My List of 30 Popular Wedding Venues in and Around Sofia

Many engaged couples laugh nervously when I say that choosing a wedding venue is actually one of the easier steps in planning a wedding. It doesn’t always feel that way, though — sometimes it takes hundreds of hours spent walking, comparing, and essentially searching for buried treasure. The good news? At least you’ll become an expert at making really beautiful Excel spreadsheets.

CATEGORIES OF WEDDING VENUES

A lower category doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality — and the reverse is also true. Wedding venues are usually grouped based on things like cuisine, service style, and overall experience. But these categories are often flexible, mixed, and not always an exact measure of quality.

For example, in the lower category, tables are typically long and rectangular (which allows for greater capacity and flexibility). Salads are often pre-served, drinks are already placed on the tables, and the plates, utensils, and glasses are simple — though this has no bearing on how tasty the food is. Service tends to be efficient but less personalized. You might see situations where two waiters manage to serve 120 guests — quickly but without much ceremony. Appetizers and main courses are served regardless of whether the previous plate has been finished.

In contrast, higher-category venues usually feature round tables (which seat fewer people but encourage conversation and give guests more personal space). Bottled drinks are placed on the table, but poured by the waiters, who pay attention to what each guest is drinking and keep glasses topped up. Salads are served after guests are seated, and the following dishes are brought out after each person finishes the previous one. Utensils, glasses, and tableware are typically of a higher standard, and the menu often features more creative, gourmet dishes. The number of servers is also noticeably higher — it’s not unusual for a wedding of 80 guests to have 10 or more waiters.

Still, high category doesn’t always mean better. I’ve seen weddings where guests felt stiff and uncomfortable in the more formal atmosphere of a luxury venue. On the other hand, there are simpler, more affordable places where the vibe is effortlessly relaxed — the dance floor is always full, and everyone has a great time. Ironically, the lack of excessive formality in the service, the food, and even the décor often makes it easier for people to let loose and enjoy themselves.

About the Price Ranges Below

The price ranges I mention for each venue are very approximate and shouldn’t be taken as an exact guide — especially when it comes to mid-range options. Price doesn’t always reflect quality, service, or how enjoyable your wedding will be.

Why Choosing a Venue Is Actually Easy

Choosing a venue might feel overwhelming at first, but in reality, the options are quite limited. There are about 30 popular wedding venues in Sofia and the surrounding area. Once you narrow them down by capacity (depending on your guest list), your budget, and one or two other factors (like whether there’s a garden or whether smoking is allowed), you’ll likely end up with just a handful of suitable choices.

Going off the beaten path and choosing something unusual is possible — but it comes with risks. Sticking to well-known, popular venues is usually the safer bet. These are places that have been tested and loved by countless couples before you.

WEDDING VENUES FOR LARGE WEDDINGS (150+ GUESTS)

The following venues are suitable for large weddings and are listed below in descending price range.

• Marinela Hotel (formerly Kempinski) — Offers seven halls suitable for weddings. The largest, EFE Hall, can accommodate up to 600 guests.

• Sofia Balkan Hotel (formerly Sheraton) — Three halls available, suitable for weddings of 100 to 350 guests, depending on configuration.

• Grand Hotel Sofia — Accommodates up to 160 guests.

• RIU Pravets — Capacity for up to 400 guests.

• Terra Residence — Accommodates up to 200 guests.

• Villa Ekaterina — Hosts weddings for up to 250 guests.

• Hilton Sofia — Suitable for up to 150 guests.

• Vitosha Park Hotel — Capacity up to 160 guests.

• Ramada Hotel (formerly Dedeman) — Three halls available, the largest fitting up to 400 guests.

• Restaurant Laura at the National Palace of Culture (NDK) — Accommodates up to 300 guests.

• Montecito Complex — The main hall accommodates 200 guests, and the restaurant with a retractable roof can host up to 300 guests.

• Restaurant Moskva at Park Hotel Moscow — Capacity for up to 300 guests.

Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor weddings in Sofia come with one of two compromises:

1. The event must end by 10 PM, or

2. The venue is located outside the city.

Even outside of Sofia, venues often have restrictions on music volume after certain hours.

Updated Venue List (as of February 2020)

Terra Residence

Capacity: Two halls for 140 and 160 guests (up to 170/200 by their claims)
Category: High price range

Terra Residence is one of the most pleasant and well-regarded wedding venues in Sofia. It features two separate halls, each with its own courtyard. The only interaction between guests from concurrent weddings is in the shared parking lot.

• Sofia Hall (ground floor): Comfortably fits 140 guests.

• Terra Hall: Comfortably fits 160 guests.

Note: The official website states higher capacities, but from experience, these numbers are optimistic if you want a comfortable setup.

It is always a pleasure for me to work at Terra Residence and I think most wedding photographers, cameramen and DJs can say the same.

Pros:

• Spacious, bright halls without columns.

• Excellent service and consistently delicious food.

• Extremely cooperative staff and management.

• Nice outdoor areas for ceremonies or cocktails.

• Menu prices are high but offer great value with lots included.

• Low additional cost for extending the rental beyond the contracted hours.

Neutral:

• At the couple’s request, smoking indoors is allowed. (Not recommended, unless you enjoy breathing poison.)

Cons:

• No accommodation available on-site or nearby.

• The courtyards could use some maintenance — expect the occasional broken tile or small imperfections.

 

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Villa Ekaterina – Kostadinkino (near Vakarel)

Capacity: Up to 250 guests
Category: High price range

This is one of my favorite venues, and a consistent favorite among newlyweds. It’s a hotel complex with a large marquee tent and a spacious lawn offering panoramic views.

• The marquee comfortably hosts weddings with up to 250 guests.

• The hotel can accommodate about 40 guests overnight.

• Includes a large indoor pool and ample parking.

• Easily accessible via Trakia Highway, just 37 km from Sofia.

Pros:

• The marquee tent is the ideal solution for an outdoor wedding with the safety of an indoor space. I’ve photographed weddings here in pouring rain and in chilly evening weather — the interior remained perfectly comfortable.

• Large green spaces for cocktail hours and civil ceremonies, with a registrar from Vakarel available.

• The entire wedding — preparations, ceremony, and party — can happen in one location.

• Outstanding service and impressive food.

• Exceptionally helpful management and staff.

Cons:

• The only drawback: it’s 37 km from Sofia, which requires some transport planning for guests.

 

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St. Sofia Golf Club – Ravno Pole

Capacity: Best suited for 90–120 guests indoors, max 180 guests.
Category: High price range

One of the most beautiful venues near Sofia. It offers:

• Beautifully maintained outdoor spaces for legal civil ceremonies and cocktail hours.

• A lovely white building with a wide panoramic terrace.

• A bright and stylish restaurant hall for the main reception.

We typically photograph 4 to 6 weddings here each year.

Capacity details:

• The hall has a large central column with a fireplace, dividing it into two zones.

• The main area holds about 120 guests, with room for 60 more in the adjacent section.

Pros:

• Excellent service and fantastic food.

• Always a pleasure to work with the staff and managers.

• One of the most photogenic venues in the Sofia area.

• Multiple options for outdoor ceremonies, whether on the terrace or the lawns.

• Unlike Sofia, the Elin Pelin Municipality allows legal outdoor civil ceremonies.

Cons:

• Located 25 km from Sofia, which can complicate logistics.

• The venue has an agreement with a taxi company — a ride to Sofia is 30 BGN. Many couples also arrange shuttle buses for guests.

• Limited accommodation: Only 4 rooms and one apartment available on-site.

 

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Best Western Expo Hotel – Sofia

Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Category: Medium price range

This is one of my personal favorites in Sofia, along with Terra Residence, Villa Ekaterina, Hotel Accord’s restaurant, and “Principi di Piemonte” at Interpred.

Located on Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., across from Metro, the venue is easy to access by both car and subway.

Wedding options:

1. Garden ceremony + cocktail, followed by reception in the Panorama Hall (up to 120 guests). This is the best option and the one I recommend.

