All the best bits, all at once
Olivia and Andrew’s wedding in Thirsk Lodge Barns was a beautiful blend of everything. Modern and stylish, with warm rustic touches; white and stone grey, with accents of copper and sage.
O&A kissed at the altar, and danced their way down the aisle. They danced through confetti, and danced into their reception. And danced their first dance to a song written just for them.
It was heartfelt, and funny, and infectiously happy. And filled with the most warm and welcoming people you could ever hope to meet.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Thirsk Lodge Barns, come take a little look. Captured in digital and 35mm film, A&O’s wedding is a day I’ll never forget.
Thirsk Lodge Barns wedding venue in North Yorkshire
As a through-and-through Yorkshireman, I may be a little biased on this. But Thirsk Lodge Barns wedding venue is one stunning place to get married!
The rustic red brick, huge oak beams, and clean white walls. Immaculate gardens, and wild meadows; cosy corners, and breathtaking views across the Yorkshire fields.
There’s an intimate ceremony space, and a gorgeous barn for your reception. There’s tons of space outdoors for drinks, confetti, and wildly romantic couple shots. And when the moon climbs the sky, there’s oh-so-comfy cottages so you can stumble into bed.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, welcoming, insanely beautiful wedding venue in North Yorkshire, Thirsk Lodge Barns is the place.
The best photo spots at Thirsk Lodge Barns
Having photographed a full day here, these are the places I’d point any couple towards.
- The meadow. Step outside the courtyard and mown paths wind through long, wild grass, with the red-brick barns behind you. It’s where we did most of Olivia and Andrew’s couple portraits.
- The courtyard and olive tree. A 200-year-old olive tree, brick archways and hydrangeas make the courtyard perfect for relaxed drinks reception photos and bridal party groups.
- The Main Barn. Oak beams, a flagstone floor, an iron chandelier and a curtain of fairy lights behind the altar, with floor-to-ceiling windows down one side.
- The Farmhouse. Light-filled rooms and tall sash windows for getting ready, and a striped lawn out front for easy, natural portraits.
- Woodhill Grange. Half a mile down the road, its red-brick walls and roses make a lovely backdrop for the groom and groomsmen.
If it rains, don’t worry. The Main Barn’s large glass windows let in plenty of soft, flattering light indoors. And for the best light of the day, head into the meadow at golden hour, around 8:45pm in late June.
Olivia and Andrew’s Thirsk Lodge Barns wedding
Here’s how their day unfolded, from a slow morning in The Farmhouse to a dance floor that filled the second the band started.
Copper, rum, and Jo Malone.
My day began with Olivia and her girls, getting ready in The Farmhouse at Thirsk Lodge Barns.
The Farmhouse is one of the (many) on-site accommodations that Thirsk Lodge Barns has to offer. And honestly, I can’t imagine a better place for a wedding morning! Tons of light for your photos, tons of space to chill. Gorgeous views out the window, and walking distance to the ceremony…what more could you want?! Honestly, as a wedding photographer – this place is a dream.
Olivia looked stunning in her figure-hugging gown from Peggy Bridal, with intricate lace detailing and illusion-mesh sleeves. She wore a delicate pearl headpiece in her copper hair, a fingertip veil, and a pampas and rose bouquet.
We had a fun first look with her bridesmaids, and the most wonderfully happy first look with her dad. And with the ceremony calling, we headed out the door to their wedding in Thirsk Lodge Barns.
Half a mile down the road at Woodhill Grange, the boys were getting ready too. Three-piece suits in light stone grey; rum in the kitchen, and Jo Malone.
We had photos on the lawn, backdropped by roses and the dove-grey sky. And then a stroll down the road, to where the guests were starting to arrive…
An intimate wedding in Thirsk Lodge Barns
When you have your wedding in Thirsk Lodge Barns, the ceremony space is genuinely breathtaking.
The flagstone floor, rustic beams, and exposed brick walls. The altar backdropped by a curtain of fairylights, and that GoT-worthy iron chandelier. And along one side, floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the room with natural light and giving you stunning views across the grounds.
The ceremony itself was beautiful. Andrew and Olivia held hands, and smiled the whole way through. And as the celebrant made it official, a huge cheer filled the barn. And they danced back down the aisle as husband and wife.
