History

Situated at the heart and pulse of the wonderful city of Bath, the Roman Baths are quite justifiably considered by many as among the most important historic buildings in the South West. Since the site's original foundation over a naturally-occurring hot spring, supposedly by the Celtic King Bladud in 836 BC, the Baths themselves have undergone a number of transformations.

The Imperial invasion of 43AD led to a fairly rapid military expansion across southern Britain. The original Roman Baths (parts of which have survived until the present day) are believed to have been constructed gradually over the period between 70 - 370AD. Many elements of the Roman bathing complex were destroyed in the 6th century, and several subsequent bath systems were successively rebuilt and demolished over the original site until the 19th century.

The original Roman Baths were rediscovered and excavated in the 18th century, but the galleried buildings now housing the complex (above street level) with which we are familiar today were constructed in the late 19th century.

Today the Roman Baths Museum and the associated late 18th-century Pump Room regularly attract in excess of 1 million visitors every year, and also play host to some of the most magical weddings and other social events in the country!

Facilities

Built for pleasure, socialising, relaxation and grand splendour, these buildings make for the perfect - and highly unique - venue for a wedding celebration.

The Pump Room

The Pump Room building was refurbished in 1795 as a meeting-place for the upper echelons of Georgian Bath's society. With its ten-metre-high ceiling and refined neo-Classical decorations, today it operates as a renowned restaurant and a prestigious events space. Those looking to host their wedding celebrations in the Roman Baths would most likely seat their formal reception meal in The Pump Room.

Formal Meal Capacity - 200. Available from 8pm.

The Baths

Several metres below modern street level, the 2000-year old Roman Baths present an enchanting setting in which to host a drinks reception, or perhaps to conduct your wedding ceremony. Imagine your guests sipping on sweet champagne in the unique atmosphere of these ancient baths, draped in that iconic ethereal and golden mist.

Ceremonies at the Roman Baths are available at two specific times per day, as part of the Sunrise and Sunset packages, in order to accommodate the public opening times of the museum.

Sunrise Package- from 8.30am

Perfect for just the wedding couple or up to 200 guests, of course, this could be followed by a champagne drinks reception on the Terrace or in the Reception Hall.

Sunset Package- from 7pm

Minimum 80 guests with exclusive hire of the whole building (as it's closed).

The Terrace

The long and magnificent Terrace overlooks the Roman Baths - great for your drinks reception (if you are dining in the Pump Room), and itself perfect for a formal meal.

Drinks Reception Capacity - 120. Available from 7pm onwards. Not available in July or August

Formal Meal Capacity - 80. Available from 7pm onwards. Not available in July or August

The Reception Hall

The adjoining Reception Hall accepts visitors to the museum during the day, but after 7pm makes a perfect room for dancing the night away during evening parties. The modern and stylish reception desk can be transformed into a bar, and space made for a dancefloor. This room could be used for dining too!

Formal Meal Capacity - 70. Available from 7pm onward. (Not available in July or August

Drinks Reception Capacity - 150. Available from 7pm onward. (Not available in July or August

The Kingston Room and The Drawing Room

These chambers are ideal for (slightly) smaller ceremonies. With elegant Georgian interiors and offering amazing views of the Abbey and Kingston Parade, these rooms are actually available during the day, and all year round.

Civil Wedding Ceremony Capacity - 50 (Kingston Room), 40 (Drawing

Formal Meal Capacity - 40

For additional iconic or historic buildings in Bath see the Assembly Rooms, Guildhall or Victoria Art Gallery.