Do you love the great outdoors and dream of having your wedding in the countryside?

Yorkshire benefits from some of England’s most scintillating outdoor spaces so what better place to host your dream day.

There are so many benefits to choosing a marquee wedding. The outdoor setting ensures you make the most of the grounds and views (these are why you chose the venue after all!). Couples also love having complete control and freedom to allow their imagination to run wild. Not only can you choose your own suppliers but decide the size and style of your marquee. From amazing Sperry tents, stunning tipi’s or unique yurts; the choices are endless.

We have the pleasure of working with the best marquee wedding venues in Yorkshire and here’s our top 10.

1 – Aldby Park

Aldby Park may be relatively unheardof but is wholly deserving of our number one spot.
Hosting only eight weddings per year, Aldby Park is a hidden gem… and we’ve discovered it!
Venue Operator Lee Cowell from Louisianna’s Weddings gave us his thoughts

“Aldby Park is simply a stunning and, with deliberate limited availability, every one is extra special to us. With stunning grounds and the house as a beautiful back drop I think it’s THE perfect marquee venue in Yorkshire and thoroughly deserving to be number one on this list”

Aldby Park does feel very exclusive. Set in the secluded settlement of Buttercrambe, many are surprised to find such a stunning venue in the heart of the village. The magnificent 18thcentury manor house, ancestral home of the Darley family, is set in ten acres of gorgeous grounds.

Not only are the grounds and gardens beautifully maintained, the land is steeped in history.
It is believed to be the site where Edwin of Northumbria was crowned king and more notably, where King Harold stayed the night before the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. The dry moat and moundare still there and form an impressive feature.

Annabel & Gary who celebrated their wedding there in September 2018 both fell in love with Aldby Park telling us:

“Having our wedding at Aldby Park was like a dream come true for us. A totally stunning venue, we could not have been happier. Every time we visited Aldby Park we loved it more andmore. All our guests were blown away with the setting.”

As well as the stunning location and the glorious views over the river Derwent, the freedom you are given to bring your dream wedding ideas into reality makes the venue extra special to all that have discovered it.

Highlights include:

• Stunning grounds and gardens with many unique features
• The views of the Yorkshire countryside over the river Derwent
• The unique dry moat -great for the all important wedding photographs
• Exclusivity -only eight weddings per year
• Flexibility to choose your own suppliers

Website – https://www.aldbyparkweddings.com

Address – Aldby Park, Buttercrambe, York YO41 1XU

2 – Sledmere House

With average visitor numbers of 25,000 per year, Sledmere House is well known in the region and for good reasons.

The Georgian house set within 1000 acres of parkland was all actually destroyed by fire in 1911. Thankfully it was rebuilt and is even more impressive.

Couples are able to use some of the beautiful rooms within the house. Civil ceremonies can be hosted in the library, main hall or drawing room. Although the house is stunning, equally as appealing are the grounds which surround you and the many features which will captivate your guests.

Rachel Jordan, Events Coordinator at Florida Marquees, recommended marquee supplier at Sledmere House told us :

“Sledmere House is one of our favourite venues due to the history of the area and the fact it has always been somewhere that blows me away every time I go”

The magical fountain in the centre of the parkland draws your eyes towards the unbroken views of the countryside. Those with a keen eye may also spot herds of red deer which are reared within the grounds. The marquee lawn is an idyllic setting for any style of wedding, big or small. Not only do you have the flexibility to choose your own suppliers, you are also supported by a professional team, in particular Michaela who is their experienced wedding coordinator.

Highlights include:

• Access to the acres of grounds and gardens
• Licensed for civil ceremonies
• The stunning fountain –a dream backdrop for wedding photographs

Website – https://www.sledmerehouse.com

Address – Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG

3 – Newburgh Priory

The Grade 1 listed Newburgh Priory is a beautiful venue in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside. The Tudor house is full of character and unique features. The house and grounds are only open to the public for three months of the year, which secures exclusivity.

