When it comes to choosing your wedding venue, there are so many things to think about!
How many people will it fit in?
What type of feel to do want for your day?
What building or space have you always dreamed of for sharing you day?
Can you have your ceremony there or are you doing that somewhere else?
Would you like it to provide other suppliers such as the catering and entertainment or would you rather choose them for yourselves?
Does it offer accommodation?
Where's the nearest location for your guests to stay?
Are there multiple transport links or will you need to provide a bus or something more creative?
Would you like your wedding to last longer than the day itself?
Will there be a master of ceremonies or will you be doing that yourself?
I told you there was a lot to think about and this is only of few of things you might want to consider before you start looking and breezing the internet. Your venue is a very personal choice, it will be the making of your day and the first thing people see. It will be one of the biggest talking points of that day when it comes to ice-breaking material, so you need to make sure you're 100% happy with where you decide to do everything.
AN EASY PLACE TO START IS to think about whether or not you're doing everything in one place or whether there's somewhere you've always dreamed of exchanging your vows?
For me, I knew exactly where I wanted to become Mrs Bielby, my Nanna was a passionate Christian and I knew she'd love to see me get married in a church. I grew up in the tiny village of Crambe, just off the A64 about 7 miles from Malton and at the time my parents still lived on the family farm where I spent my entire childhood. Need I say anymore?
It was exactly here where we chose to say our I wills!
Rustic Barn Venues
DEEPDALE FARM, Keldholme
A rustic DIY barn wedding venue,
nestled on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
What' does it offer?
Deepdale Farm offers enviable views, quirky spaces, wooden barns and a camping field, they provide the perfect rural blank canvas for you to plan and design your own wedding, where all your guests can stay on site.
It's the perfect location for creative couples who love to have a good time and the best thing is, you can have the spot for the whole weekend, which means you can spread out your celebrations and make the most of everyone.
The things I liked...
Every time I re-visit Deepdale Farm I get excited to see what it will look like; the place is a totally blank canvas, meaning the way it's transformed, is completely down to the couples themselves. I enjoy seeing how their personalities shine through, in how they style the place.
Deepdale Farm offers so much rustic charm, it's difficult not to love it if that's your thing. They have the barn for the ceremony and then the separate reception room, that means you can be 100% organised for each aspect of your day ahead of time. And here's a heads-up! I've worked here when the sun's been shining and equally when it's been poring with rain, want my verdict? Because there's so much space it didn't effect the weddings' outcome, everyone had a great time despite the weather.
Finally, I love the story behind Deepdale, did you know Charlotte and Jim (the owners) were the first couple to get married here? They were then followed a family member and after hearing their friends and family rave about it, they turned it in to their own wedding venue business.
WHITE SYKES FIELDS, Sand Hutton
A rustic DIY barn wedding venue,
nestled on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
What' does it offer?
White Syke Fields has three distinctive settings, each with very different personalities. This wedding venue offers a creative backdrop for each couple. It's an exclusive use venue boasting
unconventional, flexible spaces making each event extraordinary.
Although it's nestled in Ancient Saxon woodlands on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds,
it's still within easy reach of York City Centre.
The things I liked...
The venue is ran by a small team including the founders of the idea, Jon and Charlotte a husband and wife team. Another fitting thing is Charlotte also-rans her own cake making business, Apple Charlotte too, so you'll need to look no further for your wedding cake.
The three settings...Given one of my favourite places to be is the woods, so the fact that this venue is nestled in the beautiful woodland is a bonus for me. I feel so inspired in such a setting, so this venue makes me really happy.
The piggery is another of the settings, it's light, airy and uncluttered, brilliantly, it can take as much or as little decor you might like to garnish it with. There is also Wheelhouse where the reception and night celebrations can be held, this space offers a very different atmosphere to the piggery. It’s warm, ambient lighting gives the vast area a cosy feeling and is just incredible for bigger wedding parties.
THE NORMANS, near York
It isn't just 'another barn venue'.
It's been thoughtfully re-vamped and re-imagined the original farm buildings and fold yard.
What' does it offer?
The Normans combines it's rustic charm with slick contemporary features to create a stylish and stunning space that is purpose-built for weddings of 60-120 day guests, with a max capacity of 180. The venue consists of six distinct areas:
The Ceremony Barn, The Courtyard, The Grain Shed,
The Cow Stalls, The Stables Bar, and The Tack Room
The things I liked...
