The Priests House

About

The Priests House is a Grade 1 listed venue nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, shadowed by the historic Barden Tower ruins. This intimate wedding venue combines period charm with modern comfort, featuring dark oak beamed ceilings, original paned windows, real log fires, and a recently renovated chapel with designer chandeliers. The hands-on owners provide personalized service for weddings, corporate events, and medieval banquets, delivering excellent cuisine and creating memorable experiences in a setting steeped in history and ambience.

The Priests House stands beside the ruins of Barden Tower, a 15th-century building near Bolton Abbey, with views down Wharfedale into the Yorkshire Dales. It describes itself as one of the most historic civil wedding venues in the county, and only one event is held each day, so the house and grounds are yours for as long as you have booked.

How the day works depends on your numbers. Ceremonies happen in the chapel, a 15th-century space renovated in 2016 that now has its own bar, dance floor, piano and washrooms. A tiled medieval stage can hold a top table or a small band, and just outside there is a fire pit for cooler evenings. For a very small wedding, the Oak Room inside the house is the space to ask about. With its dark beams, open fires and candlelight, it takes a wedding breakfast for around two dozen guests while the vows still take place in the chapel. Larger parties eat in the chapel itself.

Food is a big part of the reputation here, and the owners are closely involved, offering as much or as little hands-on help as you want. There is a separate food and drink brochure to request. You can book just a ceremony with drinks and photographs, add a wedding breakfast or run the full day into an evening reception.

On the same site, the Barn at Barden offers accommodation for close to 20 people, so a small wedding party can stay the night or turn it into a weekend rather than driving home along the dale roads. The team is easiest to reach by phone from Thursday to Sunday, and the venue runs occasional drop-in open days in autumn if you want to see the chapel and Oak Room before committing.

What makes it special

• Grade 1 listed building with stunning valley views in the Yorkshire Dales
• Hands-on owners committed to personalized service and attention to detail
• Historic chapel and original period features including oak beams and log fires

Features

Venue style

Location