Sarah and Patrick, married at Newburgh Priory in 2018 certainly agree with the placing of Newburgh Priory on our list of top marquee venues in Yorkshire:

“We loved the fact that there was a lot of flexibility in the planning stages and it was our venue for the weekend so not crammed in between a wedding the day before and after.The photos we have from in and around the grounds are stunning and it felt incredible to have our own beautiful house and grounds for the best day of our lives! The ruins were just perfect for our canapés and champagne reception and everyone commented how beautiful it was and the vast lawns proved perfect for the numerous children”

The house itself is licensed for civil ceremonies where you have a choice of three wonderfully appointedGeorgian reception rooms. Couples wanting an outside ceremony are free to use the impressive Long Gallery ruin which seats up to 300 guests.

Once the ceremony is over, guests are free to enjoy the sprawling grounds. With a stunning walled garden and views across a serene lake. On clear days, you can even see the White Horse of Kilburn.

Couples have a choice of locations for their chosen marquee. From the atmospheric Long Gallery Ruin, the Lakeside with its glorious views over Newburgh Lake or Ancient Lawn with its view of the historic building.

As an exclusive use venue and the flexibility to choose your perfect wedding suppliers, Newburgh Priory comes highly recommended, not least by, Henry Richardson, company director of Your Marquee,who has provided many marquees over the years at the venue.

Highlights include:

• Situated in the heart of the stunning Howardian Hills
• Beautifully preserved priory with a history dating back to the 12th century
• Choice of three Georgian function rooms for wedding ceremonies
• Gorgeous grounds with stunning backdrops
• A choice of marquee locations throughout the grounds

Website – https://www.newburghpriory.co.uk

Address –Newburgh Priory, Coxwold, York,North Yorkshire, YO61 4AS

4 –Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

Ever dreamed of tying the knot abroad? Maybe at a secluded hilltop vineyard in the south of France? This may feel unachievable, especially with Covid-19 making travel abroad so unpredictable. Imagine being able to achieve this in the heart of Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Heart Vineyard provides an idyllic rural location to celebrate in style. With fantastic views over their 35-acre vineyard, this setting will make for a truly memorable day. As a family run business, the idea of bringing together weddings and their vineyard was a dream pairing.

Tim Spakouskas, Head Brewer at Yorkshire Heart said:
“We love being able to share our unique venue, that is possibly one of Yorkshire’s best hidden gems. We are sure that couples that choose to hold their wedding with us at Yorkshire Heart Vineyard will not be disappointed.”

Couples then have the freedom to build their perfect day. The vineyard is a photographer’s dream, with couples walking hand in hand and sharing a romantic kiss between the vines, creating a shot that will last a lifetime.

Dorothy Wands, guest at a wedding here gushed:
“It was an idyllic place to hold a wedding! Plenty of safe space for even the most active (tiny) guest to run around without getting under the feet (or bridal train!) of the adult guests”

There is choice too for the ceremony, with the nearest church being based just a mile away in the village of Nun Monkton. Others may opt for a less formal, yet personal service of an onsite blessing.

Highlights include:

• Unique vineyard setting
• Fantastic views of the Yorkshire countryside
• Sample wine produced from the vines around you

Website – http://www.louisiannasweddings.co.uk/yorkshire-heart-vineyard

Address -Pool Ln, Nun Monkton, York YO26 8EL

5 – Carlton Towers Lakeside

Driving up to Carlton Towers, you can’t help being blown away by the grandeur of this country house. Set within 250 acres of parkland, this venue has been hosting weddings for over 30 years and with that comes a reputation for perfection.

Renowned for its lavish interiors, the house has been a favourite for those wanting the Downton Abbey vibe. More recently, they are offering the option for marquee weddings.

Nestled in the grounds of the estate, the wonderful marquee location offers a combination of countryside setting with luxurious facilities. Surrounded by beautiful woodland and with views across the historic 11-acre lake.

Jamie Rose-Foers, Managing Director of Serentipi, and recommended supplier for the venue, tells us:
“Boasting glorious wide-open spaces, a lake and beautiful woodland, this venue is the perfect match for your outdoor wedding and we just love it here!”

You also have access to your own private island, complete with beautiful pagoda, purpose-built decking & landscaped gardens. This is the perfect match for those who love the parkland setting but want to inject their own ideas into the overall feel of the day.

