beer, cocktails and champagne.
  
  
• Hi-Life Entertainment
  Hi-Life is a mobile wedding DJ company operating in Leeds and Yorkshire, whose DJs have played at thousands of special events since 2006. You’ll not only get a bespoke playlist tailored to your favourite music genres, but they also have lots of pre-made playlists from every era to choose from. In recent years, they’ve performed at over 100 LGBTQ+ weddings and civil partnerships, and they are happy to travel around the midlands. So get your dancing shoes on!

Pros and Cons of Wedding Receptions in Leeds

Leeds is a unique city which can be the ideal place to have your wedding reception. Its diverse culture and range of attractions will entertain your guests and provide you with everything you need on your big day. There are a few downsides to Leeds, however, which should be considered before making any big decisions.

Advantages

• It’s the gateway to Yorkshire
  Just outside of the city you’ll find the rolling hills and rugged landscapes of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and plenty of historical sites. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and relax before your wedding.
  
  
• Unbeatable shopping
  Leeds’ shopping centres, market halls and a famous Victorian quarter will let you shop ‘til you drop if you need a few last-minute things for the big day. From high-end stores like Harvey Nichols to preloved vintage markets, there’s nothing you can’t find.
  
  
• The home of music
  Leeds has some of the best live music and festivals in the UK, which not only means you can enjoy a gig or two while you’re in the city, but you’ll find no shortage of great up-and-coming bands and musicians to play at your reception.

Disadvantages

• The weather can be bad
  Leeds, despite its beauty, is in England which means bad weather hits more often than not. Being in the midlands, you’ll also find it a little chillier than down south, so this should be a consideration for any outdoor weddings.
  
  
• It’s a student city
  In the summer months, Leeds is often much quieter, but come September, you’ll find the streets, shops and bars filled with thousands of students from the city’s two biggest universities. Pick your dates wisely—you might not want a wedding during Freshers Week.
  
  
• Public transport is poor
  Although one of the country’s most popular cities, Leeds has transportation that is not yet up to the standards of Manchester or the capital. If you need to get to a venue or appointment on time, it might be best to drive or taxi your way there.

Famous Wedding Reception Venues in Leeds

• The Met Hotel
  In the heart of the city, The Met Hotel has long been famous for hosting beautiful weddings inside its elegant Victorian walls. The inside features domed ceilings and winding staircases, perfect for living out your fairytale wedding dreams. With both expansive halls and intimate spaces, it’s the perfect old-style venue where you’ll be joining a long list of important people who’ve chosen to spend their big day here.
  
  
• The Mansion
  The Mansion is situated just outside Leeds in Roundhay, West Yorkshire, and is a stunning period property in which to hold a reception. The mansion has panoramic views of the surrounding parkland, sweeping spiral staircases, imposing columns and floor-to-ceiling windows. This ensures you’ll have a wedding that no one will forget and plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities!
  
  
• Kirkstall Abbey
  This ancient 860-year-old church is one of Leeds’ most iconic wedding venues. Aside from the magnificent church which can host your ceremony, the grounds feature the original abbey ruins which make for a mystical photo backdrop, and there are also extensive gardens and grounds to enjoy. The neighbouring Gatehouse Cafe, with an equally gothic architecture of arches and stained glass windows, is a unique place to have a reception. It has space for up to 175 guests, ideal for a historic wedding to remember.