I really liked that the Normans is still a working farm, so you can access a lot of the fields around the venue for photos with the couple. It's sweet to know the farm that has been in the Robinson family for three generations now and, for three generations, it has been the backdrop to a number of their family weddings.
Each area in the venue offers a different feel, the courtyard is well sheltered, so even on a windier day I imagine the air will be still. Lighting its consistent in the ceremony barn and The Grain Shed, even though they offer very little natural light. Because of the clever way they have lit the areas the artificial they chose to use it's gentle and flattering. Plus the fairy-light, lit wall looks pretty magical!
This venue like to work with a lot of the same suppliers, so they have a great list of florists and caterers they recommend which keeps things simple for the couples.
BUNNYHILL, North Cliffe, York
A Yorkshire barn that ticks all the boxes. Bunnyhill have created an exclusive country venue dedicated to weddings.
What' does it offer?
The Venue offers quality and attention to detail with a relaxed home from home feel. It gives couples a variety of areas where they can choose to say their vows, both outdoors and in doors.
The things I liked...
Although this venue categorises itself as a barn venue, it's pretty modern and chic for this type of venue. Bunnyhill has been purpose built, so they have thought carefully about the decor keeping things polished and sophisticated, whilst giving a nod to the industrial roots and integrity of the past it once had.
The reclaimed timber cladding and dressed brick walls contrast perfectly with the luxe chandeliers hanging from the white-draped ceilings in the reception barn. This venue has gone for the wow factor, especially with the infinity balustrade that looks out across the tree-line from the mezzanine bar.
It was also impressive that there was plentiful on-0site accommodation for the guests to stay which made my job easier when I was flitting between the bridal and grooms prep on the morning.
The reception bar is the grandest of spaces, I totally love how the couple entered from above for all too see and how the ambient light in the room worked perfectly with the natural light that spilled in from outside.
THIRSK LODGE BARNS, North Yorkshire
An exclusive use venue for weddings and events surrounded by gorgeous countryside and just two miles from Thirsk town centre.
What' does it offer?
This majestic old, red brick barn overlooks fields of wild flowers and grass, where guests can mingle before and after the ceremony. The carefully renovated barn is used for ceremonies, capturing people's attention with its fairy-light lit wall falling behind the ceremony table-the perfect backdrop for photos throughout the vows.
The things I liked...
It's clear that Thirsk Lodge Barns has been adapted to the wedding venue it now is with a lot of care and attention to detail, not only in the way the venue looks, but also in the way it flows. Each part of the venue from the red brick barn and the dinning room to the court yard and wheelhouse has been thought about meticulously, offering a wealth of natural light in the form of roof lights and floor to ceiling windows.
It rained most of the day I was here, even so the guests were able to stand outside under the shelter of the buildings and umbrellas. The courtyard has a wonderful Mediterranean feel to it, on account of it being lavishly embellished with Olive Trees galore.
This venue really works, even on a rainy day there were plenty of places for the couple and their guests to hang out together, enjoying the tasty cocktails that were being shaken up in the bar. It's a roomy venue which equally feels cosy, it's clear there has been much thought going in to choosing the fixtures, fittings and interior design as well.
Traditional Venues
BIRDSALL HOUSE, Near Malton
An elegantly sophisticated and beautiful setting for a wedding.
What' does it offer?
Birdsall House offers a range of choices for your wedding celebrations. Whether couples are looking for a small, intimate wedding or an extravagant banquet in the Ballroom this venue will go the extra mile to create the perfect day. Unlike a lot of Stately homes, couples get exclusive use of the house and gardens.
The things I liked...
Every time I work here, I'm made to feel so welcome by Cara and her team, I love that it's not only a wedding venue but a family home too, so they limit the amount of weddings they take on a year, just like I do.
Not only is Birdsall House Weddings, sat in the most idillic of places in the Yorkshire Wolds giving endless photo opportunity in every direction. The venue also boasts the stone folly/temple, a lake, the ruins, along with the rolling hills and well kept garden. The estate even has it’s own church and is too licensed for weddings within the main house.
