The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum is a wonderful recently refurbished Grade I listed building with a Georgian chandeliered ballroom ideal for special occasions such as celebration dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions.

An Athenaeum wedding is always a memorable occasion and we make it our priority to ensure you have the day of your dreams!

The traditional charm of the ornate Ballroom provides the perfect backdrop for a stunning wedding for up to 180 guests. Alternatively the 1st floor Lounge and Reading Room are idyllic settings for smaller, more intimate receptions. Whichever you choose you will have exclusive use of the space and we can cater for most budgets, wishes and imaginations to help you create some magical memories.

A range of packages are available but your day will always be as individual as you are so we are always happy to discuss bespoke options with you too.

Located opposite the Athenaeum are the beautiful Abbey Gardens which offer some fantastic photo opportunities. During the warmer months we are able to offer reception drinks in the Rose Garden before making your way over to the Athenaeum for your wedding breakfast.

The Old Billiard Room and the Library are used by the Suffolk Registration Service for ceremonies, ideal for couples wishing to hold their ceremony, reception and wedding breakfast under one roof, cutting down on travelling and transporting guests, flowers, cakes etc between venues. There are also a number of excellent hotels in the town and we can sometimes organise special accommodation rates, subject to availability.