The Priests House
Grade-I listed venue The Priests House near Skipton, North Yorkshire, offering exclusive weddings with on-site accommodation.
Small and intimate
Medieval setting
Exclusive use
Excellent service and delicious food
Wide range of decor options included
In-house floristry service
Business details last verified on 9th of February 2026 by the Guides for Brides team.
Prices & Capacity
Prices
Typical Price: £6,000
Price Range: £1,000 - £10,000
Capacity
Ceremony: 85
Standing: 85
Seated Meal: 75
Accommodation
Sleeps: 18
About The Priests House
The Priests House sits on the Barden Tower site on the northern edge of the Chatsworth Estate land in the Upper Wharfedale valley in North Yorkshire, close to Skipton and Ilkley. The venue occupies a Grade-I listed setting amid historic buildings and grounds with views over the valley. This includes the Priests House itself, with its dark oak beams and original features, and the Chapel, restored in phases and licenced for civil ceremonies.
Civil ceremonies can be held for up to 80 guests in the Chapel. A sit-down meal can follow for up to 76 guests there, with subsequent evening reception capacity up to 85. For smaller gatherings, the Oak Room within the Priests House accommodates up to 24 for a wedding breakfast after a Chapel ceremony. All weddings have exclusive use of the venue on the day, and most decoration requirements can be provided in-house.
Couples and their guests can make use of the venue’s features including chairs, table linen, décor and a baby grand piano. Outdoor features such as fire torches, fire pit, blanket crate and garden lighting are available for evening use, and the wider grounds offer views of the surrounding landscape. On the opposite side of the Tower is The Barn at Barden, sleeping up to 18, often used in conjunction with weddings for accommodation or as a base before and after the event
The Details
Type of Ceremony
Civil ceremony licensed
Chapel on premises
Humanist / Celebrant weddings
Outdoor Ceremonies
Receptions Only
Venue Setting
Countryside
Woodland
Remote
Venue Type
Castles & Palaces
Exclusive use
Country House
Manor House
Unique & Unusual
Intimate Venue
Elopements
Outdoor / Garden
Historic
Additional Facilities
Outdoor ceremonies
Honeymoon suite
Dance floor
Live music permitted
Discos permitted
Wedding coordinator
Onsite car parking
Licensed bar
Wedding packages
Bespoke weddings
Dog friendly
Catering Options
Inhouse Caterers
Vegan
Buffet
Area
Yorkshire Dales
Contact & Location
The Priests House
Barden Tower, Bolton Abbey, BD23 6AS, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
FAQs
All our weddings have exclusive use for the duration. Typically ceremony only is 3 hours, with a wedding breakfast 6 hours and the full day 10 hours. Times commence from one hour prior to the official ceremony time
Yes. Both the main room in the House and the Chapel are licensed for civil ceremonies.
Yes but the arrangements would need to be discussed.
Sorry, we do not as a rule allow corkage.
We provide an excellent catering service in-house.
There isn't a great deal of decorating required, the Chapel and House speak for themselves. We can provide a fabulous floral service. Access is usually granted from first thing in the morning of the wedding but arrangements can be discussed.
The bar is 11pm, last dance 11.30pm and carriages for midnight
Whilst we do not have noise restrictions, the acoustics of the venue itself will dictate the noise levels.
Only on 5th November and New Years Eve except for hand held sparklers....there is livestock in the fields all around...
Yes
Yes
One of the bedrooms in the bunk barn has a double bed...
We have a comfortable bunk barn that sleeps up to 20 guests. Great for families and younger guests, but perhaps not for gran or your favourite aunt!
There are plenty of B&B's in the valley, with hotels in Skipton, Ilkley and Grassington which are all equidistant.
Why Couples Recommend The Priests House
Couples consistently praise this venue for its stunning and unique character, describing it as a beautiful and intimate setting in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The buildings and grounds are noted for being perfectly maintained, creating a magical atmosphere for the special day. A recurring highlight is the exceptional staff, who are repeatedly described as brilliant, professional, and incredibly attentive. The team is lauded for going above and beyond, ensuring every detail is executed perfectly and making the entire process, from planning to the wedding day itself, seamless and stress-free. The food receives universal acclaim, with couples and their guests frequently commenting on how delicious and amazing the catering is, for both main meals and evening food, with special mention of the high quality of vegetarian offerings. The venue is highly recommended for creating a perfect and unforgettable wedding experience, where every need is catered for with a personal and organised approach.
Customer Reviews
43 reviews
Customer Service Finalist 2026
Customer Service Finalist 2025
Customer Service Finalist 2023
Customer Service Finalist 2021
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