A little while later, they were dancing out into the courtyard, and running arm-in-arm through a shower of confetti.
Courtyard cocktails, and kisses in the fields
The afternoon drinks reception at Thirsk Lodge Barns was an absolute vibe. Super chilled, super sunny; the drinks were flowing, the nibbles were tasty! They had a live illustrator there as well, and the guests’ reactions were priceless!
O&A are a real family couple. And I love how much time they spent just being there with their people, you know? Doing the rounds, and catching up with everyone. Completely unhurried, enjoying the day with the people they love.
Before we knew it, the dinner bell rang. And as the guests made their way inside, I snuck away with O&A for a little wander around the grounds.
A pocket of peace in the Yorkshire countryside
As a wedding photographer, I can honestly say Thirsk Lodge Barns wedding venue is just the perfect place for your couples shots.
Step outside the courtyard, and you’re just instantly in the middle of the countryside! It feels private, peaceful, and secluded, with gorgeous hidden gardens and almost secret pathways weaving through the grass.
A&O caught up, and kissed, and walked hand-in-hand through those beautiful grounds. And with our tummies rumbling, we headed back to the barns for an absolute feast!
35mm film at Thirsk Lodge Barns
I shot parts of Olivia and Andrew’s wedding day on 35mm film, from the dress being buttoned up in The Farmhouse to cocktails under the olive tree. The red brick, sage greens and copper tones of this venue look gorgeous on film.
Reception styling inspo for your wedding in Thirsk Lodge Barns
The reception barn in Thirsk Lodge Barns is yet another beautiful space (it really is the venue that keeps on giving!)
Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the skylight above. Banqueting tables sat in rows of farmhouse oak, with rustic copper napkins, sheer table runners, and longstemmed white candles. And waiting patiently for the evening: two tiers of buttercream, with white and copper roses.
O&A made their entrance to a deafening cheer! The food was exceptionally tasty, the speeches had literally everyone in tears!
And when the glasses had been drained, and the plates licked clean, we headed outside for drinks in the sun.
A cake, a party, and Vanity Fair
Cocktails in the courtyard, and sunset cigarettes. A stroll through the fields, away from the crowds, and Hollywood kisses on the sun-warm grass. A&O danced into their reception, and cut their cake with the world’s biggest knife! And then it was time for the first dance…
One of Andrew’s groomsmen had written a song for them. And it was honestly fantastic. So personal, so beautiful, and just the most heartfelt first dance I’ve ever seen.
Then the band kicked off the party. And let me tell you, that dancefloor filled. There was wine, beers, and cocktails, and all kinds of crazy dance moves!
We ducked outside for some Vanity Fair group shots! Played about, and had a laugh, and then headed back inside to rejoin the party!
It was such an awesome evening. Great energy, an epic band, and just the most amazing group of people to share it with. Give me half a chance, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. As the wedding photographer at Thirsk Lodge Barns, I can’t recommend this wedding venue to engaged couples enough.
Planning your Thirsk Lodge Barns wedding: my tips
- Timings. Olivia and Andrew’s day ran like this: ceremony at 1:30pm, confetti and drinks reception from 2:15pm, family photos at 2:45pm, couple portraits at 3:30pm and again around 6pm, speeches at 4pm before food, first dance at 7:15pm and golden hour at 8:45pm.
- Family photos. They had 15 groupings and we did them in around 45 minutes during the drinks reception, in the courtyard and at the front of the building. Share your list with your photographer before the day.
- Getting ready. The Farmhouse is yours the night before and the night of the wedding, and Woodhill Grange, half a mile away, is perfect for the groom’s party.
- Drinks. The bar is fully stocked and cashless, and outside alcohol isn’t allowed, so let your guests know to bring a card.
- Taxis. It’s a rural venue, so ask guests to book taxis a few weeks ahead.
Thirsk Lodge Barns wedding venue: your questions answered
Thirsk Lodge Barns packages start from around £4,000 for a January weekday, including exclusive use, on-site accommodation, a wedding coordinator and food and drink for 40 guests (Coco Wedding Venues listing, checked October 2026). Full Day Hire includes tables, chairs, linen, crockery and glassware, food for the drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening, and drinks for the reception, meal and speeches. Prices for your date are on enquiry, so ask the team for a quote.
