York Wedding Guide

THE OFFICIAL WEDDING GUIDE 2015

Getting Married in the City of York Register OďŹƒce Weddings

Approved Venues For Weddings & Civil Partnerships

VisitYork visityork.org/weddings

Getting Married in York For help and advice on arranging pre-wedding events, booking accommodation and finding your way around the city, contact Visit York Information Centre at 1 Museum Street or call 01904 550099.

to the City of York Since the Romans first arrived in York over 2,000 years ago, visitors from across the world have experienced all this magical city has to offer. Why not join them?

From secret snickleways to beautiful riverside walks, York conjures an air of romance throughout its cobbled streets. Unsurprisingly, it has been crowned ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful City’ and become one of the places in England in which to be married.

Published by Visit York on behalf of City of York Council Cover image: Gareth Buddo Photographer acknowledgements: Gareth Buddo www.furmoto.com The York Photographer www.jimpoyner.co.uk

Set within 120 acres of parkland and just 12 miles from York, Aldwark Manor is a venue that combines the old with the new. Call 01347 833950 or visit www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/aldwarkmanor-golf-spa-hotel-york for details.

Contents Romantic York Approved Venues in York York Register Office Legal Preliminaries Celebratory Services Religious Ceremonies Unique Venues Hotels Specialist Services

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VisitYork visityork.org/weddings 1 Museum Street, York YO1 7DT Tel: 01904 554 455

Disclaimer: While we have made every endeavour to ensure that the information in this guide is accurate, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for the quality of service provided by the advertisers listed.

York Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional white wedding with plenty of guests, a small intimate ceremony or something completely different, York has everything you need for your nuptials. Read on to get a flavour of what’s on offer…

Take a Look If you are in search of a ceremony that takes place at the heart of the city, look no further than York Register Office. This refined Georgian building is centrally located just a few hundred yards from the Minster, making it perfectly placed for those travelling from far and wide to see you on your special day. Elegantly furnished and surrounded by tranquil gardens, it is the ideal option for smaller weddings of up to 50 guests. Find out more about York Register Office on page 6.

Take a Break As York is a city packed with fun attractions and must-see scenery, why not make the celebrations last a little longer by staying for a while? By booking an extended break in the city, you and your guests can enjoy all there is to see and do.

The Visit York Information Centre offers 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 that will keep everyone entertained.

Take Your Pick Alternatively, choose from the many licensed venues within the city. From medieval guildhalls and quirky attractions to magnificent hotels and stately homes, there is an array of unique options to ensure your day is extra special. In addition, these venues provide stunning settings for truly beautiful wedding photographs that encapsulate the day. See page 5 for the full list of approved venues.

Further afield you will find country houses with breathtaking views over lakes and woodland, dramatic ruins, and vibrant formal gardens, all providing a special backdrop for your ceremony or reception.

Hospitium

According to local superstition, if you kiss your partner below the West Window of York Minster you’ll remain together forever.

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l orpe Hal Middleth

Hospitium

York Register Office 56 Bootham, York YO30 7DA Celebrate your big day at York Register Office, where you can enjoy a bespoke service in the heart of York.

Venues For Weddings and Civil Partnerships

Call 01904 654477 to find out more.

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.

Bedern Hall Bartle Garth, St Andrewgate, Bedern, York YO1 7AL Tel 01904 646030 Bell Hall Escrick, York YO19 6HL Tel 01904 720489 Best Western Dean Court Hotel Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF Tel 01904 625082

Grays Court Chapter House Street, York YO1 7JH Tel 01904 612613 Hilton York Hotel 1 Tower Street, York YO1 9WD Tel 01904 648111 Hospitium Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR Tel 01904 687671 Best Western Hotel du Vin Monkbar Hotel St Maurice’s Road, York 89 The Mount, York YO24 1AX YO31 7JA Tel 01904 557350 Tel 01904 638086 Mansion House Best Western St Helen’s Square, York Pavilion Hotel 45 Main Street, Fulford, York YO1 9QL Tel 01904 552036 York YO10 4PJ Tel 01904 622099 Marmadukes Hotel 4-5 St Peters Grove, Churchill Hotel Bootham, 65 Bootham, York York YO30 6AQ YO30 7DQ Tel 01904 644456 Tel 01904 640101

