What is a dry hire wedding venue?

A dry hire venue or ‘dry hire wedding’ refers to hiring a venue as a blank canvas or empty space rather than an all-inclusive venue hire and catering package. In a dry hire venue, you have the option to design your bespoke wedding and work with any caterer, furniture, bar or lighting supplier. We can recommend suppliers who have worked in the venues or you can shop around and find suppliers or a caterer that fits with your vision. Shoreditch London venues Shoreditch Studios and Kachette are both dry hire spaces. The venues do not have tables and chairs, a kitchen or wedding-specific lighting on-site so they need to be hired and brought in to the venue for your wedding. All wedding bookings at our venues are exclusive and we never double book dates so you will have the venue to yourself all day and evening.

Our experienced team have helped couples plan and book weddings in our dry hire wedding venues for years so are more than happy to help with any questions you have. Feel free to bring a list of questions when you come down to see the venues!

We can help with planning and booking all of your wedding venue suppliers and can provide further clarification of the dry hire planning process on your site visit or phone consultation.

Included in Shoreditch Studios dry hire fee:

• Venue hire from 9am to midnight (Late extension or early venue access available for an additional fee)
• Courtyard (8pm curfew for guests)
• Duty manager
• Mezzanine lounge
• Two green rooms (One green room can be used for the cloakroom)
• PA system in Studio 1 and 2
• Airconditioning
• 1 Gbps internet connection with free wifi
• Access to the container for storage
• Venue cleaning after your wedding is also included with venue hire

Included in Kachtte dry hire fee:

• Venue hire from 10am to midnight (Late extension or early venue access available for an additional fee)
• Courtyard (for loading and catering only)
• Duty manager
• PA system in Studio 1 and 2
• Basic lighting in Arch 1 and 2
• Air conditioning
• Production office
• Cloakroom
• 1 Gbps internet connection with free wifi
• Venue cleaning after your wedding is also included with venue hire.

How long can we provisionally hold a date?

We can provisionally hold dates until another client enquiries about the date. When holding a date we will inform you whether you are the first pencil (1st option), or second pencil (2nd option) on that date. We operate a first-come, first-served policy with regards to putting any pencils on dates. If you are 2nd option on a date and ready to put down a deposit and sign a contract, and the 1st option cannot do so within 24hrs, then you can secure the date. Please note, we do not take any pencils for December dates.

What deposit do we have to pay when we confirm a date?

To secure your booking we will require a signed contract and 50% of the dry-hire fee. The dry-hire balance will be required one month before your event. Any production costs (security, waste collection, refundable damage waiver) need to be paid 14 days before your wedding day.

Do we have to pay a venue damage deposit or damage waiver?

Yes, all wedding and event bookings in our venues are required to pay a refundable damage waiver of £1500. This will be returned to you one or two working days after your wedding. If there is any damage to the venue, any deductions from your £1500 will be discussed with you then taken off your damage waiver. 

Venue damage at weddings is rare but on occasion, we have had minor damages to the venue like a broken bathroom mirror. Other deductions that we may take from your damage waiver are last-minute expenses like an extra bar staff member that was booked on your wedding day or if there is more waste to remove from the venue than the usual two full bins.

When can we come and have a look at the venues?

Before locking in a venue viewing, we like to book a call or Zoom chat with couples first to discuss wedding plans and explain how we operate as a dry hire wedding venue. We can book your viewing on the call.

Shoreditch Studios viewings are available Monday to Friday at 8am or 6:45pm. The venue is rarely available for viewings at other times due to photographic shoots or live events taking place in the venue. If there are no photo shoots booked, we will happily accomodate other viewing times.

Kachette viewings are available Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:30pm subject to venue availability.

Please note - Weekend viewings are not possible at either venue.

Are the venues licensed for civil ceremonies?

Yes, Shoreditch Studios and Kachette are both licensed for civil ceremonies and the service of alcohol for weddings and events.

If you want to serve alcohol during your ceremony, or have a really informal or late wedding ceremony then we recommend you have a humanist ceremony and get legally married before or after your wedding. This way you are not restricted by the timings and rules of civil ceremony regestrars.

Do we have to pay any extra for the civil wedding ceremony?

