For couples based in the United States, wе manage every element from venue selection through to the final walk-through, so you can plan from 5,000 miles away without it feeling that way.
who we are + what we do for you
Events by James is a London-based event planning studio. The focus is on calm leadership, thoughtful decision-making and weddings that feel intentional rather than overproduced.
Working with a planner based in London, rather than one operating remotely, means someone is always available to view a venue, meet a supplier in person, or catch a detail on-site the moment it matters - not weeks later, and not over a screen.
A destination wedding is more than a wedding held away from home. It’s the chance to choose your setting as deliberately as you choose everything else about your day, rather than defaulting to whatever’s nearest. A city, or a venue, with real meaning behind it: chosen because it’s beautiful, because it matters to you, or simply because it’s extraordinary.
London gives you something rare. A city with genuine weight and history, that still leaves room for moments that feel entirely your own. Your guests arrive easily and settle in properly, without long travel days or tangled logistics standing between them and the day itself.
8 hrs flight from NYC
11 hrs flight from LA
Jennie & Jack's wedding at Hedsor House View Event
partner venues
London and the UK offer an extraordinary range of wedding venues. The key is not just choosing somewhere beautiful, but understanding how each venue works - its flow, scale and energy. These are some of the places my team and I regularly plan weddings at:
A private Georgian estate in the Chilterns, forty minutes from central London. Complete exclusivity. Grounds that photograph beautifully in every season.
Hedsor House
A Grade I listed former courthouse in Clerkenwell. Dramatic architecture, exceptional flexibility, a space that rewards thoughtful design.
Old Sessions House
A neo-Gothic townhouse on the Victoria Embankment. One of London's least-known and most extraordinary private hire spaces.
Two Temple Place
A Hampshire estate with extraordinary grounds and the kind of atmosphere that makes guests feel genuinely transported.
Pylewell Park
"We don’t even know where to begin in thanking James for the magic he created on our wedding day!"
Walking into the space felt like stepping into a dream, and it was everything we had hoped for and so much more. What meant the most to us was how you truly listened and understood the kind of feeling we wanted the day to have. Every detail carried your creative touch but also reflected us so perfectly, and that balance made it feel incredibly special. Our guests kept telling us how stunning everything looked, and we couldn’t agree more!
Jen & JAck:
"James is truly the best decision we made for our wedding!"
He really understood the vision for our day and helped bring it to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined ourselves. On the wedding day itself, everything ran so smoothly that we were able to completely relax and enjoy every moment. James handled everything behind the scenes with such calm professionalism, and the transitions throughout the day felt effortless. We had so many guests come up to us and say how beautifully the day flowed and how well organised everything was. Several people even told us it was the best wedding they had ever been to — which says everything about the experience James helped create.
Danielle & sam:
"James didn’t miss a single beat, and the entire day ran so, so smoothly because of him!"
James’ calming presence and steady guidance made such a difference in the lead-up to the wedding and on the day itself.
We truly appreciated all his advice, his patience, and his wonderfully calm demeanour - he is truly made for this role. It was such a comfort knowing we were in such capable hands.
rachel & ben:
What our clients are saying:
the investment
Every destination wedding is different. Rather than quoting fixed package prices, I work with each couple individually to understand your vision before shaping a budget and proposal around it.
As a guide, full-service destination weddings typically start from $150,000 USD in total spend. My planning fee sits at 12% of that overall budget.
There are no commissions from suppliers and no percentage markups on your budget. What I recommend is what I genuinely believe is right for your wedding.
the legalities
Getting legally married in England as a USA citizen is simpler than most people expect.
what to bring
Valid passports, proof of your USA address, and if either of you has been married before, documentation confirming that marriage has ended.
The Notice of Marriage
Both partners need to attend a designated UK register office in person, at least 28 days before the ceremony. It cannot be done remotely and it cannot be waived. Most couples I work with plan this appointment to coincide with their venue visit - which keeps the transatlantic trips to a minimum.
Your UK marriage certificate will be issued on the day and is fully recognised in the United States. No additional registration required when you get home.
