Your Perfect Day from Start to Finish at York House, Twickenham
York House is a true hidden gem for weddings in southwest London—full of grandeur, riverside charm, and history. It's particularly special for me as one of the first weddings I photographed was here! I always appreciate the mix of classic elegance and flexibility it offers couples. From the moment you enter the manicured Italian Gardens to your final dance in the grand Clarendon Hall, York House delivers a storybook wedding setting.
Ceremony Venue: York House, Twickenham
York House sits right by the River Thames in Richmond, a striking 17th-century building surrounded by formal gardens and elegant interiors. It’s fully licensed for civil ceremonies and has a range of rooms to suit everything from small, low-key weddings to big, lively celebrations.
The Salon is full of natural light, with chandeliers and original plasterwork, and works beautifully for ceremonies of up to 70 guests. The Terrace Room is a lovely choice for smaller gatherings, with French doors that lead straight out to the sunken garden. For larger receptions, Clarendon Hall is the big one—room for up to 250 guests, with space for dinner, dancing, and a band or DJ.
York House gardens - A perfect spot for Your Wedding Photos
York House is a stunning place to get married. The building itself is grand and elegant, but one of the real highlights for couples choosing this venue is the gardens. Just a short stroll from the ceremony rooms, the gardens offer a perfect little escape. After the “I do’s,” it’s a gentle walk down the stone steps, across the lawns, and over towards the fountains. From there, we usually take a left into the Rose Garden before looping back towards the house via the sweet little bridge and the tree-lined path. It’s calm, beautiful, and ideal for those just-married moments.
For me, it’s one of the best places in London to take relaxed, natural couple portraits. The backdrop is gorgeous, but more importantly, it gives couples a bit of quiet time together—just the two of them—away from the guests for a few minutes. That’s when I do what I do best. I take beautiful photos for people who don’t like to pose. There’s nothing staged or awkward, just the two of you being yourselves, soaking up the moment while I quietly capture it.
York House FAQs
Is York House licensed for civil ceremonies?
A.Yes, York House is fully licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships, with several rooms available for different guest sizes.
Can we have both the ceremony and reception at York House?
A.Yes, many couples choose to hold both their ceremony and reception at York House. You can book different rooms for each part of the day.
Can we use our own caterers and decorators?
A.Yes, York House allows you to bring in your own caterers, florists, and suppliers, offering full flexibility to personalize your day.
Can we bring pets to the ceremony?
A.Pets are generally not allowed inside York House for ceremonies due to building regulations, but you can check with the venue directly for possible exceptions (some couples have arranged for pets to be present in outdoor photos or in the gardens).
Can we be interviewed separately so we see each other for the first time in the ceremony room?
A.Yes, you can choose to be interviewed separately by the registrars before the ceremony. This allows for that special “first look” moment when one partner walks into the room.
Can we have religious readings and music in the ceremony?
A.Because York House hosts civil ceremonies, the content must remain non-religious by law. However, you can include meaningful non-religious readings and music of your choice, as long as they are approved in advance by the registrars.
Do we need to bring our own witnesses?
A.Yes. You are required to bring two witnesses to your ceremony. They can be family, friends, or anyone who understands the significance of the ceremony—they do not need to be UK citizens. I have often been asked to witness a wedding and am always happy to do so.
Can we take photos inside the building?
A.Yes. Photography is allowed inside York House, including during the ceremony (at the discretion of the registrar) and in designated indoor areas like the staircase, entrance, and Salon. I love photographing in the Winter Garden because of the all the lovely light in there. For me though the highlight is the steps outside the back of the house. Lovely for photos.
Can we use confetti?
A.Yes, but only biodegradable confetti is allowed and usually only outside the building—often in the garden or near the front steps. Confetti use indoors is typically not permitted.
Ceremony Rooms at York House
The Clarendon Hall
A.Style: Grand, former museum/fencing hall with stage and high ceiling.
Ceremony capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Reception capacity: ~150 seated for a banquet; up to 250 for drinks/canapés
Notable features: Versatile PA system & stage; excellent for large weddings and evening dancing
The Salon
A.Style: Ornate front room with French plasterwork, chandelier, overlooking driveway.
Ceremony capacity: Up to 70 guests seated
Reception capacity: ~60 seated dinner or 80 for drinks/canapés
Notable features: Rich plaster ceilings; flexible entry layouts
The Hyde Room
A.Style: Former museum room with historic Danson organ, overlooking gardens.
Ceremony capacity: Up to ~65–70 guests seated
Reception capacity: ~60 seated, or 80 for drinks/canapés
Notable features: Licensed for LIVE music/dancing; fully accessible
The Winter Garden
A.My favourite room at York House. The style is elegant Victorian conservatory with domed glass roof and marble flooring.
Ceremony capacity: 40–60 guests
Reception capacity: ~40 seated; up to 70 for drinks/canapés
Notable features: Abundant daylight; direct garden views
The Terrace Room
A.Style: Formal drawing room with French windows leading to terraces and sunken garden.
Ceremony capacity: 40 seated + 10 standing
Reception capacity: ~20 seated dinner; up to 70 drinks/canapés
Notable features: Seamless indoor-outdoor access; scenic garden views
Reception Venues: Around York House, Twickenham
One of the loveliest parts about getting married at York House is how beautifully the day flows—from your ceremony in one of its stunning historic rooms to your reception either on-site or at one of Twickenham’s elegant nearby venues. Located just minutes from the River Thames and the vibrant high street, York House gives you that rare blend of stately charm and local warmth.
After your ceremony, you and your guests can easily transition into a relaxed drinks reception in the Italian Gardens or Winter Garden, or take a short walk to one of the area’s hand-picked local gems for your meal and evening celebrations.
Transport & Parking
York House is well-served by public transport. Twickenham Station is just a 10-minute walk away, with direct trains from London Waterloo. Several bus routes run along King Street, right outside the venue.
For wedding cars and guests driving in, there’s limited on-site parking (must be arranged in advance), and nearby public car parks on Arragon Road and Holly Road. Drop-off at the main entrance is possible, and the surrounding area is quiet enough for comfortable pick-up and drop-off arrangements.
Local Vendors: Dresses and Florists Near York House, Twickenham
If you’d like to support local businesses while adding a unique, personal feel to your wedding, the area around York House is full of fantastic independent suppliers. Whether you're hunting for the dress or need a florist who knows how to style the Italian Gardens just right, Twickenham and nearby Richmond offer plenty of trusted options with charm and experience.
For bridalwear, Belles Bridal Boutique in Surbiton is a lovely spot not far from York House, offering a mix of modern and traditional gowns in a relaxed setting. Their team is known for being warm, patient, and genuinely helpful. If you’re after something bespoke or vintage, Froufrou Bridal Boutique in Tunbridge Wells is a little further but well worth the visit—gorgeous dresses and a truly special experience.
For grooms, Stephen Bishop Suiting in Richmond is a local go-to for made-to-measure suits and smart accessories, ideal for a classic or contemporary wedding look. It's only a 10-minute drive from York House, so handy for fittings and alterations in the lead-up to the big day.
Need More Local Knowledge?
Planning a wedding at York House combines historical beauty with local character—and a strong community of small businesses ready to help bring your day to life. Whether you're planning a simple civil ceremony or an all-day celebration, knowing where to turn locally can make everything easier (and more meaningful!).
I’ve worked on weddings at York House for years—so if you need help with trusted vendors, timeline planning, or even where to grab a quiet pre-ceremony coffee, just let me know.
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