The Best Wedding Reception Venues in York
Looking for perfect wedding reception venues in York?
I got you.
If you’re getting married at York Register Office Bootham Gate and looking for somewhere special to celebrate afterwards, you’re in the right place. York is packed with brilliant spots for a wedding reception – from cosy restaurants with private dining rooms to stylish bars, hidden event spaces and boutique hotels with plenty of character. And the best bit? You don’t need to trek miles out of the city – all of these venues are right in the heart of York, just a short stroll from the Register Office.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner with your nearest and dearest or a lively party for a bigger crowd, York has venues to suit every kind of celebration. Think historic buildings with bags of personality, modern spaces with a laid-back vibe, and foodie favourites that will keep everyone happy.
This guide rounds up some of the best wedding reception venues in York city centre – perfect for couples who want to skip the corporate hotel vibe and celebrate somewhere that feels a little more personal.
riverside dining using seasonal Yorkshire produce
This riverside gem in the centre of York offers seasonal-yet-refined menus in a light-filled, stylish space. Ideal for couples wanting a refined lunch or dinner that’s relaxed but distinctly elegant.
The award winning brasserie has two private dining areas, The River Room which boasts views of the River Ouse and can accommodate up to 26 people, or the Mezzanine Dining Room which can seat up to 40.
The venue is quite traditional with checked fabrics and heavy curtains, but boasts a Michelin starred chef and a sommelier to aid your wine pairing experience.
The Garden Room offers a semi-private dining option within the main restaurant. They also have an outdoor terrace if te weather is nice. Would suit more mature couples.
STYLISH RESTAURANT & EVENT SPACE NEXT TO THE MINSTER
With its teal-and-gold interior and buzzing bar scene, Lucia blends flair with intimacy. Nestled in the heart of historic York, Lucia’s private dining spaces offer a cosy yet stylish atmosphere, perfect for escaping the bustle of the city after your York Register Office wedding. It boasts a number of beautiful spaces for sit down dinners, drink and canapé mixers.
The Champagne Bar has its own full service wine and cocktail bar, DJ booth, and a separate entrance with spiral stair case access, and making you feel like a rock star for the day.
Seating up to 3 1 guests across four large tables, the Lucia
Champagne Lounge can also cater to sit down dinners with a choice of Italian-inspired set menus.
Tucked away on a quiet, charming street, it offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city centre. While being just moments from iconic landmarks like York Minster and The Shambles.
From freshly made pasta to velvety gelato, every bite is a tribute to the rich flavours of Italy, reimagined for the modern palate. And they have their very own concierge who can turn your little event into something even more memorable. And with its gorgeous interiors and attention to detail (and did we mention the cocktails), it’s the perfect place to celebrate after you say I do.
Elevated wine-led grazing in a characterful setting.
Perfect for couples who prefer a quieter vibe. Award-winning independent wine-led restaurant run by sisters passionate about pairing wine and food. Offering small plates and sharing boards, featuring the absolute best in locally sourced charcuterie, cheese, fish and desserts. Nibble on sharing boards, explore an award-winning wine list, and enjoy genuine conversation in a thoughtful, low-key space.
You can also book an Experience such as a Premium Wine Experience or Wine and Cheese Experience.
Inside it’s a typical wine bar style with scrubbed wooden tables, and leather chairs. Why not hire the full venue for the ultimate wine bar experience.
HISTORY, CHARM & A TOUCH OF MADNESS
The larger of the famous House of Trembling Madness, is a beer lovers dream venue. Located in a historic former Georgian Mansion, and former home to astronomers and aristocrats, it is now the perfect spot to celebrate your wedding at the Bootham Suite.
The venue is rich in historic interest and after sympathetic restoration in 2018, you can find arched windows and elegant stairscases alongside oddities (skeleton anyone?), original fireplaces and even World War II graffiti in a small side room!
Food wise they offer traditional fare with a side order of indulgence – oh those chorizo scotch eggs!
There are five different spaces to hire at Trembling – each with its own distinctive character. You can do ‘drinks only’ or Welcome platters. The attic rooms or basement are perfect for a more intimate and private gathering. Whereas the taxidermy or blue room is nearer the bar, so easier to soak up the atmosphere of the building and rest of the bar. The first floor Taxidermy snug can fit up to 15, or you can hire the entire place!
Brew York
Unit 6, Enterprise Complex
Walmgate YO1 9TT
brewyork.co.uk
Industrial brewery vibe with street-food-style menus
If your vibe is “fun, flexible, and bold,” Brew York gives you cool spaces, in-house craft beer, and casual catering. the Walmgate tap is their flagship venue, and has exposed brick walls and funky murals.
Downstairs in the Tap Room, beers on offer include cask hand pulls and ten keg taps that pour all kinds of fresh Brew York beer, including their Signature classics and limited new releases. And you can even do a brewery tour! They also have a covered Riverside beer garden in case the weather is giving all the summer vibes.
Upstairs is the Bavarian-style Beer Hall with 40 beer taps and the biggest selection of beers, lagers, and ciders in York. they also do a wide selection of cocktails and spirits. The open kitchen serves up some wicked Asian-inspired dishes from YUZU Street Food.
The Hoptail Lounge can seat up to 60 people and is nestled within the original brewery building on the ground floor.
Or the Tasting Room can hold around 20 people. This room is upstairs, next to and overlooking the impressive Beer Hall with 40 taps of fresh beer and our in-house street food kitchen.
QUIRKY LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN THE HEART OF YORK
If you like a little bit of luxury, with great food and wine, then the gorgeous Hotel Du Vin is the perfect spot.
