Wedding couple kissing on the stairs reflected in the mirror — *Picture your perfect day. Image by Peter Rollings*

You’ve said yes! Champagne’s been popped, your family’s cried happy tears, and your phone is full of ring selfies - but now what? Once the excitement of your engagement starts to settle (just a little!), it’s time to start dreaming about your wedding day and the place where it all begins.

If you’re newly engaged this Christmas or New Year - here’s our simple guide to help you start your journey, plus why North Yorkshire wedding venue Goldsborough Hall should absolutely be on your shortlist.

Wedding couple walking in the kitchen garden at Goldsborough Hall — *Wedding couple pictured in the kitchen garden at North Yorkhire venue Goldsborough Hall. Image by Joel Skingle Photography*

Step 1: Celebrate (and Don’t Rush!)

First things first - take a breath and enjoy it. The moment you say yes only happens once, so soak it up. Have a cosy evening together, share the news with your family and friends, and maybe even plan a little celebratory staycation.

Your wedding planning will fall into place soon enough - there’s no need to have it all figured out right now.

(But if you’re already scrolling through wedding venues, we completely understand.)

Close up of some flowers on a table for a wedding breakfast in the Orangery — *Goldsborough Hall’s Orangery - perfect for a grand celebration in a stately setting. Image by Nicola Dixon*

Step 2: Dream Big - Picture Your Perfect Day

Before you start booking suppliers or setting dates, take a moment to imagine what your dream wedding looks like.

Is it an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature? A grand celebration in a stately setting? Or a weekend full of family, laughter, and late-night dancing under fairy lights?

At Goldsborough Hall, we see every type of celebration - intimate and relaxed garden ceremonies and full weekend takeovers of the Hall with exclusive use for your guests. Whatever your vision, we promise it’s possible.

Wedding couple walking in the gardens — *Award-winning gardens and woodland walks offer endless photo opportunities. Image by Ben Cumming*

Step 3: Find a Venue with Heart (and a Story)

Choosing your wedding venue isn’t just about the space - it’s about finding a place that feels like you.

That’s where Goldsborough Hall shines. Once home to HRH Princess Mary, the King’s great aunt, our 17th-century country house blends royal heritage with warm Yorkshire hospitality.

Aerial view of 17th century wedding venue Goldsborough Hall — *North Yorkshire’s Goldsborough Hall - a blend of royal heritage and warm hospitality. Image by Terri Pashley Photography*

Here, history and romance are part of the fabric - with a sweeping Jacobean staircase, perfect for bridal descents, and an elegant Orangery flooded with natural light. Outside, the award-winning gardens and woodland walks offer endless photo opportunities (and a quiet moment together when you need it most).

And when the celebrations end? You can retreat upstairs to five-star suites - your very own royal residence for the night.

Hanging floral installation for a wedding breakfast in the Orangery at Goldsborough Hall — *Floral perfection in the Orangery - by Fiona Lewis Photography; Kate Rose Floral Design; event planner Freya Croisdale Weddings*

Step 4: Start Exploring (and Make a Day of It)

The best way to find ‘the one’? Visit a few venues in person.

Our couples often say they just knew when they walked through the doors of Goldsborough Hall. Maybe it’s the crackle of the fire in the Library, the scent of flowers in the gardens, or the sparkle of the chandeliers - it’s hard to describe, but easy to feel.

Outdoor wedding set up with white chairs and urns on plinths — *An outdoor wedding at a country house venue? Anything’s possible. Image by Peter Rollings Photography*

Step 5: Enjoy the Journey

Planning your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - so savour it. You’ll have plenty of lists, spreadsheets, and seating plans ahead (we promise it’s worth it), but right now it’s all about celebrating your love story.

We’d love to be part of that story and help you write your next chapter here at Goldsborough Hall.

Want to see more?

Check out our Pinterest boards for tons more wedding inspiration.

Ready to take the next step?

wedding couple pictured in the evening outside 17th century Goldsborough Hall — *Goldsborough - a Yorkshire wedding venue. Image by Barnaby Aldrick*

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.

My thanks to Joel Skingle, Barnaby Aldrick, Peter Rollings, Fiona Lewis Photography, Nicola Dixon, Terri Pashley Photography and Ben Cumming

Just Engaged? Here’s What to Do Next (and Why Goldsborough Hall Should Be on Your Venue Shortlist)