Thicket Priory is without question one of the most enchanting wedding venues in North Yorkshire.
I recently had the pleasure of staying overnight after being invited to an exclusive industry event for wedding planners, and it was the perfect opportunity to experience the estate as a guest.
Dating back to the 1840s and designed by Edward Blore—renowned for his work on Buckingham Palace—Thicket Priory was once home to an order of nuns and remained secluded from the wider world for decades. Today, its peaceful grounds, exquisite interiors and rich heritage blend seamlessly with modern luxury, creating an unforgettable setting for a wedding or private celebration.
With 35 beautifully appointed en suite bedrooms, a breathtaking Ballroom seating up to 200 guests, multiple ceremony spaces including a private chapel, 18 acres of gardens, a serene lake, a charming boathouse and even a helipad, the venue feels like its own private country estate. Hidden staircases, elegant corridors and unexpected architectural details only add to the sense of magic.
Perfectly located just 15 minutes from historic York and around two hours from central London, Thicket Priory offers couples the opportunity to host their entire celebration within one spectacular venue. It is licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships both inside the house and outdoors in the picturesque Bandstand overlooking the gardens.
The grounds provide a stunning natural backdrop for wedding photography throughout the seasons, while indoors the Ballroom and reception rooms offer timeless elegance and exceptional flexibility for your day.
One particularly special feature is the Priory’s own Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, affectionately known as Mervynia.
After a life of travel through Hollywood and Italy, she is now a much-loved part of the Thicket Priory experience—perfect for unforgettable entrance moments and iconic wedding portraits.
The Priory is perfect for weekend weddings and with all 35 bedrooms located in the main house, there’s no need to arrange accommodation or taxis. Bedrooms and reception rooms are fully accessible, and the venue is also dog friendly.
From the moment we arrived, the team extended the warmest welcome and treated us to a beautifully curated programme of events. The stay included seasonal activities such as autumnal afternoon tea and wreath making, followed by a delicious evening meal showcasing exceptional flavours and presentation.
What struck me most was the remarkable level of detail and the elevated standard of décor throughout the house. The service was impeccable: thoughtful, personalised and delivered with genuine care.
I especially loved the concierge-style check-in, complete with elegant key fobs leading us to our individually designed bedrooms. Each room has its own story, revealed through a small plaque inside the door—such a charming touch.
Instead of the usual in-room tea and coffee stations, guests enjoy access to beautifully stocked communal pantries offering 24-hour help-yourself refreshments with real mugs, biscuits and sweet treats. It felt wonderfully homely and refreshingly considered.
There’s even a dedicated sewing room with threads in every colour imaginable—an unexpected but brilliant addition for any last-minute wardrobe emergencies.
Experiencing the venue in this way truly highlighted how devoted the Thicket Priory team are to looking after their guests. Every detail is designed to make you feel relaxed, welcomed and wonderfully cared for. I can’t wait to return.
You can view more images from my visit to this exceptional Yorkshire wedding venue in the gallery below and I highly recommend exploring their incredible virtual tour to experience its beauty yourself.
Val x
Credits:
Venue: Thicket Priory
Catering: Baba Ganoush Dining
Photography: Carla Whittingham Photography
Filming: Hello There Films
Styling: Ambience Styling UK (Laura & Hana)
Crockery: White House Crockery
Hampers: Field & Fawcett
Autumnal Cupcake (Hamper): Apple Charlotte Cakes (Charlie)
Pantry Gryffin Biscuits: LS Cakery (Lisha)
Floral Workshop/Flowers/Décor: Fleur Adamo (Kathrine) / Wedding Blossoms (Mandy)
Speciality Drinks/Gin Master Class: Sloe Motion Gin (Morgan & Joff)
Face Painting: Wow Face & Body Art (Sophie & Izzy)
Virtual Tour: Apollo 3D
Val Mattinson is the founder and Head Planner at Benessamy, specialising in luxury weddings and beautifully curated celebrations across the UK and the Caribbean. With over 15 years of experience, Val is known for her calm, reassuring approach and meticulous attention to detail — supporting couples and hosts who want an unforgettable experience without the overwhelm.
If you’re beginning your planning journey and would like expert guidance, get in touch to arrange an introductory call. Val would love to help you create a celebration that feels thoughtful, joyful and effortlessly seamless.
edit_calendar Book an introductory call
call +44 (0)7787 422451
mail events@benessamy.co.uk
Are you hoping to get married at a country wedding venue in the UK? As an experienced wedding planner, I’ve spent many years helping couples find the perfect setting for their celebration.
Not often do you experience that perfect mix of historic grandeur and romantic intimacy, yet that is exactly what I discovered at Sutton Bonington Hall.