At Thicket Priory, no two weddings are ever the same – every couple that marry with us get a truly unique experience. We often think that what makes couples celebrations unforgettable isn’t just the venue alone, but the thoughtful touches that transform their wedding day into a meaningful experience.
If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels relaxed, indulgent and entirely your own, here are some lovely ways to enhance your wedding at Thicket Priory.
Night-Before Gatherings
Most of our couples choose to extend their stay and host something special the evening before their wedding, whether that’s an intimate supper with close family, relaxed drinks in the bar or on the terrace in the warmer months, with fire pits and music.
It’s a wonderful way to welcome your guests, ease into the celebrations and enjoy meaningful time together. It also means you can get the introductions done before, and maximise the time spent together on the wedding day itself.
Some couples even choose to add in an extra night and have a garden party, relaxed BBQ and drinks before heading home the next day.
Johanna & Michael 07.09.2024 – Carla McLaren
A Champagne Tower Moment
Few things create quite the sense of occasion like a champagne tower. Whether you choose to enjoy it straight after your ceremony or use it as a joyful transition into your wedding breakfast, it’s a wonderfully elegant moment, perfect for photographs.
Laura & Matt 30.08.2025 – Emily Green
Cocktail Hours
One of the things couples love most about Thicket Priory is the chance to slow down and truly savour the day. Adding a cocktail hour or extending your drinks reception allows guests to wander the gardens, enjoy live music and soak up the atmosphere.
Signature cocktails inspired by your story or the season are a beautiful way to personalise this part of the day while keeping things relaxed and sociable.
Fiz & Leo 14.11.2025 – Carla McLaren
Izzie & Harry 25.06.2025 – Beans on Toast for Two
Summer Garden Parties
From lawn games and outdoor lounges to acoustic musicians and evening fire pits, Thicket Priory’s grounds invite guests to relax and explore. Garden games are especially popular during drinks receptions, encouraging interactions between guests and elevating their experience.
Ayesha & Chris 23.08.2025 – Sally T Photography
Sparklers
As evening falls, sparkler moments create a truly magical ending to your celebrations. Whether you choose a sparkler tunnel exit or relaxed garden gathering beneath the stars, it’s a beautiful way to mark the final chapter of your day and capture some night-time photos of you and your guests.
Izzie & Harry 25.06.2025 – Beans on Toast for Two
Pull Your Own Pint
For something a little different, many couples love adding a pull your own pint station. It’s relaxed, interactive and always a guest favourite, perfect for creating a pub-style feel in the heart of Thicket Priory and encouraging guests to mingle during the drinks reception or evening celebrations.
Amelia & James 26.10.2024 – Carla McLaren
Vintage Coffee Van
Enhance the morning breakfast experience for your guests by having a vintage coffee van in the courtyard so guests can help themselves to some artisan coffee before heading to get ready or heading home.
We have had Corky, the vintage coffee van, at Thicket Priory a few times now, and he has been a hit with the guests!
It’s all about creating a celebration that feels like you … at Thicket Priory, we believe your wedding should feel effortless, personal and full of heart. Whether you’re dreaming of champagne towers, garden games, sparklers under the stars or a weekend-long celebration, our team is here to help you bring every detail together beautifully.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible for your wedding, we’d love to welcome you for a visit – get in touch here.
With love,
Lil xXx
FAQ’s
What is the cost to rent the venue?
Cost depends on date and hire period – our full prices can be found here.
Are there nearby hotels or accommodation for guests?
We do have 35 en-suite bedrooms on-site, but for any additional guests we do have a list of recommended local accomodation:
The School House B&B- Thorganby (1.3miles) – 01904 448 914
The Parsonage Hotel and Spa – Escrick (5.9miles) – 01904 728111
Black Bull Hotel – Escrick (5.6miles) – 01904 728245
Grey Horse – Elvington (4.6miles) – 01904 607548
Deighton Lodge – Deighton (7.4miles) – 01904 809999
Middlethorpe Hall Hotel and Spa – York (11.6miles) – 01904 641241
Hilton York – York (9.3miles) – 01904 648111
Novotel York Centre – York (9.3miles) – 01904 611660
Can we have a live band, DJ, or both?
The entertainment for your wedding is completely up to you as a couple, and we are always here to help with recommendations – you are welcome to have either a live band, or DJ, or both if you should choose to.