Not only does it have an amazing wedding suite with a giant luxury bathroom, it also boasts numerous places to celebrate your big day. The Library is the smallest of the lot – compact and bijour and full of books, it is the perfect spot for up to 12 guests to enjoy a wonderful dinner. Great for micro weddings or elopements.
The Courtyard is a light filled conservatory that has a wonderful atmosphere and is great not only for a drinks reception, but can also turn into a dining area that seats up to 50, and you can host your after party there too.
At the back of the building, the Ouse room is a wonderfully airy space that seats up to 20 – again, perfect for those micro weddings when you just want to celebrate with your favourite people.
The Ruinart seats up to 30 for dinner, or if a big shindig is your kind of vibe, then the Bistro caters for larger celebrations up to 90 people.
And of course there are enough rooms for all your guests to stay.
HISTORIC BUILDING WITH HARRY POTTER VIBES
If you fancy embracing the whole Harry Potter style vibe in the heart of York, this is the perfect wedding reception venue for you. This former school has been wonderfully restored by the team behind the Star Inn the City and retains all the historic charm but with some added luxury.
First of all, you have stunning views of the York Minster, on top of that, you can hire the entire place for your wedding with exclusive use.
Of course with the Star Inn team behind it, you can rest assured that the food is incredible.
The Kings Room upstairs seats up to 60 and is also licensed for weddings, so you can even hold your ceremony here.
For smaller weddings, the Lounge seats up to 20 guests – perfect for Micro Weddings with exclusive use.
The building features gorgeous architecture, with old beams and arched windows and an outside courtyard space for sunny days. It’s a history buffs perfect wedding spot.
MoDERN LUXURY HOTEL WITH CHARACTER
I just love the Churchill. It has that rare balance of being quirky (hello bowler hat lights) and glam, with added luxury, some gorgeous light filled spaces but also some dark and glamorous areas too.
Whether you’re looking just for a drink reception, or you want a full on party, the Churchill is a great spot for those looking for something a little different whilst still retaining an air of luxury.
The bay windowed Georgian Music Room caters for up to 30 people for dinner, and overlooks the garden – which is great for sunny days.
There is also a smaller private dining room which seats up to 20 for dinner, perfect for micro wedding celebrations.
There’s lots of rooms for guests to stay over including the beautiful Prince of Wales Suite for couples to get ready in and stay the night.
Bedern Hall
Bartle Garth
St Andrewgate
York, YO1 7AL
bedernhall.co.uk
HIDDEN HERITAGE SITE WITH COURTYARD GARDEN
Tucked away in the historic streets of York, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that this 700 year old gem even exists!
Bedern Hall is the former home of the refectory of the Vicars Choral, singers at nearby York Minster. Now it is open to the public to discover its fascinating history and also is perfect for micro weddings.
The medieval beams, arched windows and stone floors provide a perfect backdrop for ceremonies and celebrations for couples who love a bit of history.
Not only can you hold your ceremony in the hall, but it also seats up to 60 people for dinner.
There’s lots of rooms for guests to stay over including the beautiful Prince of Wales Suite for couples to get ready in and stay the night.
PERSONALITY PACKED CITY CENTRE VENUe
Located inside the famously former Terry’s Chocolate Orange building, Impossible is for those who want something lively and brilliant that will give their guests something to talk about long after the wedding is over.
It also doesn’t get much more central than this. Slap bang across from Bettys and the Shambles, and a hop skip and a jump from the Minster.
Terry’s Boardroom retains all its original character, and can seat up to 60 for a wedding ceremony, whilst micro wedding lovers can enjoy dinner here for up to 40 guests.
The Pink Room is exactly how it sounds – located in the former Savings Bank, this space is full of pink personality, blending striking neon lighting with a vibrant floral theme and can cater for up to 80 guests for drinks.
The larger Wonderbar can hold 100 guests for dinner and is a gorgeous spot for a celebration.
There’s 13 rooms for guests to stay over in the Impossible motel, all with unique and quirky features, one of which boasts a hot tub and private terrace.
York City weddings can be just as emotional, full of love, and as beautiful as a wedding in a country house.
Over the years, I’ve photographed weddings all around the world. From the banks of Shangai Yacht Club, to the glitz of Claridges, the luxury of the Savoy, to the grandeur of Gloucester Cathedral, and I’m here to tell you that great weddings are not down to the location, but to the wonderful people who are there to see you say “I do”.
City weddings in York are just as insanely beautiful, romantic and fun as a ceremony in the middle of a vineyard in France. As long as you’re surrounded by love, there is nowhere better than York Register Office. Plus you get to walk to your favourite venue afterwards, calling in for a pint along the way, and taking some nice relaxed photos at the same time.
WEDDINGS AT YORK REGISTER OFFICE
Whether you choose a simple ceremony with a handful of family and friends, or opt for a larger celebration with music and carefully chosen, meaningful readings, the York Register Office is a great spot for a city centre wedding. Click the link below to get my guide on everything you need to know about getting married at York Register Office Bootham Gate.
READY TO MEET YOUR
YORK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
York Register Office weddings come in all shapes and sizes but for most couples, they are usually intimate affairs with a handful of family and friends, which is why I have a mid-week package for those who are running off to get hitched in a little micro wedding.
They are a no-fuss approach with a few photographs as you arrive, ceremony coverage, a handful of family photos, and some relaxed portraits.
Just down to earth, informal photography for people who want their kind of city wedding, their kind of way. To discover more about my York City photography package, click the link below.
