10 genuine reasons to get married in York (from a local wedding celebrant)

Choosing where to get married isn’t just about how a place looks - it’s about how it feels. As a Humanist wedding celebrant based in York, I’ve had the privilege of working with couples across the city and surrounding countryside, and these are the real reasons York works so beautifully for meaningful, personal wedding ceremonies.

Taking a walk down York’s iconic Shambles - captured by Amy Faith

1. York creates a sense of occasion without feeling intimidating

York feels special the moment you arrive. There’s history, atmosphere, and romance - but it’s still warm, welcoming, and human-sized. Couples often tell me it feels like a “proper moment” without being overwhelming or impersonal. Between your ceremony and your reception, you can sneak away for some portraits at York’s beauty spots, such as York Minster, or lesser known cobbled streets. And people in York are always keen to celebrate you - I’ve known my couples to get cheered and clapped while walking through the city on their wedding day!

2. Celebrant-led weddings fit naturally into York’s venues

Many venues in York are ideal for celebrant-led ceremonies because they’re flexible. Unlike traditional registry offices, celebrant ceremonies allow you to choose your structure, readings, rituals, and vows - something York venues actively embrace.

3. York offers variety without compromise

One of York’s biggest strengths is choice. In a single city, you’ll find:

• Historic halls and medieval buildings

• Contemporary hotels

• Riverside spaces

• Michelin-starred food

• Intimate rooms for micro weddings.

This means couples rarely have to “settle” for a venue that’s almost right.

York’s range of stylish venues means there is certainly a ceremony space that feels right and authentic for you - and always photogenic!

Photo at The Ivy taken by Natalie Hamilton

4. The city encourages personal, story-driven wedding ceremonies

York’s layers of history often inspire couples to think more deeply about their story - how they met, what they value, and what marriage means to them. As a celebrant, this naturally leads to ceremonies that feel thoughtful, grounded, and emotionally rich. Many of the city’s wedding venues are steeped in history, adding gravitas and continuity to your wedding ceremony. There’s something about making your wedding vows surrounded by ancient stones - when you marry in York, you become part of its story, too.

5. Ideal for non-religious and inclusive weddings

York is a popular choice for non-religious, humanist, and inclusive wedding ceremonies. The city attracts couples who want something meaningful but not traditional - making it a great fit for modern celebrant-led weddings.

6. Easy for guests, relaxing for couples

York is incredibly accessible by train, road, and air, which reduces stress for guests and couples alike. Fewer logistics = more emotional energy for the ceremony itself. This often results in calmer, more present wedding days. 

Roughly 50% of the couples I marry in York live elsewhere, yet they often choose this city because it’s in the middle of the UK, making it “fair” for family members travelling from all across the UK! And from talking to wedding guests, I know they’re always happy to have a reason to visit York, with many adding an extra night or two onto their stay to make it a little holiday.

The Hospitium captured by Hannah Shearman

Leaving The Hospitium - a secular space with centuries of soul. Photo by Hannah Shearman

7. Perfect for elopements and micro weddings

York works beautifully for elopements and small weddings. I regularly work with couples who want something intimate, intentional, and low-pressure - York’s scale and atmosphere support that perfectly. The city’s historic beauty lends itself particularly well to micro weddings and elopements, providing a backdrop for romance that requires little decoration.

8. The surrounding countryside adds balance

Just outside the city are vineyards, barns, estates, and rural venues - ideal for couples who want city convenience with countryside calm. Many couples choose York for the ceremony and explore Yorkshire for their celebration or honeymoon.

9. A city that encourages slowing down

York naturally invites people to wander, pause, and notice details. That same energy carries into wedding ceremonies - couples tend to be more present, less rushed, and more emotionally connected during their vows.

Image by James Hicks

10. Working with a local York wedding celebrant makes a difference

As an experienced local York wedding celebrant with 5 years of experience, I understand:

• How York venues operate

• What works logistically on the day

• How to craft ceremonies to suit the setting

• What works well in each venue.

This local knowledge leads to smoother ceremonies and more authentic experiences, allowing couples to relax and bask in their guests’ enjoyment. As a former curator with links to many of York’s museums and historic sites, I’m also a trove of curious facts to impress your guests with and full of suggestions for more unique places to visit!

Is York right for your non-religious wedding ceremony?

If you’re drawn to:

• Personalised, celebrant-led weddings

• Meaningful, non-religious ceremonies

• Intimate or alternative celebrations

• A location with depth, warmth, history and character

• Beautiful settings to showcase your love story

• A wedding celebrant gifted at story telling with intimate knowledge of this historic city…

  …Then York is well worth considering. Get in touch to enquire about my availability now!

Find out more about non-religious wedding ceremonies in York

Take a deep-dive into common questions about working with a Humanist wedding celebrant

Get in touch to see if your date is free and find out if I’m the celebrant for you!