2. Fully outdoor wedding in the garden (80–90 guests max), but the music must be moved inside the ForEgo restaurant by 10 PM. I don’t recommend this — it ruins the flow of the party.

3. For larger weddings (up to 200 guests), there is the City Hall — but it has an awkward layout with many columns and levels. I don’t recommend this space either.

Pros:

• The Panorama Hall on the second floor has a great layout, pleasant décor, and works perfectly for 80–120 guest weddings.

• Nice tent garden, inviting lobby, and modern hotel interior.

• Very easy access from the city, especially via Tsarigradsko Shose.

• Good service and food.

• Close to Vrana Park, which is ideal for wedding photos.

• Large, free parking lot.

• Cozy hotel rooms suitable for wedding preparations.

 

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Accord Hotel *** – up to 120 guests, affordable price range

In the last few years the restaurant of the  Accord Hotel has always been one of the best deals on the market in the affordable price range. Accordingly, one of the earliest booked venues – if it on your list to it and want to book a Saturday or a Sunday, it is best to contact them at least a year in advance. Comfortably suitable for about 100-110 guests. In the last 4 years we have shot 10 weddings there.

In 2017, the restaurant hall was impressively renovated, making the place even more attractive to the newlyweds. At the end of 2019, a professional sound system was installed in the hall, which is in line with the acoustics of the hall and fits perfectly into the interior. Accord Hotel also has a garden that is suitable for an outdoor ceremony.

Pros:
– Great hall with professional lighting, round tables and beautiful chairs;
– „Accord“ want to win you as clients and their offer reflects this – it is quite good, customer-oriented and has included over the years various original offers such as 7 hours of occupancy for the hall without overtime (vs. 5 hours at almost all other venues) or unlimited non-alcoholic ones included, coffee, beer and wine at a price below 45 BGN;
– Service and food are good;
– In the courtyard of the hotel there is a nice garden, which is suitable for outdoor ceremony and cocktail;
– The restaurant manager is extremely responsive;
– Convenient accommodation for your guests in the hotel rooms and reasonable prices;

Neutral:
– The hotel is within easy reach of a main road – Vladimir Vazov Blvd. in Hadji Dimitar quarter and 6-7 minutes by car from St. Sofia Church, but still falls outside the central part, which is not convenient to all couples.

 

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Hotel Marinella ***** – several halls. The largest with a capacity of up to 600 guests, high price range

A preferred venue for „high profile“ weddings in Sofia. Marinela Hotel has 7 halls, 3 of them are most often used for weddings – Sofia Hall, which can be configured in 4 different options with a capacity of 160 to 500 guests. The EFE Hall with a capacity of up to 600 guests and the panoramic Silhouette Hall, which is on the top floor of the hotel and can seat about 90 guests.

Pros:
– Many different options for small or very large weddings;
– The garden of the hotel is suitable for an outdoor ceremony;
– Good service and delicious food;

Cons:
– The “provocative” interior of the hotel is not liked by all couples;

 

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Stara Sofia Restaurant of Vega Hotel **** – up to 80 guests, average price range

One of the restaurants I often recommend for small weddings. I also recommend the suites of the hotel for the newlyweds’ preparations, even when the wedding will be at another restaurant as they are quite spacious and bright.

Pros:
– Good service and delicious food;
– A nice hall with a big enough dance floor. The columns do not particularly interfere with the visibility of your guests. The interiors and chairs are stylish enough and some couples choose a very simple decoration – without chair dressings, drapes and ribbons, but only flower arrangements on the tables. Overall the interior of the hotel (apartment, lobby bar, stairs, reception) is a very suitable option for a wedding photo shoot and can save us in bad weather.
– A very nice lobby bar, suitable for cocktails and welcoming guests.
– The honeymoon apartment included in the price is practically the most spacious, compared to the ones provided in almost all other hotels in Sofia and many brides are preparing themselves there (makeup and hairstyle).
– Accessible location close to the Student Town Park, which is suitable for photo shoots, as well as the Student Hall Ritual.
– There is an option for an civil ceremony in the hall adjacent to the restaurant.

