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Weddings
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Recommended by 100% of couples

About this venue

On Hitched.co.uk since 2019

Last update: May 2026

Tucked within 25 acres of private Eden Valley woodland near the Lake District, Melmerby Hall is a 5-star rated historic licensed civil wedding venue. Exclusive three-night hire includes 12 double ensuite bedrooms, no corkage and complete catering freedom or the option to use a variety of great recommended local caterers. Optional additional accommodation for up to 52 guests is within walking distance of Melmerby Hall,

Facilities and Capacity

Melmerby Hall's beautifully restored Grade II listed historic buildings including a castle folly are framed by Victorian walled gardens and its orchard. The village of Melmerby, with its welcoming local pub, bakery and independent shops, lies just beyond the estate gates, giving wedding celebrations here a warmth and rootedness that is entirely unique.

Melmerby Hall and its interconnected Stag Cottage accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 double ensuite bedrooms. The addition of Kirkbride Hall, set within the former walled orchard garden, brings total onsite accommodation to 32 guests. Three scenic shepherds huts, reached via a private gravelled forestry road through the woodland, each with their own ensuite and kitchenette, offer additional glamping accommodation for a further 10 guests, with further walkable options bringing total estate capacity to 52 guests.

For smaller parties, the four interconnecting reception rooms provide elegant dining and entertaining options for up to 24 guests.

The newly renovated Stables function room across the cobbled courtyard is available as an optional addition at £495 including VAT, providing ceremony space for up to 100 guests and dining for up to 42 guests, with tables and chairs included. Where neighbouring cottages are occupied by separate guest groups, background music levels apply; full amplified music is available when all adjoining cottages are reserved exclusively.

For larger parties, a marquee or tipi can be erected on the archery lawn, with trusted provider recommendations available.

The charming local Village Hall, just a short walk up the lane, offers a further option for evening receptions and is popular with wedding parties.

Melmerby Hall also benefits from a historic stone gateway leading directly into the gardens of the St John's church, offering a beautiful traditional ceremony option.

Services Offered

Melmerby Hall is a licensed civil wedding venue, with The Rowley Estates Wedding Coordinator present on the day to welcome the Registrars, oversee the ceremony and ensure everything runs seamlessly before stepping back to leave couples and their guests to celebrate in complete privacy.

Ceremony options are available in the adjoining gardens and on the lawns amidst the beech trees as well as in the Hall itself and in the Stables.

Catering is entirely flexible — couples are welcome to self-cater, bring a caterer of their choice, or select from a curated list of trusted local providers offering everything from formal catered dinners to wood-fired pizzas and hog roasts. There is no corkage charge.

Private viewings and planning meetings are offered throughout, with coordination support from first enquiry through to the day itself, including recommendations of local photographers, florists, hair stylists, makeup artists and evening entertainment.

Pricing

Three-night exclusive hire includes ensuite accommodation, linen, towels, welcome hampers, bathroom toiletries, logs, kindling, broadband and Wi-Fi. Discounts of up to 10% are available for midweek weddings and up to 20% for midweek bookings in January, February, November and early December. A fully refundable £500 security deposit is required.

Melmerby Hall holds a Gold Award for exceptional quality in hospitality and service from Quality in Tourism, part of Visit England.

What next?

To check availability or explore whether Melmerby Hall is the perfect setting for your wedding celebration, the team at The Rowley Estates would be delighted to arrange a private viewing or answer any questions.

Features

Woman-owned

Website and social

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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Unusual weddings
Asian wedding
Castle
Stately home
Historic
Landmark
Marquees and tents
Woodland and festival
Outdoor license
Tipis and yurts
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Corkage option
Private catering allowed
Buffet meal facilities

Evening entertainment:

Marquee available
Dance floor
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Wedding coordinator

Venue leisure facilities:

Hairdresser
Beautician

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Pet-friendly
Orangery on site
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Reviews for Melmerby Hall

Jordan
Jordan Sent on 22/09/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The most perfect wedding venue!!!

My partner and I could not recommend Melmerby Hall enough!

After lots of time searching online for the perfect venue for our intimate, period drama themed wedding, we finally came across Melmerby Hall and it ticked all of our boxes. We were able to accommodate 16 guests (plus 2 toddlers) for an incredible price and the venue itself was stunning.

We initially had a virtual tour with Joanna due to some scheduling challenges on our side during the venue hunt. She was so so lovely and walked us through the whole house and facilities. We booked both Melmerby Hall and Stag Cottage immediately after being blown away by it's charm and the care that has been put into keeping everything looking really tidy, especially given the age of the property.

We then liaised with Joanna to have a couple of in person viewings - one to double check we were happy with the venue after booking and the other to confirm what we needed to bring with us on the day to make sure we had adequately decorated etc. During both viewings, Joanna was amazing, really friendly and accommodating, and very patient answering our questions.

Between our initial booking and the date of the wedding, Joanna and Christine reached out multiple times to make sure we were all up to speed with what was available during our stay and any other logistics we needed to nail down.

When we arrived for the wedding weekend (we stayed Friday to Monday), the house was beautiful - incredibly clean and well maintained, and it's charm once again blew us away. All of our guests commented on how amazing the house was and were very impressed by both the welcome hamper and the toiletries provided. I, personally, don't think I've ever slept in a bed as comfortable as the ones at Melmerby Hall!!

We spent some time adding our own decorations to the venue on the Friday night, and are really happy with how our own decorations worked with the flowers and period pieces already in the house.

On the wedding day, Heather came to support with the registrars and was absolutely lovely.

Overall, I couldn't recommend the venue enough!!! It was truly perfect!
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Melmerby Hall CA10 1HB Penrith (Cumbria)
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