Question 1

My partner's sold on a barn wedding, but I'm yet to be convinced. Convince me!

Accepted Answer

There is no place more magical than our rustic barn, which is open and inclusive meaning no interrupting room changes. Our barn is also a blank canvas, which gives you the flexibility to create the wedding of your dreams. There are so many ways you can put your own stamp on a barn wedding, with opportunities to be creative, whether it's the twinkle of fairy lights or the large white drapes from the high ceiling – you are free to explore and personalise every part of your day, with no limit to your options. Our barn is unique, charming, full of character and history, with a dramatic rural setting and breath-taking views over our beautiful valley and forest. It's the perfect backdrop for rustic country weddings! Here at Stepney Hill Farm, we pride ourselves on doing all we can to make every couples' vision come true.

Question 2

We're looking for a venue for our Christmas-themed wedding. What should we ask before booking?

Accepted Answer

First of all, ask how many weddings a venue conducts around Christmas time, as you ideally want to be their main focus and choose one which limits weddings at this time. Ideally, you should ask for any images the venue has of previous Christmas weddings, so you know what to expect. It would also be useful to know the extent of a venue's grounds for festive photographs and what contingencies there are in place for 'indoor' shots. Once you know the extent of the venue's Christmas style, you need to check if they'll allow you to add any extras for yourselves, such as the addition of presents under the tree, extra decorations in a style of your own choosing, or whether they mind a visit from Santa himself! Another point would be to determine whether the venue is prepared to cater for a full Christmas wedding breakfast to include all the trimmings, if that's what you're looking for. Finally, as the day draws to a close, it would be useful to know if the venue is happy to host a carol concert, play festive tunes, allow party games or host anything in particular you have in mind. Most venues are always happy to do what you want, but it is always best to check.

Question 3

We want to wed in Harrogate but are struggling to find a venue contemporary in design. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

The Yorkshire Hotel is located in the heart of Harrogate, and is the perfect venue for your day. We've undergone a stunning refurbishment, staying true to our Victorian heritage while preparing the hotel for the next 100 years of its life, with modern and contemporary touches throughout. Located on the fifth floor, our wedding suite offers breath taking views of the historic town and further afield, while our wide range of catering allows us to tailor packages to fit your vision and budget. Both our food menu, crafted by the group's AA rosette Head Chef, Richard Ferebee; and our drinks, blended by Barman of the Year, Dario Silveria, can be built to suit you as a couple, for an unforgettable, carefree day.

Question 4

I'm set on a venue packed with history, but my partner wants something contemporary. We're stuck!

Accepted Answer

There's no reason you can't have both! A lot of modern venues require additional input to create an atmosphere or theme, whereas a historical setting can easily be modernised with details, from outfits and floral arrangements to food and decorations. Adopting a more minimalist approach creates an interesting contrast to a venue with character, which serves to please everyone's taste and helps to make your wedding truly unique. The Orangery at Newby Hall is a perfect example of a historical building, restored in a simple, contemporary style, perfect for such a dilemma.

Question 5

I'm looking at historic venues, however, my mum keeps questioning whether it'll be warm enough! I'm wearing a strapless dress and I know she's just being thoughtful but what questions should I ask the venues beforehand? My husband and I just love the romance and history behind some of Yorkshire's amazing monuments!

Accepted Answer

We have a lot of weddings which take place in the autumn and winter as it's very romantic with its large open fires and braziers. The castle does get cold in these months, however there are a few things we do to ensure the comfort of our guests just like other historic venues will also do. We hire in heaters to warm the rooms and we also have the fires lit in good time. The warming glow and ambience is all part of the romance of the day. The doors to each area are closed as much as possible to ensure the warm air doesn't escape. Talk to the wedding team and I'm sure they'll ease yours (and your mum's!) mind. Many of our couples have been able to capture their day with dramatic photographs in areas around the castle and are always able to find a nice warm fire to come and sit by afterwards.

Question 6

We're looking for a venue that will be able to help us achieve our Christmas-themed wedding. What should we ask the wedding team before booking?

Accepted Answer

So many couples dream of a Christmas wedding, with a wonderful winter feel having the snow falling around you and all the beautiful features covered with a white blanket of snow. Although every dream can turn into a nightmare if you don't choose the right venue for your special day. Will we be cold if we book in winter? Some venues such as Spicer Manor, may have underfloor heating throughout. Check if the venue has firepits, these are perfect to snuggle around with heat holding blankets to keep lovely and cosy. What if it rains? At Spicer, we supply pretty, transparent umbrellas for you and your guests to ensure you won't ruin any stunning suits, dresses or hairstyles. What if it snows? Check the venue is well equipped with snow shovels to clear any walkways needed to make everything safe for guests. The perfect addition for a Christmas themed wedding has to be fairylights, You can also discuss Christmas decorations with your wedding coordinator to finish off your festive theme perfectly.

Question 7

My fiancé and I have just started looking for our dream wedding venue, and we'd like to get married outside. What should we keep in mind before booking?

Accepted Answer

There are a few practicalities you need to consider – plan A and plan B! Take the weather for example. Even if the forecast is amazing, you may want to consider some form of shelter, just in case! Make sure your guests are aware of what's in store too, so they can plan their outfits accordingly. Be prepared with umbrellas and wellies – don't let the rain dampen your sprits though! Props like these can be personalised to the bride and groom and create some wonderful photo opportunities. Utilise your surroundings and take some inspiration from nature. The Coniston Hotel's 1,400-acre private estate is bursting with colour and texture, whatever the season. Incorporate this into your day and save on your décor budget! Have an open mind. We all have a dream and vision, but when incorporating unpredictable elements to your day such as weather, you may need to be prepared to flex on a few of the details. Finally, trust the experts! For example, our dedicated wedding team live and breathe weddings – they'll offer the best solution, for the comfort of you and your guests, whilst still exceeding your expectations.

Question 8

What's your top planning tip when it comes to looking for and booking the venue

Accepted Answer

When it comes to finding your venue, you have to be sure you've found the perfect location for your perfect day! At Spicer Manor our team firmly believe you must have the full support and advice from your venue, who will be by your side throughout your journey and be with you on your special day. Somewhere to suit your individual needs is essential, if you have some of your ideas already, then make it clear what you're hoping for on your big day from the start so you know if your venue can cater for this. We strive to achieve everything our couples desire to make their day as special as possible for them. A venue without a flexible structure means you may not have the choices to make your day just as you'd like it, to compromise for such a special event is not ideal. You should be able to choose a venue that will help you personalise your day and make it the day you always want to remember.

Question 9

I have just got engaged and have started looking at venues. My mind is boggled, where do I begin?

Accepted Answer

There are so many venues out there it's no wonder you're boggled! The key thing which any venue will ask first is how many guests. Make your list, argue about your list, and come up with a number. Then consider are all those people coming for the whole day, or are you having an evening do? Do you want to have a civil or religious ceremony? Are you wanting a specific type of food? Will you have a live band or a DJ? Do you want the whole place to yourself? Do you prefer a modern or traditional setting? Have you got a budget to work to? All of these questions are really important to have clear in your mind, and will define the starting point for any venue discussion. Next, decide on a date. With pandemic restrictions, a lot of weddings have had to be rescheduled, so you can expect venues and suppliers to be busier than usual, therefore availability is key. You might need to be willing to compromise. For a small Yorkshire wedding with total exclusivity, consider The Yorke Arms in Ramsgill. For larger weddings, consider Bowcliffe Hall. Both come with dedicated teams ready to make your wedding day dreams come true.

FAQs and expert advice about venues