Highlights include:

• Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside
• Stunning English Estate setting
• Exclusive use of the impressive Lakeside location

Website: https://www.dine.co.uk/venues/carltontowers

Address – Carlton Towers, Carlton, Yorkshire, DN14 9LZ

6 – Castle Howard

Arguably the best-known stately home in Yorkshire.

The set of many film and TV shows including theBBC drama ‘Brideshead Revisited’, Castle Howard is also the largest of our listed stately homes. With 8,800 acres of picturesque parkland and captivating gardens, Castle Howard is a regular destination for visitors all year round.

The magnificent setting of England’s most iconic historical house makes the perfect backdrop to capture romance and to mark your special occasion. Weddings here range from intimate celebrations to large and lavish affairs.

Most recently, Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling famously tied the knot here in 2019. The vast marquee erected next to the Atlas fountain gave people an idea of how adaptable this venue can be. Jayne J who tied the knot here says:

Jayne J who was also married here says:
“Yes, it’s an amazing place to get married but not pretentious at all and willing to accommodate different ideas”.

Castle Howard is the perfect location for couples seeking a discrete setting with so many opportunities. Whether Grand or intimate, wedding receptions at Castle Howard are tailored to every couple. From exquisite decor to bespoke menus and drinks.

Highlights include:

• Renowned historical house and grounds
• Celebrity wedding location
• Non–exclusive& exclusive venue options
• Stunning locations within the grounds for your marquee
• Accommodation within the grounds

Website – https://www.castlehoward.co.uk

Address – Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA

7 – Westfield Farm

Westfield Farm Weddings is owned by group accommodation specialists, Grand Get-Togethers, and located next to their family farmhouse and adjoining land. The beautifully landscaped garden adjoins a 10-acre park which is perfect for marquees and tipis.

Onsite accommodation is plentiful. There is Westfield Granary, a farmhouse sleeping up to 14 guests and they have another two venues only a mile away which sleep a further 32 guests.As an extra bonus, the venue includes a luxurious bridal suite with ensuite bathroom.

The venue offers a variety of civil ceremonies. These can be performed either outside using the stunning lawn pagoda or inside the newly renovated ceremony area.

Owners Joan and Molly Coombes have a passion for what they do, and it shows with the service that they provide.

Ben and Charlie had their dream wedding here and said:
“The setting was absolutely perfect and the customer service we received was amazing. I wish we could do it all over again!”.

As a venue which truly offers everything under one roof, you would be hard pushed to find another marquee venue with so much to offer.

Highlights include:

• Licensed for civil ceremonies
• Beautiful outdoors and indoors ceremony areas
• Onsite accommodation
• Stunning bridal suite

Website – https://www.grandgettogethers.co.uk/weddings

Address -Westfield Farm, Sherburn, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8EW

8 – Escrick Park

Escrick Park which is just a short drive from York, is a vast estate which offers couples the chance to really incorporate the outdoors and nature into their wedding.

There is so much choice here. Marquees weddings can be hosted within the parkland of the estate for that true nature feel. For those wanting a more secluded site with the benefits of a manor house backdrop and quaint walled gardens, Skip with Hall is the choice for you. Everyone who visits will certainly leave with unforgettable memories.

Camilla and Huw celebrated their wedding here and said:
“All our guests told us how amazing the setting was. Some had never been to Yorkshire before and they thought it was very picturesque and serene”.

Both are set within this peaceful and tranquil rural location, with fantastic views providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.

The venue is fully licensed for outdoors ceremonies. The woodland wedding space is set within an oak clearing and has been lovingly transformed into a space with seating for up to150 guests, ideal for outdoor blessing and ceremonies.

Highlights include:

• Tranquil country park setting with stunning views
• Licensed for civil ceremonies both indoors & outdoors
• Choice of two locations (Skip with walled gardens or parkland setting)

Website – https://www.escrick.com/weddings-and-venues

Address -Escrick Park Estate, Escrick,York, YO19 6EA

9 – Old Pasture Park

As one of the newest venues on our list, Old Pasture Park may not be as lavish as some of the manor house settings we have featured but offers something unique.

