Bodleian Library
Bring your dream event to life
At the historic heart of the University of Oxford stands the Bodleian Library, one of the world's most celebrated centres of learning and a venue of extraordinary architectural beauty. Founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602, the Bodleian has for more than four centuries, welcomed generations of scholars, statesmen and visionaries through its magnificent doors.
As the largest university library in the United Kingdom and one of the nation's five legal deposit libraries, the Bodleian safeguards millions of books, manuscripts and treasures of human knowledge. Its historic reading rooms have been frequented by kings, Nobel Prize laureates and prime ministers, lending an unparalleled sense of heritage and distinction to every event hosted within its walls.
Today, this remarkable collection of buildings offers an unforgettable setting for weddings, celebrations and corporate gatherings. On selected Saturday and Sunday evenings, the venue can be enjoyed exclusively, allowing guests to experience some of Oxford's most iconic spaces in complete privacy.
The Bodleian offers a selection of exquisite event spaces, each rich in character and history. The breath-taking Divinity School, with its intricately vaulted ceiling, the elegant Convocation House, and the intimate Chancellor's Court are all licensed for civil wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. Beyond the interiors, the library's tranquil quadrangles provide secluded outdoor settings framed by centuries-old stonework and some of Oxford's most recognisable architecture.
Complementing the historic buildings, the Weston Library offers contemporary facilities of exceptional quality. Its spectacular 854-square-metre hall provides a dramatic setting for dining and receptions, while a state-of-the-art lecture theatre accommodates up to 117 guests. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views across Oxford's celebrated skyline, creating a memorable backdrop for conferences, private events and receptions. The Weston Library is also fully equipped to host hybrid and virtual meetings.
Whether planning an elegant wedding, a distinguished corporate event or a private celebration, the Bodleian Library offers a setting where history, scholarship and architectural splendour combine to create an experience unlike any other.
For more details:
- Visit our website for events and weddings
- The Bodleian's Wedding Instagram
- Book a showround with the team
- Our Events Instagram
This venue offers...
Dinner
Wedding
Drinks Reception
Christmas Function
Conference / Meeting
Filming
Lunch
Party
Did you know...
Our Venue
Divinity School
A special space like no other
The Divinity School is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built rooms in the University of Oxford. The name comes from its original purpose as a classroom where theology, known as ‘divinity’, was taught and examined between the fifteenth and nineteenth century. Now, the space continues to impress as one of the beautiful event spaces in Oxford.
Blackwell Hall
Across the road from the Old Bodleian, the Weston Library offers a striking blend of historic character and contemporary design. The bright, airy atrium of Blackwell Hall features a smooth stone floor, high ceilings, and a visible gallery of books, creating one of Oxford’s largest and most impressive dining spaces. Ideal for drinks receptions, dinners, and dancing, it can host up to 400 guests for standing receptions or 250 for seated dining with ample space for entertainment, a stage, speeches, and dancing. Guests can also enjoy access to rotating exhibitions of rare treasures, or drinks in the colonnade overlooking Broad Street, making it a perfect setting for events that combine history with modern elegance.
Convocation House & Chancellor's Court
Convocation House, added in 1637, is a 17th-century building constructed as a meeting place for the University’s supreme legislative body. Featuring fine woodwork, tiered wooden seating around all four sides, and excellent natural acoustics, it offers an opulent setting for presentations, meetings, or dinners. The adjoining Chancellor’s Court, once used as a courtroom for student jurisdictions until the mid-20th century, now serves as a private entrance to Convocation House or a catering space for events in the Divinity School.
Duke Humfrey's Library
Duke Humfrey’s Library is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant library spaces in Oxford, renowned for its long oak bookcases, timber panelling, and sense of quiet academic grandeur. As part of the Old Bodleian, it offers a uniquely evocative backdrop for filming, but is available strictly for commercial and large-scale filming use only and cannot be used for dining, drinks receptions, or other event functions.
For guests hosting dinners in the Divinity School, there is also the opportunity to enhance the experience with a guided tour of Duke Humfrey’s Library, offering a rare glimpse into one of the University’s most treasured and restricted spaces.
Weston Lecture Theatre
The Weston Lecture Theatre is well-lit, modern and sleek in design, allowing your content to take centre-stage. There are comfortable tiered seats, soft-fold tables with power sockets, and the room is equipped with a built-in PA system with microphones, including lectern and table-based panel mics, and a large screen.
Bahari Room
On the first floor of the Weston Library, the Bahari room is the ideal light and airy space for your next meeting, workshop or small team away day. With built in AV, dual aspect windows and comfortable seating, you can spend half or a full day with us. There’s also the option to have food and drink service in the room from Benugo, our in house café catering company.