Cons:
– The hall is located on the second floor, which means that guest smokers should go down the stairs one floor or use the lift in the immediate vicinity.

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„Principi Di Piemonte Restaurant“ in Interpred – up to 100 guests, affordable / medium price range

One of the most popular restaurants among our newlyweds and a place with great reviews, including one for the manager, for whom I even read poems from happy brides. 12 of our client couples have chosen this venue in the last 4 years.

Pros:
– A venue that has an almost magical combination of prerequisites to predispose guests to party. Talking to DJ Stoyan Petrov, we came to this conclusion, since we couldn’t think of a wedding there that didn’t go with almost every guest on the dance floor.
– Good service and delicious food;
– Nice and bright hall with big enough dance floor. The columns do not particularly interfere with the visibility of your guests.
– A ceremony can be performed in the hall adjacent to the restaurant or in the open air in front of Interpred, where there is some greenery.

Neutral:
– The interior is accentuated in green, which somewhat limits the choice of colors for decoration.

Cons:
– Does not have a hotel part. In the immediate vicinity is Park Hotel Moscow.

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Hilton Hotel – Up to 150 guests | High price range

The Musala Hall (2nd floor) is ideal for weddings of 100–150 guests. Seasons restaurant (ground floor) holds up to 80.

Pros:

• Bright, spacious Musala Hall with no columns.

• Fenced courtyard for ceremonies or cocktails.

• The hotel lobby can serve as a backup ceremony space.

• Outstanding service, food, and flexibility (including buffet-style weddings).

• Prime location next to South Park and close to ritual halls and churches.

Cons:

• Guests must descend one level to exit for smoking from Musala Hall.

• Musala Hall may require extra decoration to enhance its festive look.

• Seasons restaurant has a layout less suited for weddings due to large, fixed tables.

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Grand Hotel Sofia – Up to 160 guests | High price range

Three options are available:

• Triaditsa Hall (1st floor): 120–130 guests + dance floor (150 max). Features an adjacent covered terrace.

• Sofia Hall (2nd floor): Up to 160 guests (180 max).

• Shades of Red Restaurant (ground floor): 70–80 guests.

Pros:

• Excellent food and service.

• Triaditsa Hall’s terrace is perfect for ceremonies, cocktails, or a lounge area.

• Central location close to ritual halls, churches, and popular photo spots.

• Highest-rated 5-star hotel in Sofia on Booking (9.1 from 1,305 reviews).

Cons:
– It is an expensive option.
– Be sure to check the music volume conditions in the later hours!
– Triaditsa Hall is D-shaped with several columns; most guests still have clear views but some limitations exist.

 

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Sofia Hotel Balkan (formerly Sheraton) – Up to 350 guests | High price range

One of the two most popular venues for high-profile weddings in Sofia, alongside Hotel Marinela. The hotel offers three main spaces:

• Serdika Hall and Sredets Hall – Two identical, mirror-image halls, each comfortably seating about 140 guests + dance floor.

• The Royal Ballroom (2nd floor) – The largest space, with a comfortable capacity of 300–320 guests + dance floor.

Pros:

• Elegant halls with interiors perfectly suited for weddings.

• Excellent service and food.

• Prime central location within walking distance of several ritual halls, churches, and popular photo locations.

• Spacious lobby in front of the halls, ideal for ceremonies or cocktail receptions.

 

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RIU Pravets Resort – Up to 320 guests | High price range

A beautiful resort hotel located 70 km from Sofia (about an hour via Hemus Highway), offering a peaceful setting for weddings. There are two main halls:

• Pravets Hall (1st floor) – Spacious, regular in shape, no columns, with a capacity of up to 320 guests. It can be partitioned for smaller events. (Note: the hall is typically dressed with fabric coverings, provided by an external agency at an additional cost.)

• Terra Hall (ground floor) – Smaller, with a capacity of up to 200 guests.