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Fossgate, York YO1 9XD Tel 01904 654818 Merchant Taylors’ Hall Aldwark, York YO1 7BX Tel 01904 624889 Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel Shipton Road, Skelton, York YO30 1XW Tel 01904 670222 Middlethorpe Hall Hotel & Spa Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2GB Tel 01904 641241 Middletons Hotel Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS Tel 01904 611570 National Railway Museum Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ Tel 01904 686227

Park Inn by Radisson North Street, York YO1 6JF Tel 01904 459988 The Grand Hotel & Spa Station Rise, York YO1 6GD Tel 01904 380038 The Grange Hotel 1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA Tel 01904 644744

Villa Farm Wigginton Road, Wigginton, York YO32 2RH Tel 01904 487129 York Castle Museum Eye of York, York YO1 9RY Tel 01904 687671 York Marriott Hotel Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1QQ Tel 01904 701000

The Royal York Hotel Station Road, York YO24 1AA Tel 01904 653681

York Maze Dunnington Lodge, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT Tel 01904 607341

Thirteen Thirty One 13 Grape Lane, York YO1 7HU Tel 01904 661130

York Racecourse York YO23 1EX Tel 01904 638971

Treasurer’s House Minster Yard, York YO1 7JL Tel 01904 624247

Yorkshire Air Museum Elvington, York YO41 4AU Tel 01904 608595

There are many other venues outside of the York jurisdiction that are approved for marriages and civil ceremonies. visityork.org/weddings

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City of York

Office York’s Register Office is considered to be one of the finest in northern England – if not the whole country. Helpful, friendly, experienced staff are on hand to advise and ensure everything runs smoothly on your special day.

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If you are planning your big day, it is important to know where you can get married and how the process works. The main things you need to know are that you can marry at any register office or approved venue in England or Wales if you are a resident in either of these two 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. It is situated in a wide, elegant city centre street, close to the iconic Minster and you can choose from two rooms, depending on your personal choice and the number of guests. For large weddings, there is the bigger Bootham Suite, a formal ceremony room that seats 50 guests comfortably with additional standing room. This room combines modern technology with everything you need for your wedding day. A red carpeted aisle, Yorkshire stone floor and French windows opening onto landscaped gardens provide the perfect backdrop for photographs. This can also be used by smaller parties and is fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Should you want a more intimate ceremony, the smaller Bootham Suite is less formal and accommodates up to 10 people including the bride and groom. Both rooms are tastefully decorated,

retaining a classical style that is in keeping with the Georgian architecture.

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.

Involve those most dear by having them give away the bride or bring forward the rings. To make your day truly special, the format and content of the ceremony can be adapted to suit you both, as long as any changes comply with the legal restrictions which do not allow any religious reference.

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.

Tel: 01904 654477 Fax: 01904 638090 Email: registrar@york.gov.uk

For a virtual tour, visit www.york.gov.uk/register

Robert Livesey, Service Manager, and staff at the City of York Registration and Celebratory Services look forward to hearing from you. visityork.org/weddings

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Register OďŹƒce Preliminaries 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.

Whether you wish to marry someone of the opposite sex or someone of the same sex, the following legal procedures must be in place before you can tie the knot.

Giving notice of your 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: 1 You must both have lived a minimum of seven days in a registration district in England or Wales immediately before giving notice at that office.

2 Both of you must attend to give notice and this should usually be done by making an appointment to attend at the same time.

If this is at the York Register Office, call 01904 654477 to make an appointment.

3 Notice cannot be given on behalf of a person, or by post, phone, fax, or email.

4 You both have to give notice at least 28 clear days (in some circumstances, the number of days’ notice may be longer), and not more than a year before the date of your marriage.

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Documents you will need: When giving notice you will need to provide evidence of name, surname, nationality, date of birth and place of residence. Ask the office where you are going to give notice for advice, or call York Register Office on 01904 654477.

For people who have been married before or formed a civil partnership: Decree absolute, death certificate or dissolution of civil partnership.

For people who have legally changed their name: Documentary evidence in the form of a name change document.

In the case of any queries regarding foreign documents, contact the register office. All documents should be certified or sealed.

Photostat 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.

Civil Partnerships Since the change to the law in 2014 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.

Fees: From 1 January 2015 The fees to give notice are set nationally by the Government and are currently £35 per person. In addition, the following applies at York Register Office: The fee to marry in the Bootham Suite’s large room: Monday – Thursday: £240 Friday – Saturday: £320 Bootham Suite’s small room (eight guests): Monday – Thursday: £140 Friday – Saturday: £190 In an approved venue: Monday – Thursday: £500 Friday – Saturday: £575 Sunday/Bank Holiday: £625 Please note that the above fees are subject to change. Visit www.york.gov.uk/register to check for up-to-date information.

