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Venue Hire
Weddings
Planning your wedding?
Unique Wedding Venue in Oxford | The Story Museum
Your wedding day should feel like you, not like everyone else’s. Looking for a unique wedding venue in Oxford? The Story Museum offers imaginative, story-filled spaces in the heart of the city…
Spaces with a story in Oxford city centre
Across the museum you’ll find spaces unlike anywhere else - each with its own character, and each designed to feel memorable the moment you walk in. Your guests can explore our immersive gallery spaces during your celebration, and they make extraordinary photo backdrops.
- The Whispering Wood - an atmospheric indoor forest that has to be seen to be believed (perfect for dining).
- The Magic Common Room - richly decorated and ideal for drinks, canapés and conversation.
- The Woodshed Theatre - a proper party space with stage, AV, and dancefloor for your band, DJ or playlist.
- The Link Room – a bright space for smaller moments or a quiet breakout.
- Want something extra for little guests? Small Worlds (our under‑fives story play space) can be added from £300 + VAT
Family first weddings in Oxford
Most wedding venues simply tolerate children. The Story Museum is different. We’ve spent years designing experiences where children are active participants, not just guests - and we bring that same expertise to every wedding we host.
Our experienced children’s team can work as Story Guides within your day: creating magical moments for younger guests and helping children stay happily engaged so parents can relax and enjoy the celebration.
'An unexpected bonus was how much the children loved listening to the stories in the trees, thus allowing the adults to enjoy their food.' - Bodil and Ace, April 2024
Food & Drink
We look after the drinks, with an in-house bar team and a fully licensed bar. Our standard licence runs until 11pm, and a late licence may be available on request.
For food, The Story Museum operates primarily as a dry hire venue, giving you the freedom to choose the caterer that’s right for you. Our recommended partner is Greens Catering, and we’re also happy to discuss other caterers - we just ask they speak to us before being confirmed so everything runs smoothly on the day.
If you’d prefer canapés and drinks reception options, these are available – just ask us.
'We couldn't have asked for a better place to celebrate our wedding day. If you're looking for a wedding venue that is unique, quirky as well as elegant with exceptional and dedicated service, The Story Museum is the place for you. Thank you TSM team!'- Mr & Mrs Davenport, August 2024
Wedding Packages and Pricing
We offer four ways to celebrate - from ceremony only, to the full Story Museum experience.
- Full Day (ceremony to last dance): from £4,500 + VAT
- Part Day (from 2pm): from £2,750 + VAT
- Celebrant Ceremony (ceremony only): from £1,250 + VAT
- Meal & Evening Reception (legal ceremony elsewhere, celebrate here): from £1,400 ex VAT
Please note: The Story Museum is not licensed for legal wedding ceremonies. We offer celebrant led (unofficial) ceremonies, and many couples choose a legal ceremony nearby and celebrate with us afterwards.
'The staff were incredible and bent over backwards to accommodate us and the plans for our wedding. They really went the extra mile for us, from helping us plan everything to decorating and adding so many little touches (such as puppets!) that delighted our guests and helped make our day memorable and special.' - Emily and Chris
Planning essentials
Viewings: by appointment (weekdays or weekends, subject to availability).
Set‑up access: from 10:00 on the day; evening hires typically start no earlier than 18:00 when the museum closes to the public.
Booking: a non‑refundable 50% deposit secures your date; cancellations follow the policy set out in your agreement (the current terms include the 50% deposit and cancellation windows).
FAQs
What is the venue address?
The Story Museum is right in the heart of Oxford city centre. The address is: 42 Pembroke Street, OX11BP.
Oxford Station = 15 minute walk
Oxford Registry Office = 8 minute walk
Oxford Town Hall = 2 minute walk
Is The Story Museum licensed for legal wedding ceremonies?
We’re not licensed for legal wedding ceremonies. We offer celebrant-led (unofficial) ceremonies, and many couples have their legal ceremony elsewhere in Oxford city centre and celebrate here afterwards. It is a short walk to several popular legal ceremony venues, including Oxford Town Hall (2 minute walk) and Oxford Registry Office (8 minute walk).
What’s the guest capacity?
As a guide, we can host up to 120 for a drinks reception and up to 112 for a seated dinner.
What is the capacity of each space?
Capacity varies by layout, but as a rough guide: Woodshed Theatre up to 68 banquet-style; 105 seated; 120 standing; Magic Common Room up to 40 seated; 50 theatre-style or 60 standing; Link Room up to 30 seated, 45 theatre-style or 45 standing; Whispering Wood up to 70 seated dinner or 90 standing.
What’s included in venue hire?
Wedding hire is mainly dry hire. The hire fee includes use of the space and furniture/equipment such as tables and chairs (subject to availability). You’re welcome to bring additional décor or hire items through an external event company.
Can guests explore the galleries during our wedding?
Yes — we can arrange for your guests to explore gallery spaces as part of your day, and they’re a brilliant backdrop for unique wedding photos.
What time can we access the venue for set up?
Access for set up is permitted from 10:00 on the morning of your event (subject to other activity in the museum). For evening hires, the event start time is typically no earlier than 18:00 when the museum closes to the public.
Do you provide a bar, and what time does it finish?
Yes - we have an in-house bar team and a fully licensed bar. Our standard licence runs until 11pm, and we can apply for a late licence on request.
Can we choose our own caterer?
Yes — we operate primarily as a dry hire venue for catering, so you can choose your caterer. We recommend Greens Catering and can discuss other caterers, as long as they speak to us before being confirmed.
Can we visit before we book?
Yes — viewings are by appointment and can take place on weekdays or weekends, subject to availability.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes — the museum is fully wheelchair accessible with step-free access to all floors, accessible lifts, and an accessible toilet on every floor.
Is parking available on site?
No - there’s no on-site parking. We’re in Oxford city centre and recommend public transport. The nearest public car park is Westgate Shopping Centre.
Do you allow candles and confetti?
Celebratory confetti throwing is permissible in the courtyard after the ceremony. Our event staff will work with you, your photographer, and guests to arrange this. We use faux candles to protect the museum, its collections, and your guests.
