An ideal location venue for weddings, receptions, dinners, lunches, lectures, concerts, conferences and meetings in the fascinating and historic rooms of the Museum of the Order of St John, all in Clerkenwell in the heart of the City of London. Eight historic spaces, a walled garden and a 900-year-old gate. Browse what’s available below, or go straight to a quote.
We allow 2.5 hours. This gives enough time for the couple to arrive, be interviewed by registrars, their guests to arrive, the ceremony itself and a short time for photos to be taken afterwards.
Are we allowed to play music in the Garden?
Acoustic music is allowed in the Garden, but unfortunately amplified music is not allowed. We have many residential neighbours whose properties back onto the garden space, so we need to be mindful of them in terms of sound levels.
What decoration restrictions are there?
We try to be as flexible as possible with decorations, to allow you to transform the spaces to fit your vision! However, as a historic building we do have some restrictions for suppliers – and we are happy to liaise directly with them to ensure that plans remain within our guidelines. At its simplest level, we cannot allow any decorations or lighting affixed to floors or walls, nor any decorations (such as berries or certain flowers) that could cause staining. If you want further information with regards to specific ideas, please just ask!
How accessible are the spaces?
We try to ensure our spaces are accessible as possible – however we are a historic site which does limit us to the number of modifications we can make to the building. Our Museum Galleries are entirely step free to access, as are the lavatories on the ground floor. The Chapter Hall, Old Chancery and Council Chamber are accessible via a lift and a ramp through our NHQ building. Please note this ramp is only suitable for manual wheelchairs.
Will anyone be there on the day to help us?
Yes, a member of the Events team is assigned to every event and will be available to answer any questions in the run up to the day, as well as staying on site from set up through to clear down to ensure that your event runs smoothly.
Can I store items with you before/after the event?
Unfortunately, we are unable to store any items before or after your event, due to space restrictions within the building. We are happy to liaise with suppliers with regards to drop off and collection times for your event.
Can I use my own caterer?
I’m sorry we only permit those on our approved suppliers list to work within our Listed spaces.
Is there a corkage charge?
No, the museum will not charge you a corkage fee but caterers may charge a fee to serve drinks.
What is the Museum of the Order of St John?
The Museum of the Order of St John is a historic venue in Clerkenwell with over 900 years of history, offering eight distinctive spaces – including a Norman crypt, a medieval Chapter Hall and a walled garden – for weddings, receptions, dinners, conferences and other events.
Where is the venue and how do I get there?
The Museum is at St John’s Gate in Clerkenwell, in the heart of the City of London, just five minutes’ walk from Farringdon station.
Can I hire more than one room for my event?
Yes. Several of our spaces connect directly – the Chapter Hall opens onto the Old Chancery and can be combined with the Council Chamber beyond, extending a standing reception across all three spaces for larger celebrations.
How long does it take to get a quote?
Once you submit a request through our online form, our Events Team aims to respond with availability and an estimate within 48 working hours.
Can I hire the venue for filming or photography?
Yes. The Museum offers four distinct historic backdrops in one Clerkenwell site – a Norman crypt, a Tudor gallery, a medieval Chapter Hall and a walled garden – available for filming and photography hire.
Do you provide a list of recommended suppliers?
Yes. We keep a list of accredited caterers, florists and production companies who already know St John’s Gate. As suppliers are reviewed each year, the current list is available as a downloadable PDF on our Accredited Suppliers page.
“Thank you for being so helpful and for making our conference such a pleasant day. Everybody loved the venue – they are a discerning group of people with very high standards. I would highly recommend the Museum as a conference venue.”
National Trust
“We want to express our deepest thanks for your organisation and efficiency on the day of our wedding. All staff at the Museum were really helpful and we are delighted to have had our wedding ceremony with you.”
Siobhan
“We had an amazing day. So many people have complimented us on the choice of venue, it really is a special place.”
Helen and Ed
“We couldn’t have been happier with the venue – everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating. The Chapter Hall looked beautiful and the Council Chamber was a perfect drinks space.”
Kate
“The committee was overwhelmingly in favour of the Museum over other locations I had scouted. Your helpfulness and positive attitude really made your venue so wonderful a place to perform.”
Exmoor Singers in London
Sponsors
The Museum of the Order of St John would like to thank all those who have supported and continue to support its work. In particular, the Museum would like to thank the following for their generosity:
Rooms & SpacesEight historic spaces spanning 900 years, from a ten-guest private dining room to a 250-guest ceremonial hall.
Filming & PhotographyA Norman crypt, a Tudor gallery and a walled garden offer four centuries of backdrops in one Clerkenwell site.
Weddings & Civil PartnershipsCeremonies, receptions and intimate dinners in the Chapter Hall, Council Chamber or Prior’s Dining Room.
Corporate Events & ConferencesBoardroom meetings, conferences and away days in spaces with over 900 years of history behind them.
Accredited SuppliersA trusted list of caterers, florists and production partners who already know St John’s Gate.
Request a QuoteShare your date and guest numbers, and the Events Team replies with availability within 48 hours.Prefer to talk it through? Call the Events Team on 020 7324 4087 or email venues@sja.org.uk.