How to Plan an Exclusive Use Wedding: What It Really Means (And Why It Matters!)
Stately wedding venue in the Yorkshire countryside. Image by Howarth Miller Photography
If you're in the early stages of wedding planning, you’ve probably seen the phrase ‘exclusive use wedding venue’ popping up everywhere. But what does that actually mean - and is it worth it?
Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: It can completely transform your day.
Let’s break it down, bust some myths, and show you why exclusive use might just be the best decision you make (besides saying ‘yes’, obviously). And of course, we’ll share how it all comes to life here at Goldsborough Hall, our exclusive-use venue tucked away in the North Yorkshire countryside.
First, What Is an Exclusive Use Wedding?
At its simplest: you hire the entire venue just for you and your guests - no other weddings, events, or random people wandering around in the background.
Exclusive means the entire venue just for you and your guests. Image by Peter Rollings Photography
At Goldsborough Hall, this means:
Private use of the historic house and gardens
Your own team of coordinators, chefs and serving staff
Complete freedom to design the day your way
Think of it like turning a beautiful country estate into your own private wedding world for 24–48 hours.
Why It Matters (A Lot)
1. Privacy, Please
You don’t want to be waving at a stranger in the car park mid-ceremony or bumping into another bride in the loos. Exclusive use means your celebration is just that - yours.
Guests can relax, kids can run around, and you don’t have to share the champagne queue.
Exclusivity, privacy and timeless elegance. Image by Bethany Clarke Photography
2. Feels Like a Luxury Break for Everyone
With the whole venue to yourselves, your wedding becomes more than just one day - it’s an experience. Welcome drinks the night before, brunch the next morning, space to roam, laugh, and really settle in.
At Goldsborough Hall, many couples treat it like a mini destination wedding without leaving the UK.
Your wedding will feel like a luxury house party. Image by Chris Milner Photography
3. No Clock-Watching
You won’t be rushed in and out like a wedding conveyor belt. Your timings, your flow. Want a late ceremony? Done. Fancy a golden-hour drinks reception in the gardens? Let’s do it.
We’re all about flexibility and building a day that reflects you two - not just a schedule.
Guests on the terrace making the most of the golden hour’s light. Image by Nicola Dixon Photography
4. Totally Personal
Want neon signs in the library? Or your dog to walk you down the aisle? Exclusive use venues usually say ‘yes’ to creative touches that would be impossible in a more traditional hotel setup.
Our spaces at Goldsborough are versatile, with room for everything from elegant micro-weddings to full-on weekend celebrations.
All the personal touches - walk down the aisle with your dog if you want! Image by All You Need Is Love Photography
Bonus: Your Own Private Bedrooms
No awkward mingling with strangers at breakfast. Exclusive use includes on-site accommodation just for your guests.
Goldsborough Hall offers five-star rooms and suites, plus additional nearby guest accommodation. So the party doesn’t have to stop when the music does.
Get ready - and stay overnight - in style. Image by Barnaby Aldrick Photography
How to Plan Your Exclusive Use Wedding at Goldsborough Hall
It’s easier than you might think - and we’re with you every step of the way.
Book your date - once it’s yours, it’s only yours.
Dream big - our team will help bring your vision to life.
Relax - everything’s handled, privately and personally.
Whether you’re imagining a candlelit dinner under our chandeliers, a garden ceremony framed by summer borders, or dancing the night away in historic rooms - it’s all possible, and it’s all just for you.
Freedom - having the venue all to yourselves. Image by Chris Milner Photography
Final Thoughts
An exclusive use wedding means more than just having a venue to yourself - it means freedom. The freedom to create a celebration that feels truly personal, intimate, and unforgettable.
At Goldsborough Hall, we believe in making every couple feel like royalty - literally (we were once home to Princess Mary, after all). So if you’re dreaming of a romantic, private, and completely bespoke day in North Yorkshire, we’d love to show you around.
Ready to make it yours?
Let’s talk dates, dreams, and dancing.
Next Step to Exclusive Use
If you’re ready to take the next step, jump into our calendar and book your private tour here
Or you can call Alison or Amanda on 01423 867321; email weddings@goldsboroughhall.com.
Sharing a quiet moment at the end of the day. Image by Peter Rollings Photography
Thanks to Howarth Miller Photography, Peter Rollings Photography, Chris Milner Photography, Barnaby Aldrick Photography, All You Need Is Love Photography, Bethany Clarke Photography & Nicola Dixon Photography
A few words about our venue:-
Exclusive and private use at Goldsborough Hall
Our 17th-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.
Call Alison or Amanda on 01423 867321; email weddings@goldsboroughhall.com