Weddings in Upper Wensleydale

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"Our wedding ceremony was more special that we could ever have dreamt...you're in safe hands"

Marrying in church is a wonderful, personal and spiritual experience. Here in Upper Wensleydale, our prayer and desire is that your wedding day would truly be the special one that you have planned and longed for.

We have a choice of beautiful and historic buildings within which your service can be celebrated, each one offering something unique, but all set in the most stunning surroundings of the North Yorkshire Dales countryside.

The ceremony and celebration of the day is a key focus for your new life together and we hope to do all we can to ensure that it a memorable one for you, your family and friends, reflecting who you are and filled with love, joy and hope for the future; this begins the moment you make your initial enquiry. Many of our couples live outside of the Dale and become what we call our ‘extended family’ as we establish friendships that make such a difference to the experience of the day and also last beyond it. It’s always a joy to be able to meet our couples again and in some cases meet their children and even celebrate a baptism or a service of thanksgiving for a birth.

There are a number of acclaimed reception venues close by and we all work closely together to ensure that your day is all that you would wish it to be.

General Information about getting married in church and ideas for music and readings can be found on the national Church of England website:.

If you wish to pursue the thought of holding your special day in one of our churches then please get in touch using the contact form at the bottom of the page and may God bless you in all your preparations.

Our Church venues

St Oswald's, Askrigg

Located in the heart of the popular village of Askrigg with a capacity for 250 guests. A grade one listed building with a tower of six bells that can be rung for your wedding.

"One of the things that we would like to express is how personalised the wedding service was for us, its definitely a day we will never forget - It meant a lot to me as it's the church that I was christened in and my parents got married in. Thank You." Carl & Samantha

St Margaret's, Hawes

Set in the popular market town of Hawes located on a cobbled street, St Margaret's is a Victorian building with a capacity for 250 guests.

St Mary & St John, Hardraw

The church is situated beside the tumbling waters of Hardraw beck. Medium capacity venue with seating up to 100 guests.

Sarah Metcalf Photography www.sarahmetcalfphoto.com

St Matthew's, Stalling Busk

The church is situated beside the tumbling waters of Hardraw beck. Medium capacity venue with seating up to 100 guests.

"An intimate church holding up to 40 guests. Stunning views from this tiny village over Raydale down to Semerwater" Nick and Rachel

Photographs of some of our weddings

"Our wedding ceremony was more special than we could ever have dreamt. We met with Rev. Dave Clark and his wife Sarah a handful of times leading up to the big day and with their guidance we tailored the service to truly reflect our love for each other and the coming together of our two families - you're in safe hands! Our guests always comment on how enjoyable and warm the service was." Helen & Jones Photo by bloomweddings.co.uk

"A massive massive thank you for Saturday, we had a blast. Everybody has commented on what a brilliant service it was. You really put us at ease." Adam & Leanne

"It meant so much to us to be married in Robert’s local church and what a beautiful church it is. From the beginning of this process you were all so welcoming and accommodating. Reverend Dave has such a unique way of making you both feel at ease and part of the community. The service was beautiful and we really appreciate all the effort put in to it, it was definitely noted. Everyone else attending our special day, has come to us to tell us that they also felt his warmth and charm, and how amazing Dave was, just showing how incredible he is! Thank you both from the bottom of our hearts." Robert and Kimberley.

"We have been welcomed very warmly by Dave and the congregation at St Oswald's every time we have attended Sunday services there. Dave gave us a very personal, relaxed and entertaining wedding service which we will treasure forever. The tradition of tying the church gates together by local children for the bride and groom to cut through is delightful and was a lovely surprise when we left Church. We look forward to every opportunity we get to revisit." Suzie & Mark

"From our first meeting with Rev Dave we knew we were in good hands. He brightened up our wedding, he and the beautiful church made our perfect day all the more perfect." Rebecca & Ruaridh

“We had an amazing experience both before, during and after the service in a beautiful church. From having our banns read to the actual day we felt so welcomed by the community which made our day even more special and memorable. Thank you to Reverend Dave and everyone one within the church for helping to make our experience everything we wanted and more!” Callum & Nicole

“St. Mary and St. Johns Church in Hardraw is a magical place. Encompassing everything the world, and we, love about good old Yorkshire. The setting is picturesque and the local community are kind, warm and welcoming with a wicked sense of humour. We had the pleasure of being married by Revd Dave Clark on Easter weekend 2017. Dave guided us expertly through the planning process. He really took the time to get to know us and led a beautiful and engaging service, with personal stories and quips that we will forever hold dear. The support we received from Dave and the congregation from the moment we fell in love with the church to a very joyous walk out was exceptional.” Njambe & Victoria

