C E L E B R AT O RY & WEDDING GUIDE visityork.org/weddings
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welcome to YORK
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Contents ROMANTIC YORK 04 YORK REGISTER OFFICE 06 APPROVED VENUES 10 RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES 12 THINGS TO KNOW 14 CELEBRATORY SERVICES 16 UNIQUE VENUES 18 HOTELS 27 SUPPORT SERVICES 32 With secret snickelways, the majestic York Minster and enchanting riverside walks, York is a city of romance. Crowned ‘Britain’s most beautiful city’, it’s no wonder that York is one of the most idyllic places in which to be married. Follow Visit York on Get inspired at pinterest.com/visityork Photographer acknowledgements: Lily Hartley | Gareth Buddo Sometimes things change! We endeavour to ensure this guide is accurate, however we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, or for the quality of service provided by the advertisers listed.
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romantic
YORK
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York is the perfect setting for the day of your dreams, whether your idea of romance is a traditional white wedding with plenty of guests, a small and intimate ceremony or something entirely different. Take a Look For a ceremony in the heart of the city, look no further than the recently refurbished York Register Office. Centrally located just a few hundred yards from the Minster, this elegant grade II Georgian listed building is perfectly placed for those travelling from far and wide to see you on your special day. Stylishly furnished and surrounded by tranquil gardens, it is the ideal option for weddings of up to 50 guests. Take Your Pick Alternatively, choose from the endearing selection of licensed venues within the city. From medieval guildhalls and quirky attractions to grand hotels and stately homes, there are plenty of unique options so you’ll be sure to find one to suit you. Explore a little further outside the city to find magnificent country houses with breathtaking views, dramatic ruins and beautiful formal gardens, all providing an unforgettable backdrop for your big day. Take a Break York is filled with attractions and must-see scenery so why not carry on the celebrations and stay a little longer? Come and speak to the team at the award winning Visit York Information Centre. We offer a first class booking service and can source accommodation close to your chosen venue for family and friends. With expert local knowledge, the team can suggest activities and excursions to keep everybody entertained.
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York register
OFFICE
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York Register Office is considered to be one of the finest in northern England – if not the whole country and its recent refurbishment cements this reputation. Helpful, friendly, experienced staff are on hand to advise and ensure everything runs smoothly on your special day.
Planning your big day? It is important to know where you can get married and how the process works. One of the main things to know is that you can marry at any register office or approved venue in England or Wales if you are a resident in either of these countries, and marriage can be between two people of the opposite sex or two people of the same sex. York Register Office offers a truly magnificent venue for your day. The recent £130,000 refurbishment has further enhanced the beautiful Georgian building, creating an improved reception area, accessible rooms and a new Ebor Room. With the choice of two spaces in which the ceremony can take place, there’s sure to be an option to suit you. The bigger Bootham Suite is perfect for larger ceremonies, a formal ceremony room that seats 50 guests comfortably with an additional area for standing. This space combines modern technology with a red carpeted aisle, Yorkshire stone floor and French windows which open onto the landscaped gardens, providing the perfect backdrop for photographs.
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York Register Office Contact the team or pop into the office at 56 Bootham, York YO30 7DA Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am 5pm and by appointment Saturday 10am - 3pm (ceremonies only) Tel: 01904 654477 registrar@york.gov.uk Fees: From 1 Jan 2018 The fees to give notice are set nationally by the Government and are currently £35 per person. In addition the following applies: This can also be used by smaller parties and is fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. Should you want a more intimate wedding ceremony, the smaller Bootham Suite is less formal and accommodates up to 10 people including the bride and groom. Both rooms are elegantly decorated, retaining a classical style in keeping with the Georgian architecture. The Register Office now boasts the Ebor Room, an additional space where the bride and groom can chat to the registrar and prepare themselves for the wedding ceremony. Most importantly, York Register Office’s team can tailor your day to suit your needs. Walk down the aisle to music of your choice, customise your ceremony with poems and readings or make your day truly personal by composing your own vows. (any changes must comply with the legal restrictions which do not allow any religious reference.)
Bootham Suite’s large room: Mon - Thur: £245, Fri - Sat: £330 Bootham Suite’s small room: Mon - Thurs: £140, Fri - Sat: £195 In an approved venue: Mon - Thur: £510, Fri - Sat: £590, Sun/Bank Holiday: £640 The above fees are subject to change.
Amanda Sykes, Service Manager, and staff at the City of York Registration and Celebratory Services, look forward to hearing from you. Go to york.gov.uk and search Register Office to find out more.
