Planning your wedding at The Gamekeeper’s Inn should feel exciting, not overwhelming. To help you every step of the way, we’ve brought together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hosting your special day with us in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - we’re always happy to help bring your perfect day to life.
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How long can you provisionally hold a date for us?
We can provisionally hold a date for you for 1 week, allowing you time to contact the Registrar or local church.
When do we need to pay for our wedding?
Once you have chosen a date for your wedding, we will provisionally hold your booking for up to 14 days. If you are having a civil ceremony, this will allow you time to contact the local Registrars and check their availability for the date. At the end of the 14 days, we require a non-refundable deposit of £1,000. We will issue a wedding contract on confirmation of your wedding date. A pro-forma invoice will be raised for your wedding. 50% of the balance is due 6 months prior to your wedding date and the remaining balance is to be paid 1 month prior to your wedding date. Cancellation with more than 30 days’ notice, prior to the wedding, will receive a refund of the balance paid.
Are you licensed for civil ceremonies?
Yes, both the Netherside Suite and the Conservatory are fully licensed for civil ceremonies, offering you two beautiful indoor options for your special day. The Conservatory can accommodate up to 50 guests, while the Netherside Suite offers seating for up to 120 guests. Both spaces are complemented by a stunning outdoor area for photos and celebrations.
How do I arrange the Civil Ceremony/Civil Partnership?
You need to contact the Registrar to confirm that they can attend on the date and time you would like. The Registrar will guide you through the details which you need to provide in advance of your wedding.
You may contact the registrar at:
Skipton Registration Office, Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1FJ.
Telephone: 01609 780780
Email: ceremonies@northyorks.gov.uk
What is the best time of day to get married?
We highly recommend the 1pm slot with the registrars to allow for plenty of time for the ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast with speeches to be completely finished before your evening guests are scheduled to arrive.
How long will our ceremony last?
Ceremonies usually last around 30 minutes.
Can I get married at a church instead?
You may choose whether to get married with us, at a local church, or registry office. Local churches include:
Can we hold just a reception with you?
Yes, we can host your wedding reception without a ceremony. Couples often choose to do this when they have been married abroad.
Will there be another wedding taking place on the same day?
No, we only host one wedding per day, ensuring you and your guests receive the service and attention to detail you deserve.
Who will be the point of contact in the lead-up to our wedding?
Angela, our Wedding Coordinator, will be your point of contact from your first venue viewing all the way through to your wedding day. She has years of experience planning weddings and will be on hand to guide you through the planning and preparation for your day. You may contact Angela on events@gamekeeperinn.co.uk
What is the changeover plan from ceremony to reception?
Once your ceremony has taken place, you and your guests will enjoy drinks on the terrace and gardens while your photographs are taken. If the weather does not allow for this, then you may move into our bar and conservatory area during this time. We will take around 90 minutes to changeover the room and will dress the room for you including table decorations, name cards and favours.
Do we have to do speeches?
It is your choice whether speeches feature as part of your day. Some couples choose to do their speeches before their wedding breakfast and some choose to do them after dessert. We have a microphone available should you wish to use it.
What time will our wedding end?
We have an alcohol licence until 11pm and music licence to 11.45pm. Most weddings end at midnight.
How many guests can you accommodate?
We can accommodate up to 120 guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 200 guests for your evening reception.
Do you have a minimum requirement for numbers of guests?
There are no minimum number requirements for weddings with us.
Do all evening guests have to be catered for?
We kindly request that you provide food for 70% of your evening guests to ensure that no one is left hungry!
Do you have accommodation on-site?
We have a selection of bedrooms, lodges, glamping pods, and the Netherside Barn on-site for you and your guests. Angela, our Wedding Coordinator will work with you to allocate accommodation to your guests. You are not required to book all of the accommodation, but we request that you confirm your requirements and rooming list 6 weeks prior to your wedding. We also have a list of local accommodation providers should you need further accommodation.
Is there somewhere we can get ready on the morning of our wedding?
We have a selection of bedrooms, lodges, glamping pods, and the Netherside Barn on-site, so you are more than welcome to book to stay the night before your wedding. Many bridal parties choose to stay with us the night before their wedding and have a pre-wedding dinner with their closest friends and family.
Is there parking for our guests?
We have plenty of complimentary parking for your guests. We also have space for minibuses and coaches should you choose to use them to transport your guests.
Do you have disabled access?
We have disabled access, as well as an accessible toilet, and accessible bedroom with a wet room.
Do we have use of your leisure club facilities?
Yes, any guests staying with us will have complimentary use of the facilities at Long Ashes Leisure Club, including the swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and gym.
May we try the food before we choose our wedding menu?
You may arrange a wedding menu tasting with Angela, our Wedding Coordinator, allowing you to sample everything from canapés to desserts before choosing your final menu. Wedding menu tastings are £40 per person.
Do all of our guests have to eat the same food or may we provide a choice of dishes?
You may choose up to 2 starters, 2 main courses and 2 desserts for your wedding breakfast menu. This is to include vegetarian and vegan options. We will need a pre-order for each guest 6 weeks before your wedding day. All menus may be found in our wedding brochure.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
We are happy to cater for allergies and dietary requirements, please ask your guests to specify this on their pre-order, and arrange any alterations to the menu with your Wedding Coordinator.
Can you cater for children?
We have a separate children’s menu which can be viewed in our wedding brochure.
Are we able to bring in outside caterers?
No, we supply all your food requirements from our kitchen as well as all your drinks packages to ensure that a consistently high standard is provided for you and your guests.
Do you have a resident DJ?
No, we have a list of recommended DJs and bands in our wedding brochure but you are more than welcome to hire one of your own choice. Any entertainers will be required to provide a copy of their public liability insurance in advance.
Do you have a master of ceremonies?
We highly recommend you employ the services of an MC and we have several listed in our recommended suppliers list. Our wedding co-ordinator can advise.
Can you recommend local suppliers?
Please visit the weddings page on our website where you can download a full list of local suppliers including florists, jewellers and cake makers. You do not have to use these suppliers, and may use any supplier of your choice.
Are chair covers included?
Our hire price does not include chair covers and sashes. We work closely with Create A Look Decor who can quote you on all your decor requirements for your wedding.
Do you have high chairs?
Yes, please let your Wedding Coordinator know which guests will require a high chair.
Are we able to bring in external decor professionals?
Yes, The Netherside Suite is yours to decorate in any theme you like for your wedding day. You may also use external suppliers such as photo booths and sweet carts.
Can we have candles?
Yes, you must ensure they are in a safe stand or candle holder.
Can you provide an easel for our table plan?
We provide a complimentary wooden easel for your table plan.
Can you provide a cake stand and knife?
Yes, we have a cake knife and choice of stands. Alternatively, you may provide your own.
Can we play our own music on the day?
We can plug any device into our sound system with an aux cable connection. You are more than welcome to prepare playlists for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception. Don’t forget to bring a charger!
Do you allow confetti?
Yes, as long as it's the biodegradable kind.
Do you allow fireworks?
Unfortunately fireworks are not allowed in the grounds.
