Thicket Priory Wedding & Events Venue: A Timeless Choice
Planning your dream wedding is an exciting journey, and finding the perfect venue is one of the most important steps. Thicket Priory Wedding & Events Venue stands out as an extraordinary location, blending timeless elegance with modern amenities. Whether you’re envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, this venue offers a setting that caters to every couple’s dream wedding.
This guide will explore everything Thicket Priory has to offer and how my photography services can help you capture every special moment. From the venue’s stunning features to tips on planning your perfect day, let’s dive into what makes Thicket Priory a standout choice.
History of Thicket Priory
Thicket Priory is a Grade II listed Georgian country house located near the village of Escrick, just south of York. The house was built in 1840 by the renowned architect John Gibson for the Reverend John Bayne, a wealthy clergyman. The estate remained in the Bayne family until the late 19th century when it was sold to Sir Charles James Knight, a prominent local landowner. In 1922, the house was sold again to the Roman Catholic church and became a convent. It remained in use as a convent until the late 1990s when it was converted into a private residence. In recent years, Thicket Priory has been restored to its former glory and is now a stunning wedding venue.
What Makes Thicket Priory wedding & events venue Special?
A Venue with History and Charm
Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, Thicket Priory is a Grade II-listed Victorian building steeped in history. Designed by the esteemed Edward Blore, who contributed to Buckingham Palace, this architectural masterpiece has been lovingly restored. It offers the perfect combination of historic grandeur and modern luxury, making it an ideal setting for your wedding.
Set within 18 acres of private grounds, Thicket Priory is surrounded by the beauty of a nature reserve. The venue’s expansive gardens, pristine lake, and romantic boathouse provide stunning photo opportunities and create a tranquil atmosphere for you and your guests.
Exclusive Use: Your Venue for the Day
One of the most appealing aspects of Thicket Priory is that it’s available for exclusive hire. This ensures you have the entire venue to yourself, offering privacy and intimacy for your special day. From the elegant ceremony spaces to the luxurious bedrooms, every corner of the venue is yours to enjoy.
With 35 en-suite bedrooms accommodating up to 72 guests, Thicket Priory makes it easy to celebrate with your closest family and friends. Guests can stay overnight, adding to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere of your celebration. The venue even includes thoughtful amenities such as in-house pantries, ironing rooms, and cozy touches like hot water bottles.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
Thicket Priory offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to suit your ceremony and reception preferences. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional setting or something more modern, the venue has it all.
Ceremony Options:
The Chapel: A breathtaking space with stained-glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, and an intimate ambiance. Perfect for couples who love a traditional ceremony.
The Morning Room: Bright and airy, this space is ideal for smaller ceremonies and offers gorgeous views of the gardens.
The Bandstand: For an outdoor ceremony, the Bandstand is surrounded by lush greenery and serves as a charming backdrop for your vows.
The Front Lawn: Exchange vows under the open sky, surrounded by the natural beauty of Thicket Priory's landscaped gardens.
Reception Spaces:
The Ballroom: Featuring glittering chandeliers and elegant décor, the Ballroom can seat up to 160 guests for a banquet. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your wedding breakfast and dance the night away.
The Dining Rooms: For more intimate receptions, the private dining rooms offer a cozy yet sophisticated setting for smaller gatherings.
The diversity of spaces ensures that your wedding at Thicket Priory is tailored to your personal style and vision.
Stunning Backdrops for Wedding Photography
Thicket Priory provides an abundance of photo opportunities that will make your wedding album truly special. As a York wedding photographer, I love working at this venue because of its versatility and natural beauty. Some of my favorite spots include:
The Boathouse by the Lake: Perfect for romantic couple portraits, especially during golden hour.
The Front Lawn: A stunning area for group photos, showcasing the grandeur of the venue in the background.
The Ballroom and Chapel: Ideal for capturing those intimate moments during the ceremony and reception.
The Secret Garden: A magical spot for candid photos, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers.
Every wedding I photograph at Thicket Priory is unique, and I work closely with couples to create a collection of images that reflects their story. My style focuses on capturing natural, unposed moments, allowing you to relax and enjoy your day.
A Memorable Wedding: Amanda and Adam
One of the most unforgettable weddings I’ve photographed at Thicket Priory was for Amanda and Adam. Their day was a perfect blend of elegance and joy, and the venue provided the ideal backdrop for their love story.
From their heartfelt ceremony in the Chapel to the laughter-filled reception in the Ballroom, every moment was picture-perfect. We made the most of the stunning grounds for their couple portraits, taking advantage of the soft golden light by the lake. Amanda and Adam’s wedding was a testament to how Thicket Priory can transform any couple’s vision into reality.
Thicket Priory Wedding & Events Venue offers an unparalleled combination of historical elegance, modern luxury, and natural beauty. From its exclusive hire policy to its breathtaking ceremony and reception spaces, it’s the perfect setting for your dream wedding. As a York wedding photographer with experience at this venue, I’m here to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to start planning your big day? Contact Thicket Priory to arrange a visit, and don’t forget to check out my wedding photography packages to see how I can help make your day truly unforgettable.
My Approach as a York Wedding Photographer
As someone who has photographed multiple weddings at Thicket Priory, I understand how to make the most of this stunning venue. My approach is relaxed and unobtrusive, allowing you to enjoy your day without feeling posed or pressured.
I focus on capturing authentic moments—the laughter, the tears, the chaos, and the quiet. These are the memories that will bring your wedding day back to life every time you look at your photos.
I also offer tailored packages to suit your needs, including pre-wedding shoots to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. My goal is to provide you with a collection of images that not only look beautiful but also feel deeply personal.
Location and Accessibility
Thicket Priory is conveniently located just 20 minutes from the historic city of York, making it easily accessible for local and traveling guests alike. It’s also approximately two hours by train from London, offering a blend of seclusion and connectivity.
The venue’s location within the North Yorkshire countryside adds to its charm. Surrounded by tranquil fields and a nature reserve, it feels like a hidden gem—yet it’s well-connected by major road networks, ensuring your guests can arrive with ease.
For more details or to arrange a visit, you can contact Thicket Priory directly via their official website.