"We were both made to feel very welcome from day one, from both Dave and the church family. The planning went smoothly, and leading up to the day, we were made to feel relaxed and at ease. We cannot thank Dave, the church and all others involved in contributing to our perfect wedding day enough." Mark & Hannah

“Reverend Clark made our day exceptionally special. He was able to communicate to our diverse congregation the importance of marriage in a wonderfully engaging and passionate manner. The support from the Warden was also invaluable in ensuring our day went off without a hitch”. Jane & Rich - Stan Seaton Photography

"The church made us both feel very welcome and comfortable and were able to accommodate all our requests. Despite not currently living in the area, organisation and communication was very easy. The day was perfect for us and many guests commented on what a lovely wedding service it was." Annalea & Mark

We just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at Upper Wensleydale Benefice. Everyone made us feel so welcome and like family. Rev Dave’s theatrical personality really made the service so special and made this joyous occasion so upbeat, which really settled the nerves! Both sides of our family can’t stop talking about how it was one of the best services they’ve ever attended." Stephen & Annabel

"We cannot thank Rev Dave and his brilliant team enough for the most beautiful, personal and joy filled wedding service at St Oswald's! Dave's passion, charisma and heartfelt words made it truly perfect. Even when the weather took a turn for the worse, Dave brought our lovely ice cream ladies into the church so we could enjoy our ice cream together in the dry. From the initial contact to the wedding day itself, we couldn't have felt more relaxed, welcomed and blessed to have been married in the most beautiful church surrounded by the most wonderful church family". Richard & Saffron
(St Oswald's Church, Askrigg July 2025)
Photo courtesy of Ruth Mitchell Photography — "We cannot thank Rev Dave and his brilliant team enough for the most beautiful, personal and joy filled wedding service at St Oswald's! Dave's passion, charisma and heartfelt words made it truly perfect. Even when the weather took a turn for the worse, Dave brought our lovely ice cream ladies into the church so we could enjoy our ice cream together in the dry. From the initial contact to the wedding day itself, we couldn't have felt more relaxed, welcomed and blessed to have been married in the most beautiful church surrounded by the most wonderful church family". Richard & Saffron (St Oswald's Church, Askrigg July 2025) Photo courtesy of Ruth Mitchell Photography

As well as weddings, we also host wedding blessings. These can be large or small. Photo: Jude & Paul

"As I stumbled out of a rickety LandRover, Dave (the Vicar) was waiting. He greeted me by name and then proceeded to instruct me to get some really great shots during Louise and David’s wedding ceremony. As lots of my fellow pro photographers will tell you, a great vicar is hard to come by, so, clergy like Dave fill me with hope. Because weddings should be happy momentous occasions, and if the couple want that bit documenting, then we should all work together to make it as symbiotic, as relaxed and (for me) as unobtrusive as possible. Dave is the Man. He conducted Louise and David’s wedding with fun, laughter, some sincere words of advice, threw in a bit of seriousness, and quite frankly, made all the congregation (even non believer me), feel like they were part of something special. Because we were… wedding ceremonies are special." Louise & David

"Rev Dave was amazing from start to finish!" Linda & Chris

Our wedding day was full of love and laughter. We were blessed with beautiful weather which really mirrored the feeling of the day. It was just perfect! The icing on the cake had to be Rev Dave, who was warm, personable and very funny. All our guests said it was the jolliest wedding ceremony they'd ever been to." Jennie & Chris

"We were so happy to be married at our local Church, St. Oswald's in Askrigg on a lovely sunny day. Reverend Dave Clark and everyone from the Church made our day absolutely perfect! Our guests said it was the best ceremony they had ever attended. Thank you all so much for making our day so special". Terri & Matt

"Dave - A huge thank you to you and your team for all of your kindness and support leading up to our wedding day. It wouldn't have been the same without you. We instantly felt at ease and appreciate the effort in creating a personal and meaningful ceremony. We have memories we will treasure for years to come." Guy & Robyn
Photo by Ruth Mitchell — "Dave - A huge thank you to you and your team for all of your kindness and support leading up to our wedding day. It wouldn't have been the same without you. We instantly felt at ease and appreciate the effort in creating a personal and meaningful ceremony. We have memories we will treasure for years to come." Guy & Robyn Photo by Ruth Mitchell

