Church Court at The Inner Temple

Church Court is a historic courtyard set beside Temple Church, framed by elegant Georgian architecture. It offers a striking outdoor setting for receptions and evening arrivals, where guests gather beneath the presence of one of London’s most recognisable historic landmarks.

Accommodating up to 500 guests, Church Court is particularly well suited to larger receptions and pre-dinner gatherings. Its position alongside Temple Church brings a natural sense of occasion, while the surrounding architecture creates a setting that feels both distinguished and immersive.

Event layout options

Reception

Up to 500 Guests

Refined and classy

The experience of Church Court

Church Court provides a striking setting for evening receptions and arrival drinks. Available from 6.00pm Monday to Friday and throughout the day at weekends, it lends itself naturally to pre-dinner gatherings or as a refined conclusion to daytime events.

For Members’ weddings at Temple Church, the courtyard offers couples and their guests the opportunity to linger a little longer, gathering beside one of London’s most remarkable medieval landmarks before continuing the celebration.

Framed by Georgian facades and defined by the presence of Temple Church, Church Court brings heritage and scale together in a space designed for memorable arrivals and meaningful moments.

Wedding guests seated in a bright marquee, listening to a speech at the top table, with large windows framing views of trees and a historic building outside.

How Church Court is typically used

Church Court is most often used for evening receptions and pre-dinner gatherings, providing an elegant outdoor setting for guests to arrive and connect before moving inside. It is equally well suited to Members’ wedding drink receptions following ceremonies at Temple Church.

Set beside Temple Church, consecrated in 1185 and once the English headquarters of the Knights Templar, the courtyard introduces guests to the rich heritage of The Inner Temple from the very first moment.

For daytime events that conclude in the early evening, Church Court offers a distinguished setting for closing refreshments, allowing guests to gather outdoors within a space shaped by centuries of history.

Download

2026 Packages

For a detailed overview of Church Court, including availability, capacities and how it connects with our wider event spaces, download our latest brochure.

Wedding guests relaxing on lawn chairs and chatting under parasols in front of a large ornate white townhouse on a sunny day.

What are people saying about the Inner Temple

“We booked The Inner Temple Hall for our summer event and could not fault it. From the moment we booked right up until the day, all of the staff were great and very attentive to our wants and needs. Myself, my teams and all of their families had the best time. Highly recommended for your own events!”

- Gregory Issacs

Wedding guests relaxing on lawn chairs and chatting under parasols in front of a large ornate white townhouse on a sunny day.

Relationship to surrounding spaces

Church Court is positioned behind the main Treasury Building, while still offering straightforward access into the venue’s principal event spaces. This allows guests to move comfortably between outdoor and indoor settings as the event unfolds.

Framed by Georgian architecture and set beside Temple Church, the courtyard reinforces the historic character of the venue while remaining fully integrated into the wider event layout.

During the summer months, it offers a distinctive alternative to the Garden, providing a more architectural backdrop for receptions and adding a different dimension to larger occasions.

Wedding guests gathered in small groups on a sunny lawn outside a marquee, framed by large overhanging trees and lush greenery.

Planning considerations

Church Court offers a semi-private setting where Georgian facades meet medieval heritage. Temple Church rises above the courtyard, its 12th-century stonework creating a striking backdrop. This interplay of architectural periods, from crusading knights to Georgian elegance, gives receptions held here a strong sense of occasion and history.

Weather contingency is carefully considered within planning, with suitable indoor alternatives arranged to ensure your reception proceeds smoothly regardless of conditions. Early discussion is recommended to secure preferred dates, particularly during the summer months when outdoor spaces are in high demand.

Virtual Tour

Take a tour of The Inner Temple

Welcome to our exclusive virtual tour. Join us as we take you on a journey through the historical hallways and captivating beauty of this hidden gem in London. Our virtual experience allows you to explore the rich heritage and architectural grandeur of The Inner Temple, even if you cannot visit the venue in person due to availability or location constraints.

Get in touch

Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, private dinner, wedding reception, or special celebration within our historic London venue, our dedicated events team is here to help. Simply complete the form below with your enquiry details and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can reach us by phone or email — we’d love to hear from you.

    Thank you for considering The Inner Temple for your event. We aim to reply to you within 4 working hours of receiving your enquiry. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm.

    Similar spaces you make like