We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a winter wedding venue in York; while summer weddings get all the glory, there’s something really magical about a winter wedding – even more so when it’s held somewhere that’s as steeped in charm and history as York is.
Here at The Insurance Emporium, we’re just down the road from York, so we might be a bit biased, but as those frosty mornings kick in and we settle in front of the fire, we thought we’d take a look at five of York’s best winter wedding venues in York that will definitely get rid of any cold feet.
THE MERCHANT ADVENTURERS’ HALL
- Capacity: 180
- Couples say: *‘The perfect wedding venue’, ‘full of history and character’.
This beautiful timber framed building, right in the middle of York, was built in 1357 as a Medieval Guild Hall. It’s available for weddings all year round but the Great Hall and atmospheric Undercroft really lend themselves to a cosy winter wedding – think timbered beams and roaring fires – and the walled garden is perfect for photographs. You’re also just a few minutes away from The Shambles and Clifford’s Tower.
THE HOSPITIUM
- Capacity: Dining – 120/Reception – 150
- Couples say: *‘An amazing venue in the centre of York.’
Dating back to the 1300s, and originally part of St. Mary’s Abbey in the centre of York, the Hospitium was once a guest house and a warehouse. Set over two floors in the beautiful museum gardens, it has the original 14th century flagstones and pillars downstairs, and a vaulted ceiling and large windows upstairs. It’s next to the river and overlooked by the abbey ruins, which give you the perfect backdrop for photos.
YORK RACECOURSE
- Capacity: 200
- What couples say: *‘the venue looked amazing and every single guest said they had a fantastic time.’
For a really unique setting, with a hint of elegance and history, York Racecourse is ideal. You’ll get stunning views across the racecourse, which is great for photos, and of the Parade Pen and the Pre-Parade Stables; you’ll even catch a glimpse of the Minster. It’s just outside the city centre, so there’s plenty of free parking, and there are a few suites to choose from within the racecourse, each with a different feel – from traditional to modern.
GRAYS COURT HOTEL
- Capacity: 40
- What couples say: *‘best wedding ever.’ ‘the guests were bowled over by the venue’.
Thought to be one of the oldest continuously occupied buildings in Britain, Grays Court has hosted Archbishops, Treasurers, Dukes and Royalty since it was built in the 11th century. Nestled right next to the Minster, this beautiful house and gardens will be exclusively yours for your wedding, offering you a private, intimate day. It has historic bedrooms, flagstone floors and grand fireplaces, everything you need for a winter wedding. And you can’t top wedding photographs that are photobombed by York Minster!
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
- Capacity: Up to 200 people
For theatre and history fans who want something a bit different on their big day, how about getting married on the stage of the Grade-II listed Grand Opera House, right in the centre of York. Despite its history, it’s only recently been approved as a wedding venue; originally built in 1868 as a corn exchange and warehouse, it was converted into a music hall in 1902 and has had Charlie Chaplin, Vera Lynn, Gary Barlow and Adele on its stage, so you’re in good company. Your guests can sit in the stalls or join you on the stage, it depends on how much you want to share the limelight, but you also have use of the Foyer Bar and the Ambassador Lounge, as well as the dressing rooms for pre-ceremony prep. The red velvet seats and curtains, grand chandeliers and opulent music-hall atmosphere are perfect for a cosy, winter wedding.
IS IT CHEAPER TO HAVE A WINTER WEDDING?
Winter weddings are often thought of as cheaper as there’s less demand for venues/caterers etc. Generally, the UK wedding season is between May and October, with July and August being the most popular, so a winter wedding could help keep the cost down if you’ve got a tight wedding budget. However, with Christmas-themed weddings becoming more popular, some venues may raise their prices over the festive season, so choosing a wedding for October/November or January/February might be a better choice.
It’s a great opportunity to choose seasonal flowers and there’s scope to be a bit more original with your wedding reception, for example, you could have mini versions of some hearty winter meals for your canapes – individual beef wellingtons, mini-Yorkshire puddings with a sliver of roast beef and a dab of horseradish, or even a hot chocolate stall and mulled wine for your guests while they wait for photos.
Whenever you choose to get married, you want everything to go to plan and knowing you’re covered helps to take some of the stress away. Our wedding insurance policies have different levels of cover to reflect the different types of weddings, so you just choose the right one for you and tweak it with a choice of optional benefits, it really is that simple. Take a look at our website, or give us a call for a free, no-strings quote today.
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