No, Shoreditch London does not charge extra for hosting civil ceremonies. You will be required to pay Hackney Council registration fees for conducting the ceremony. Hackney registrars can be booked out more that 6 months in advance so please book the registrar as soon as you confirm your venue booking with us.

Do we have to book the registrar separately?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that you contact the Hackney Council registrar and ensure they are available to conduct a Civil Ceremony on the date you have chosen. It is recommended you apply with the Registrar at least three months before your ceremony. More information can be found on Hackney Council’s approved premises website.

Booking a Civil Ceremony.

Contact our event team to check venue availability, discuss your wedding needs and budget, and make a provisional booking of the venue.

Complete and submit a Hackney Council registrar booking form via email ceremonies@hackney.gov.uk or mail it to Registration Services, Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY. Or speak to the Hackney Ceremonies department on 020 8356 3355.

How many guests can we invite for our ceremony?

Shoreditch Studios can accommodate up to 170 guests seated theatre style in Studio 1.

Kachette can accommodate up to 60 guests seated theatre style (with standing room for an additional 50 guests) in Arch 1, and up to 110 guests seated theatre style in Arch 2.

Can non-UK residents get married in the venues?

Yes, if you wish to get married or form a civil partnership in England and one or both of you are not a resident or citizen in this country, then you must first establish a residency of seven clear days within a district in England. You will also need to make an appointment with Hackney Council before booking the venue to give notice for your marriage or civil partnership. The waiting time once you have given written notice can be up to 3 months, less for EEA citizens. Contact Hackney Council or your embassy for more details.

Can we host a humanist ceremony in the venues?

Yes, you can have a humanist ceremony in our venues. A humanist ceremony is a celebration rather than a legal ceremony. If you choose to have a humanist ceremony but also wish to be legally married, you will also need to arrange to be legally married with your local council registrar, or your local town hall. There is also Shroeditch Town Hall very close to our venues if you wanted to have a small civil ceremony there before hosting a huminist ceremny in our venues.

What is the maximum seated / standing capacity for a reception?

Shoreditch Studios can accommodate 170 guests banquet style (150 guests if you would like a top table) or 120 guests cabaret style (100 guests with top table). You are also welcome to invite extra guests for the reception party. Shoreditch Studios is licensed for 350 standing guests but its advisable to keep the number of guests to around 200 -220 for a standing reception party. All entertainment (bands / DJ's) need to perform in Studio 2 which is soundproofed for late night events. Shoreditch Studios is a popular wedding venue so some years we run out of late licences. The sooner you book, the more likely you will be able to be gaurenteed a late licence.

Kachette can accommodate 115 guests seated banquet style in Arch 2 (cabaret style is not suitable). Kachette is licensed to accommodate up to 330 standing guests across both arches but its advisable to keep your standing reception guest numbers to 180 in Arch 1 or 200 for a whole venue booking. This will avoid overcrowding as majority of your wedding guests will be partying in one room during the evening's entertainment.

Is it possible to get a late extension for our wedding?

Yes, both venues are licensed until midnight but late extensions are available for an additional fee for any couples planning to party past midnight. There is a fee of £300 per hour (+VAT) for each extra hour you want to stay open. We will need to apply for a temporary event notice (TEN) with Hackney Council which can take 2-4 weeks. For the TEN application, we will need contact details for any DJ's or bands performing in the venue.

What times does the reception need to finish by?

Shoreditch Studios is licensed from 9am until midnight. Kachette is licensed from 10am until midnight. It is possible to extend the licence after midnight by applying for a Temporary Event Notice up to 3am for £300(+VAT) per hour. Please note we only have a limited amount of these applications per year so book early to guarantee a late licence extension for your wedding.

Exiting the venue:

Shoreditch Studios

Once the courtyard is closed to guests at 8pm, the laneway at the rear of Studio 2 is open for guests to smoke and exit. You can give this address to guests for taxi collection too. The postcode and address for the venue exit is Reliance Square, 29 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EY. This exit is also where all supplier load out is done at the end of the night. Security staff will be on the gate here to manage people in and out during de-rig, and there is typically a 2-hour window to be clear of the venue after the wedding ends.

