Your Yorkshire Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Tie the knot at Blackwell Grange Hotel & Spa

Blending historic charm with modern elegance, Blackwell Grange Hotel is a romantic 17th-century mansion set within acres of tranquil parkland on the edge of Darlington. Surrounded by mature trees, manicured lawns, and picturesque walkways, it offers a peaceful escape and an idyllic setting for weddings of every style. Inside, the hotel features warm, stylish interiors, restored period details, and beautifully refurbished suites designed to elevate your celebration. From the light-filled Bruhenny Suite with its striking feature fireplace to the elegant outdoor ceremony spaces framed by the mansion's stunning façade, every corner of Blackwell Grange feels tailored for unforgettable moments. With exceptional service and thoughtful touches—including a complimentary anniversary stay—this timeless venue is made for lasting memories.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Sweet wedding favours from Ambala

South Asian confectionary brand Ambala is celebrating its 60th anniversary. For six decades, Ambala sweets have been part of life's most important moments from wedding tables and engagement ceremonies to family celebrations and festive gatherings. Beloved for its handcrafted authenticity the brand's mithai have long symbolised joy, prosperity and togetherness, making them a timeless gift for couples and their guests. With more than 20 stores nationwide, including one in Bradford, Ambala is one of the UK's most established South Asian sweet brands, now entering a new chapter with refreshed packaging and a modernised look while continuing to serve authentic mithai that remain central to weddings. Visit your local store in Bradford or find out more at www.amabalafoods.com

Step into a world of romance with the new Bridgerton collection at Abbey Bridal

Step into a world of romance and Regency with the highly anticipated second collection of Bridgerton x Allure Bridals wedding dresses, now gracing the showroom at Abbey Bridal. These gowns are not just garments, they're declarations of love, adorned with spectacular embellishments that catch the light with every turn. Each silhouette whispers of elegance and bursts of colour. From sweeping trains to delicate beadwork, every detail evokes the grandeur and grace of a Bridgerton soirée. At Abbey Bridal, your dream of a gown that balances romantic tradition and playful modernity awaits. Let your wedding day be as unforgettable as a Regency ball, where every gown tells a story and every bride reigns supreme. Find out more at www.abbeybridal.co.uk

Spring into action at Rise Hall

Spring at Rise Hall is where stately heritage meets the season's blooming beginnings. Blending classic grandeur with timeless elegance, Rise Hall is the perfect backdrop for your dream Yorkshire wedding! Imagine sweeping staircases, light filled reception rooms, flourishing gardens and of course, it's all exclusively yours. With a limited number of Spring 2026 dates now released, couples can enjoy exclusive use of the house and grounds, whether you're envisioning an intimate gathering or a weekend-long celebration, the venue's expert team will bring your vision to life. Spring at Rise Hall is always extraordinary - and it could still be yours in 2026. Find out more at www.dine.co.uk/venues/rise-hall

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Bradley's Jewellers of York hails the arrival of autumn

Independent and multi-award-winning jewellery retailer Bradley's Jewellers of York has embraced the arrival of autumn with a sensational floral display on Low Petergate, coupled with the launch of a new collection of fine jewellery crafted exclusively in rose gold. The Rose Gold Collection by Kay Bradley features a selection of more than 50 pieces hailing from the business' extensive fine jewellery archives, which include never-before-seen pieces purchased when the international gold price was lower and more accessible. Now, the jeweller has pledged to honour this lower price and offers an additional 10 per cent off to ensure you can upgrade your own collection, or purchase your wedding jewellery, anniversary present or birthday gift at a fair price. Find out more at www.bradleysjewellersyork.com

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Rolling in Roses' sustainable credentials

Yorkshire-based bridal brand Rolling In Roses' earth-friendly ethos has recently been validated for a second time with the Bridal Buyer Sustainability Award. Utilising traditional couture techniques and creating made-to-order pieces, the Rolling In Roses atelier is able to minimise waste and ensure the highest environmental standards. Embracing innovative modern bres, the label has introduced fabrics such as a stunning organic silk-hemp blend, alongside closed-loop fabrics like bamboo charmeuse, which produce no waste chemicals or water during their manufacture. A total of 94.6 per cent of the fabrics used in its last two collections have sustainable certication, a testament to the focus the brand has on sourcing the most eco-friendly luxury fabrics available. Find out more at rollinginroses.co.uk

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

A problem solver for skin

Leeds is set to welcome one of the most advanced and results-driven skin technologies in the world as Dr Magda's Bespoke Medical Clinic introduces Sciton's BBL Hero and Moxi treatments. Celebrated by global icons such as Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian, these industry-leading devices offer powerful solutions for sun damage, pigmentation, ageing, fine lines and overall skin rejuvenation. Unlike many aesthetic treatments, BBL Hero and Moxi are backed by robust scientific evidence and are renowned for delivering clearer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime. Suitable for a wide range of concerns—from acne and rosacea to melasma and vascular lesions—the technology represents the next generation of skin resurfacing. Discover more at bespokemedicalclinic.co.uk.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

A quadruple win for Yorkshire's Titanic Spa

Titanic Spa in Yorkshire is celebrating an exceptional milestone after securing four major honours at the 2025 LUXE Global Awards: Best Spa Team in England, Best Luxury Adult Only Spa in England, Best Luxury Eco Spa in Europe, and Best Luxury Destination Spa Globally. These achievements highlight the spa's unwavering commitment to delivering world-class wellness experiences while championing sustainable, eco-friendly practices. As one of the UK's most innovative spa destinations, Titanic Spa blends luxurious relaxation with cutting-edge facilities, all supported by an outstanding team dedicated to elevating every guest's stay. Its continued success cements its reputation as a leader in the international spa and wellness industry. Find out more at titanicspa.com.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

WOVEN launches the Yorkshire Calico Dress and is calling on community groups across Kirklees to get involved

Following the remarkable success of the Red Dress, West Yorkshire's WOVEN festival has launched the Yorkshire Calico Dress, a new community textile initiative inspired by the Calico Garment Initiative. Building on the collaborative spirit of the Red Dress — which involved hundreds of contributors from 51 countries and attracted over 3,600 visitors — the Yorkshire Calico Dress invites local groups to stitch their stories into a shared garment. Hosted in Kirklees alongside Ravensthorpe Community Centre, organisations including Khooshi Group Heckmondwike and PKWA Women's Group are already on board. The completed dress will be displayed at WOVEN Festival 2027, celebrating diversity, heritage, and creativity. Applications for participating organisations are open until 1 December 2025, with stitching starting in March 2026.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.