Date published: 2026-09-24 | Category: Heritage
One of the UK's most distinctive wedding venues is celebrating a significant sustainability achievement. The Roman Baths & Pump Room has been awarded accreditation by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA), recognising its commitment to environmentally responsible practices and continuous improvement.
Managed by Bath & North East Somerset Council, the historic venue welcomes couples from across the UK and around the world who choose to celebrate in one of Britain's most extraordinary settings. From drinks receptions overlooking the torchlit Great Bath to wedding breakfasts in the elegant Georgian Pump Room, it offers a wedding experience unlike any other.
As more couples look to make thoughtful choices when planning their weddings, the accreditation recognises the work taking place behind the scenes to reduce environmental impact while continuing to deliver exceptional celebrations in a truly unique setting.
The Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA) is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability across the wedding industry. The SWA accreditation programme recognises businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical sourcing, waste reduction and minimising their environmental impact. Its assessment process requires accredited venues to provide evidence of genuine, measurable action, giving couples confidence that their chosen venue is committed to continuous progress.
Michelle Miles, Founder and CEO of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, said:
"We are incredibly proud that The Roman Baths & Pump Room has achieved the Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation. Their dedication to sustainable practices throughout their entire operation is truly inspiring. By prioritising people and planet, The Roman Baths & Pump Room is setting a wonderful example for other businesses in the industry and empowering couples to plan weddings that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious."
Few wedding venues can claim a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. Today, alongside welcoming visitors from around the world, The Roman Baths & Pump Room hosts weddings in a setting that combines ancient Roman heritage, Georgian elegance and the unique atmosphere of the city of Bath.
As custodians of this internationally significant site, Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to ensuring the venue can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come, balancing the protection of its heritage with a practical and responsible approach to the future.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:
"The Roman Baths & Pump Room offers couples the opportunity to celebrate in one of the most remarkable wedding venues in the country, so we are delighted to receive this recognition from the Sustainable Wedding Alliance."
"This accreditation reflects the dedication of our teams and partners, who work hard to care for this special place every day. We want future generations to be able to enjoy The Roman Baths just as people do today, whether they are visiting, learning about its history or celebrating one of life's most memorable occasions."
The Council also works closely with catering partner Searcys, whose focus on responsible sourcing, local suppliers and reducing waste supports the venue's wider environmental goals while helping to deliver memorable weddings and events.
Some of the measures helping The Roman Baths & Pump Room reduce its environmental impact include:
- An innovative heat pump system that captures energy from the natural thermal spring water to help heat The Roman Baths and the nearby Bath World Heritage Centre, significantly reducing reliance on gas.
- Ongoing measures to reduce the venue's operational carbon footprint, including motion-sensitive lighting, automatic switch-off systems for equipment and a building management system scheduled around booked events.
- Searcys' commitment to responsible sourcing, championing local and British suppliers and minimising waste.
- Maintaining zero waste to landfill, with non-recyclable waste sent to a local energy recovery facility.
The accreditation marks an important milestone in The Roman Baths & Pump Room's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this unique venue, and shows that exceptional weddings and responsible business practices can go hand in hand.
Alongside The Roman Baths & Pump Room, Bath & North East Somerset Council's Registration Service works with more than 40 approved venues across Bath and the surrounding area. From historic buildings and museums to gardens and countryside locations, couples can choose from a wide range of settings for their wedding or civil partnership, each supported by the Council's experienced team of registrars. Together, they help make Bath & North East Somerset one of the UK's most distinctive destinations for a wedding or civil partnership ceremony. Discover more: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/marriages-and-civil-partnerships
To read more about The Roman Baths & Pump Room's sustainability commitments and wider impact, visit:
www.bathvenues.co.uk/our-impact