Weston Rooftop Terrace
On the top floor of the Weston Library, the Roof Terrace provides a spectacular setting for drinks receptions. The terrace is a space with unique views over Oxford’s historic rooftops and the hills beyond, and is truly set in the heart of the ‘dreaming spires’.
Venue Walkthrough
Venue Details
Divinity School
A special space like no other The Divinity School is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built rooms in the University of Oxford. The name comes from its original purpose as a classroom where theology, known as ‘divinity’, was taught and examined between the fifteenth and nineteenth century. Now, the space continues to impress as one of the beautiful event spaces in Oxford.Venue Capacity
- 200 Buffet
- 80 Cabaret
- 100 Concert
- 120 Dining
- 120 Evening Reception
- 120 Lunch and Refreshments
- 200 Standing
- 120 Theatre
Features
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- Audio-visual services are delivered in partnership with That Event Company, providing expert technical support and tailored event production.
- The Divinity School is licensed to host both wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, offering a breath-taking historic setting for unforgettable celebrations.
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for events of all sizes.
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
- Florals are permitted at the venue and can be arranged with local, sustainable suppliers for seasonal, responsibly sourced arrangements.
- Filming is permitted on site for both large-scale and small-scale productions.
Blackwell Hall
Across the road from the Old Bodleian, the Weston Library offers a striking blend of historic character and contemporary design. The bright, airy atrium of Blackwell Hall features a smooth stone floor, high ceilings, and a visible gallery of books, creating one of Oxford’s largest and most impressive dining spaces. Ideal for drinks receptions, dinners, and dancing, it can host up to 400 guests for standing receptions or 250 for seated dining with ample space for entertainment, a stage, speeches, and dancing. Guests can also enjoy access to rotating exhibitions of rare treasures, or drinks in the colonnade overlooking Broad Street, making it a perfect setting for events that combine history with modern elegance.Venue Capacity
- 250 Dining
- 400 Drinks Reception
- 400 Drinks reception or evening presentation
- 30 Lunch and Refreshments
- 400 Receptions & exhibitions
- 400 Standing Reception
Duke Humfrey's Library
Duke Humfrey’s Library is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant library spaces in Oxford, renowned for its long oak bookcases, timber panelling, and sense of quiet academic grandeur. As part of the Old Bodleian, it offers a uniquely evocative backdrop for filming, but is available strictly for commercial and large-scale filming use only and cannot be used for dining, drinks receptions, or other event functions. For guests hosting dinners in the Divinity School, there is also the opportunity to enhance the experience with a guided tour of Duke Humfrey’s Library, offering a rare glimpse into one of the University’s most treasured and restricted spaces.Venue Capacity
- 40 Filming
Features
- Duke Humfrey’s Library provides an exceptionally atmospheric and visually rich setting, making it ideal for high-end commercial filming.
- Filming availability is typically early morning or after closure, with full-day and overnight hire options available for approved productions.
- Access to Duke Humfrey’s Library is via staircase only, reflecting the historic nature of the building and limited accessibility.
- Guests dining in the Divinity School may also choose to include a guided tour of Duke Humfrey’s Library as part of their event experience.
- It also offers a uniquely romantic and atmospheric setting, making it an exceptional location for proposals or intimate elopement ceremonies.
Weston Lecture Theatre
The Weston Lecture Theatre is well-lit, modern and sleek in design, allowing your content to take centre-stage. There are comfortable tiered seats, soft-fold tables with power sockets, and the room is equipped with a built-in PA system with microphones, including lectern and table-based panel mics, and a large screen.Venue Capacity
- 117 Theatre
Features
- The venue offers step-free access to all areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- The Weston Lecture Theatre is fully equipped to host hybrid events, seamlessly integrating in-person and remote participation through high-quality live streaming and conferencing capabilities.
- The space also includes a hearing loop system and is acoustically optimised for lectures, ensuring clear, accessible audio for all attendees.
- The venue supports both Bodleian internal AV setups and external production brought in by That Event Company, allowing flexibility for bespoke technical requirements.
- The Weston Lecture Theatre is fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, including integrated projection, high-quality sound systems, and adaptable lighting
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
Convocation House & Chancellor's Court
Convocation House, added in 1637, is a 17th-century building constructed as a meeting place for the University’s supreme legislative body. Featuring fine woodwork, tiered wooden seating around all four sides, and excellent natural acoustics, it offers an opulent setting for presentations, meetings, or dinners. The adjoining Chancellor’s Court, once used as a courtroom for student jurisdictions until the mid-20th century, now serves as a private entrance to Convocation House or a catering space for events in the Divinity School.Venue Capacity
- 60 Buffet
- 100 Classroom
- 100 Concert
- 30 Dining
- 100 Drinks Reception
- 100 Live Music
- 100 Seminar
Features
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- Audio-visual services are delivered in partnership with That Event Company, providing expert technical support and tailored event production.
