How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Yorkshire: 7 Expert Tips You’ll Actually Use

Stately wedding venue in the Yorkshire countryside. Image by Ben Cummings Photography

Planning a wedding in Yorkshire?

With rolling countryside, historic estates, and charming market towns, it’s no wonder couples travel from across the UK (and beyond) to say ‘I do’ in God’s Own County. But with so many stunning venues from rustic barns to grand stately homes, how do you choose the one that’s truly right for you?

Whether you're newly engaged or deep in the Pinterest phase, this guide will walk you through 7 genuinely helpful tips to help you find a Yorkshire wedding venue that fits your vision, your guest list, and your budget with zero overwhelm.

From knowing the right questions to ask on a venue tour to understanding the hidden perks of exclusive use estates, we’re sharing the advice we give our own couples practical, honest and full of Northern charm.

Let’s find your perfect place to start forever.

I’m Alison and I’ve been the wedding co-ordinator at Goldsborough Hall for over 10 years, guiding couples throughout their wedding planning journey. Here’s my top 7 tips on how to search for your perfect wedding venue. And - it doesn’t start with google!

Elegant wedding table setting in Yorkshire stately home

1. Start with your guest list

Yorkshire is home to everything from cosy countryside barns to grand stately homes. The number of guests you invite dictates the look and size of your venue. According to a Hitched survey, the average number of guests at a wedding is 82 day and 103 evening guests. Before you book any show rounds, have a rough guest count in mind, ceremony, dinner, and evening.

Expert Tip: Many Yorkshire venues (especially historic ones) have strict capacity limits due to listed building status or space layout.

2. Decide on your setting: rustic, romantic, or regal?

Do you dream of walled gardens and flower-strewn arches? Or candlelight under a chandelier?

Yorkshire offers:

• Dales and moors views for nature lovers

• Elegant country houses for timeless romance

• Converted barns for a more laid-back feel

Venue Insight: At our own stately home of Goldsborough Hall, couples often fall in love with how the heritage setting transforms from day to night—from champagne on the terrace to dancing in the state rooms.

Outdoor garden wedding in North Yorkshire. Image by Peter Rollings, flowers by River & Rose

3. Pick a season

What time of year are you thinking about? This answer will shape your wedding planning journey. If you’ve always dreamed of summer, what will the venue’s grounds look like? Does it have great backdrops with green lawns, beautiful flowers, unlimited pictureques and instagramable views? And if, you fancy a cosy winter wedding, what do the inside spaces of the venue look like—imagine roaring log fires, candlelit dinners, grand & stately rooms...

Seasonal tip: picking a season also shapes choices for drinks and food. Pimm’s on the terrace or mulled wine by the fire. A light summery dish or hearty warming food?

4. Set a budget and ask what’s included—and what’s not

Check out wedding budgets online to give yourself an idea of how much things cost for eg Bridebook’s budget breakdown shows you on average what others pay for flowers, catering, venue etc. Can you marry during the week? You’ll pay a lot less during the week than a Friday or Saturday.

Some venues include tables, chairs, linens, and co-ordination. Others are dry hire only. Be sure to ask:

• Is catering in-house or external?

• Are there restrictions on florists or entertainment?

• What happens if it rains?

Don’t forget: Check if there are any hidden extras.

Private wedding ceremony room at exclusive use Yorkshire venue. Image by Peter Rollings Photography

5. Prioritise venues with exclusive use

Your wedding day should feel completely yours. An exclusive use venue means no other events or guests will be on-site, just you, your loved ones, and your story.

In Yorkshire’s stately homes, exclusivity often includes access to gardens, state rooms, dressing rooms, and ceremony spaces, ideal for a seamless, private experience.

Luxury accommodation at North Yorkshire wedding venue

6. Consider accommodation for you and your guests

Yorkshire is a popular wedding destination, so early accommodation planning is essential.

• Does the venue offer on-site rooms for the wedding party?

• Are there nearby hotels, B&Bs, or self-catering cottages for guests?

• Can you arrange group transport if needed?

  
  Bonus tip: Mentioning local stay options in your invites or website can make planning easier for guests too.

Wedding couple in a Yorkshire countryside estate. Image by Ben Cummings Photography

7. Trust your gut when you visit

At the end of the day, choosing your wedding venue is emotional as much as it is practical. Ask yourself:

• Can I imagine us getting married here?

• Does the team make me feel supported and excited?

• Does it feel like ‘us’?

  Your venue sets the tone for your entire day. Choose one that makes you feel at ease, inspired and special.

Beautiful winter wedding at Goldsborough Hall, image by Peter Rollings Photography

Planning Your Wedding in Yorkshire?

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, call me, Alison, for a private show round on 01423 867321 or email me at weddings@goldsboroughhall.com.

Summer wedding in the kitchen garden at North Yorkshire venue. Image by Peter Rollings

A few words about our venue:-

Our 16th-century wedding venue is situated in Goldsborough, near Harrogate. Its 400-year history is impressive and during the 1920s it hosted Kings and Queens when HRH Princess Mary, the King’s great aunt lived here and used it as her home to raise her family.

The Hall has elegant state rooms, glorious Orangery and stunning dining room offering 3 AA rosette fine dining along with 16 beautifully appointed bedrooms for guests offering the highest rated accommodation in Yorkshire with 5 AA gold stars. Your wedding breakfast would be created by our in-house chefs using much of the produce from the Hall’s kitchen garden.

For your wedding you have exclusive private use of the Hall and grounds and we hold a civil ceremony licence or there is a beautiful 12th century Church of England church next door. Fabulous award-winning 12-acre grounds with gorgeous views.

You will also have your own dedicated personal co-ordinator who will work with you and guide you throughout the journey to achieve the wedding of your dreams.

Alison, wedding co-ordinator, tel 01423 867321; email weddings@goldsboroughhall.com.

Book your private tour here!

Wedding venue checklist