From the wild romance of the Moors to the cobbled streets of historic market towns, North Yorkshire is one of England’s most picturesque and popular places to get married. The entire county is filled with amazing stories that date back centuries, as well as welcoming locals who are proud of everything the county has to offer. With dramatic landscapes, sprawling stately homes and postcard-perfect villages, it’s no wonder so many couples choose North Yorkshire for their wedding day.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that 8% of UK weddings take place in Yorkshire and the Humber, a 1% increase on the previous year. Almost nine in ten (88%) local couples decide to stay close by for the big day, which shows just how much choice there is in and around the county. The average cost of a wedding in North Yorkshire is £20,306, which means it’s also a little cheaper than the overall UK average, which sits at £20,822. So, not only can you have a beautiful wedding in the region, but you can also pay less than other couples across the country.
If you’re after a wedding filled with character, or perhaps something steeped in history or hidden among the countryside, North Yorkshire is a brilliant wedding destination no matter your tastes, style or budget.
North Yorkshire weddings often strike a great balance between style and atmosphere, with themes that reflect the region’s beauty and proud traditions. Boho countryside celebrations are a favourite, especially in summer, with wildflower bouquets and tipi receptions lit by lanterns and fairy lights to give it a truly enchanting vibe.
Classic manor house weddings also remain a strong favourite, particularly for those hosting black tie affairs. The county’s many grand manors offer large dining rooms and pristine gardens, perfect for canapés and fizz. Meanwhile, many couples take inspiration from the Dales, weaving nature into every part of the day, from locally sourced menus and seasonal blooms to eco-conscious decor and sustainable favours.
There’s also no shortage of Yorkshire touches to add character and humour. You might spot pork pies being served instead of luxury canapés, while groomsmen wear flat caps. Mini bottles of local ale also make for fun and unique wedding favours… with an alternative for the kids, of course.
Whether you’re after grand Georgian elegance, a rustic barn in the middle of nowhere or a quirky festival-style celebration, North Yorkshire has it all, no matter how you picture your perfect wedding to be.
As North Yorkshire is home to so much history, you can include some of that in your wedding day. If you’d like to feel like royalty for the day, you could choose one of the county’s many castles. Sneaton Castle is absolutely gorgeous and even includes its own on-site chapel. Hazlewood Castle is set within 70 acres of woodland and offers a huge variety of ceremony and reception options. Or there’s Sheriff Hutton Castle, an enchanted castle ruin that provides you with a great lower-cost option.
If you’re excited about the thought of a luxurious wedding but would prefer a country house or manor, North Yorkshire is also the place to be. There are loads of grand and elegant mansions around the county which are ready to ensure you have the wedding of your dreams. Take a look at Burtonfields Hall, Goldsborough Hall, Newburgh Priory, Rushpool Hall and Howsham Hall, which is just a sampling of what you’ll find around the county.
North Yorkshire has some cracking countyside, as well as 100 miles of fabulous coastline. That makes it a spot-on location if you love the thought of taking things outside and having an open-air wedding. Venues such as The Sun Pavilion, Harrogate, Westfield Farm Weddings and Scarborough Spa are all great ways to showcase the beauty of North Yorkshire.
With so much character and charm around the county, if you’re hoping for a venue that reflects what North Yorkshire is all about, you can do just that. York Boat lets you celebrate on a private boat along the River Ouse. Yorkshire Air Museum and York Castle Museum are unique and fascinating venues where you can exchange your vows surrounded by pieces of local history. And Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway Station is perfect for railway fans, while Harrogate Theatre is ideal if you’re a fan of stage and screen.
North Yorkshire is also a great place to get married if you have a limited budget, with plenty of venues having affordable rates, meaning you don’t need to compromise. Make sure Mercure York, Fairfield Manor Hotel, Bedern Hall, The Bridge Hotel and Spa, Bert’s Barrow and The Royal Hotel Scarborough are all added to your list of venue considerations, especially if you don’t want to spend a fortune.
The average cost of a wedding venue in North Yorkshire is £7,356, which is higher than the UK average of £5,945. However, it’s important to remember that this is just an average, and the abundance of wedding venues in the area means you can find plenty for way less than this – and way more, of course. North Yorkshire has a massive amount of choice, so you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for.
North Yorkshire is growing as a choice of wedding destination, which means the lead time for many venues is between 12 and 18 months. That being said, if you’re limited to a summer wedding or you need a date on a weekend, that wait can be as long as two or more years.
If you can be a little more flexible, such as by having a midweek or winter wedding, this wait time can come right down, and you may just secure your dream venue with availability just six months from now. Not only that, but you may find the venue offers an off-peak discount, too.
Like much of northern England, North Yorkshire can have mild summers and chilly winters, with each of the four seasons offering something special for your wedding day.
Spring (March – May) brings blooming gardens and cool mornings, ideal for outdoor photos. The Yorkshire Moors look absolutely stunning at this time of year, so it’s definitely worth a trip with your new spouse and photographer to capture something special. Average highs range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), so a venue like The Orangery, Settrington, with its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, is perfect.
Summer (June – August) is the busy wedding season in North Yorkshire, when couples flock to get married in the countryside or somewhere along the coast. Expect highs of 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F), which makes it the best time to get married at an outdoor venue like Grand Villa Heights or Almscliffe Valley.
Autumn (September – November) is a lovely season in North Yorkshire, with autumnal foliage and golden-hour light working wonders for wedding photographs. Many barns and countryside venues like The Green Dragon Inn look particularly beautiful at this time of year.
Winter (December – February) offers atmospheric backdrops for candlelit ceremonies or snowy scenes in the Yorkshire Dales. But with icy coastal winds and frosty mornings, venues with indoor space are a must, like The Hospitium and Melodie Park.
Despite the rural nature of many areas of the county, North Yorkshire is well connected, especially the towns and cities like Leeds, Bradford and York, making it a great option for destination weddings without the stress.
By rail, York is a major hub with direct links to London, Manchester, Edinburgh and beyond. A direct train from London Kings Cross to York will take a little over four hours. Harrogate, Thirsk, and Northallerton also have good services.
If you’re driving, the A1(M) and A64 connect the region to Leeds, the Midlands and the north east. City centre parking can be limited, not to mention expensive, while countryside venues often have ample free parking – something to bear in mind.
For guests flying in, Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) and Teesside International (MME) are both under an hour away from most venues across the county.
Many parts of North Yorkshire are popular with tourists, so finding a hotel or other place to stay is pretty easy. Hotels also make for a great choice of wedding venue, as they allow you to spend your entire wedding day in one convenient location. And there’s a huge variety to choose from in North Yorkshire, too, including The Parsonage Hotel & Spa, The Grand, York, The Feathers, Helmsley, The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Holdsworth House Hotel.