Thirsk Lodge Barns is on Newsham Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4DB, about two miles from Thirsk town centre. There’s plenty of on-site parking, and as it’s a rural venue, guests should book taxis a few weeks ahead.
The Main Barn seats up to 140 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with room for up to 200 in the evening. Olivia and Andrew had 62 guests for the day and 73 in total.
Yes. As well as the licensed Main Barn, the venue offers outdoor ceremonies in the courtyard, beside its 200-year-old olive tree, and in the meadow.
Yes. The Farmhouse sleeps nine and The Laundry Cottage sleeps two, and couples have them the night before and the night of the wedding. Nearby, Woodhill Grange sleeps eight just half a mile away, and the team’s boutique hotel, 35 Kirkgate, is a mile away in Thirsk.
No. Thirsk Lodge Barns has its own fully stocked, cashless bar, and outside alcohol isn’t permitted. Full Day Hire includes drinks for the drinks reception, wedding breakfast and speeches.
The venue works with Peckish for seasonal menus. For Olivia and Andrew’s wedding, the wedding breakfast was by Blues Catering, with Spuds and Bros serving evening food, so it’s worth asking the team about your options.
Yes. The barns, courtyard and grounds are yours for the day, and you can move between the ceremony barn, bar, courtyard and dining room without any changeover time.
The bar closes at midnight, and all guests need to be off site by 12:30am.
Yes. The venue is all on one level with smooth flooring, there’s an accessible toilet, and step-free access is via the rear doors from the trade car park.
For me, it’s the wild meadow and mown paths just beyond the courtyard, the 200-year-old olive tree, the rose-covered brick walls and archway, and the Main Barn with its oak beams and fairy-light curtain. The striped lawn in front of The Farmhouse is perfect for relaxed portraits too.
I like a short wander during the drinks reception, then a trip out into the meadow later on when the light softens. For Olivia and Andrew’s late June wedding, golden hour was around 8:45pm.
Well… I might just know a guy. James Patton Photo. I’d love the pleasure of photographing your wedding at Thirsk Lodge Barns.
“His photos speak louder than words”
I first met Olivia and Andrew at a wedding fayre, and we hit it off straight away. This is what they had to say after the big day:
“Where do we start??? If you want the funniest yet genuine down to earth guy as your photographer then look no further!!! James honestly made our wedding day from the first time meeting him at a wedding fayre; his humour and overall vibe had us instantly won over. Incredible with all guests and our families. Instantly put myself and my husband at ease with nerves. I could go on forever with all the reasons on why you need to book James but I think his photos speak louder than words.”
Olivia & Andrew
A thank you to Thirsk Lodge Barns
A huge thank you to the whole team at Thirsk Lodge Barns for looking after Olivia, Andrew and their guests so brilliantly, and for making us suppliers feel so welcome too. It’s a venue that keeps on giving, and I can’t wait to be back.
Olivia & Andrew’s wedding suppliers
- Venue: Thirsk Lodge Barns
- Photographer: James Patton Photo (@jamespattonphoto), that’s me!
- Dress: Peggy Bridal
- Hair: Alex Gilbey (@hairby_alexlivett)
- Makeup: Christina (bridesmaid)
- Suits: Slaters
- Live illustration: Jessica Woodhouse
- Wedding breakfast: Blues Catering
- Evening food: Spuds and Bros
- Videographer: Top Table Films
- Band: Hypersonic Live Band, Jonny Ross Music
- Groom prep: Woodhill Grange
Looking for a wedding photographer in Thirsk Lodge Barns?
If you’re looking for someone to capture your wedding in Thirsk Lodge Barns, I’d love to hear from you. Have a look through my portfolio, or see what working with me looks like.
Get in touch today for a chat, and let’s see if we’re a good fit.
Planning a wedding nearby? Take a look at Ollie and Olivia’s wedding at Sledmere House, or Faye and Elliot’s wedding at Whistle Barns.
About James. I’m James, a wedding photographer based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. I photograph calm, cinematic and deeply human weddings across Yorkshire, Derbyshire, the Cotswolds, London and abroad, on digital and 35mm film.