Pros:

• Ideal for “all-in-one” weddings — no commuting, no rush, guests can fully enjoy the celebration.

• On-site options for a legal civil ceremony, a religious ceremony, or a combination — either at the hotel or nearby (5 minutes to the town hall or 8 minutes to Pravets Monastery).

• Beautiful, spacious, tranquil surroundings.

Neutral:

• Logistics require that most guests travel from Sofia, but this often creates a weekend celebration atmosphere, turning the wedding into a mini-getaway for everyone.

Cons:

• The venue’s pricing structure may feel overly segmented. For example, they have historically charged 1 BGN per guest for cutting and serving the wedding cake — a small amount but something that could be more transparently included in the overall offer.

 

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Intercontinental Hotel Sofia (formerly Radisson) – Up to 130 guests | High price range

Located in the heart of Sofia, with direct views of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Intercontinental offers two event spaces:

• A smaller restaurant on the ground floor.

• A stylish main banquet hall on the first floor, with a nearly regular shape and a few large columns that do not obstruct visibility to the dance floor.

There is also a spacious lobby area suitable for cocktails, and a separate room is provided for ceremonies.

Pros:

• Elegant, modern interior.

• Excellent food, service, and central location.

• Suitable spaces for ceremonies, cocktails, and receptions all within the venue.

 

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Montecito Hotel – Up to 200 guests (hall) | Up to 300 guests (restaurant with opening ceiling) | Affordable / Medium price range

Located on Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. near Vrana Park, Montecito offers a hotel section, an event hall, a restaurant with an opening ceiling, and a small garden.

Pros:

• Montecito Hall is spacious, bright, with no columns, a large dance floor, and round tables.

• The restaurant hall has an impressive opening ceiling, adding a wow factor.

• Large hotel section with very affordable accommodation rates.

• Excellent location with easy access to central Sofia, ritual halls, and churches.

• Vrana Park nearby is an excellent location for wedding photo shoots.

• Tasty food, generous portions, and quick service.

Neutral:

• The interior generates mixed opinions — some love it, others find it less appealing.

• The garden is suitable for ceremonies and cocktails but is relatively small.

Cons:

• The restaurant has an irregular shape and varying floor levels, which visually separates the tables into central and peripheral areas.

• Booth seating in the restaurant can be less comfortable — guests may need others to move to exit their seats.

• Montecito sometimes hosts up to 4 weddings per day (2 daytime, 2 evening), which means:

  • Overlap of different wedding parties in the garden during transitions.

  • Strict time limits — daytime weddings must end by 6:00 PM, evening weddings start no earlier than 7:00 PM.

• The hotel rooms have a dated interior, though that reflects the lower accommodation cost.

• The hall has a minimum charge for 130 guests, even if the real guest count is lower.

 

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Novotel Sofia Hotel** – Up to 130 guests | Medium price range**

Located on Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., next to The Mall, Novotel offers a clean, modern setting with a subtle corporate feel.

Pros:

• High standards of service, food, and hospitality.

• Regular-shaped hall with round tables, beautiful chairs, and minimal visual obstructions from columns.

• Convenient location with easy transport links.

Cons:

• The hall has a noticeable conference-room feel, which may not appeal to every couple.

 

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Holiday Inn Sofia*** – Up to 160 guests | High price range**

Located next to Business Park Sofia in Mladost, Holiday Inn offers a sleek, modern setting with the reliable standards of an international chain.

Pros:

• Spacious, column-free hall — all guests have direct visibility to the dance floor.

• Excellent food and impeccable service.

• Reliable hotel chain standards across every detail — from parking to tableware.

Neutral:

• The welcome cocktail is held in the hotel lobby, which is spacious but somewhat gloomy.

• There is no dedicated space for ceremonies.

• The hall still carries a slight corporate-conference atmosphere.

 

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Vitosha Park Hotel – Tuscany Restaurant** – Up to 160 guests (best suited for 120) | Medium price range**

Located near Student City Park, Tuscany Restaurant offers a cozy, slightly dim interior, suitable for smaller weddings.