It’s grand exterior is impressive and offers the wow factor when guests arrive. I love view of the house as you walk down the drive towards it. It makes the most fabulous area for canapés, welcome drinks and listening to live music, whilst also offering enough room for garden lawn games.
HOWSHAM HALL, Near Malton
Howsham Hall is 16th century, Jacobean Mansion set in 80 acres of its own private park land.
What' does it offer?
A part from it's 80 acres of park land, impressive exterior and tasteful decor Howsham Hall offers luxury weddings where they take care of everything, so their couples can enjoy the experience without having to worry about booking loads of different suppliers.
The things I liked...
This venue I hold close to my heart, having grown up about 2.5 miles away from it, it use to be an all boys private school when I was little and I remember taking in it's grand and vast exterior as I rode by on my pony as as child.
Howsham Hall has the most incredible rooms for the wedding preparations, with luxe sofas and chandeliers, it's connected to the bridal suite where you can spend the night of your wedding in pure heaven too. Not only does it have this chic area, it also boasts a full-sized pool table in a dark and moody gentlemen's room, complete with a time travelling Tardis.
The interior is flooded with natural light, which adds much character to the photos I can capture there and as your day goes by, you travel throughout the building, where each area offers something different for each part of your day.
BURYTHORPE HOUSE, Near Malton
Burythorpe House is a delightful country house, nestled in picturesque surroundings, beneath the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds.
What' does it offer?
The country house is set with in it's own beautiful gardens with the added bonus of being liscenced to marry couple both inside and outside, anywhere within their grounds. It has an onsite beauty room, fabulous, food and the new function room so the party can continue without disturbing the guests who'd rather relax in the gardens or the lounges.
The things I liked...
I always love an outdoor wedding, so the fact that you can get married within the beautiful gardens here is a big plus, the team here are also really friendly, with Alison leading the wedding side of the business, it means it's easy to find out anything on the day as she's always onsite.
There's such a great contrast of decor here, from the dark panelled dinning area to the cosy lounges, with open fires, it gives such a relaxed feeling to anyone's day. The guests can keep warm by the fire in winter of enjoy the sunshine in the summer, it's prefect for all times of the year.
If you have a bigger wedding party you can also choose to have a marquee on the lawn, this is plenty of space.
THE OLD LODGE, Malton
A stunning Tudor mansion set in beautiful grounds, on the edge of the historic Market town of Malton
What' does it offer?
The mansion offers couples the choice of getting married both inside and out, from the cosy panelled hall with mezzanine balcony to the sunny gardens the choices are equally as beautiful depending on what couples are looking for.
The things I liked...
They provide tasty traditional food on site along with offering numbers rooms for your guests to stay in on the night of your wedding. Not only is The Old a beautiful venue, it's just 3 miles down the road from me so I can suggest numerous locations for your portraits, if you'd like to go a little further a field.
Malton is traditional market town, brimming with small local artisans businesses, so you can enjoy the area too and make a few days of the affair.
Alternative Locations
CAMP KATUR, North Yorkshire
Unique only to you, you can create whatever you want using the spaces as you imagine them to be.
What' does it offer?
Camp Katur offers a fully licensed ‘Woodland Chapel’ which is the most atmospheric space, with only the rustle of leaves as you say your vows. After your ceremony, you can enjoy a drinks reception in the woods or the meadow, the perfect way to celebrate the future in a stunning location.
The things I liked...
It’s a venue where literally everything is pretty!
I loved the sound of the leaves crunching under foot as Adelle and her mother walked down the aisle and the acoustics of their live music that Inner Vibe were playing.
The tipi looked incredible in the middle of the meadow, surrounded by the trees and long wavy grasses and when golden hour hit, the possibilities were endless for portraits.
Camp Katur offers EVERYTHING: Accommodation for all your guests; the chance to stay for the whole weekend and make the most of every moment; the woodland ceremony area; the meadow where you can celebrate the day along with the biggest geo pod in UK, where you can choose to get ready.
THE MILL, Stillington, York
The Mill is an 18th century former Corn Mill is on the outskirts of the village of Stillington, 11 miles from York centre.
What' does it offer?
Although it's not currently licensed for legal ceremonies, The Mill offers endless opportunities for the celebrations afterwards, with a millpond, bridge, woodland glade, traditional Shepherd’s Hut, a babbling brook, lawns, a fire pit and an orchard, there are plenty of individual areas and spaces for guests to enjoy.