For more information or an informal chat, Robert Livesey, Service Manager, and the team at the City of York Registration and Celebratory Services are on hand and look forward to hearing from you.

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, email or fax.

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Services As well as civil weddings and civil partnerships, City of York Registration and Celebratory Services also offers a range of services.

Renewal of Vows

Naming Ceremonies

This ceremony is for married couples or civil partners who wish to celebrate their union in a bespoke, personal ceremony. It is common for a renewal of vows to be associated with a special anniversary but it can take place at any time.

Often couples who have married or formed a civil partnership abroad 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.

A naming ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of a child or welcoming into the family the arrival of adopted or step children. It is also an opportunity to declare, before family and friends, your promise to be as good a parent as you can. Friends or relatives chosen by you to be supporting adults can pledge their special relationships with your child. A naming ceremony is a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved and to offer their support in your child’s future development.

Children of any age can have a ceremony; it’s not just for babies.

For further information on any of these ceremonies, contact the City of York Registration and Celebration Services on 01904 654477 or visit www.york.gov.uk/register.

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Getting Married in a Place of

Worship Church of England Should 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.

Churches and places of religious worship other than Church of England You should first contact the minister or person in charge of marriages at the building in which you would like to be married or to form your civil partnership. 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 booking a ceremony in York, should ring 01904 654477 to make an appointment.

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Unique Venues

& Individual

Intimate

WEDDING CEREMONIES AND RECEPTIONS

For a wedding brochure, please contact Roger Lee on 01904 646030.

Bedern Hall, Bedern, York YO1 7AL Email: info@bedernhall.co.uk www.bedernhall.co.uk

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Unique Venues

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall provides a beautiful and unique setting for your wedding. This ancient medieval guildhall is over 650 years old and can be yours exclusively for your special day.

The hall is a wonderfully romantic setting for large or small wedding celebrations and can exclusively accommodate 20 to 180 guests for ceremonies and receptions.

Getting married at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall:

Afterwards, celebrate with a dinner in the captivating Great Hall followed by an evening reception in the Undercroft where entertainment and bar facilities are located. The hall’s secluded walled garden provides an ideal setting for a pre-dinner drinks reception and plenty of potential for photographs to capture celebrations.

• From 20 to 180 guests

The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall really is a truly special venue for a wedding celebration, offering an unforgettable day.

Tel Email Web

• Licensed for civil wedding ceremonies and partnerships

• Private use of the Great Hall, Undercroft and Garden • Fully accessible to all from the Fossgate entrance • Modernised amenities • Conveniently located in historic York city centre with parking and hotels within a five-minute walk.

01904 654 818 enquiries@theyorkcompany.co.uk www.theyorkcompany.co.uk

The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Fossgate, York YO1 9XD

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Unique Venues

The Merchant Taylors’ Hall Set in the heart of the city, this 14th century medieval hall, with its beamed ceiling and beautiful gardens – perfect for photographs and drinks receptions – will provide a stunning backdrop for your special day.

The Small Hall can hold up to 60 for a ceremony and dining for 30. The Great Hall can accommodate up to 150 for a ceremony and dining for up to 130. Both are licensed for civil ceremonies.

York-based Poppy Caterers offer a unique bespoke service to assist you with planning and tailoring your wedding to reflect your individual needs and tastes.

A beautiful venue with bespoke dining for that special day...

For further information 01904 624 889 or 01347 878 628 Tel Email info@poppycaterers.co.uk Web www.poppycaterers.co.uk www.cateringvenueyork.co.uk Merchant Taylors’ Hall Aldwark, York YO1 7BX

Set in the heart of the city...

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Unique Venues

National Railway Museum The National Railway Museum prides itself as being York’s most nostalgic wedding venue.

Whether you are looking for an intimate setting for a small ceremony or room for a large celebration, the NRM creates the perfect platform for your special day.

The beautifully restored Countess of York railway carriage offers a truly unique new venue for intimate ceremonies and fine dining. Surround yourselves and your guests in the opulent carriage décor and enjoy an exquisite wedding breakfast experience.

