Yorkshire is made for romance, whether it’s a rugged landscape, stately home or dreamy hotel. We talk to couples who made the county part of their memorable moment...
Location, location
One couple in particular based their whole wedding around a spectacular Yorkshire landmark
‘When it came to choosing a venue for our wedding, Andrew and I realised that neither of us had any great feelings for any buildings or ceremonies that were held within, but instead felt a real connection to being outdoors and under open skies.
Ilkley Moor, and Cow and Calf rocks in particular, spoke to us - as our local stomping ground and climbing venue.
We got our legal obligations out of the way with a very short and intimate ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall, then bused our small party of 45 to Ilkley Moor for a picnic under the sun. We gathered everyone together for walk up the hills to a beautiful, secluded spot on the moors where we exchanged our meaningful, handwritten vows. On the walk back we couldn’t help but take advantage of the stunning surroundings, and being avid climbers, we scaled the Hanging Stone rocks for some epic photos.
Doing it this way meant we could keep everything local to West Yorkshire and low key, as well as having minimum impact on our environment and focusing the day around the people attending rather than pomp and ceremony.’
Emma Williams
Photos: Reyt Yorkshire Wedding Photography
Lakeside love
Jamie and I met at school and were friends for years before becoming a couple. Four years ago, we crossed paths again and I knew from our first date that this was truly special.
In our first year together, I lost two of the most important people to me, my beautiful grandma Margret and grandad Bill. The way Jamie held us all together and showed such care towards myself and my family, I knew that we were a team and could face whatever challenges we could be thrown at in the future.
One day he took me to our favourite hotel, Swinton Park and Estate, where we went for a walk around the grounds. When he asked if I would like a picture looking out onto the lake, I turned back to see him on one knee with the most amazing ring I had ever seen. It was so special as it had one of his mum's diamonds in the middle – he had lost her a few years ago, so it was very special.
He then took me for lunch at our favourite restaurant, The Alice Hawthorn, but surprised me with all of our friends and family gathered in the barn to celebrate.
We are getting married at Hornington Manor which fits very well with our Yorkshire themed wedding full of local suppliers.
Hope Kilvington
Angel delight
My partner Alastair and I met when we were 15 years old through mutual friends at AsheJezebel Horselville and Harrogate Ladies College.
Having tried to date a few times over the years, it turned out that third time was the charm for us after reconnecting during Covid lockdown - and all our friends said 'it was about time!'
After a few months of dating, we headed to the gorgeous Angel at Hetton. After a wonderful Michelin star meal, this was the place we first said 'I love you' for the very first time.
A year later we returned to The Angel for, what I thought, was a last-minute getaway. Greeted by the friendly staff who remembered us from the year before, little did I know that secretly Alastair had been conspiring with them the month before to arrange the perfect proposal.
The staff had left a walking map in the room and a trail for us to go on. As we left on this walk, they set up a secret proposal spot with glasses of fizz waiting. When we returned to the hotel, Alastair took me to this spot and asked me to marry him.
When we got back inside the hotel, the staff were beaming with happiness and asking us our story. They'd gone up to our room to put champagne there and a massive bunch of flowers. Throughout the rest of the night, every staff member kept congratulating us - they made the experience extra special for us.
The Angel at Hetton will have a special place in our hearts and we return every December to see the same beaming faces. A truly special place to get engaged.
Jezebel Horsel
A winter’s tale
We’d arranged to spend a day together before Christmas after travelling home from London to spend time with family. We were going to Castle Howard as it’s my favourite place and it just so happened that the Narnia winter wonderland was on at the same time, so the day was very sparkly and festive. Nick had booked for us to have lunch at the Talbot in Malton with its gorgeous interiors, I only started to suspect something was afoot when Nick said it wasn’t going to be a leisurely long lunch and even turned down dessert! Off to Castle Howard we went, Nick suggested we go for a walk in the grounds before we went inside the house. Immediately I regretted my choice of wearing cream denim flares as we walked around the muddy footpaths. Once we came to the fountain, I turned round and there Nick was, down on one knee with the most beautiful ring in a perfect little box and asked me to spend forever together.
We spent the rest of the afternoon giddily wandering around Castle Howard in a blissful daze.
We married at Middleton Lodge, Richmond a year later in what was a wonderful Christmas wedding.
Harriet Armstrong-Jelfs
Bloomed through blogging
I met my now husband over a Yorkshire Sunday roast at the Principal Hotel in York. I was reviewing it at the time as part of my lifestyle blog about my dating life in Yorkshire. He was joining me to consult on how to increase more engagement with my blog and little did I know that in a matter of years it would be us who were engaged.
Fast forward a few years and we were holidaying in Braemar, Scotland when he got down on one knee and proposed. An envelope quickly followed the proposal to which I had to open. It was an invitation to Grantley Hall in Ripon for their Jewellery Experience. Niki, my husband, knew me so well he’d decided to create the engagement ring together. The two-night stay at my favourite hotel included an afternoon with local jeweller Neil Geddes, who also has a shop in Boston Spa. Neil brought along a treasure trove of diamonds and after talking through the various cuts, clarities, and origins we settled for a Royal Asscher Cut Diamond. Niki added two pear drops either side which made the ring look like a Yorkshire rose. Once the stones were chosen it took around four weeks for the ring to be made. That night we celebrated with a meal at Grantley’s Asian restaurant, Eighty Eight.
It was such a romantic experience, so much so, after an intimate wedding at Harrogate Registry Office followed by a delicious wedding breakfast at Three’s a Crowd we spent our wedding night back at Grantley Hall.
Victoria Estrella
Riverside romance
My partner Alex proposed where we had our very first date – right by the river in Richmond. He was on military deployment at the time, and a week before he was due to come home, I met up with my best friend, Tarryn, for a meal in Richmond.
We walked down to the river together and as we rounded the corner I could see a little shelter and some fairy lights on the band stand. I turned to Tarryn (slightly frustrated at her slow pace) and she beamed the biggest smile at me!
I thought at this point there was something afoot and turned to my right to see Alex standing on the band stand, I couldn't understand why he was there, but I was so thrilled to see him! Then, mid-hug, he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a beautiful, thoughtful surprise and we are very happy. Currently planning our wedding for February 2025!
Harriet Raine
Love in a loo
I like to tell everyone that my husband proposed to me in a toilet in Bradford. It was actually in a suite at Swinton Park named the Bradford suite which has the most wonderful, enormous bathroom with a gorgeous window seat!
I was enjoying wandering around the suite and wouldn’t stand still, he was nervous and wanted to pop the question so seized the first opportunity which happened to be when I was admiring the view from the cushioned window seat.
We married at Rudding Park and have celebrated several anniversaries there.
We spent our first wedding anniversary at The Devonshire Fell. Maybe for our 25th anniversary he might take me to Grantley Hall! In the meantime, I have four years to try out more wonderful Yorkshire hotels ……where shall we celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary? Any suggestions?!
Shireen Fathezam
