Why book?
For a wedding above the clouds with a breathtaking backdrop of London and beyond.
Venue style:
This London landmark hotel is designed for those who plan to host an unforgettable wedding in the capital. It holds the title of the UK’s highest wedding venue and is licensed for couples to get married up in the sky, not just ceremonially but legally too. With excellence at the heart of everything it does, the Shangri-La brand is known for its contemporary appeal, and a wedding here is sure to be iconic.
Set the scene:
As the lift soars up to level 35 and you step out to the striking foyer area, the floor-to-ceiling windows give panoramic views of London. From sunrise to dusk, the vista is forever changing – it’s impossible to not be impressed. Hotel staff are extremely welcoming, so it’s no wonder that an international crowd regularly checks in here. As for the interiors, they’re ultra-contemporary giving a futuristic feel and an undeniably cool vibe.
Event spaces:
Events spaces are found on the 34th floor, which can be exclusively taken over for big celebrations. Make your entrance down the grand sweeping staircase – the perfect spot for capturing breathtaking wedding photographs. The largest space is the Ren ballroom, with its twinkling amber chandeliers and a capacity of up to 100 guests, it’s lovely for a ceremony and/or wedding breakfast. This space has wonderful views of the Thames and the City of London. For a more intimate wedding, the Li room seats up to 30 guests and looks out over London Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond. Finally, the Yi room seats 12 and overlooks Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Each space is neutrally designed, making it very appealing to couples who want to put their own stamp on the design for their wedding day.
Food and drink:
Menus are bespoke here, with the hotel specialising in British cuisine with an Asian twist. The team source the finest ingredients from nearby local food markets and will listen to your ideas and create an innovative menu to impress your guests. Couples can experience a special menu tasting, where they’ll meet with the chef and have the opportunity to discuss any changes they wish to make to the presentation and flavours of each plate. The team can create a fully vegan menu or meet any dietary requirements with finesse.
Accomodation:
Again, when it comes to the rooms it’s all about the views – and rightfully so. Floor-to-ceiling windows in both the bedroom and bathroom allow you to witness sunrise and sunset from the privacy of your own room. And, as you enter, the blinds automatically lift for impact. Alongside uber comfortable super king-sized beds, you’ll find deep bathtubs perfectly positioned to take in the views. If you’re checking in for a special occasion, such as your wedding, you can expect thoughtful touches such as rose petals on the bed, champagne and strawberries on arrival and a bouquet of fresh red roses – making your stay unbeatably romantic. There are 202 rooms and suites, all with spectacular city views. We’d recommend an Iconic City View Suite which has 180-degree views overlooking Tower Bridge, or, for the ultimate splurge, the Shangri-La Suite is second to none!
The story:
The Shard was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and, following its completion in 2014, Shangri-La The Shard, London opened its doors as the first and only flagship Shangri-La hotel in London. It also holds the title of the highest hotel in Western Europe.
Spa:
To find your ‘zen’ ahead of the big day, take a dip in the infinity Sky Pool located on level 52. There’s also the Sky Sauna and a well-equipped gym for couples who like to work out together. There isn’t a spa at the hotel. However, guests can book luxury spa treatments (in partnership with Neal’s Yard Remedies) which take place in the tranquillity and privacy of their room or suite.
Eco-friendly:
The Shangri-La Group has many initiatives in place to reduce its impact on the environment, making every guest’s experience as sustainable as possible. At the London hotel, the team are lucky to have Borough Market on their doorstep. This is where lots of the ingredients are sourced, including produce for plant-based and vegan dishes. The team also use lots of fresh and dried flowers, rather than synthetic, for decor and displays around the hotel. Plus, you won’t find any plastic straws in your cocktails, smart technology takes care of food waste, there are low-temperature laundry facilities, and air conditioning and lighting is energy efficient. Tick, Tick, Tick!
For more details: www.shangri-la.com
Related Article: Behind The Scenes At Shangri-La The Shard, London