Kachette

The main entrance off Old Street is both the entrance and exit for guests. The rear doors of the venue leading to the courtyard is for catering staff and setup only with no guest access to the courtyard. Kachette’s loading access is via the rear courtyard (Drysdale Street, N1 6NA) - first driveway on the left from the Kingsland Road side. There is ample parking space available during set up but the driveway area will need to be cleared once the venue is setup or guests arrive to ensure a clearway for the venues emergency exits. Loading out is done via the courtyard and there is typically a 2-hour window to be clear of the venue after the wedding ends.

Are there any sound restrictions at the venue?

Shoreditch Studios

Studio 1 has a 82dbA sound restriction. This volume is equivalent to background music in a bar. Still quite loud, but at a social level where people can still talk. The PA can be used for speeches and ceremony music through a mixing desk (which can be hired from us) or through our Ipad. During receptions, you can have live acoustic music or background music playing through PA in Studio 1.

All live bands or DJs need to perform in Studio 2 which is sound proofed for louder music. Studio 2 has a 98dbA sound restriction which is almost equivalent to the volume in a nightclub. Plenty of volume for a wedding or party! The World Health Organisation advises event venues to restrict levels to under 110dbA to avoid hearing damage. The door between Studio 1 and 2 can be left open so guests have the option to move away from the load music in Studio 2 during DJ sets or live band performances. The music from Studio 2 can also be played through the Studio 1 PA at a quieter volume.

Kachette

Arch 1 (the main room) has a 98dbC sound restriction. The PA in Arch 1 can be used for DJ’s, live bands or speeches. You can also play music from a phone or Ipad through the PA for your ceremony or reception. 98dbA is almost equivalent to the volume in a nightclub. The World Health Organisation advises event venues to restrict levels to under 110dbA to avoid hearing damage.

Arch 2 (the back room) has a 105dbC sound restriction. This is nightclub level volume. The PA in Arch 2 can be used for DJ’s, live bands or speeches. You can also play music from a phone or Ipad through the PA for your ceremony or reception.

Where can our DJ or band setup?

Shoreditch Studios

Your DJ or band has to be set up in Studio 2 which is the party room. Studio 1 is not soundproofed for loud music.

Kachette

Your DJ or band can set up in either room, Arch 1 or 2.

Can we play music outside?

Shoreditch Studios

Unfortunately we do not allow live bands, Dj’s or acoustic performances outside in our venue courtyards during weddings or events. We used to allow acoustic performances at Shoreditch Studios but due to noise complaints from residential neighbours, we can no longer accommodate this. It is possible to play background music quietly from Studio 2 during the day with the doors open.

Kachette

Kachette courtyard is only available for catering with no guest access so no music can be played outside. Kachette’s designated smoking area (under the Old Street billboards) is also not suitable for music performances.

When can guests use the courtyard until ?

Shoreditch Studios

Guest access is avaiable in the courtyard until 8pm. After 8pm there is a laneway at the back door of Studio 2 which is used for smoking and venue exit. Staff and caterers can be setup and access the courtyard all night.

Kachette

The courtyard at KAchette is for loading, suppliers and staff only. The courtyard is not accessable for guests or photo shoots.

Can we hire our own caterer?

We give couples the freedom to work with any caterer. We can also make some suggestions from our list of recommended suppliers. Unlike some dry hire venues, we do not charge a buyout fee if you hire a caterer that is not on our recommended catering list.

If you are hiring a caterer who has never worked in our venue before then we recommend you sending us their quote BEFORE YOU BOOK WITH THEM. This way we can make sure they have everything covered. Some catering quotes seam cheap at first, then they add on VAT and transport cost once you book. Some caterers dont include service staff or are delivery only so 'hot box food' that is cooked off site and delivered in boxes. Its always fresher to have your food cooked and prepared on site in a full service kitchen. If your caterer is delivery only, unless you are planning on serving food from a buffet, you would still require staff to serve and hire cutlery, crockery and glasswear as well as reception funiture and set up staff so its not likely to be as cheap as the initial quote.

Can you recommend a caterer?

