From ‘I Do’ to Dance Floor: How Our Historic Ceremony Rooms Transform for the Party at Goldsborough Hall
One of the biggest questions we get from wedding couples at Goldsborough Hall is: ‘But how does the ceremony space turn into the evening party?’
And it’s a fair question. When you first walk into the Drawing Room or the historic Library for a civil ceremony, you’re met with all the grandeur you’d expect from a 400-year-old stately home – ornate plasterwork, antique chandeliers, sweeping curtains and timeless elegance.
But when the lights dim and the band strikes up? These same rooms transform into full-blown party spaces – and they look completely different.
The Drawing Room by Day
By day, it’s all stately glamour. Your guests are seated on elegant white chiavari or cross-back chairs, the aisle is dressed with florals and candles, and the ceremony unfolds beneath sparkling chandeliers. It’s calm, romantic, and seriously photogenic.
Dressed for a civil ceremony; image by Barnaby Aldrick
Civil ceremony with white chiavari chairs by Peter Rollings
The Drawing Room by Night
Fast forward to the evening, and this space becomes a full-on party. Think LED dance floors, uplighting that casts a dreamy glow across the ornate ceiling, and a live band or DJ setting up where your registrar once stood. The transformation is seamless – chairs are cleared, lighting is flipped, and the vibe shifts instantly from classic to electric. Your guests won’t believe it’s the same room.
The vibe shifts from classic to electric - wedding couple’s first dance in the Drawing Room. Image by Chris Milne
Image by Peter Rollings
Image by All you need is love photography
A serious party has started! Guests getting down to the Loud Noise Band. Image by Nick Labrum
Image by Nick Labrum
Image by Nick Labrum
The Library by Day
Often used as an intimate space for your civil ceremony or welcome drinks, the Library features wood-panelled walls, towering bookshelves and a sense of grandeur that gives your day a real sense of occasion. It’s especially perfect for winter weddings when the rooms feel cosy and warm.
The Library by Night
Cue the saxophone. By evening, this space takes on a new identity with star-lit black cloth backdrops, a live band (hello Chris Hilton’s Little Big Band), and purple uplighting that bathes the room in a moody, party-ready glow. What was once a serene setting becomes a buzzing dance floor where memories are made (and heels come off).
Chris Hilton’s Little Big Band with the star-lit backdrop and a full dance floor. Image courtesy of Event Music Company
Why the Transformation Works
Smart lighting & styling – With clever lighting design and florals that work for both day and night, the vibe evolves with your day.
Flexible layout – The way our rooms are designed means the transition from ceremony to party is quick and slick. Your guests won’t be waiting around while the magic happens.
Everything in one place – No need to move from space to space or lose momentum. The celebration flows beautifully from vows to reception to party.
Little Big Band in the Library by Firehorse Photography
The dance floor awaits - image by Event Music Company
The magic of the first dance in the Library. Image by Barnaby Aldrick
A full dancefloor as the party kicks off. Image by Barnaby Aldrick
It’s Hard to Imagine – But That’s Where We Come In
It’s totally normal to walk into a room and think, ‘How does this become a party space?’ That’s why we encourage couples to look at real wedding galleries, speak to our team, or come along to a wedding open afternoon where you can see setups in action. We’re experts at helping you visualise the journey from soft ceremony lighting to dance-floor energy.
First dance moments in the Drawing Room at historic wedding venue Goldsborough Hall. Image by Peter Rollings
Poseur tables and fairy lights for a Christmas wedding
Our 17th-century stately home in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside offers:
Exclusive use for your entire day
Award-winning gardens and ceremony spaces
A team who’ll treat your story like it’s the only one in the world
If you’re ready to take the next step to see the Hall for yourselves, book a private tour here with Alison or Amanda. You can also call on 01423 867321 or email weddings@goldsboroughhall.com.