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choose your
VENUE
As well as marrying or forming a civil partnership at York Register Office, you can choose one of these approved licensed venues for your ceremony.
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approved venues Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, York YO1 7AL | 01904 646030
Middlethorpe Hall Hotel & Spa, York YO23 2GB | 01904 661301
Bell Hall, Escrick, York YO19 6HL | 01904 720489
Middletons Hotel, Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS | 01904 611570
Deighton Lodge, York Rd, York YO19 6HQ | 01904 720191
National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ | 01904 686226
Doubletree by Hilton York, St Maurice’s Road, York YO31 7JA | 01904 638086
Park Inn by Radisson, North Street, York YO1 6JF | 01904 459988
The Grand Hotel & Spa, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD | 01904 380038
The Principal York, Station Road, York YO24 1AA | 01904 653681
The Grange Hotel, 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA | 01904 644744
Thirteen Thirty One, 13 Grape Lane, York YO1 7HU | 01904 661130
Grays Court, Chapter House St, York YO1 7JH | 01904 612613
Villa Farm, Wigginton Road, Wigginton, York YO32 2RH | 01904 487129
Hilton York Hotel, 1 Tower Street, York YO1 9WD | 01904 648111
York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York YO1 9RY | 01904 687671
Hospitium, Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR | 01904 687671
York Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York YO1 9QL | 01904 552036
Hotel du Vin, 89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX | 01904 405260
York Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1QQ | 01904 701000
Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate, York YO1 9XD | 01904 654818
York Maze, Dunnington Lodge, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT | 01904 607341
Merchant Taylor’s Hall, Adlwark, York YO1 7BX | 01904 624889
York Pavilion Hotel, 45 Main Street, Fulford, York YO10 4PJ | 01904 622099
Mercure York Fairfield Manor Shipton Road, Skelton, York YO30 1XW | 01904 670222
York Racecourse York YO23 1EX | 01904 638971
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religious
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From the magnificent Minster to medieval town churches and tiny places of worship enclosed by winding lanes and alleys, York is full of characterful religious buildings in which you can be married. If you wish to have a Church of England wedding, you should speak to the vicar of the church of your choice. There is no need to contact the register office unless the vicar advises you to do so. To be married or form a civil partnership in a church or place of religious worship other than Church of England, you should first contact the minister or person in charge of marriages at the building. If you are planning a religious ceremony that is not Church of England, you must give notice of intention to the Superintendent Registrar of the district in which you live unless one or both of you are subject to immigration control. Both parties must be present and if attending York, should ring 01904 654477 to make an appointment.
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things to know before you
MARRY In order to marry in a Register Office, approved venue or registered religious building other than the Church of England, you must, by law, undergo certain preliminaries. The following legal procedures must be in place before you can tie the knot.
15 You both have to give notice at least 28 clear days (in some circumstances this number of days may be longer), and not more than a year before the date of your marriage. When giving notice, you must provide evidence of name, nationality, date of birth and place of residence. If a party has previously been through any form of marriage or civil partnership in the UK or any other country, he or she will need to provide evidence that they are now free in law to marry. This will usually be in the form of a decree absolute, a final order for dissolution of civil partnership or a death certificate for a former spouse/civil partner. For people who have legally changed their name, documentary evidence in the form of a name change document is needed. In the case of any queries regarding foreign documents, please contact the Register Office. All documents should be certified or sealed. Photo copies are not acceptable. Parties to a marriage or civil partnership who are under 18 years of age should contact the Register Office in advance of their notice to ensure that they can provide the correct documentation. Intention to Marry: Both of you must give notice of your intention to marry, in person, at the District Register Office at the place in which you usually reside. If one or both of you is subject to immigration control, you must go to a specialised Register Office. Please note: You must both have lived a minimum of seven clear days in a Registration District in England or Wales immediately before giving notice at that office. Both of you must attend to give notice and this should usually be done by making an appointment to attend at the same time. Notice cannot be given on behalf of a person, or by post, phone or email.
Civil Partnerships: Couples of the same sex can now legally be married, however couples can still opt to form civil partnerships should they wish to. Get in touch with the team at York Register Office to find out more. Please note: this booklet is for general information and is not a complete statement of the law. It must be stressed that the marriage cannot go ahead unless the legal formalities have been completed. A provisional booking is simply that, and does not guarantee that the marriage will go ahead until the legal notice of intention is given. Notices cannot be given on behalf of a person, or by post, phone or email.