Cater London manage food and drinks for most weddings and events in our venues. They dont work on really low budget weddings or the really high budget weddings who have their own wedding planner but they are the caterer of choice for everyone else. They are really flexible and transparent with costs just like we are and they offer amazing food and service too. All food is freshly oprepared and cooked on site (venue courtyard) in a field kitchen by a team of chefs and brought into the venues by service staff.

Cater London can also provide a one stop service which means they can provide food, drinks, service staff, bar staff as well as hiring and setting up your ceremony and recepetion furniture. They can also provide a wedding day manager.

We also recommend Cura London who are members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association which means all their food is sourced from sustainable and ethical suppliers like Harvest London. Cura offer full service catering with a great selection seasonal menus, canapés, sharing platters and mains.

Dinner Ladies offer full service catering and a great selections of specialist cocktails and drinks. Choose from their wedding menus or they can create a bespoke food and drinks package. The Dinner Ladies can also provide additional wedding planning support for table design, photographers, musicians and more.

Planted are a great catering choice if you are planning on serving vegan or vegetarian wedding menus at your wedding. Planted’s canapés and antipasti boards are popular choices. They also offer a range of plant based banquet style menus and hot or cold buffet dishes.

If you are looking for something else, Shoreditch London can also recommend other caterers. Let us know what you are after and we can make some suggestions.

Do you have any example menus or catering prices ?

We have some example catering packages on our wedding brochure which you recieve when you enqure.

Every wedding in our venues is bespoke but if you tell us what kind or food you are after, we can connect you with one of our catering partners who will be able to provide you with menus and a no obligation catering quote.

If you are looking for a one stop for all your catering, bar, staffing and production (lighting etc), we can also intoduce you to a wedding planner who can manage all this for you or you can speak to Cater London about their full service packages and your lighting package can be booked directly through John our manager.

Catering marquee or street food van?

Street food weddings are popular in our venues but street food menus are rarely served from food vans at weddings due to the fact that food service from food vans is often too slow.

If your guest numbers are under 50 guests then a food van can work but it would still take longer to serve your meals than a full service field kitchen. Its worth being aware of all the pros and cons of food vans before making a decision of what catering set up would work best for your wedding.

Are you having an informal reception with canapés and sharing platters served throughout the evening or a sit down meal? If you are having an informal standing reception with staggered food service and a limited food menu then a food van may be suitable. If you are having a sit down meal for over 70 people, two food vans will be slow to feed this many guests fast and efficiently compared to a full service field kitchen. Can always hire a pop up bar or desert supplier too.

There are a range of caterers that offer street food or a more comprehensive menu that can set up a full service field kitchen at our venues. Which ever option you choose, you will also need to also hire service staff to bring the food to guests so a food van may be similar in price to a full service caterer once you add on staffing and service fees. Food vans can operate with self service at Shoreditch Studios during the day but in the evening, all food must be brought in by service staff as the courtyard will be closed to guests after 8pm.

Some full service caterers will provide their own powered kitchen facilities and marquee but if required, caterers can set up in our marquee. We hire a marquee and power distro for £200 (+VAT).

At Kachette there is a fee for working with an extrnal caterer or bar operator. Please enquire for details.

If you want a sit down meal but still want to incorporate food vans into your wedding, there are a range of suppliers that can offer coffee, cocktails or prossecco from a food van, bike or portable food service vehicle. Some of these can be setup inside the venue, others can be set up outside the venue for service before and after your ceremony or between the ceremony and reception.

Where can the caterers setup?

We have a designated catering area in the courtyard of both venues. Caterers can setup self contained catering marquee's or operate out of street food vans. The can cook food at all hours including after 8pm at Shoreditch Studios when the courtyard is closed to guests. After 8pm, the food will need to be brought in by service staff.

Do you allow cooking inside the venues?

As we do not have any kitchen or cooking facilities inside the venues, all caterers cook outside in the courtyard for all wedding at Shoreditch Studios and Kachette. Even in peak summer or winter snow.

Usually caterers setup under a marquee with a full service kitchen. Marquees and a power supply cable can be hired through us or the caterer can bring their own. For all weddings in our venues, caterers provide service staff to bring the food to guests as we do not allow guests outside after 8pm at Shoreditch Studios and the couryard at Kachette is not available to guests.