Located in the village of Stillingfleet just outside of York, this farm setting is perfect for those wanting a blank canvas. Old Pasture Park is a tranquil setting with plenty of room to accommodate whatever style of marquee you choose.

Over a number of years, the owners have hand created a setting that is elegant, unique and relaxing. Being a working farm, expect changing scenery throughout the seasons. Green fields filled with grazing cattle and a stunning backdrop of dense woodland that provides a dramatic feel to any occasion.

The Yorkshire countryside is the perfect backdrop for any style of wedding and the lake with its amazing water feature is perfect focal point for those all-important wedding photographs.

ChrisBrawn, founder of Will’s Marquees had the pleasure of providing the marquee for the wedding of Ben and Hannah. Asked his thoughts, he said:
“Old Pasture Park is a really great place for a marquee wedding. In open countryside a stone’s throw from York, we don’t know anywhere else which offers the same degree of flexibility and facilities. Add two of the friendliest hosts possible and you have a winning combination”.

With the stunning Stillingfleet village church close by, it is the perfect setting for those wanting a traditional church wedding. For those wanting a less traditional option, the farm offers plenty of countryside settings for a more relaxed wedding blessing.

Highlights include:

• Amazing farm setting
• The stunning lake -perfect for wedding photographs
• Wild flowers grown on the farm -perfect to dress your marquee
• Stillingfleet church minutes from the venue

Website – https://www.oldpasturepark.co.uk/weddings

Address – Old Pasture Park, Stillingfleet, York, YO19 6HW

10 – Barff House Country Weddings

Couples normally have to choose between a barn or marquee wedding, but Barff House is a delightful mix of both!

This East Yorkshire farmhouse started life as a family home. Over the years Katy and John set up a flourishing self-catering business. They hosted two family weddings here and decided that it would be a shame not to allow other couples to enjoy the venue they have lovingly restored.

The farmhouse is surrounded by picturesque woodland and open countryside. As guests arrive, they are greeted by the stunning courtyard which will become the central feature for the day. Here you are able to use the space for an outside blessings and is the perfect spot for your marquee. The enclosed courtyard creates an intimate feel for the day, which so many couples search for.

Chrysta Newman, owner of Village Farm Marquees and provider of marquees for the venue says of the venue:
“Magical setting with dens and a fire pit in the woodland perfect for toasting marshmallows when the sun goes down.It is perfect for smaller weddings of up to 100 guests and effortlessly combines the splendid Georgian style farmhouse with a sheltered marquee lawn to the front and then an oak beamed barn”

The adjoining barn can be used for civil ceremonies and is a perfect party room for your guests to dance the night away. Guests won’t have far to go for their drinks as there is a dedicated bar which forms part of the barn too. The woodland oasis is the perfect place to stand by an open fire & gaze at the night sky.

At the end of the night, the happy couple can retreat to their Woodland Hut, a beautiful shepherd’s hut nestling in peaceful, private woodland. For the bridal party, there is the Cart Shed which is a beautifully renovated three-bedroom cottage.

Barff House offers couples looking for an intimate country wedding venue, everything you would need.

Highlights include:

• Licensed for civil ceremonies
• Onsite accommodation
• Enclosed courtyard setting
• Beautiful oak beamed barn
• Secluded gardens and woodlands

Website – https://barffhouse.co.uk

Address – Barff House, Mill Ln, Driffield YO25 8LX

Found your perfect venue and need a marquee, tipi or yurt? 

Here are our recommended marquee providers:

Florida Marquees
https://floridamarquees.co.uk
sales@floridamarquees.co.uk
01377 255 523

Village Farm Marquees
https://www.yorkshiremarquees.com
01262 468160

Your Marquee
https://www.your-marquee.co.uk
01904 468073

Inspired Events Structures
https://inspiredeventstructures.com
info@inspiredeventstructures.com
0113 815 2245

Will’s Marquees
https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk
info@wills-marquees.co.uk
01423 339915

Serentipi
www.serentipi.co.uk
letstalk@serentipi.co.uk
01302 780960

Boutipi
www.boutipi.co.uk
info@boutipi.co.uk
01482 870154

Yorkshire Yurts
www.yorkshireyurts.co.uk
info@yorkshireyurts.co.uk
01423 847178