A wedding venue in Portsmouth where your voyage begins
A wedding day that leaves a legacy.
We're a registered charity, so the day you celebrate here goes on to support veteran and serving members of The Royal Navy, The Royal Marines, The Merchant Navy and seafarers.
Enquire now Or call 023 9298 2401A landmark setting for your big day
Nestled in the heart of Portsmouth’s historic maritime district, a stone’s throw from the Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, the Royal Maritime Hotel has hosted unforgettable weddings for generations.
Imagine exchanging vows where naval and maritime history is etched into the very fabric of the building. A compass set into the grand floor beneath a high, domed ceiling makes a striking backdrop for photographs, while the Trafalgar Ballroom and Nelson Lounge give you space for everything from an intimate gathering to a grand reception.
Those are our largest numbers — most of our weddings are a good deal smaller, and we have rooms made for 40, 65 and 80 guests too.
Wedding reception rooms
We hold wedding receptions in three very different spaces, so whether you’re planning something grand or something close, there’s a room that fits the day you have in mind.
Trafalgar Ballroom
Up to 280 seated · up to 400 in the eveningOur grandest space, with a dedicated stage and a spacious dance floor. Ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and live entertainment all happen here — with the adjoining Bar 1805 for quieter moments.
The Nelson Lounge
65 seated · 100 for your ceremonyFully licensed and completely private, with its own bar and dance floor. Ideal for an intimate ceremony and private dining, with the Compass foyer next door for photographs.
Below Decks
70 seated · 100 standingA hidden gem beneath the grand reception, with its own bar and room to dance. Open up the adjoining skittle alley for your private use and the space takes 150.
Both the Trafalgar Ballroom and the Nelson Lounge are licensed for marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships — a warmer, grander alternative to a registry office. Bar 1805 takes 25–50 and can also be booked on its own for an evening reception.
Say ‘I do’ under one roof
Hold your ceremony and your reception in the same building, with no gap in the day and no convoy of cars between venues. Both our licensed rooms are dressed to suit you, whether that’s an aisle for 200 or a circle of your closest people.
Original artefacts and evocative paintings celebrate the hotel’s seafaring past throughout — character you simply don’t get in a blank-canvas venue.
Check your date is free
Your day, and a legacy beyond it
The Royal Maritime Hotel is a registered charity — Portsmouth Royal Maritime Club, No. 1205660. We opened in 1850 as a Sailors’ Home, and we’re still doing the same job today.
That means every wedding held here does more than mark the moment. What you spend on your day helps support veteran and serving members of The Royal Navy, The Royal Marines, The Merchant Navy and seafarers. A beautiful celebration that leaves something good behind it.
“Our day was made so special by all the staff at the Maritime. Our wedding organiser was fantastic — she was even there on the day to make sure everything ran smoothly.”
Sean · married here, July 2025Everyone under one roof
No carriages at midnight. Your bridal suite is included in every package, with a bottle of prosecco waiting for you, and 90 ensuite bedrooms are available to your guests at a discounted rate — so everyone stays where they celebrate.
The next morning you can all have a full English or continental breakfast together, either in Horatio’s Restaurant or in the Quarterdeck, our private dining room, which seats up to 20. Guests can use the pool and leisure facilities during their stay too.
And a parting gift: we’ll invite you back for your first anniversary with a complimentary stay.
We take care of the detail
Choose one of our wedding packages or work with our events team to build something entirely your own. Either way you get a dedicated coordinator, a trusted network of local suppliers and a team that’s done this hundreds of times.
Wedding packages
From £83.50 per person — ceremony, reception and evening included
Silver
£6,680 ballroom (80) · £3,350 Nelson Lounge (40)- Civil ceremony and room hire
- Bucks Fizz on arrival
- Three-course banqueting menu, one option plus vegetarian
- Half a bottle of wine per person, plus a glass of fizz for the toasts
- Evening rolls with seasoned fries
- DJ and staffed bar until midnight
- Bridal suite with prosecco and breakfast
Gold
£9,900 ballroom (80) · £4,750 Nelson Lounge (40)- Everything in Silver, plus:
- Prosecco on arrival
- Two menu choices per course plus vegetarian
- Chair covers and sashes
- Two upgrades worth £500 each from our list
- 20% off bedrooms for five guests
Platinum
£11,500 ballroom (80) · £5,900 Nelson Lounge (40)- Everything in Gold, plus:
- English sparkling wine on arrival
- Your choice of evening buffet
- Balcony swagging in the ballroom
- Three upgrades worth £500 each
- 20% off bedrooms for every guest
Additional day guests from £85 each and evening guests from £20. Children’s menus available. These are guide prices — tell us your budget and we’ll build the day around it.
Take a look at the brochure
Everything you need to picture the day — rooms, packages, menus and what’s included. Have a browse, then talk it through with us and we’ll tailor it around you.
View the wedding brochure Request a callback
Come and see it for yourself
Photographs only get you so far. Book a look around, meet the team and see how the rooms feel — we’ll happily answer anything, whether you’re a year out or still deciding.
Arrange a viewingRoyal Maritime Hotel · 75–80 Queen Street · Portsmouth · PO1 3HS · Portsmouth Royal Maritime Club CIO · Registered Charity No. 1205660
Photography courtesy of Goble Photography, Murray Clarke and All Occasions Photography