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celebratory SERVICES Naming Ceremonies To celebrate the birth of a child or welcome into the family the arrival of adopted or step children, York Register Office offers a Naming Ceremony. It is an opportunity to declare, before family and friends, your promise to be as good a parent as you can be and friends or relatives chosen by you, to be supporting adults, can pledge their special relationships with your child. Children of any age can have a ceremony; it’s not just for babies.
For further information on any of these ceremonies, please contact us on: 01904 654477 or visit york.gov.uk/register
Renewal of Vows For married couples or civil partners who wish to celebrate their union in a unique and personal ceremony, York Register Office offers a Renewal of Vows ceremony. It is common for a renewal of vows to be associated with a special anniversary but it can take place at any time. Couples who have married or formed a civil partnership abroad often choose to renew their vows to celebrate their union with family and friends. Couples who have been through a period which has put strain on their relationship may choose the ceremony to celebrate their renewed devotion to one another. The content and format of the ceremony is tailored to suit each individual couple.
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As well as civil weddings and civil partnerships, City of York Registration and Celebratory Service also offers a range of services.
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UNIQUE venues
Unique venues 19
Bedern Hall Bartle Garth, York YO1 7AL | 01904 646030 | bedernhall.co.uk | laura.drinkeld@bedernhall.co.uk Experience the medieval splendour of Bedern Hall, a beautiful stone-built 14th century building in the centre of York. Bedern Hall is the ideal venue for those looking to put a personal stamp on their special day, offering the perfect setting for an intimate and individual occasion. Nestled in the centre of York, just minutes from York Minster, Bedern Hall is a stunning space with a soaring beamed ceiling, arched windows and warm stone walls. Our friendly and experienced in-house catering team invites couples to create their own individual wedding menu using locally-sourced, seasonal produce.
De Grey Rooms St Leonards Place, York YO1 7HD | 01904 715455 | degreyrooms.co.uk events@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk Perfectly situated in the centre of York, the beautifully restored Victorian De Grey Ballroom and adjoining Cocktail Bar is the ideal venue for your wedding. For more details or to arrange a viewing, please contact the Event Coordinator: events@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or 01904 715455. Download a hire pack from yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/page/for_events.php.
Weddings at YCM Visit York Ad 186 x 122mm.qxp_Layout 1 11/05/2018 07:38 Page 1 20 visityork.org/weddings
Weddings
York Castle Museum
at York Castle Museum
A charming and atmospheric evening venue for wedding receptions and ceremonies.
The Museum’s recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate, can host seated banquets for up to 70 guests, with the tables arranged on the main street.
Skywall Photography
York Castle Museum provides a perfect venue for evening wedding receptions and ceremonies, giving your special day a warm, nostalgic feel which is sure to be enjoyed by family and friends alike.
Your reception will be set against the unique backdrop of our authentic shop fronts, packed with historic goods, perfect for memorable photographs. The Museum can also host buffet receptions for larger numbers of guests and a site visit is highly recommended if you are interested in this venue. For more information please call our dedicated wedding team on:
Skywall Photography
Ryan Forster
Tel: 01904 687 671 Email: yorkvenues@ymt.org.uk Visit www.yorkvenues.org.uk
Weddings at Hospitium Visit York Ad 186 x 122mm.qxp_Layout 1 11/05/2018 14:06 Page 1
Weddings at the Hospitium
Let our unique and historic venue create a magical setting for your perfect day This stunning 14th century listed building situated in the beautiful Museum Gardens is the ideal location for your special day. © Jamie Sia
The Hospitium is set over two floors offering you and your guests an exclusive location to celebrate all aspects of your day. The venue is overlooked by the striking ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, providing the perfect location for your wedding photographs. The Hospitium is licensed to host civil ceremonies and provides a peaceful and private setting.
Tel: 01904 687 671 Email: yorkvenues@ymt.org.uk Visit www.yorkvenues.org.uk
© Ben Jenkins
For more information please call our dedicated wedding team on:
© Mr& Mrs Photography
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York Maze Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT 01904 607341 | yorkmaze.com | info@theamazingweddingco.co.uk
Finalists of the 2018 Visit York Wedding Venue of the Year, The Amazing Wedding Company at York Maze is the ideal setting for your perfect wedding. If you are looking for a relaxed, rural wedding venue with gorgeous catering and stunning scenery, The Amazing Wedding company has it all. We aim to give you the wedding you wish for, with the freedom to create your own special day. Set in the open countryside close to the city, York Maze is unique and perfect for the less formal wedding or reception. As an approved venue for civil marriages, you can tie the knot in rustic charm and dance the night away in style! You can decorate the barns to your own taste, and even let your guests camp over for the night! If you have the imagination then we can make it happen at The Amazing Wedding Company! For more information please contact Vikki at info@theamazingweddingco.co.uk
A truly unique setting for your special day...