Pros:

• Good food, service, and pricing.

• Proximity to Student City Park, which is perfect for outdoor ceremonies or photo shoots.

• The hotel has a piano bar, offering a great option for an after-party.

• The main hall is column-free and comfortably fits up to 120 guests without visibility issues.

  Neutral:

  • The space is somewhat dark — fine for photographers, but more challenging for videographers.

 

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Best Western City Hotel – Up to 120 guests (banquet hall) | Up to 60 guests (La Vita e Bella Restaurant)

A central Sofia venue with two event options: a standard banquet hall and an Italian restaurant.

Banquet Hall:

• Pros: Reasonably sized, functional space for up to 120 guests.

• Cons: Noticeable conference/office feel, which may require more decoration to soften.

La Vita e Bella Restaurant:

• Cons: The space is highly fragmented — full of columns, railings, partitions, and uneven visibility.

• The dance floor is at the entrance and not visible to about half the guests.

• Despite its limitations, it appeals to couples who intentionally prefer a quirky, unconventional layout.

 

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Zest Restaurant – Suite Hotel Sofia**

Capacity: Up to 110 guests | Price Range: Average**

Located within Suite Hotel Sofia, opened in 2013, Zest Restaurant is part of a hotel chain that includes Grand Hotel Sofia and Central Park Hotel. The restaurant offers a modern, youthful, and unconventional atmosphere, complemented by large panoramic windows and city views. It’s an excellent choice for couples looking for something fresh and contemporary.

Pros:

• Bright, modern, and stylish interior with a youthful vibe;

• High-quality service and excellent food;

• Panoramic windows and a terrace directly accessible from the main hall;

• A second, lower-level terrace ideal for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail receptions;

• Convenient underground parking for guests.

Cons:

• The hall has an irregular layout with several columns and a large central bar, making it challenging for seating and layout planning;

• The bold and eclectic interior design can be difficult to complement with wedding decorations.

 

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Maison Hotel** (Restaurant „Greenville“)

Capacity: Up to 130 guests | Price Range: High**

Previously known as Park Inn and before that Greenville, the venue’s restaurant still retains the name „Greenville“. Maison Hotel offers one of Sofia’s most beautiful garden spaces, combined with a distinctive and characterful interior — an appealing choice for couples who want something different from a traditional banquet hall.

Pros:

• Spectacular garden, ideal for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours;

• Unique, non-traditional interior that appeals to couples looking for something more creative than the standard rectangular banquet hall.

Cons:

• The restaurant hall has an unconventional shape, with a permanent block table placed right in the center of the dance floor (visible in most venue photos);

• The space is divided into two sections: one with a glass ceiling that feels spacious and connected to the dance floor and newlyweds’ table, and a second area with a lower ceiling that feels more closed off. Guests seated here may not have a clear view of the dance floor, being partially hidden behind two large decorative screens.

 

 

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Crystal Palace Hotel**

Capacity: Up to 80 guests | Price Range: High**

A boutique-style venue located next to Doctor’s Garden, Crystal Palace Hotel combines elegant charm with a convenient central location. The venue features a spacious restaurant hall and a private fenced courtyard suitable for cocktails and outdoor ceremonies.

Pros:

• Prime location, walking distance from Oborishte Ritual Hall and St. Sofia Church;

• Excellent food and high-level service;

• Boutique hotel rooms are perfect for pre-wedding preparations.

Cons:

• Be sure to check restrictions regarding maximum music volume levels.

 

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Galeni Gradini

Capacity: Up to 120 guests (under awning) | Price: Venue rental only

A wedding venue project by an experienced wedding planner, Galeni Gradini opened in May 2019. It’s located about 17 kilometers northeast of Sofia, between the villages of Voinegovtsi and Lokorsko, and is accessible by standard city taxi rates. The venue offers a charming garden setting with an elegant marquee (awning), ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

Note: The space is rental-only, allowing couples the freedom to choose their own catering, decoration, and wedding service providers.

