Thirsk Lodge Barns Wedding Venue
Thirsk Lodge Barns — Venue Highlights
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Thirsk Lodge Barns is one of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful and versatile countryside wedding venues. Set just outside Thirsk, this stylish barn complex blends rustic charm with modern finishes, offering couples a relaxed yet elegant setting for their day. With exclusive-use hire, you and your guests can enjoy complete privacy across the Main Barn, Dining Room, bar and courtyard — all surrounded by rolling fields and landscaped grounds.
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Licensed for civil ceremonies and seating up to 140 for the wedding breakfast (200 for evening celebrations), the barns offer a seamless flow from “I do” to dancefloor. The stunning courtyard, complete with a century-old olive tree, provides the perfect backdrop for drinks receptions, candid guest moments, and relaxed photography. Natural light floods the interiors, making it a dream location for creative portraits and documentary-style coverage.
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On-site accommodation is available for up to 11 guests, and the venue’s flexible catering options allow you to tailor the day to suit your tastes. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a full barn party, Thirsk Lodge Barns is a warm, welcoming and beautifully curated North Yorkshire wedding venue — ideal for couples seeking a fun, relaxed and stylish countryside wedding.
Why Couples Love Thirsk Lodge Barns
As a North East / North Yorkshire wedding photographer, Thirsk Lodge Barns ticks many of the boxes that modern couples look for: rustic charm, flexibility, beautiful light, and a relaxed but stylish vibe. Some of the reasons I recommend it include:
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· A combination of rustic barn architecture and modern comforts.
· Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces — ceremony, dining, dancing, and cocktail hour all flow seamlessly.
· Exclusive-use hire: when you book, the venue is yours alone — no overlapping events.
· Great for both small, intimate weddings and larger celebrations.
· Landscaped grounds, a charming courtyard (with a Mediterranean-style 200-year-old olive tree!), and open fields — gorgeous for photos.
Flexibility: you can use your own caterers (from a recommended list) — so the day can be tailored to your tastes.
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Mick Merriott Photography
I am Mick Merriott, an award winning Yorkshire wedding photographer. I offer candid,creative wedding photography for couples who want natural, relaxed storytelling images.
Venue Facilities & Spaces
The Main Barn
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· Licensed for civil ceremonies.
· Seats up to 140 guests for ceremony and wedding breakfast.
· In the evening, the space converts for dancing / party, and can host up to 200 guests.
· Features a romantic “wall of fairy lights” behind the ceremony table and a mezzanine level — perfect for photographers capturing sweeping group shots or ceremony moments from above.
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The Dining Room
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· With open trusses, a large skylight, and oak flooring — ideal for either round tables or long trestle tables (both available).
· Skylight and natural light make this room beautiful for daytime photos.
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The Bar & Courtyard
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· The bar area opens out onto a sheltered courtyard — great for drinks receptions no matter what the weather does.
· The courtyard features the 200-year-old olive tree, Mediterranean-style charm, space for outdoor games, fire pits and relaxed seating — perfect for laid-back pre-dinner drinks or outdoor photos.
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Additional Rooms
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· A cosy “Wheelhouse” snug, ideal for guests to escape the party, gather, or have a quiet moment — great for families, kids, or older guests.
· VIP / Bridal prep rooms, ideal for getting ready or a private break during the day.
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On-Site Accommodation
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· On-site accommodation is available: Six rooms sleeping up to 11 guests. This includes a bridal-sized “Laundry Cottage” suite, and a nearby Farmhouse for up to 9 more guests.
If you opt for the “Classic Barn Hire” package, you can arrive the day before — ideal for full styling set-up and calm prep the next morning.
Wedding Packages & Booking Options
Barn Hire Options
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· Classic Barn Hire: gives access from midday the day before your wedding — helpful for set-up, styling, and a relaxed morning. Includes the Laundry Cottage (bridal suite) and Farmhouse (for additional guests) if you want to stay on site.
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· One-Day Hire: ideal if your ceremony is elsewhere or if you’re local and don’t need overnight accommodation.
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· Twilight / Evening Reception Hire: For couples who want a late, atmospheric party without the full day — perfect if you’re planning a small ceremony elsewhere or want a shorter celebration.
What's included
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· Exclusive use of the entire venue (barns, bar, courtyard, dining room, grounds) — no overlapping events.
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· Use of cross-back oak chairs and either round or rustic trestle tables.
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· Option to choose your own caterer (from their recommended list) — giving you flexibility to match your theme, budget, or dietary needs.
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· Licensed bar on-site, with drinks options and bespoke packages.
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· Barstaff and day-of wedding coordinators are included in the hire price — they help manage logistics, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure the day runs smoothly.