The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall provides a beautiful and truly special venue for your wedding celebration. Offering exclusive use, the Hall and its secluded walled garden is a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.
For more details and to book a viewing, call us on 01904 654818 or email enquiries@merchantshallyork.org
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Image by Simon Ho
Image by Jim Poyner
National Centre for Early Music St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York 01904 632220 | hire.ncem.co.uk | events@ncem.co.uk Our medieval, grade-one-listed building and garden provide a stunning and unusual setting for your special day. With plenty of natural light, the church offers a bright, welcoming atmosphere and the stone arches and iron candelabras give a sense of grandeur. At night, the candlelit church offers a beautiful, intimate setting for dining or dancing with the perfect acoustic for a live band or DJ. Our experienced staff will assist you every step of the way to make sure that your day will surpass all expectations.
Images by Todd and Moore
Images by Philip Benham
North Yorkshire Moors Railway 01751 472508 | nymr.co.uk/weddings | weddings@nymr.co.uk Your dream wedding is closer than you think. When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, few can rival North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Celebrate with a steam train experience - the evolving scenery of the North York Moors will make your big day memorable for years to come. We’re also able to offer the Grade II listed Pickering Station for festivities, which provides an additional dramatic and atmospheric outside space for your party to enjoy. We appreciate that each wedding is unique and can create a bespoke package that’s perfect for you.
WEDDINGS For more information on using York Racecourse as a wedding venue go to yorkracecourse.co.uk call 01904 638 971 or email weddings@yorkracecourse.co.uk
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Villa Farm Wigginton Road, Wigginton, York YO32 2RH | 01904 487129 villa-farm.com weddings@villa-farm.com Set in six acres of private grounds, Villa Farm is the perfect place to party! We are licenced for Civil Ceremonies and can offer a range of beautiful marquees, garden pergola or our newly restored York Barn. With bi-folding doors opening onto a private courtyard and fabulous views across the Yorkshire countryside, the barn can cater for up to 220 guests. We have ample parking and on-site accommodation for up to 103 guests. We can’t wait to talk to you and begin planning your big day.
Looking for accommodation for your guests? Our talented team at the Visit York Information Centre can suggest a wide range of options, from hotels to B&Bs to even a quirky apartment in town, the city has an eclectic choice of inviting places to rest your head after a day of celebrating.
Visit York Information Centre, 1 Museum Street, YO1 7DT | visityork.org
Hotels 27
The Grange Hotel Clifton, York YO30 6AA | 01904 644744 | info@grangehotel.co.uk | grangehotel.co.uk The Grange Hotel’s fine Regency reception room has been luxuriously decorated with elegant fabrics, soft furnishings and antique furniture to reflect its classical period. Licensed for civil weddings and conveniently located just 5 minutes’ walk from York Registry office. Whether it’s a small intimate gathering or reception with up to 110 guests, our wedding coordinators would love to make your dream wedding become a reality. All inclusive packages priced from £62.50 per person.
the
Hotel & Spa, York
a truly magical wedding The Grand Hotel & Spa is York’s most luxurious venue. The iconic Edwardian building, with views across the historic city walls and York Minster, provides the perfect backdrop to your special day, with grand sweeping staircases, original features and stunning architecture. Whether you’re planning an intimate occasion or a grand celebration, our experienced Wedding Coordinator will be on hand every step of the way to create a unique, personalised and memorable experience for you and your guests. From the red carpet arrival, right through to your elegantly appointed bedrooms at the end of your day, your wedding at The Grand Hotel & Spa will be truly unforgettable.
Explore The Grand Hotel & Spa and meet our Wedding Coordinator at one of our Wedding Fayres or Open Evenings: Sunday 10th June | Thursday 2nd August | Sunday 7th October
Please visit our website for more details.
