East Yorkshire Humanist wedding guide
Hello, I'm Rachael — a Humanist wedding celebrant working across East Yorkshire and the Wolds, from the banks of the River Ouse to the market towns of Driffield and Beverley, and everywhere in between.
If you're planning a wedding at one of this region's beautiful venues and want a ceremony that sounds and feels like you — not a script pulled off a shelf — I'd love to hear your story. No two ceremonies I write are the same, because no two couples are. Whatever your background, however you love, and whoever you are, you're welcome here.
Image by James Hicks
Why choose a Humanist ceremony in East Yorkshire?
A Humanist ceremony has no religious content, but every ounce of meaning. It's built entirely around your relationship — your story, your values, your reasons for marrying — with the freedom to marry almost anywhere in the region: a Georgian hall, a clifftop hotel, a converted barn, a tipi in the woods, or a lawn overlooking the Wolds.
That flexibility is one of the reasons East Yorkshire's venues and Humanist ceremonies go so well together. Many of the county's loveliest spaces aren't licensed for legal marriage on their own grounds, which means couples often have a short legal registrar appointment elsewhere and then a full, personal, meaningful ceremony with me on the day itself; exactly where they want to say their vows.
I'm proud to offer inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming ceremonies, and I take real care to get every detail (and every name, pronoun, and pronunciation) right.
So if this corner of God’s own county* is calling to you, drop me a line and let’s talk!
(* I don’t believe in God but if I did, she’d definitely be a Yorkshire lass!)
Venues I love working at across East Yorkshire
Saltmarshe Hall, near Howden
A Georgian country house set within seventeen acres of parkland on the banks of the River Ouse. Saltmarshe only ever holds one wedding a day, so the grand hall, sweeping staircase, and secluded walled garden are entirely yours. It's a setting with real presence - perfect for a ceremony that matches its grandeur with genuine warmth, whether you're marrying in the state rooms or in an outdoor ceremony under the trees.
Photograph by Danni Maibaum
Burtonfields Hall, near Stamford Bridge
An exclusive-use Victorian country house just outside York, with Edwardian interiors, oak panelling, and south-facing lawns for outdoor ceremonies.
Burtonfields suits couples who want an intimate, characterful setting followed by a country house weekend-style party. I've written ceremonies here for both grand celebrations in the billiard room and small, elopement-style gatherings in the drawing room. There’s also plenty of space outside, and because it’s a family-owned and family-run venue, it feels homely, in spite of its grandeur.
Photograph by Gabriela
Townend Tipis, North Cliffe
For couples who want something a little different, Townend's giant hat tipis, surrounded by woodland in the Yorkshire Wolds, offer laidback festival vibes. With a woodland path, fairy lights and stacks of greenery, it's a wonderful backdrop for a relaxed, personal Humanist ceremony, especially for nature-lovers. You can hold your ceremony in the woodland clearing, or in the beautiful open fields. Just look out for resident bird-friend Turkey Man…
Photograph by Rachel Burt
Wold View Farm, Cottam, near Driffield
Rustic, renovated barns set among the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, with the whole site exclusively yours for your wedding weekend.
Wold View's blank-canvas barns and countryside views give a Humanist ceremony plenty of room to breathe — whether that's a ceremony in the Loosebox or a first dance in the Haybarn afterwards. Like so many rustic barn venues, Wold View Farm is family-run, and its owners go out of their way to welcome you to their home. I love delivering ceremonies in its cool, brick walled barn (perfect acoustics every time!) before sharing a drink in the courtyard.
Photograph by Mark Purcell
Dunedin House, Patrington
A late-Georgian mansion situated near the Humber, with terraced gardens, a bridal pathway, and a kissing gate leading through to the countryside beyond. Dunedin's blend of history and homely warmth makes it a lovely setting for a ceremony full of story and sentiment, indoors or out in the gardens. I have always received a warm welcome from Dunedin’s friendly staff, who effortlessly manage wedding celebrations.
Barmbyfield Barns, Barmby Moor, near York
A collection of tastefully renovated 18th-century barns just outside York, dry-hired so you can build your day exactly as you imagine it. With exposed beams, festoon lighting, and an outdoor ceremony space in the paddock, Barmbyfield is a favourite for couples who want a rustic, personal celebration with room for every one of your guests. I married here myself - so I know how lovely it can be! We were attracted by the beautiful outside space and the option to hold our wedding ceremony in the orchard, plus the back up plan of the smaller barn in case of bad weather.
Photograph by Steven Eric Parker
FAQs
Do you travel across all of East Yorkshire?
Yes — from Howden and Goole to Beverley, Driffield, and out towards the coast, plus down to Bridlington and into Hull - I love to travel!
How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you have a venue and date, ideally — popular Saturdays in East Yorkshire book up well over a year ahead. My signature service includes plenty of dedicated one on one support and writing time to allow me to create the perfect ceremony script; this works best with plenty of notice! The more time we have together, the more comfortable you will feel on your wedding day.
Ready to talk about your day?
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