- The Divinity School is licensed to host both wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, offering a breath-taking historic setting for unforgettable celebrations.
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for events of all sizes.
- Convocation House is ideally suited for lectures and talks, with its tiered seating, excellent natural acoustics, and intimate historic atmosphere.
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
- Florals are permitted at the venue and can be arranged with local, sustainable suppliers for seasonal, responsibly sourced arrangements.
- Filming is permitted on site for both large-scale and small-scale productions.
Bahari Room
On the first floor of the Weston Library, the Bahari room is the ideal light and airy space for your next meeting, workshop or small team away day. With built in AV, dual aspect windows and comfortable seating, you can spend half or a full day with us. There’s also the option to have food and drink service in the room from Benugo, our in house café catering company.Venue Capacity
- 20 Boardroom
- 20 Classroom
- 20 Dining
- 10 Filming
- 20 Meeting
- 20 Seminar
- 20 Tea and coffee service
- 20 Video conferencing
Features
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for small dinners or lunches.
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
- The space is perfectly suited for manuscript filming, with its quiet and controlled atmosphere ensuring excellent conditions for detailed work.
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- The Bahari Room is equipped with integrated video and audio-visual facilities, including a built-in screen with laptop connectivity, supporting seamless presentations and hybrid events.
- It is ideal for meetings, offering a focused and professional environment for collaboration and discussion.
Weston Rooftop Terrace
On the top floor of the Weston Library, the Roof Terrace provides a spectacular setting for drinks receptions. The terrace is a space with unique views over Oxford’s historic rooftops and the hills beyond, and is truly set in the heart of the ‘dreaming spires’.Venue Capacity
- 100 Standing Reception
Features
- Filming is permitted on site for both large-scale and small-scale productions.
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for events of all sizes.
- The rooftop terrace offers a perfect photography opportunity, with sweeping views and natural light creating an exceptional backdrop for capturing memorable moments.
- The rooftop terrace is available in fair weather conditions, typically for early morning or post-7pm hire, subject to operational requirements.
- The rooftop terrace provides an intimate and unforgettable setting, making it ideal for marriage proposals with its panoramic views and atmospheric backdrop.
-
Divinity School
A special space like no other The Divinity School is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built rooms in the University of Oxford. The name comes from its original purpose as a classroom where theology, known as ‘divinity’, was taught and examined between the fifteenth and nineteenth century. Now, the space continues to impress as one of the beautiful event spaces in Oxford.Venue Capacity
- 200 Buffet
- 80 Cabaret
- 100 Concert
- 120 Dining
- 120 Evening Reception
- 120 Lunch and Refreshments
- 200 Standing
- 120 Theatre
Features
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- Audio-visual services are delivered in partnership with That Event Company, providing expert technical support and tailored event production.
- The Divinity School is licensed to host both wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, offering a breath-taking historic setting for unforgettable celebrations.
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for events of all sizes.
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
- Florals are permitted at the venue and can be arranged with local, sustainable suppliers for seasonal, responsibly sourced arrangements.
- Filming is permitted on site for both large-scale and small-scale productions.
-
Blackwell Hall
Across the road from the Old Bodleian, the Weston Library offers a striking blend of historic character and contemporary design. The bright, airy atrium of Blackwell Hall features a smooth stone floor, high ceilings, and a visible gallery of books, creating one of Oxford’s largest and most impressive dining spaces. Ideal for drinks receptions, dinners, and dancing, it can host up to 400 guests for standing receptions or 250 for seated dining with ample space for entertainment, a stage, speeches, and dancing. Guests can also enjoy access to rotating exhibitions of rare treasures, or drinks in the colonnade overlooking Broad Street, making it a perfect setting for events that combine history with modern elegance.Venue Capacity
- 250 Dining
- 400 Drinks Reception
- 400 Drinks reception or evening presentation
- 30 Lunch and Refreshments
- 400 Receptions & exhibitions
- 400 Standing Reception
-
Duke Humfrey's Library
Duke Humfrey’s Library is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant library spaces in Oxford, renowned for its long oak bookcases, timber panelling, and sense of quiet academic grandeur. As part of the Old Bodleian, it offers a uniquely evocative backdrop for filming, but is available strictly for commercial and large-scale filming use only and cannot be used for dining, drinks receptions, or other event functions. For guests hosting dinners in the Divinity School, there is also the opportunity to enhance the experience with a guided tour of Duke Humfrey’s Library, offering a rare glimpse into one of the University’s most treasured and restricted spaces.Venue Capacity
- 40 Filming
Features
- Duke Humfrey’s Library provides an exceptionally atmospheric and visually rich setting, making it ideal for high-end commercial filming.
