Bolton Castle hosts civil wedding ceremonies, receptions and private celebrations for up to 100 guests inside the castle, with up to 120 more joining for the evening, and a marquee in the grounds can seat up to 250. The medieval castle stands in the village of Castle Bolton, near Leyburn, in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales.
Weddings and receptions
The castle is licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships. Couples can book a ceremony only, with exclusive use of the Great Chamber or the Chapel for two hours and the rest of the castle and gardens open for photographs. They can also book a reception only, or a ceremony and reception with exclusive hire of the whole castle and gardens. A wedding coordinator works with the couple throughout the planning.
For a religious ceremony or a blessing, St Oswald's, a medieval church next to the castle, holds up to 150 people. The castle's falconry team can add a barn owl that carries the rings down the aisle, a hawk and owl flying display during the drinks reception, or an hour of archery for guests. Doves can also be released after the ceremony.
Rooms and capacities
Ceremony and reception together take up to 100 guests, and the evening party can grow by up to 120 more. The grounds have room for a marquee seating up to 250.
The Hall is the largest room, at 48 by 26 feet, with 120 seated or 120 standing. The Solar measures 34 by 22 feet and seats 60, or 100 standing. The Tea Room, 37 by 24 feet, seats 80 and holds 120 standing. The Nursery, 24 by 15 feet, suits smaller groups with 30 seated or 60 standing. The Great Chamber and the Chapel are used for ceremonies.
Outside, the gardens give couples and photographers several settings: a rose garden with an arbour, a herb garden, the Dyer's Garden, the Mary Garden, a vineyard with a hedge maze, and a bowling green.
Catering
The castle works with a list of recommended local caterers whose menus range from a hog roast or a cold buffet to canapés followed by a four-course meal. Couples may also bring in a caterer of their own choice. Drinks packages are arranged through the castle's suppliers.
History and setting
Bolton Castle is a medieval castle with tall corner towers, entered through an archway under a portcullis into a cobbled courtyard. Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner here, and the castle tells her story in an exhibition. In the visitor season it opens to the public with its gardens, a tea room, falconry displays, archery demonstrations and wild boar feeding, and it also welcomes film and photo location shoots.
Getting there
The castle lies near Leyburn in North Yorkshire, postcode DL8 4ET, in the valley of Wensleydale. A Dales bus service, route 857, runs to the castle.
