Paintworks Events Space

Setting

Paintworks offers a blank canvas where no two weddings are the same. It is a space that allows for the expression of unique styles, making it perfect for a DIY wedding. The venue encourages creativity, allowing couples to bring in their preferred suppliers, hire furniture, and decorate ceilings, walls, and outdoor spaces. The only limit is imagination. Paintworks is part of the regeneration of 12 acres of industrial buildings along the banks of the River Avon, where many of the original buildings have been preserved and restored.

The Paintworks team has experience with a variety of themed weddings, including Viking-themed winter weddings, a 1950s Hawaii hula feel, and even Halloween-inspired weddings. Their wedding manager, Eider, is available to guide couples through all the planning steps and can suggest layout and décor ideas to suit specific requirements.

Ceremony

The venue is licensed to hold ceremonies for up to 140 guests in the Theatre End of the space. This intimate area features a unique L-shaped walking aisle and offers two different layout options, catering to small and large ceremonies. The space also boasts a fantastic viewing gallery, adding a dramatic touch to the ceremony.

Reception

The cosy ceremony space is transformed into a dance floor during the drinks reception, allowing the party to start without removing the dining tables. The dining and bar area features an impressive 4.5-meter ceiling height with a rugged concrete ceiling, exposed central steel columns, and roof joists. This space is perfect for hanging ceiling décor like lanterns, drapes, or floral disco ball installations. As a blank canvas venue, Paintworks offers the versatility to choose from various floor plans and themes, enabling couples to create a wedding that best suits their vision.

Food & Drink

The in-house caterers, Relish, are highly regarded and offer a wide range of food and service styles, from sit-down dinners to buffets, sharing platters, BBQs, and live cooking stations. They also manage the bar and can provide drink packages to suit the event.

Relish is committed to using locally sourced products wherever possible and supporting local suppliers.

Sustainability

Paintworks Event Space is at the heart of sustainable development, with double glazing, highly efficient heating, and well-insulated walls. The site has a recycling policy with multiple glass, paper, cardboard, tins, and plastic recycling points. Verve Properties, the site’s owner and developer, is committed to sustainability and has been recognized with several awards for its regeneration. These include the British Astronomical Association Sky Friendly Exterior Lighting Award, the Civic Trust Award 2008, and others.

Getting There

The venue is a 12-minute walk from Temple Meads train station and is on the main A4 bus route between Bristol City Centre and Bath. While limited parking is available on-site, guests are encouraged to use public transport if possible.

Awards and Notables

• Finalist in the 2006 Regeneration Awards for best mixed use regeneration project.
• Regenerate Magazine's National Award, 2007.
• Civic Trust Award 2008 (National Regeneration Awards by Regeneration Magazine).
• The British Astronomical Association Sky Friendly Exterior Lighting Award.