- Filming availability is typically early morning or after closure, with full-day and overnight hire options available for approved productions.
- Access to Duke Humfrey’s Library is via staircase only, reflecting the historic nature of the building and limited accessibility.
- Guests dining in the Divinity School may also choose to include a guided tour of Duke Humfrey’s Library as part of their event experience.
- It also offers a uniquely romantic and atmospheric setting, making it an exceptional location for proposals or intimate elopement ceremonies.
-
Weston Lecture Theatre
The Weston Lecture Theatre is well-lit, modern and sleek in design, allowing your content to take centre-stage. There are comfortable tiered seats, soft-fold tables with power sockets, and the room is equipped with a built-in PA system with microphones, including lectern and table-based panel mics, and a large screen.Venue Capacity
- 117 Theatre
Features
- The venue offers step-free access to all areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- The Weston Lecture Theatre is fully equipped to host hybrid events, seamlessly integrating in-person and remote participation through high-quality live streaming and conferencing capabilities.
- The space also includes a hearing loop system and is acoustically optimised for lectures, ensuring clear, accessible audio for all attendees.
- The venue supports both Bodleian internal AV setups and external production brought in by That Event Company, allowing flexibility for bespoke technical requirements.
- The Weston Lecture Theatre is fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, including integrated projection, high-quality sound systems, and adaptable lighting
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
-
Convocation House & Chancellor's Court
Convocation House, added in 1637, is a 17th-century building constructed as a meeting place for the University’s supreme legislative body. Featuring fine woodwork, tiered wooden seating around all four sides, and excellent natural acoustics, it offers an opulent setting for presentations, meetings, or dinners. The adjoining Chancellor’s Court, once used as a courtroom for student jurisdictions until the mid-20th century, now serves as a private entrance to Convocation House or a catering space for events in the Divinity School.Venue Capacity
- 60 Buffet
- 100 Classroom
- 100 Concert
- 30 Dining
- 100 Drinks Reception
- 100 Live Music
- 100 Seminar
Features
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- Audio-visual services are delivered in partnership with That Event Company, providing expert technical support and tailored event production.
- The Divinity School is licensed to host both wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, offering a breath-taking historic setting for unforgettable celebrations.
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for events of all sizes.
- Convocation House is ideally suited for lectures and talks, with its tiered seating, excellent natural acoustics, and intimate historic atmosphere.
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
- Florals are permitted at the venue and can be arranged with local, sustainable suppliers for seasonal, responsibly sourced arrangements.
- Filming is permitted on site for both large-scale and small-scale productions.
-
Bahari Room
On the first floor of the Weston Library, the Bahari room is the ideal light and airy space for your next meeting, workshop or small team away day. With built in AV, dual aspect windows and comfortable seating, you can spend half or a full day with us. There’s also the option to have food and drink service in the room from Benugo, our in house café catering company.Venue Capacity
- 20 Boardroom
- 20 Classroom
- 20 Dining
- 10 Filming
- 20 Meeting
- 20 Seminar
- 20 Tea and coffee service
- 20 Video conferencing
Features
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for small dinners or lunches.
- The venue is available for hire throughout the year where possible, subject to academic schedules and operational requirements.
- The space is perfectly suited for manuscript filming, with its quiet and controlled atmosphere ensuring excellent conditions for detailed work.
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- The Bahari Room is equipped with integrated video and audio-visual facilities, including a built-in screen with laptop connectivity, supporting seamless presentations and hybrid events.
- It is ideal for meetings, offering a focused and professional environment for collaboration and discussion.
-
Weston Rooftop Terrace
On the top floor of the Weston Library, the Roof Terrace provides a spectacular setting for drinks receptions. The terrace is a space with unique views over Oxford’s historic rooftops and the hills beyond, and is truly set in the heart of the ‘dreaming spires’.Venue Capacity
- 100 Standing Reception
Features
- Filming is permitted on site for both large-scale and small-scale productions.
- The venue offers step-free access to key areas, with accessible entrances, facilities, and support available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
- We work with a selection of local catering partners who deliver high-quality, tailored menus for events of all sizes.
- The rooftop terrace offers a perfect photography opportunity, with sweeping views and natural light creating an exceptional backdrop for capturing memorable moments.
- The rooftop terrace is available in fair weather conditions, typically for early morning or post-7pm hire, subject to operational requirements.
- The rooftop terrace provides an intimate and unforgettable setting, making it ideal for marriage proposals with its panoramic views and atmospheric backdrop.
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