Imagine walking the hallowed halls of a museum at night, just the two of you, hand in hand and just married. You pass through the high-ceilinged galleries, the walls hung with ancient heirlooms and precious tapestries alongside rows of ivory statues that seem to whisper stories of centuries gone by as you whisper words of love to each other. Sounds pretty romantic right?

As much as I love a modern aesthetic, I also seek inspiration from historical art and if you’re choosing to get married at a historical or cultural wedding venue then I would imagine it’s because you have an appreciation of it too. Stately homes, museums, libraries, and even palaces, offer a history that seeps from their walls and fills the rooms with character and opulence that makes for an unforgettable wedding experience, but in venues that do all the talking, how do you make the most of the already beautiful setting around you?

To give you some inspiration, let me take you to this beautiful editorial wedding shoot at the Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, the neo-classical architecture houses world famous collections that range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. Its iconic entrance, grand sweeping staircases and opulent galleries offer stunning and romantic backdrops that are so perfectly fitting for a wedding.

Complement the décor

When a venue offers so much to see, it makes sense to let it take the stage. In a setting like the Ashmolean, which is designed to be a viewing gallery, using a long banqueting style table arrangement like this one allows you and your guests to view the exhibits that line the room and also make best use of the space if your numbers allow.

When it comes to table decoration, going low with your table flowers means that you’re not obstructing the view around you, not to mention, you can see your guests on the opposite side of the table! As with many historical venues, the walls and soft furnishings are likely to be rich in colour so choosing a complementary palette will ensure that your styling blends seamlessly rather than competing with it, just like these burgundy and blush florals that complement the interior design perfectly.

Create an edible work of art

When I was asked to join the talented team of suppliers to create this editorial shoot, I knew immediately that I had to draw upon the museum’s exhibits and it was perfect timing, as I had had the idea of creating a sculpted female torso for a while. The curves and lines of the female form are so beautiful and the challenge of sculpting it from cake was one that I knew I would relish. It also makes for such an unusual wedding cake and one that will fool your guests into thinking it’s part of the exhibit, making it a brilliant talking point and a lasting memory.

Make the most of the venue’s photo opportunities

At a venue like the Ashmolean, the photo opportunities are pure gold! Sweeping staircases and magnificent chandeliers as well as more modern spaces where you should really make the most of those portrait shots. Our couple fit right in with the elegance of the museum in opulent lace and black tie…making it a night at the museum to remember.