The things I liked...
For starters I loved the fact this is a family run business, Maggi & Paul both have artistic backgrounds, which clearly shines through when you visit their venue.
It's like a hidden world and there are so many places for photos, it's unreal to say it's a smaller venue. The couple have lots of local supplier to recommend if you need help and are keen to be a big part of their community so you have to book in advance if you'd like The Mill as your venue as they often host events and concert.
Yorkshire Castles
DANBY CASTLE, North Yorkshire
The 14th century ruins of Dalby Castle are now a historic wedding venue nestled on the edge of the North York Moors.
What' does it offer?
Enjoy an indoor ceremony in the 16th century Court Room which can hold up to 90 guests, or in the barn which can hold up to 110 guests. If you’ve always dreamed of getting married outside you can choose to have an Inside/Outside ceremony.
The things I liked...
The location is unreal, you can see for miles in every direction across open countryside, it really is something else, the ruins have been thoughtfully renovated to retain as much of the original character as possible.
Ambient, magical lighting sets off each area with statement chandeliers adding drama to them.
Being able to access the ruins for photos means you can be creative with your photographer. There are endless possibilities so make sure you scedual enough time to make to most of them.
SHERIFF HUTTON CATSLE, York
One time the grandest castles in Northern England. It was a favourite residence of Richard III and Henry VIII and is steeped in 600 years of royal history.
What' does it offer?
The castle ruins offers a beautiful backdrop for you celebrations to take place, the Sounding Hall is also licensed for up to 56 guests.
The things I liked...
I loved that you could choose to place your marquee or tipi in the very centre of the ruins, giving the day an atmospheric feel. The Sounding Hall is an incredibly romanic area where guests can watch you become official.
You have access to all areas for photos and there is also onsite, quirky accommodation for you and your guests to enjoy your time here.
Even with the marquee there is room to enjoy and set up different garden games for everyone to enjoy.
SNEATON CASTLE, Whitby
The most magical thing to me about Sneaton Castle, is the fact it’s so central to the town yet, you’d never even know it was there, if you weren’t looking for it.
What' does it offer?
This incredible bit or architecture also incorporates a Norman-style chapel, which not only offers the most amazing artwork on the domes ceiling, it also gives a very romantic and ambient light to the room through it’s many windows, making it a dream to photograph couples’ ceremonies in.
The things I liked...
It’s hidden behind it’s original stone walls, with the most amazing arched entrance. When you go through the arch-way, the view is quite incredible. The castle’s turrets and spires stand proud for all to admire as you make your way up towards the building.
It’s ran by a small passionate team, who want the best for all their couples, making their day run smoothly. Although the Castle runs a bistro, so everyone can enjoy their hospitality, the wedding venue itself is very nicely set out, meaning the couples and their families can enjoy the day within the private walled gardens and function hall, which is totally in keeping with the feel of the rest of the building.
Did I mention the different themed set-ups for dining?
THE PHEASANT, Harome North Yorkshire
One of the most beautiful Country Hotel settings in North Yorkshire, overlooking the duck pond in the picturesque village of Harome.
What' does it offer?
The Pheasant in Harome offers plenty of cute and quirk accommodation for couple to stay and prepare for their day, along with exquisite food and the most beautiful country-styled gardens.
The things I liked...
I love working at The Pheasant Hotel, it's homely and quirky atmosphere is so inviting, in summer you can enjoy the beautiful country gardens that will blooming with vibrant colours and foliage in every direction, whilst in winter you can enjoy the cosy lounge and bar areas, keeping yourself warm next to the open fires.
The orangery at The Pheasant makes the perfect place to host your ceremony, not only is it light and airy, it's a botanists paradise with the abundance of leafy plants to embellish the decor.
Many of the couples I've worked with in this venue have actually tied-the-knot in the church which is literally across the road, no need for any fancy vehicles, you can just walk over the road.
OUTDOOR WEDDINGS, in Yorkshire
You may be surprised to hear, loads of the venues in Yorkshire can legally host your marriage outdoors, some in various different places.
List of Outdoor Wedding Venues...
-Bunnyhill
-Birdsall House
-Burythorpe House
-The Old Lodge
-Camp Katur
-Woodstock Wedding Venue
-Howsham Hall
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