Call 01904 380 038 or visit www.thegrandyork.co.uk/weddings Gift vouchers available | Station Rise, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6GD
Hotels 29
Mercure York Fairfield Manor Shipton Road, York YO30 1XW | 0844 815 9038 | mercureyork.co.uk csales.mercureyork@jupiterhotels.co.uk Mercure York Fairfield Manor hotel ensures your day is uniquely yours with a one wedding per day policy. The hotel has the perfect blend of modern amenities with the old world style of an original 18th century Georgian Manor House. 6 acres of beautiful private grounds provides you with the perfect backdrop for your photographs. 89 stylishly decorated bedrooms ensure your guests can unwind after the celebrations. Licensed for Civil Ceremony Weddings, we can cater for up to 150 guests for a wedding breakfast and up to 200 guests for an evening reception.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2GB | 01904 661301 | middlethorpe.com j.betteridge@middlethorpe.com Congratulations! You have found your perfect partner, now Middlethorpe Hall offers the perfect venue to fulfil your dreams for your special day. Set in its own beautifully maintained grounds, The National Trust’s Middlethorpe Hall summarises the quintessential country house, offering elegance and romance in an idyllic setting. A perfect backdrop for ceremony and celebration, and a photographer’s dream to create lasting memories of each precious moment of the day.
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four Ways to Stay in Touch
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Park Inn by Radisson North Street, York, YO1 6JF 01904 459988 | parkinn.co.uk/hotel-york conferences.york@parkinn.com The Park Inn by Radisson offers a convenient city centre location with stunning views of the River Ouse and famous York Minster. Our wedding function suites are fully flexible and can be styled to suit your taste or theme. Whether it’s a small intimate celebration or reception with up to 200 guests, we can help you have a truly perfect day! All-inclusive packages for 40 day guests and 80 evening guests from £2,018.
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York Pavilion Main Street, Fulford, YORK YO10 4PJ | 01904 622099 | yorkpavilionhotel.com weddings@yorkpavilionhotel.com
This elegant, Georgian country house hotel is just one mile from York’s city centre. Picturesque gardens, ample car parking and a team of dedicated staff who are always on hand to listen, will advise and help deliver your special event. Whether you are planning a wedding, family celebration, anniversary or Christening party, the Pavilion is perfect. We can cater for small, family get-togethers or more formal affairs for 110 guests or up to 150 during an evening. We have over 60 guest rooms and are licenced for Civil Ceremonies which means weddings and celebrations can be easily arranged in one place with no need to find alternative accommodation or transport. Our chefs pride themselves on creating excellent, mouth-watering dishes from the best local and home grown produce. The Pavilion is a lovely house, full of history and charm. John Barry, the internationally acclaimed musician and composer of 11 Bond themes, grew up here so it has always been a place that is full, not only with atmosphere but where music and memories have come together to create a cocktail that our guests find irresistible.
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Support Services
KL Photographers 128 Boroughbridge Road, York YO26 6AL 01904 792338 | info@klphoto.co.uk | klphoto.co.uk Our friendly and relaxed photographer has over 16 years experience capturing weddings and celebrations. Get in touch today to create a package tailored for you. With prices starting from ÂŁ250.
Support Services 33
ibloomflorists 35 The Village, Wigginton, York YO32 2PR 07748 142078 | ibloomflorists.com info@ibloomflorists.com At ibloomflorists, we offer a truly individual experience. Our customers need a wedding florist who can translate their ideas and give them the 'WOW' factor on their big day.
York Pullman 01904 622992 | yorkpullmanweddings.co.uk weddings@yorkpullmanbus.co.uk Arrive in style on your special day in one of our Heritage fleet vehicles. Please contact us for a hassle free, no obligation quote and let us take care of your wedding day transport requirements.
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The Little Balloon Company 01904 705050 | littleballoonco.co.uk | karen@littleballoonco.co.uk
With over 22 years’ experience, we specialise in the creation of bespoke designs to perfectly compliment your special day! • Confetti bubbles • Personalised balloons • Giant balloons with tulle • Mr and Mrs Balloons... and much more
Support Services 35
Poppy Caterers 01347 878628 | poppycaterers.co.uk | info@poppycaterers.co.uk
Poppy Caterers & Marquees offer a unique service of bespoke catering and marquee design to suit every client’s particular tastes and needs. Poppy Offer: • Bespoke Menus using only the Finest & Freshest Local Ingredients • Marquees of distinction • Licenced bar facilities • Venue sourcing • Delicious food for every occasion • Equipment Hire’ • A dedicated team who look after you from your initial enquiry
Harrogate NortHallertoN York ScarborougH
THE CIRCLE OF LOVE The ultimate symbol of commitment, representing a bond for life
67 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HY | T: 01904 655235 www.bradleysjewellersyork.com | bradleysjeweller@btconnect.com bradleysjewellersyork