A Winter Wedding at Yorebridge House, Wensleydale: Rain, Laughter and a Church in Hawes
Some might say it’s a grand venue or expensive decor that makes a wedding, but for us it will always be about the people. Julia and Simon showed that the moment they stepped out of the church in Hawes. The rain was coming down, umbrellas went up all around the door, and instead of running for cover the two of them stood there laughing in the confetti, Simon with his face turned to the sky. Then it was back down the dale to Yorebridge House for the reception.
Yorebridge House: a boutique wedding venue in Wensleydale
Yorebridge House sits on the edge of Bainbridge in Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, between the rivers Ure and Bain. It has a long history of learning. Yorebridge Grammar School was founded in 1601, the Grade II listed schoolhouse dates from 1848, and the Victorian headmaster’s house beside it followed in 1850. Later it housed the offices of the national park, and today it’s a small boutique hotel.
It’s licensed for civil ceremonies, but you can also do what Julia and Simon did: marry in one of the nearby churches and come back for the reception. Hawes is about four miles up the dale. The wedding breakfast in the house seats up to 50, which keeps a day close and personal. For photographs that means lamplit rooms, big windows and the hills of Wensleydale on every side.
A morning of happy tears
Julia and Simon wanted an intimate wedding in a place close to their hearts, all about close friends and family, and the morning set the tone. Julia was teary-eyed opening her beautiful gift from Simon, and there was a long hug before the dress went on. Meanwhile Simon tied his tie in the mirror under a string of Mr & Mrs bunting, and the braces and cufflinks went on.
A ceremony in Hawes
The church in Hawes was hung with bunting and twinkling lights. Simon waited at the front, glancing back down the aisle, with a reassuring hand on his shoulder. It was quite hard not to get emotional during their vows, because it was clear how much they meant to them both. The glances they shared as they exchanged rings said everything.
Outside, the Dales weather did what the Dales weather does. Nobody minded. The umbrellas went up, everyone laughed, and at the lychgate two children, one in wellies, were waiting for the newlyweds, with the white wedding car parked just beyond.
Speeches and a first dance at Yorebridge House
Back at Yorebridge House there were canapés, then the wedding breakfast in a room lined with tall windows, posies of flowers down the tables and glasses raised all round. It was instantly obvious how much this couple are adored by their friends and family. The speeches were full of stories and laughter, and more than once it was hard not to get emotional.
In the evening came a first dance under the chandelier, the pink roses in Julia’s hair catching the warm light. What we loved most was the number of special moments Julia, Simon and their families shared through the day. We can safely say these two are among the lucky ones.
Why we love a winter wedding at Yorebridge House
If you’re thinking about Yorebridge House for your own wedding, here’s our honest take after Julia and Simon’s day:
- Church and reception are close together. Hawes is about four miles away and there are other village churches nearby, so your guests aren’t in cars for long.
- It suits a smaller wedding. With the wedding breakfast in the house for up to 50, everyone is in the room for the speeches, which is where so many of the best moments happen.
- Winter light works indoors. Lamps, a chandelier and big windows give soft, warm light even on a grey afternoon.
- Bring an umbrella and embrace it. The Dales weather changes quickly, and some of our favourite frames from this wedding were taken in the rain.
Planning your own wedding at Yorebridge House?
If you’re getting married at Yorebridge House or anywhere in Wensleydale, we’d love to hear from you. See more on the Yorebridge House weddings page, browse our Yorkshire wedding photography and winter weddings, or get in touch to check your date.