With unique bespoke packages individually tailored to meet your needs and a dedicated team in place, the NRM guarantees a magical celebration and day to remember.

For more information on weddings at the National Railway Museum: Tel Email Web

01904 686 226 weddings@nrm.org.uk www.nrm-events.org.uk

NRM York Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ

Your ticket to a spectacular wedding…

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Unique Venues

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Unique Venues

York Maze For a relaxed, fun and less formal wedding, why not get married at York Maze!?

Set in open countryside close to York, we have the ideal setting and flexibility to make your wedding perfect.

Our “a-maizing” barn complex offers the choice of open aspect or enclosed barns. As an approved venue for civil marriages, you can tie the knot and dance the night away in rustic style!

You can decorate the barns to your own taste, and even let your guests camp over for the night.

Tel Email Web

Our fantastic adventure play area is sure to keep the little ones busy, while young and old alike will want to jump for joy on the jumping pillow.

We will help you to create you your own menus, giving you a feast you will never forget.

If you have the imagination, we can make it happen, at York Maze!

01904 607 341 karen@theamazingweddingco.co.uk www.yorkmaze.com

York Maze Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT

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Unique Venues

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Unique Venues

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Unique Venues

York Racecourse Licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships, featuring a unique balcony setting to exchange your vows, which boasts a stunning view of York Minster.

York Racecourse, renowned for providing first class hospitality that extends beyond racedays and set in 150 acres of scenic parkland called the Knavesmire.

Also available for wedding receptions, the venue offers award winning facilities, bespoke dining and beautiful surroundings which means that happy couples can enjoy their very special day from start to finish at this iconic location.

For further information call our dedicated wedding team on: Tel Email Web

01904 638 971 events@yorkracecoursehospitality.co.uk www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

The Racecourse, York North Yorkshire YO23 1EX

Featuring a unique balcony setting

Yorkshire Air Museum Elvington Where love is in the air!

As one of York’s leading tourist attractions, the Yorkshire Air Museum has long been a popular venue for a variety of conferences and corporate hospitality events, with clients such as Bentley Motors, Audi, Renault and Yorkshire Building Society among many others. Now, as a licensed venue for marriages, we can offer a unique and atmospheric setting for your special day.

The museum is located on a former Bomber Command Station, the largest and best preserved of its type in the country, and the authentic buildings and historic aircraft create a special, highly photogenic ambience.

Ceremonies are held in our dedicated function room and it may be possible to organise a blessing service in our chapel. Catering can be provided either in-house, or through our catering and marquee suppliers. Please contact us to discuss how to make your plans fly!

Tel Email Web

01904 608595 museum@yorkshireairmuseum.org www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

Yorkshire Air Museum Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU

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Hotels

BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel Following over £3 million of investment the newly extended and refurbished BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel offers a stunning city centre venue for your wedding.

Licensed for civil weddings, we can cater for up to 150 guests and only look after one wedding a day so you have our undivided attention from start to finish. With a brand new function room and 125 luxurious bedrooms, we provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Our beautiful courtyard garden is ideal for photographs, and the City Walls and York Minster are just a stone’s throw away for those extra special memories.

For more information on our great value packages, please call our dedicated wedding team on: Tel Email Web

01904 638086 sales@monkbarhotel.co.uk www.bw-monkbarhotelyork.co.uk

BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel, St Maurice’s Road, York, YO31 7JA

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Hotels

e York Pavilion is a privately owned hotel in the historic City of York, where couples will find that we make their dreams come true! We listen, we guide and we deliver – to make sure that your perfect day is just that from start to finish.

Once home to John Barry, the house is full of atmosphere and charm and has elegant gardens for memorable photographs. Licensed for Civil Ceremonies and Partnerships, we would love to look after your special day whether it is a small private family affair for twenty guests, or a grand occasion for up to 140 guests – this is the perfect choice. We have wedding packages to suit your day, and you will find that we are adaptable and flexible to ensure that everything works just the way you want it. Come and see us soon – meet the team who will care for you – and choose the York Pavilion with confidence for your special day.

Best Western York Pavilion Country House Hotel, Main Street, Fulford, YORK YO10 4PJ Tel: 01904 622099 | www.yorkpavilionhotel.com Email: weddings@yorkpavilionhotel.com

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Hotels

Grays Court Dating back to 1080 and nestled in the heart of the exclusive Minster Quarter, Grays Court is a true hidden gem.