 

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Central Forum Restaurant – Central Forum Hotel

Capacity: Up to 150 guests | Price Range: Affordable

Located in Central Forum Hotel, this restaurant features an L-shaped hall suitable for up to 150 guests. The space can be partitioned to comfortably accommodate smaller weddings as well. A garden area is also available for use. This is one of the most popular affordable wedding venues in Sofia.

Pros:

• Every wedding we’ve photographed here has been incredibly lively—the atmosphere clearly encourages a fun, festive mood;

• Generous food portions and abundant drinks;

• Compact seating layout fosters a feeling of togetherness and celebration.

Neutral:

• The garden is pleasant but lacks standout features.

Cons:

• The L-shaped hall has multiple columns. While this creates an intimate setup, it also limits movement and visibility for some guests. The dance floor is narrow and elongated;

• Limited parking. Only two complimentary spaces are offered in front of the hotel, while guests are charged a small fee (2–3 BGN per hour) despite there being available space in the lot.

 

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My Choice Restaurant – Simeonovo

Capacity: Up to 140 guests | Price Range: Average

A charming wedding venue with a beautiful garden, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours. The venue includes three separate halls: one for up to 140 guests, one for up to 80, and a smaller one for 30 guests. Despite its qualities, it has been less popular with my clients in recent years, though it remains a solid choice.

Pros:

• Delicious food and reliable service;

• A lovely garden, ideal for ceremonies and cocktail receptions.

Neutral:

• The restaurant does not include hotel accommodations, but numerous guesthouses and small hotels nearby are suitable for hosting guests;

• Some couples consider the lack of windows in the large hall a drawback. In my experience, this isn’t noticeable during actual weddings when the hall is decorated and filled with guests. A key tip: always view venues when they are set up for an event to get an accurate feel for the space.

Cons:

• The large hall has a spacious dance floor but multiple columns that can obstruct visibility for some guests;

• The medium-sized hall is long and narrow, with the dance floor located at one end, which can feel disconnected from some guest tables.

 

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Festa Sofia Hotel**

Capacity: Up to 130 guests | Price Range: Average

Situated on Bulgaria Boulevard in the Manastirski Livadi area, Festa Sofia offers a comfortable lobby space that can host a wedding ceremony with some creativity and effort. The restaurant hall, however, has an irregular layout with numerous columns and a colorful, dominant interior design, which can be challenging when planning the setup or decor. I typically photograph weddings here once every couple of years.

 

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Central Park Hotel** – Restaurant 106**

Capacity: Up to 80 guests | Price Range: Average

Located right on Vitosha Boulevard, the Roslin Central Park Hotel offers stunning views of the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The in-house Restaurant 106 accommodates intimate weddings for up to 80 guests.

Pros:

• Cozy, bright atmosphere with thoughtfully designed built-in lighting that enhances the wedding ambiance;

• Offers a well-balanced and cost-effective package for weddings (based on recent data).

Cons:

• Several large columns limit visibility for some guests within the hall.

 

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Lebed Restaurant – Pancharevo

Capacity: Up to 150 guests total | (Ground floor: up to 100 guests, Mezzanine: up to 50 guests) | Price Range: Average

Just 4 minutes from Sofia’s Ring Road, Lebed Restaurant is located by Pancharevo Lake, offering a tranquil setting for weddings. The venue includes both a spacious garden and an indoor hall split between a ground floor and a half-floor mezzanine.

Pros:

• Gorgeous, spacious garden, fully shaded and perfect for ceremonies and cocktail receptions;

• A lakeside quay/rotunda offers an additional romantic spot for outdoor ceremonies;

• Excellent food and professional service;

• Ample, free on-site parking.

Neutral:

• The restaurant continues to serve outside guests in the garden even when a wedding is taking place inside the hall.

Cons:

• Realistically suitable for weddings of up to 100 guests. Guests seated on the upper level (mezzanine) have limited or no visibility to the dance floor and may feel detached from the event;

• The hall is long but not wide, which creates a feeling of tightness, made worse by the booth-style seating along the walls that limits movement and openness.

