Describe the best wedding that happened at your venue?
Every wedding is completely unique because many couples use Holdsworth House as their blank canvas. Outdoor weddings in the courtyard are especially pretty. Exclusive Use wedding are also fantastic because the couple and their families get to roam the grounds, rooms and gardens at will! But we also have lots of stunning, intimate weddings in the historic, stone Gazebo with just a few friends - it's utterly romantic.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
No.1 Holdsworth House Tip: Trust in Tracey. Our Weddings Master of Ceremonies, Tracey has worked at Holdsworth House for over thirty years. She's known to many brides as 'The Fairy Godmother'. She's personally presided over more than a thousand weddings and remembers each and every couple. There's nothing she hasn't seen and she won't let anything disrupt your special day. She's the Fairy Godmother for a reason! You couldn't be in better hands.
No.1 General tip: Be sure to let our wedding coordinators take the strain. Wedding planning should be fun and we can help by advising on the best timings, numbers and how many to cater for to ensure all you and your guests are happy. We're here for you from your first visit to the day itself and for every anniversary beyond. When you get married at Holdsworth House you become part of our family.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
We're a dog-friendly hotel so we love it when couples bring their pooches as ring bearers, or just to be part of the ceremony. We see some dogs wearing bow ties or corsages to match the wedding colours, it's fabulous!
Describe your venue in 5 adjectives.
Unique. Historic. Hospitable. Stunning. Elegant.
Where’s the best photo spot at your venue?
Our luscious lawn, historic trees and beautifully maintained parterre gardens with the hotel's fairy-tale facade in the background. Stunning in the Yorkshire sunshine and truly magical in the snow. It's every photographers dream venue.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at your venue?
Lots! From The Beatles and Jane Mansfield to Jamie Oliver and Derek Jacobi. We've hosted plenty of actors, film directors, musicians, comedians. They all stay here when on business in the area. We've had lots of filming here too because it's so pretty - most recently BBC's Last Tango in Halifax, The One Show, Ackley Bridge, Jamie Oliver's Great Britain.
What’s your favourite canapé?
Too many to choose from but the Yorkshire pudding with roast beef and horseradish sauce is divine!
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Pulled pork burgers
What is your venue's most unique feature?
It's grade II listed Jacobean facade dating back to 1633. (closely followed by the mullioned windows, beamed ceilings, stone fireplaces, creaky floors and Colonnade Courtyard!!)
What part of your business are you most proud of?
No question it's our incredible team - we get so many great comments about our amazing staff that bend over backwards to exceed expectations - Just read the reviews.