Getting Married in York
You can do it on a train, you can do it on the platform, you can do it at the Races, you can do it amid the ruins – you can even do it in a doublet and hose! These days couples are getting married in ever more bizarre and eccentric places. York has an ever-increasing number of approved venues that are licensed for civil marriage ceremonies.
National Railway Museum
Seasoned and cynical rail travellers may be too haunted by that well-worn line: “Get me to the civil wedding venue on time!” to risk this one, but a number of special venues are available within the Museum for the wedding ceremony – alongside Queen Victoria’s carriage in the Royal Gallery, inside one of the historic carriages or even in the magnificent setting at Euston Gates in Great Hall. Guests can dine on the central platform of Station Hall or in the private setting of the Walker Suite. For seasoned train travellers, it brings a whole new resonance to the well-worn line, “get me to the church on time!” Contact: 01904 686227.
County Stand, York Racecourse
Well, it’s all a bit of a gamble, isn’t it! If you’ve got your wedding party well-trained and at peak performance, it could all be over in time for the 3 o’clock at York! And you never know, perhaps you could persuade the bookies to take bets on how many minutes late the bride will be – that should liven up the proceedings a bit! Tel: 01904 638971, email: york@cgcevents.co.uk www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
York Register Office
The premises in Bootham offer a first class location in the heart of the city. Many couples have chosen to wed here because it is a grade II Georgian listed building with its own garden and beautiful marriage room, which is situated a few hundred yards from the Minster. The old image of a Register Office ceremony taking place in a dismal Council Building couldn’t be further from the truth. Tel: 01904 654477, email: registrar@york.gov.uk
Barley Hall
If you fancy a truly madly medieval marriage, this is the place! This meticulously restored medieval townhouse, right in the heart of York’s historic streets, was once home of Alderman William Snawsell, Goldsmith and Lord Mayor of York. Choose from the Great Hall with its tiled floor and colourful wall hangings or the half-timbered Great Chamber. Themed catering, medieval minstrels and medieval dancing are several options. Tel : 01904 610275, e-mail: barley.hall@btclick.com
The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall
This may be one venue that the groom may choose rather than the bride – as long as he dares! York’s Merchant Adventurers risked all their money in overseas trade and the motto borne on the coat of arms is “May God Prosper Our Affairs” – business affairs, you understand! The imagery of the stained glass around the hall represents man’s perilous journey through the sea of life…. Seriously though, the hall is of major national importance and is scheduled as an ancient monument. It was built between 1357-1361 and is one of the largest buildings of its date in Britain apart from castles, barns and churches. Tel: 01904 654818, email: enquiries@theyorkcompany.co.uk website: www.theyorkcompany.co.uk
Treasurer’s House
The Blue Drawing Room at the National Trust’s 17th century Treasurer’s House, tucked behind York Minster, provides what many newly weds are looking for, and more. The towering walls of the Minster provide a staggering backdrop for wedding guests enjoying drinks and photographs in the garden of the house, Tel: 01904 624247.
Merchant Taylors’ Hall
Steeped in the history of this ancient city, the Hall sits in its grounds, a few minutes’ walk from the Minster. The main hall was built at the end of the 14th century with a fine open arch-braced timber roof. The Hall is dominated by two Coats of Arms: those of Charles II and, over a vast log fireplace, a painted board bearing the arms of the Drapers Company of London, Tel: 01904 624889.
Middlethorpe Hall
Built in 1699, Middlethorpe Hall was once the home of the famous diarist, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, whose husband was British Ambassador to Turkey. She visited Constantinople and immersed herself in Turkish culture, writing passionately and prolifically about it to her friends in England. In particular she described the surprisingly liberating effect for women of wearing a veil – although veils are not obligatory for brides at Middlethorpe, maybe it’s worth a try? The house is now decorated with antiques and fine pictures carefully chosen as consistent with the period of the house. The gardens and parkland have also been restored and include ha has, a white garden, a walled garden, a small lake and some beautiful specimen trees. Bishopthorpe Road. Tel: 01904 641241, www.middlethorpe.com
York Minster
St William's College is a medieval venue of unparalleled attraction, in York’s quietest and most romantic corner, totally wrapped up in the whole Minster atmosphere. Several different venues are available within the college buildings for wedding receptions, and unabashed romance is absolutely guaranteed here. E-mail: conference@yorkminster.org or phone 01904 557233.
Past Images
For an unusual and distinctive wedding invitation, Past Images will dress you in a costume from a choice of three different periods from York’s history and photograph you against one of their 3d sets. Your wedding stationary will then be individually designed to suit your chosen theme, whether it be Victorian, Viking or Medieval (for the truly adventurous they can even make you into ghosts!) Telephone 01904 676167 or call in at 33 Shambles for further information.
YorkBoat
Finally, if you fancy a reception with a difference, YorkBoat could organise a quite unique floating wedding reception with good food, dancing and entertainment – shmooze down the Ouse for a party all the guests will remember! Tel: 01904 628324.
For any further information and your free guide to York please contact: York Visitor Information Centre, Tel: 01904 550099, email: info@visityork.org or visit the website at www.visityork.org
Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager - Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451, email: kh@visityork.org website: www.visityork.org