York is one of the most historic cities in the UK, with such a colourful and rich history that you could spend a month in the city and still not learn about all the stories and secrets that are hidden around every corner. From the 13th-century walls that still surround the city to this day, to the Jorvik Centre which showcases fascinating Viking artefacts, there’s so much to see and do around this famous city. All that history packed within such a small space also makes York the ideal destination to host your wedding.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that 8% of couples in the UK get married in York and the surrounding area. Almost nine out of every 10 couples (88%) who live in the region decide to stay there to tie the knot – more than any other part of the UK. This just shows just how huge Yorkshire pride is, and how the locals around York appreciate just how beautiful the city is and the huge selection of class and amenities it has to offer.
The average cost of a wedding in York is £20,306, which is slightly less than the national average of £20,822. It’s also slightly under the average amount couples pay in the nearby northeast at £20,415, making it a great option if you’re looking to keep spending down.
Whether you’re looking to get married in a luxurious five-star hotel, have a quaint and intimate ceremony, or take advantage of the centuries of history, York has something to offer every couple, no matter your taste, style or budget.
Many couples getting married in York embrace the city’s history, letting the centuries-old architecture play a key role in their celebrations. Many couples also take full advantage of everything the city has to offer as part of their wedding album, using locations such as the Minster, Clifford’s Tower and The Shambles as backdrops for photographs.
Outdoor and garden weddings have grown in popularity, especially at venues with stunning grounds, which there’s an abundance of across the whole of Yorkshire. As part of this, twilight weddings can give weddings that fairytale feel and are becoming increasingly more popular, offering a romantic and budget-friendly alternative to a full-day wedding in York.
Couples in York are also among those likely to spend less on their wedding cake, spending an average of £330, which is the second lowest in the UK. Instead, couples like to spend their money on a jaw-dropping venue and let the historic architecture do all the talking.
Everywhere you turn, York has something truly unique to see, from the Diagon Alley-esque Shambles to the looming Clifford’s Tower. And this character and history oozes from York's diverse selection of wedding venues.
If it’s a piece of that history you’re after, York Castle is no longer there (York Castle Museum now stands in its place), but several castles still stand proud close by. Hazlewood Castle is set within an impressive 77 acres, with loads of options for your ideal ceremony. Sheriff Hutton Castle may be a ruin, but it has a rustic look that comes alive thanks to beautiful lighting. Then there’s Ripley Castle, with its iconic gothic aesthetic making for a truly enchanting wedding.
Yorkshire is famous for its beautiful countryside, and York and the surrounding area have plenty of venues that celebrate the great outdoors. Tie the knot at venues like The Oakwood at Ryther, Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn and Priory Barn & Cottages for a ceremony surrounded by nature.
With such a rich history, York has more than its fair share of venues that are a little bit different. You could get married at the York Dungeon, where you can also learn all about the city’s grisly past. There’s Bedern Hall, with its soaring beamed ceiling that evokes a classic wedding feel. The Grand Opera House sets the stage for an extra special wedding where you’re the star of the show. There’s also Merchant Adventurers Hall, a great hall which has stood in the city centre for more than 650 years.
York is also a fantastic choice if you’re looking to have a small or affordable wedding, with loads of venues to cater for smaller budgets. Mercure York, Fairfield Manor Hotel, Hotel du Vin York and York Racecourse should all be added to your list of considerations.
The average amount spent by couples on their venue in York is £7,356, which is the highest in the UK – even more than London, where the average amount spent is £7,020. It’s also more than £1,000 more than the national average, which is £5,945 – but, they’re worth every penny! It’s also worth remembering that, on average, couples still spend less overall due to saving on other vendors, like catering, stationery and their wedding cake.
York is a hugely popular wedding destination, so booking early is essential. The lead time for many venues is at least 12 to 18 months, but some of the most popular venues may need to be secured two or more years ahead of your chosen date. This is especially the case if you want to get married in one of the more popular venues, or you want to get married during the summer or at the weekend.
If you’re flexible with dates or are happy to consider a weekday or off-peak wedding, you may find availability within six to nine months. Winter and midweek weddings tend to have shorter lead times and can also be more budget-friendly.
Just like the rest of the country, York’s weather can be rather unpredictable. In fact, it can be so wet at times that the banks of the River Ouse often overflow, filling nearby cafes and fields with water (but don’t worry, it doesn’t affect any of the venues on our list). But, no matter what time of year you book your wedding for, you’re bound to be happy with the character that comes with it.
Spring (March – May) sees the city’s gardens bloom with flowers, making it a beautiful time for outdoor photos, especially in York Museum Gardens, where you’ll find St Mary's Abbey. Temperatures in spring range from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May, but expect some spring showers.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular time to get married in York, with temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 23°C (73°F). There are also long days and warmer weather, which makes it a great time to have an outdoor wedding. Venues like The Yorkshire Arboretum and Horseshoe Farm have plenty of Yorkshire charm.
Autumn (September – November) brings crisp air and stunning autumnal colours, making it an ideal time for cosy, intimate weddings. It’s also when you can get some striking photos with the iconic York Minster as a stunning backdrop. Temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in September to 9°C (48°F) in November.
Winter (December – February) transforms York into a festive wonderland, with a fantastic atmosphere thanks to market stalls and lights lining the streets. Temperatures are usually between 2°C (36°F) and 7°C (45°F), so it’s best to choose a venue with plenty of indoor space like The Hospitium or De Grey Rooms.
One of York’s biggest advantages as a wedding destination is its fantastic transport links – how could the city home to the National Railway Museum have anything less?
York Railway Station is one of the most well-connected in the country, with direct trains from London taking less than two hours, and easy connections from Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and more.
For guests flying in, Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is the closest airport, about 50 minutes away, while Manchester Airport is around an hour and 30 minutes by train.
By road, York is well connected via the A1(M), M62 and A64, making it an easy drive from Leeds, Sheffield and other northern cities. However, as York is a historic city with narrow streets, parking can be tricky or rather expensive, so bear this in mind when choosing your venue.
Once you’ve arrived in York, many of the iconic attractions are all within walking distance, especially those located within the legendary walls. For those a little further out, there are handy bus and taxi services that help you get around.
When it comes to places to stay, York is jam-packed with fantastic hotels and B&Bs. There are plenty of budget and chain hotels, as well as hotels that have their own event space and double up as wedding venues. Hotels like The Milner York and The Parsonage Hotel & Spa are fantastic choices, as well as The Grand, York’s only five-star hotel.