Further information
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· Minimum guest numbers: Typically 60 adults (Mon–Thu) or 80 adults (Fri–Sat) when hiring the venue.
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· Music/bar license: Music and bar run until midnight; guests have until 12:30am to finish drinks and leave.
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· Confetti allowed (biodegradable), and real candles are permitted when placed safely.
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· Pet-friendly (dogs are allowed for ceremony and photos) — though pets can’t stay overnight.
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· Venue is wheelchair accessible — all on one level, with smooth flooring and accessible entry via the carpark.
Location, Local Area and Contact
Nearest Town: Thirsk (just a couple of miles away) — easy for guests to reach. Nearby roads give good access for local or out-of-town guests.
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Parking: On-site parking is available for guests.
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Transport / Travel considerations: Because it’s a rural venue, many couples choose to pre-book taxis or arrange group transport for guests, especially if staying offsite. (Good to consider if you expect guests from afar.)
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Local accommodation alternatives: If full guest accommodation isn’t needed or available, there are local B&Bs, hotels and Airbnbs around Thirsk, giving flexibility for bigger guest
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Thirsk Lodge Barns, Newsham Road,Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4DB
01845 591 158 / enquiries@thirsklodgebarns.com
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Who This Venue Suits Best
Thirsk Lodge Barns is a great fit if you:
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· Want a rustic yet refined wedding venue in North Yorkshire
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· Appreciate freedom and flexibility — in catering, styling, timetable, and vibe
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· Value natural light, relaxed surroundings and photographic potential
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· Are planning a wedding for up to ~140 guests, with the option for a larger evening party
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· Want the possibility of on-site accommodation for key guests or bridal party
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Prefer exclusive use — having the venue to yourselves
Why It Works So Well for Photography
As a photographer specialising in natural style, documentary wedding photography, I find Thirsk Lodge Barns ticks many boxes:
· The mix of rustic barns, exposed beams, oak floors and natural light — ideal for relaxed, creative portraits.
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· Beautiful indoor spaces for ceremonies and dining, plus a courtyard and countryside-exposed grounds — perfect for both formal and informal photos.
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· Flexibility to customise — whether you prefer a relaxed, boho vibe, elegant styling, or something mid-way.
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· Excellent for storytelling photography: from morning prep in the farmhouse or Laundry Cottage, through ceremony and reception, into the evening party.
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If you want a venue that gives you freedom to enjoy your day — and a photographer who works to capture it authentically and beautifully — Thirsk Lodge Barns is a strong contender.
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How long can I expect to wait for my wedding photos ?
Yorkshire wedding photography is not something to be hurried. I hand edit all of your images and this typically takes around 6 weeks to deliver the final edited photos. This timeframe allows me to carefully select and edit the best images from your special day. The exact timing may vary depending on the my workload and editing process. Rest assured, your Yorkshire wedding photos will be worth the wait as they capture the magic and emotions of your big day in beautiful detail.
What should you look for in a North Yorkshire wedding photographer's portfolio ?
When searching for a North Yorkshire wedding photographer, it is important to pay attention to composition and lighting in their portfolio. The overall style of photos should align with your vision for your wedding day, capturing moments and emotions that you want to remember. By carefully reviewing a photographer's portfolio, you can ensure that they have the skills and creativity needed to beautifully document your special day.
Real Weddings
When couples enquire with me I am always more than happy to share full gallery's of real weddings. This allows you to get a true feel for my work and what you can expect. This is in my opinion a really important part of your research to ensure you get the right wedding photographer for you.
Final Thoughts — And Why I Recommend This Venue
If you’re searching for a North East wedding venue or North Yorkshire wedding venue that offers rustic charm, flexibility, and beautiful surroundings — yet still has a refined, modern feel — Thirsk Lodge Barns is one of the best around.
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As a North East / North Yorkshire wedding photographer, I'm always on the lookout for venues that allow couples to feel relaxed, natural, and themselves.
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Thirsk Lodge Barns delivers that — giving you the freedom to design your day, enjoy every moment, and trust your photographer to turn those moments into timeless, creative wedding photos.
Creative & Unique Yorkshire Wedding Photographer
Creative & Unique Yorkshire wedding photos are my passion. So if you're planning a Yorkshire wedding and want great photos to remember it by, please get in touch. I love photographing documentary wedding and rustic wedding celebrations throughout the UK. I would love to chat about your plans and check my availability for your date. There's no obligation to book, just a friendly chat about how I can help capture your day as newlyweds. Let's photograph weddings together!
I'd love to chat to you about being your wedding photographer at Thirsk Lodge Barns or being your North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer.
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