We allow cold food preparation, bain-maries or food reheating inside the venues but any gas cooking or ovens are to be setup outside as there is no kitchen facilities or ducted ventilation setup indoors. The venues are located under live railways so it is a condition of our lease to not allow any gas cooking or gas bottles inside the venues.

Does the venue provide any tables, chairs, linen, plates, glassware, cake stand etc?

Our dry hire venues do not have any of these items on site so they need to be hired and set up. We have a range of catering and furniture suppliers that can help with anything you need. These suppliers can provide you with obligation free quote or you are welcome to shop around and find a supplier yourself or BYO anything for your wedding you can provide.

Our recomended caterers can hire, deliver, setup and pack-down furniture for you if you choose a full service catering and drinks package.

Is there a fee for using external catering or bar?

At Shoreditch Studios, we do not charge any fee if you choose to work with an external catererer or bar supplier. Catering terms are subject to the conditions of your caterer. If a caterer is running your bar and not making a decent profit, chances are they will want to charge you a corkage fee.

At Kachette, we charge a small per head external caterer / bar operator facility fee. Please enquire for details.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Yes, it’s possible to provide your own alcohol. Please note the provision of alcohol on the day must be managed by someone with a Personal Licence (bar staff, not a guest).

At Kachette we charge a small per head BYO bar fee. Please enquire for details.

Can we bring pets to our wedding?

Yes! Pets are welcome in our venues, as long as we get some photos .)

Do you have any tables or an easle we can use for our wedding?

TABLES: Due to lack of storage, we dont have any 'nice tables' on site but if you are happy to use one of the Shoreditch Studios photo shoot meeting tables then let us know and we can kep one out for your wedding (if you are getting married at SS not K). We would recomend ordering some nice tables that match your dining furniture as they are better than the tablkes we have on site.

EASELS: Sorry, we dont have any easels or signage stands.

Can we use candles in the venues?

Yes, candles can be used inside or outside our venues. Candles can also be hung from the lighting truss. All candles must be in a jar or vessel which is higher than the tip of the flame. Using candles or battery powered lights is also a great way to light the venue if you would like a candlelit and cosy dinner setting but you need to also consider your wedding photos, low light means its hard to capture high quility images without a flash so candles should be used in support of a good lighting setup. We can advise on what previous couples have done in the venues.

Can we have an open flames in the venues?

We do allow small controlled open flames in our venues if they are required for traditional wedding ceremonies. Please discuss with our venue manager prior to the booking.

Can we have confetti or rose petals?

Yes, we allow both in our venues. Confetti can also be used outside the venue in the courtyard at Shoreditch Studios. Please use biodegradable confetti only.

Can we have helium balloons?

Yes, although they must be secured and weighted. If any balloons are let loose they can reach parts of the ceiling which are not accessible by ladder. There could be a charge involved if we need to get someone in to remove any balloons.

Can we use smoke machines in the venues?

Yes, we allow use of smoke machines or dry ice in the venues. Please discuss your plans with your production manager before your wedding day.

Are fireworks permitted?

Due to the venues being located directly under live TFL train lines, we do not allow fireworks or other explosives in or outside our venues.

Can we hang anything on the walls of the venues?

Yes, we have catenary wire on most walls in our venues to hang decorations, seating plans or menus. You are not able to drill any holes in the walls. The white walls can also be used from projecting videos or broadcasting a live video stream or Skype call with any guests who can't attend. All lighting, projectors any large or heavy decorations can be hung from the roof lighting truss.

Where can we get a wall sticker like the JUST HITCHED wedding?

The 'Clingz' non-adhesive stickers look amazing. They are printed by Hyper Creative and cost from £40+VAT per letter depending on the size, complexity and colour. Its cheaper to install them yourselves but there is an option for install too. It isn’t difficult to put up as there’s no adhesive, they stick to the wall with static electricity, so can be moved if any mistake is made. Usually couples or a friend come the night before the wedding to stick it up :)

As these are custom printed, they are not listed on their website so call ED at Hyper Creative on 01342311858 to get a quote.

From what time can we access the venue?

Shoreditch Studios can be accessed from 9am on your wedding day.

Kachette can be accessed from 9am on your wedding day.

All deliveries need to arrive during venue access times unless previously arranged. You will have storage container access where some items can be stored and delivered the previous day (if wedding date is on a Saturday).