"We can't thank everyone at St Oswald's church enough. Due to the pandemic we had to rearrange our wedding three times. Each time, we had support from Rev Dave and the rest of the team. Rev Dave created a personal and relaxed ceremony which put us at ease. There were many compliments from those who attended the service regarding how much they valued the things Rev Dave said.
Thank you again for all your help and support and in making our marriage so memorable." Richard & Georgia
(Photograph by Rebecca Sturdy) — "We can't thank everyone at St Oswald's church enough. Due to the pandemic we had to rearrange our wedding three times. Each time, we had support from Rev Dave and the rest of the team. Rev Dave created a personal and relaxed ceremony which put us at ease. There were many compliments from those who attended the service regarding how much they valued the things Rev Dave said. Thank you again for all your help and support and in making our marriage so memorable." Richard & Georgia (Photograph by Rebecca Sturdy)

"We had the most amazing wedding service, Vicar Rev Dave made us both feel very calm and all of our guests have talked about was how brilliant the service was. The Sun shone through the stain glass window as we sang the hymns and said our vows and we had the most amazing time getting married at St Oswald's Church and it will always be a special place." Shannon & Macaulay

"Thank you so much for everything you did in making our wedding such a special and wonderful day for both of us. The whole service was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for more from you. We have been constantly thinking back to the ceremony. The memories of our time in St Oswald's will stay with us for ever." Charlie & Kate

“Thank you so much to St Oswald’s for our beautiful wedding; Rev Dave’s service was fantastic and everyone commented on how funny he is! Nothing was too much to ask including having our puppy as ring bearer! We could not have asked for a better place to get married, so thank you so, so much to all of the team there! It really was the wedding of our dreams!” Brittany & Jamie

"It was lovely to get married at our local church and Rev Dave was great throughout the whole process. We loved the music and got some fab photos at the church. It was a perfect day!" Alice & Jack

"Despite COVID restrictions our wedding ceremony was everything we could have hoped for. The church with its charm and history coupled with Rev Dave and his ability to fill a room with joy, we will always remember it. His support was vital in making our ceremony truly ours. Photo by Sarah Kearton". Alex & Jessica

"A beautifully warm, welcoming church in the heart of the Yorkshire dales. Fay and I were lucky enough to be married in St Oswald's in December 2017 and now feel proud to be part of the history and extended community of the church. Everyone at Askrigg was so welcoming, right from our first visit. Rev Clark 'pitched' the service perfectly for a mixed congregation of church-goers and newcomers alike. We look forward to visiting Askrigg whenever we are back in the UK." Alexander & Faye

Reception venues

Yorebridge House Hotel

Yorebridge House is a Victorian grade II listed, former Headmaster’s House and School in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Once voted the most romantic hotel in the UK.

Simonstone Hall

Simonstone Hall is a unique 15th Century Country House set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The hotel stands in its own splendid grounds with spectacular, unrivalled views across the dale and surrounding fells.

The Green Dragon Inn

The Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw offers a breathtaking setting for your wedding, just moments from the stunning Hardraw Force waterfall. This historic 13th-century inn blends old-world charm with modern comfort.

Andy Clark, Wedding Pianist & Vocalist

Andy is a talented, versatile and vastly experienced musician. With a specialism in performing for weddings, his skilled piano playing and mellow vocals are the perfect accompaniment for your big day.

Malcolm Carruthers, Organist

Please contact Malcolm for your wedding music requirements at any of our Benefice Churches

Consent *

Please contact me about organ music for a wedding

Shannon McIntyre - Feather & Fern Florist

Shannon is fully qualified in events floristry and styling. Her inspiration comes from colours and scents, making individual and unique arrangements and seeing the smiles of the receiver!

Weddings

Weddings in Upper Wensleydale

"Our wedding ceremony was more special that we could ever have dreamt...you're in safe hands"

Our Church venues

St Oswald's, Askrigg

St Margaret's, Hawes

St Mary & St John, Hardraw

St Matthew's, Stalling Busk

Photographs of some of our weddings

Reception venues

Yorebridge House Hotel

Simonstone Hall

The Green Dragon Inn

Other links

Andy Clark, Wedding Pianist & Vocalist

Malcolm Carruthers, Organist

Shannon McIntyre - Feather & Fern Florist

"We love because He first loved us"

1 John 4:19