East Riddlesden Hall isn’t just a barn wedding venue
East Riddlesden Hall offers versatility to couples in terms of wedding ceremony styles and themes.
What’s on offer:
When considering a wedding venue that offers versatility in terms of wedding styles an themes, East Riddlesden Hall offers at least 5 unique selling points for potential couples looking to get married in West Yorkshire. Whether you want to be married inside, outside, by a lake, in a barn with exposed beams but all the MODCONS or, if you desire a more traditional vibe with a hall location steeped in history, East Riddlesden Hall can accommodate any of these desires.
Wedding Fair
I can’t actually believe before this year, I hadn’t been to visit East Riddlesden Hall and was unaware of everything it had to offer, not just for brides and grooms but families seeking adventure or history enthusiasts. It was with some curiosity therefore, that when I saw that their biannual wedding fair was taking place this Spring I decided to see what all the fuss was about. I don’t know about you but this Spring has felt non-existent in the UK (my son named it the Arctic Spring). Winter has totally overstayed its welcome. Endless grey skies and rain-the kind that gets you really wet has meant I've seen far too much of my winter coat and winter boots. It’s been rubbish!
Not this Sunday though. This Sunday actually did feel like Spring had finally graced us with its presence. (Cue a suddenly panicked mother scavenging around the house for some of last year's suncream) Even better, it was a bank holiday! So, before we secured a spot in the sun at our local with an ice cold beer, I decided to take my family along to a wedding Fair at East Riddlesden in Keighley, West Yorkshire. We aren’t looking to renew our vows (just yet) but I wanted to speak with suppliers and find out what was on offer for potential couples.
For those that don’t know, East Riddlesden Hall is a historic manor house and gardens which is part of the National Trust. This charming venue provides the perfect setting for a wedding celebrations, with beautiful wild gardens, surroundings which make the perfect backdrops for wedding pictures, and magnificent architecture.
What luck for the wedding events team at East Riddlesden Hall they really couldn’t have asked for a better day weather wise to hold a wedding fair. Arriving by car on Sunday afternoon, we immediately wound down the windows to soak up the party-like atmosphere welcoming us from inside and outside the barn. Live music with a fabulous singer and saxophonist, a welcome glass of prosecco and fairy lights which adorned the lake and its sitting ducks, were a glorious sight. Not to sound too dramatic, but with the trees bursting with new leaves, spring flowers in full bloom and the sound of Paul Simon blasting from the speakers, it felt as if Yorkshire had been reborn!
Parking in the overflow car park was straightforward and I briefly left my family to seek out the events manager- the lovely Jess, who then very kindly offered us a pass around the grounds of this stunning National Trust property. Off my family went- Exploring the hall, the gardens (complete with mud kitchen), wooden play area and finishing up with cake in the cafe, they had a great day. It reminded me of one of my favourite quotes by Shanti: At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling. Whilst they went off on their adventure, I snuck off to check out the wedding fair and find out what East Riddlesden Hall had to offer as a wedding venue. Here is what I discovered:
Getting Married at East Riddlesden Hall
Whether you're looking for a more traditional ‘grand ballroom,’ a cosy barn or a bohemian inspired outdoor festival wedding, this venue has everything you need to potentially create the wedding of your dreams.
East Riddlesden is a Grade I listed property that has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. The hall is set in 10 acres of stunning gardens and is surrounded by the picturesque countryside of West Yorkshire. As I just mentioned, it has several spaces available for weddings, including the historic barn, the picturesque gardens, and the charming West Wing of the hall. Let me tell you a bit more about them:
The Barn
The barn, which is where most of the wedding suppliers were set up, is the largest space available for weddings at East Riddlesden Hall. It can accommodate up to 120 guests for a ceremony and up to 200 for a reception. The barn has a rustic charm, with exposed beams and stone walls that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don’t worry though, it’s fully equipped with modern amenities, including a sound system and lighting, making it the perfect space for a memorable wedding celebration.
The Gardens
East Riddlesden Hall's gardens are a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The gardens feature a walled garden, a formal pond, and a wildflower meadow. The space is perfect for a small, intimate wedding ceremony, with space for up to 50 guests. The gardens are also a beautiful spot for wedding photos, with plenty of picturesque spots for capturing those special moments.
The West Wing
The West Wing is a charming space inside the hall that is perfect for a small, intimate wedding celebration. The space can accommodate up to 30 guests for a ceremony and up to 50 for a reception. The West Wing features a cosy fireplace, exposed brick walls, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Catering and Accommodations
East Riddlesden Hall offers a range of catering options, from traditional sit-down meals to more casual buffets. The venue also has a fully licensed bar, offering a selection of wines, beers, and spirits. In addition, the venue has a range of accommodation options nearby, including hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs.
Styling your wedding at East Riddlesden Hall
With that in mind, here are some of my personal tips to help you plan a potential wedding at East Riddlesden Hall:
Embrace the surroundings: One of the benefits of using a wedding celebrant is that you can make full use of the natural beauty of the estate. You could opt for an outdoor ceremony with an outdoor/indoor reception. Make use of the lake-lighting it up with candles and fairy lights and use natural materials like hay bales, wood and stone to bring the space to life.
Choose a creative menu: East Riddlesden Hall offers a range of delicious catering options, from traditional English fare to contemporary cuisine. Work with the venue's expert chefs to create a menu that's as unique as you are, incorporating seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavours.
Get personal: Personal touches are what make a wedding truly special. From custom signage to unique favours, add details that reflect your personalities and tell your story as a couple. This venue would be the perfect choice for those that prefer a boho, outdoor festival feel. Alternatively, the historic hall and its beautiful architecture could be the perfect choice for the more traditional couples. Whatever your preference, by working with a wedding celebrant to curate your ceremony of dreams, you can ensure it stays personal and authentic to you.
Create a cosy atmosphere: Even if you're hosting a large wedding, you can still create an intimate atmosphere at East Riddlesden Hall. Use warm lighting, plush seating, and plenty of candles to create a welcoming ambiance that will keep your guests comfortable and relaxed.
So, thanks Jess and the team at East Riddlesden for letting us indulge in the beauty of this wedding ceremony and enjoying the warm spring weekend with my family, making memories in our own fantastic County.
Check out other impressive wedding venues in my other blogs. Venues such as the grand Carlton Towers or the country inspired Chevin Country Park Hotel
