When I adore a venue, I rave about it. Not every Yorkshire wedding venue is created equal. I've been to some less-than-beautiful ones as well lots I've loved.
This post is my way of helping you in your quest to find alternative wedding venues in Yorkshire. I only recommend places which I genuinely rate, I never get paid to write about them, and (if I do say so myself) I have pretty high standards.
I spent the majority of a decade working in events, and I've seen behind the scenes of dozens - perhaps even hundreds - of venues. I can say quite proudly that Yorkshire has some of the best places to get married as a county.
I really mean it when I boast about our beautiful Northern county. Mr Senior and I decided to get married here, despite living in London when we were getting wed. Of course I travel all over the world in the name of love, but this post is dedicated to the place I now call home and it's very best alternative wedding venues.
So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my favourite Yorkshire places to get married.
Magical secret garden near Yorkshire | Helperby Walled Garden
Just half an hour away from York, Helperby Walled Garden is an exquisite setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony. It's currently Yorkshire's best kept secret following a big facelift recently. Only a handful of couples have got married there so far, so if you're looking for somewhere exclusive and secluded for your wedding this spot could be for you.
I don't imagine Helperby will remain a secret for long because - frankly - it's almost outrageously photogenic. There are so many locations for drop dead gorgeous photos that your photographer will be spoiled for choice. The red brick, ivy covered walls will give the most picturesque backdrop as your guests mill around on the lawn.
Personally my favourite space in the garden is the Edwardian cupola, which is where you'll stand for your ceremony. I mean just look at it. How is it possible to be grand and laidback at the same time? Somehow Helperby Walled Garden manages it.
I adore Helperby so much that I waxed lyrical about it on a blog for DINE (who manage the venue) Check it out: Magical wedding location in the heart of Yorkshire.
Party-lovers' haven in Keighley | Ponden Mill Weddings
Nestled in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire tourist destination Bronte Country, Ponden Mill is a party-lovers' haven. Once described as, "like a cool bar in Leeds, but in the countryside." I married Jen and Joe (pictured above) there, and as you can see it was 100% a party wedding!
This place is effortlessly cool, probably because the team behind the venue are the best concoction of humans I've met so far in the world of weddings. Jamie, Heather, Elkie and Daniel are a close knit team and they graft away in the background to create a wicked atmosphere for their wedding clients and guests.
Ponden Mill is definitely the only wedding venue that I've arrived at to be greeted at the door with a pint of lager. That's Northern hospitality for you.
As well as a great vibe this Yorkshire venue boasts:
The most insanely delicious food. The Ponden team have been catering weddings for a long time and they really know their stuff
A beautifully secluded outdoor ceremony space under the dappled shade of ancient trees. Seriously stunning
Dreamy glamping-esque accommodation and space to create a glamping village if you're going for a festival style wedding
Yorkshire wedding at a church that's not a church | Left Bank Leeds
Bristol has The Mount Without, London has Asylum Chapel and Yorkshire has Left Bank Leeds. The marked difference with Left Bank is that although it is a deconsecrated church, it is not even a little bit derelict. In fact it is colourful, warm and quirky.
I had the great pleasure of marrying two wonderful humans there last year (pictured), and I'll be back soon to marry my dear friends Harold and Tom. Basically Left Bank can't get rid of me. This place is super easy for out-of-town guests to reach by train, meaning you could do a sustainable eco-friendly wedding here. Long guest lists are no problem, it has a LOT of space and transforms beautifully from day to night, with a cute petite garden at the front too.
If you're tempted by a church wedding but you're just not religious then with this Yorkshire venue you get the best of both worlds. You can get married in a breath-taking building of historical significance, but you don't have to sign up to anything you don't believe in.
Left Bank is one of my favourite Yorkshire wedding venues because you get good egg points (symbolically speaking!) with your booking. That's because it's community owned and is run as a charitable organisation. Wonderful things take place within their ever-so-pretty walls, and if you live in Yorkshire then I'd encourage you to follow them on Instagram whether or not you're planning a wedding.
Don't see your favourite Yorkshire wedding venue on this page? I'm always adding ideas and recommendations so do get in touch if you think I've missed somewhere great and I might include it soon.