The new owners of Ripon’s iconic The Old Deanery have announced they are now taking bookings for weddings in 2022 and beyond, providing a lifeline for engaged couples following the pandemic.
Recently acquired by Rebecca Hill and Chris Layton, The Old Deanery is a stunning Jacobean mansion opposite the breath-taking Ripon Cathedral.
After a short period of closure, The Old Deanery will soon be reopening under its new management as a wedding and events venue with guests invited to celebrate in its stunning surroundings. Set within beautiful grounds, the venue features a romantic reception room, several public spaces and 10 charming bedrooms, which have been lovingly renovated since its purchase.
Formerly operating as an award-winning hotel and wedding venue, The Old Deanery was forced to close its doors earlier this year after months of lockdown.
Rebecca Hill and Chris Layton took over the property in August 2021, initially hoping to bring the hotel back to its former glory before reopening primarily as a wedding and events venue by Spring 2022.
Running ahead of schedule, the hoteliers, who also own Galtres Lodge and Forest restaurant in York, have announced they are now taking bookings from January 2022 onwards.
Starting afresh and with vast availability, The Old Deanery is the perfect choice for couples that have had to cancel their weddings because of COVID-19 yet want to avoid long waiting lists with other venues to reschedule.
Whether wanting to exchange vows at Ripon Cathedral or hold a civil ceremony on-site, The Old Deanery hopes to help create the perfect day to tie the knot.
To make the day as stress-free as possible, the owners - alongside manager David Macdonald and renowned Yorkshire chef Stephanie Moon - have designed an exclusive wedding package that can be adapted to suit each couple.
Including private use of the property, a red-carpet entrance and welcome drinks and nibbles upon arrival, the personalised wedding package is undoubtedly a lavish affair.
Additional offerings include a three-course wedding breakfast followed by tea or coffee, half a bottle of wine per person and a private bar until midnight, amongst other special touches.
Weddings at The Old Deanery will start from £100 per person based on a minimum of 60 guests. The venue offers a maximum capacity of 80 guests for the wedding breakfasts and 150 evening guests. Bedrooms and breakfast are available at an additional price.
Discussing their plans for 2022, Hill said, “Overall, we want The Old Deanery to be a jewel in Ripon’s crown and “the place” to celebrate important life events, such as birthdays, Christenings and weddings.
'Focusing on the latter, we are delighted to announce that we are now accepting wedding bookings from January 2022 onwards. Given that we are opening as a new venue, we currently have fantastic availability, too, which we are sure will be music to many people’s ears.'
'We cannot wait to welcome couples and to show them the changes we have made to ensure their wedding will be a special, unique, and unforgettable day,' Rebecca concluded.
As well as weddings, The Old Deanery hopes to organise smaller public events, such as open days and afternoon tea parties, to keep the venue as open to the public as possible.