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Prikaznata Gradina (The Fairytale Garden) – near Elin Pelin

Capacity: Up to 120 guests | Rental Price: 2,000 BGN (as of 2019)

A beautiful 4-acre landscaped garden located 25 km from the center of Sofia, available for rent for fully outdoor weddings. The venue includes a canopy for weather protection. Catering is flexible—you can hire any provider of your choice.

Pros:

• One of the best options for couples dreaming of a forest-style, bohemian, or garden wedding;

• Complete freedom to select catering based on personal taste and budget.

Cons:

• There have been occasional complaints about loud music leading to police intervention;

• The canopy offers limited protection against heavy rain and no heating, which can be problematic on chilly evenings;

• The parking area lacks proper infrastructure and detracts from the otherwise charming setting.

 

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Park Hotel Moscow – Sofia

Capacity: From 100 to 450 guests | Price Range: Affordable

Park Hotel Moscow offers three wedding halls, but the most commonly used are:

• „Moscow“ Restaurant – a massive space on the ground floor for up to 450 guests. Realistically, weddings with fewer than 150 guests may feel lost in the vast space;

• „Panorama“ Restaurant – located on the 19th floor, with a capacity of up to 120 guests. To reach full capacity, some tables are placed far from the dance floor with limited visibility. This hall feels best for weddings with 80–90 guests.

Pros:

• „Panorama“ Restaurant offers exceptional service, led by a highly praised manager, and boasts a 270-degree panoramic view of Sofia;

• „Moscow“ Restaurant has a huge, bright hall with an enormous dance floor, ideal for large weddings;

• The hotel offers convenient on-site accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Cons:

• The interior of „Panorama“ Restaurant is outdated, with a somewhat low ceiling that may feel claustrophobic to some;

• No terraces on the 19th floor (smokers beware);

• „Moscow“ Restaurant has mixed online reviews, particularly regarding food quality and service consistency.

 

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Gloria Palace – Diplomatic Club (Gorna Banya)

Capacity: Up to 120 guests (ideal up to 80 guests) | Price Range: Average

Located at the entrance to Gorna Banya, Gloria Palace features a spacious garden, covered areas with awnings, and a large dance floor. The venue is popular for outdoor weddings, but be aware: at 10 PM, the party must move indoors, including the DJ.

Pros:

• A large, impressive garden suitable for ceremonies, cocktails, and dinner in good weather;

Cons:

• The restaurant hall is aged, irregularly shaped, and segmented—some guests will not have direct visibility to the dance floor. The best seating arrangement is for up to 80 guests;

• No air conditioning—a significant drawback for summer weddings;

• The venue has received mixed and sometimes negative reviews online, mainly concerning service quality and upkeep.

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Hotel „6ato“ – Dragalevtsi

Capacity: Up to 100 guests (ideal for 60, best for 30) | Price Range: Medium

A boutique hotel located in the highest part of Dragalevtsi, offering the option for outdoor weddings. Note that after 10 PM, music volume must be reduced in accordance with noise regulations.

Pros:

• Beautiful, intimate garden space that works well for smaller weddings;

• The peaceful location in the foothills of Vitosha creates a cozy and romantic atmosphere;

• Outdoor ceremonies and receptions are possible.

Cons:

• Being high up in Dragalevtsi, even summer evenings can get chilly;

• The garden is spread across two levels with noticeable elevation differences. For more than 30 guests, the second level must be used, which is visually and physically separated from the dance floor and main area;

• In case of bad weather, the indoor space is not a great backup. The hall is irregularly shaped, with curves and no defined dance floor, which affects both the atmosphere and logistics;

• Mixed online reviews, particularly regarding organization and service consistency.

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Share Your Experience!

• Have you visited or celebrated a wedding at any of these venues?

• Did you experience them differently from the description?

• Are there hidden gems or venues missing from this list that deserve attention?

👉 Share your impressions, recommendations, or questions in the comments below – future newlyweds will thank you!

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Author: Nikolai Mitev
This article was last updated on April 07, 2020 аnd updated on June 25, 2025.

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