Both venues have loading bays and on site parking for up to 3-4 cars during loading times. Large trucks can also load and drop off deliveries but all vehicles need to be off site one hour before guests arrive. Coordinate with the venue production manager and your on site event manager to confirm loading and setup times for all suppliers.

Where do we load in / out for our wedding?

Shoreditch Studios

There is ample rooom for several cars or trucks to park and load in the venue via the courtyard at Shoreditch Studios. Loading in access is via the venue address 37 Batemans Row EC2A3HH. Loading out access is via the rear exit in Studio 2. The address for the exit is Reliance Square, 29 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EY.

Kachette

Kachette has loading access and on site parking for up to 2 cars during loading times. Large trucks can also load and drop off deliveries but all vehicles need to be off site one hour before guests arrive. Coordinate with the venue production manager and your on site event manager to confirm loading and setup times for all suppliers.

Kachette's loading bay can be accessed via Drysdale Street N1 6NA. The first roller shutter on your left coming from Kingsland Road. Roller shutter dimensions: Width: 3.6m; Height: 3.5m.

Is there any on site parking at the venue ?

SHOREDITCH STUDIOS - There is no supplier parking on site once the wedding is started with guests on site. There is a nearby car park on the main road that can be booked in advance. Euro Car Parks, 162-167 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU https://ecpparkbuddy.com Location Code: 682460

Street parking is also possible nearby at 6:30pm at no charge, the most reliable street for this is Long Street, E2 8GS (5-minute walk to Shoreditch Studios)

KACHETTE - There is no supplier parking on site once the wedding is started with guests on site. There is a nearby car park on the main road that can be booked in advance Euro Car Parks, 162-167 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU https://ecpparkbuddy.com Location Code: 682460

There is also limited street parking around Hoxton Square.

When does everything need to be out of the venue?

2 hours pack-down is included with the venue hire. All caterers and external suppliers must pack-up and vacate the venue during this time. Any large items like furniture (tables / couches / seats) or bar structures must be collected that evening. Caterers also need to packup and vacate the venue that evening as we dont have room to store catering equimpment. This is the standard procedure with most wedding suppliers which include delivery and collection in their hire rates.

We do allow storage of some smaller items to be left in our storage container at Shoreditch Studios or in the office at Kachette until the next working day but this is subject to space and our event schedule for that week. For more information on deliveries and collections, please email link@shoreditch.com.

All collections for weekend weddings are to be booked for the Monday after unless agreed in writing with John in advance. This may mean you have family doing your collections if you are off on a honeymoon. We cant keep items in storage for more than 2-3 days as we need the space.

While we try our best to ensure all your items are kept safe, we can not be resonsible for the loss or damage of any goods you leave behind on your wedding day.

What can we store at the venue before and after our wedding?

We have a storage container with room for some items to be droped off and stored the week of your wedding. The storege space we allocate for weddings space is around 3 metres in length, 3 metres in height and 1 metre in depth.

The usual items couples ask to store before the wedding day are BYO alohol, boxes of decorations, table signs, table decorations, candles an easel etc.

Its recommended to arrange drop offs and collections 2 weeks before your wedding so we can manage space in the container.

All the big stuff (furniture, lighting, catering equipment etc) needs to be delivered and set up on the day of your wedding and removed from the venue at the end of the wedding as we dont have room to store larger items on site.

Please make sure your furniture supplier and caterer includes on the day deliver and collection to avoid any issues!

Does the venue have wheelchair access and facilities?

Shoreditch Studios has ground floor step free venue access and one wheelchair accessible toilet in Studio 2.

Kachette has two steps at the Old Street entrance but we have a access ramp which we can put down for venue access. If you or any guests attending your wedding are wheelchair users, please notify the venue when you enquire or visit so we can set up the ramp. Kachette has one wheelchair accessible toilet in Arch 1.

Can you recommend any local accommodation for guests?

There is a list of local hotels on the wedding suppliers page.

We understand that couples have lots of questions and are more than happy to clarify anything you would like further clarification on. Please enquire with your questions, call the office on 020 7033 9006 or bring a list of questions to your site visit and we will work our way through them with you.