6th May 2022
We adore our gardens here at Birdsall! So, we thought we’d share with you some different ways our garden wedding venue has been used. Maybe they’ll give you some inspiration for your next event? We host everything from weddings to music concerts to dinners. So, if you’d like to come and see them for yourself and discuss your garden hire needs with us, please do get in touch.
First though, let us tell you a little about the history of our gardens. The layout of the landscaped gardens began in 1729 when the family commissioned Thomas Knowlton (1691 – 1781), a pupil of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown (1716 – 1783). A sketch of Birdsall has been found in Brown’s sketchbooks, although it is not known whether he was advising Knowlton or if he had further input.
Knowlton then produced a final plan by 1730. He created two lakes in the valley and a straight cut walk through a plantation to the southwest of the house which is still visible. The parkland which surrounds the house was created in the late 1750s.
The ruins of the ancient Church of All Hallows and Cross stand adjacent to Birdsall House within the gardens. It was built in the 1100s and still has its Norman chancel arch.
In the 1820s this Church became too small for the needs of the village which is why we now have the Church of St Mary within our grounds too.
So how can you make use of the gardens and parkland for your event? Read on to find out.
Hannah and Chris by Dominic Wright Photography
Firstly, we love an outdoor wedding as we’ve written about here previously. Here at Birdsall, these have been possible as the temple overlooking our lake and our front porch have been licensed for ceremonies (they both have a roof). However, from the 1st July, outdoor civil weddings will be legal in the UK. You’ll be able to marry anywhere within our grounds – like the beautiful twelfth century ruins we mentioned earlier…
Dominic Wright Photography
Natalie Hamilton Photography
Styling: Ambience Venue Styling
Flowers: Once Upon A Thyme
Cake: Where The Ribbon Ends
Perhaps you’ve got a special birthday or anniversary dinner to celebrate? We’re super flexible here at Birdsall, so we’re always happy to make it work outside if the Yorkshire sun makes an appearance. For James and Sofia’s wedding we did just that and it gave their dinner the real wow factor:
Of course, sometimes we want to make the most of the grounds no matter the weather and we’re fortunate to work with some fantastic marquee companies here in North Yorkshire:
Dominic Wright Photography
We also have a small wood which makes the perfect place for a treasure hunt during a birthday party. It’s also a unique outdoor bar area or perfect for a photo shoot:
Little Sixpence Photography with styling by Rustic Rose
So there’s just a flavour of the ways in which you can make the most of our garden wedding venue. We’re always blown away by the ideas of events planners and love trying new things. Do you have a great idea and are looking for the perfect place to do it? Let us know!