©Olivia Brabbs

A family-run business and proud regional winners of Best Town/City Venue at the Wedding Industry Awards, we invite you to make Grays Court yours for what will be one of the most significant days of your life. Whether it's a small and intimate gathering or a large and lavish event, we'd love to plan your perfect day with you.

Tel Email Web

01904 612613 rhiannon@grayscourtyork.com www.grayscourtyork.com

Grays Court Chapter House Street, York YO1 7JH

©Dominic Wright Photography

Mercure York Fairfield Manor The Fairfield Manor is a stunning 18th century building set in private grounds.

With a sweeping oak staircase leading to the Bridal Suite and a variety of packages to suit your individual needs, this charming country house is an ideal location for your wedding celebrations.

The Parkside Suite is perfect for your special day. A large room with its own private bar and dance floor, it can comfortably accommodate up to 120 guests for a wedding breakfast and 180 for an evening reception.

Decorated in neutral colours, it will complement your style and theme. Mercure York Fairfield Manor could be there for you every step of the way in your unique wedding experience. The hotel holds a civil wedding licence offering you the convenience of enjoying your big day all under one roof. Bespoke packages available from £3,000.

Tel Email Web

0844 815 9038 csales.mercureyork@jupiterhotels.co.uk www.mercureyork.co.uk

Mercure York Fairfield Manor Shipton Road, York YO30 1XW

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Hotels

Middletons Middletons oers a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests on your wedding day.

A genuine hidden gem in the heart of York, our character and welcoming atmosphere provides the perfect setting for your nuptials.

Licensed for both civil marriages and partnership, our unique and intimate celebration rooms provide the setting for both smaller and grander occasions. Our dedicated wedding co-ordinator will be on hand throughout to guide you through the planning of your memorable day.

Wedding packages available from ÂŁ2,900.

Please contact a member of our events team to discuss your wedding plans on: Tel Email Web

01904 611570 bookings@middletonsyork.co.uk www.middletonsyork.co.uk

Middletons Hotel Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS

Will delight you with its tranquil setting...

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Hotels

A special venue... for your perfect day Country house elegance in the heart of the city is the hallmark of this award-winning hotel.

Renowned for its high standard of cuisine and hospitality, The Grange Hotel is the perfect wedding venue. Fine Regency reception rooms have been luxuriously decorated with elegant fabrics, soft furnishings and antique furniture to evoke a bygone era, while deep comfy sofas, fresh seasonal floral decorations and roaring fires create the perfect setting for romantic wedding ceremonies and receptions all year round. There’s a choice of rooms suitable for up to 75 guests for ceremonies and private dining, and for up to 120 for informal receptions.

Please ask about our special Ebor and Grange Wedding Packages priced from ÂŁ2999.

Wedding Open Evenings the second Monday of every month.

The Grange Hotel, 1, Clifton, York YO30 6AA Tel 01904 644 744

Email info@grangehotel.co.uk

Web www.grangehotel.co.uk

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Specialist Services

York Pullman Bus Co Ltd

Arrive in style with historic York Pullman Bus Company as we take care of all your Wedding Day Transport.

01904 622992

Email: weddings@yorkpullmanbus.co.uk Web: www.yorkpullmanweddings.co.uk

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Specialist Services

Iced Yorkshire For a special wedding cake with a personal touch, look no further than Iced Yorkshire. This is a one-stop-shop for all your bespoke cake needs, with each tailor-made creation hand-crafted by Angela to suit your celebration.

Iced Yorkshire also offers comprehensive cake making courses and sells everything you need to decorate a cake of your own.

Tel Email Web

01904 400789 sales@icedyorkshire.com www.icedyorkshire.com

Iced Yorkshire, Unit 26C The Bull Commercial Centre, Stockton Lane, York YO32 9LE

Find the perfect place to rest your head in York.

For all of your accommodation needs, contact Visit York Information Centre on 01904 550099.

Lovedub Campers Ltd If you are looking for something a little bit different for your special day, Lovedubs should be your first port of call. This small, family-run business based in York specialises in vintage VW wedding vehicles. Their fleet includes two stretched white beetles, a white convertible beetle, a black split screen campervan, and a beige bay window campervan.

Tel Email Web

01904 737864 info@lovedubcampers.co.uk www.lovedubs.co.uk

LoveDub Campers Ltd Little Garth, Rufforth, York, YO23 3QA

Find us on Facebook at LovedubCampers

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