Weddings at the Grand Magazine
Enquire nowExplosion Museum of Naval Firepower is a historic waterfront wedding venue tucked away in Gosport, Hampshire
Housed in the museum is our beautiful 18th century Grand Magazine, a gunpowder store originating from 1771, offers an enchanting setting for your wedding. Originally used to house guns and ammunition for the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars, this setting promises to get the sparks flying and give you a send-off your loved ones will never forget.
With it's vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork, the Grand Magazine is a extraordinary location for your wedding celebrations. Located next to Camber Basin, which boasts incredible views across the naval dockyard and into the Solent beyond, the Grand Magazine is the perfect setting for your special day.
Whether you dream of an intimate affair or a grand celebration, our dedicated events team will work with closely with you to craft an experience that surpasses your expectations. This versatile space will be exclusively yours, allowing you to create the wedding of your dreams. Options include use of the Camber Basin, which offers the ideal spot for reception drinks and picturesque photographs you will always treasure.
We recommend this venue for:
Wedding Ceremony
Break with tradition and say 'I do' in a truly one-of-a-kind venue space. The Grand Magazine offers a truly enchanting setting for a wedding that is destined to be a timeless masterpiece.
Imagine exchanging your vows in a space that once housed the ammunition for the mighty ships of the Royal Navy. As you journey down the aisle of this of historic venue each step filled with the echoes of the past, creating an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and deeply romantic.
With history etched into the very brickwork the Grand Magazine is a beautiful blank canvas, located near the shoreline, and can be transformed into an idyllic wedding ceremony for up to 150 guests.
Drinks Reception and Photos
Within easy access to Camber Basin, hire of the Grand Magazine allows you to set your wedding photos against breathtaking waterfront views. Walk hand in hand along the shoreline as your guests enjoy refreshments in our private walled garden.
As the garden is elevated, it overlooks the glistening waters of the Solent, allowing you and your guests to enjoy this space whilst still being captivated by the picturesque scenery and the sense of serenity that surrounds you.
Let nature's beauty compliment your celebration as the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink as you begin your married life together.
Wedding Dinner
After your drinks reception move seamlessly back into the Grand Magazine for your wedding meal, with the space transformed by our experienced events team.
Our hand-picked suppliers offer a delectable array of cuisines, ranging from elegant sit-down dinners to creative buffet displays. We understand the importance of creating a bespoke experience for your special day, so from layout to decor we strive to bring your wedding dreams to life.
Within the Grand Magazine you can celebrate with your loved ones over a delightful meal as you savour the joyous moments of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Evening Reception
As the night unfolds experience your first dance under vaulted ceilings. The stunning views of the Camber Basin transition into a twinkling night sky and the Grand Magazine transforms into a beautiful evening space ready to welcome your evening guests.
The Grand Magazine boasts a spacious dance floor with original Georgian floorboards, perfect for your first dance together. Whether you prefer a live band or DJ to keep the party going into the night, we can help you curate the ideal musical ambiance to match your style and taste.
As the Grand Magazine fills with the sounds of your loved ones enjoying your special day you can relax and celebrate with them, knowing that every little detail has been taken care of for you.
Capacity
|
Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower |
Reception |
Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
|
|
150 | 150 |
Image gallery
FAQs
Ceremony only - From £1,000
Evening reception only from 7pm - From £1,800
Full wedding - From £3,000
The hire fee includes exclusive use of the agreed spaces, a dedicated Event Manager, security, cleaning, tables and chairs, some venues have additional equipment such as lighting and sound that your Event Manager will outline in your proposal.
Our historic venues are very delicate due to their age and structure, requiring continuous conservation, therefore we ask that you work with our approved event suppliers who are experts in their field and know our venues as well as we do.
Yes, we are able to offer discount if you are a military personnel wishing to marry at one of our venues. Please let our Event Manager know upon enquiry and they will be able to discuss this with you in more detail.
We don’t have elopement packages yet, but we have spaces suitable for the smallest wedding to a large gathering and you can hire them for ceremonies only, on any day of the week.
By car:
Explosion Museum is just off junction 11 of the M27, follow the brown and white signs to ‘Explosion Museum’ which will lead you to our free car park which is directly on site.
If using a satnav device, please use the postcode PO12 4LE.
By boat:
Gosport Ferry offer regular ferry service between Gosport and Portsmouth
Public transport:
The nearest train station is Fareham, which is then a short taxi ride to our venue. Alternatively, you can alight at Portsmouth Harbour and get the Gosport Ferry
Yes, we have a large free car park for you and your guests to use at the Explosion Museum where the Grand Magazine is housed.
We welcome all guests to our venue spaces and we have tried to make it as safe as possible. However, some of our spaces are historic buildings and ships, and we know that there can be challenges for some guests.
For those who believe they will be limited, please discuss any accessibility requirements with your Event Manager who will be able to advise and we can provide on-site additional support if needed.
Discover our hand-picked suppliers
Each of our venues works with a select range of trusted, high-quality suppliers who understand how to protect our heritage venues and historic vessels, leaving you to relax and enjoy your bespoke occasion.
From caterers and cake makers, to musicians and decor specialists, work directly with our suppliers to build a unique package for you and your event.
Thank you
By choosing to host your event with us, you are doing more than just booking a uniquely memorable venue. You are actively contributing to the conservation of Britain’s naval heritage.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy is a charitable organisation, and all profit generated via venue hire is reinvested so that we can continue to preserve and improve our iconic ships, aircraft and submarines as well as our treasured collections and historic buildings for the general public to enjoy.
Contact us to start planning your wedding celebration
HMS Warrior
Make an entrance and walk down the aisle on the ship’s beautifully restored deck and say ‘I do’ in Victorian splendour. Take your guests to the upper deck for your first glass of celebratory drink as newlyweds and capture the moment with spectacular views of Portsmouth’s famous harbour in the background.
HMS Trincomalee
As the centrepiece of our authentically recreated Georgian Quayside, HMS Trincomalee is an exceptional venue in which to hold your ceremony, as well as acting as an unforgettable backdrop for a standing canape reception on the upper deck.