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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2021

Last update: May 2024

We are delighted that you are considering the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) as a venue for your
celebration. The backdrop for your day will be our medieval Grade One listed converted church of St Margaret’s.

It stands in the heart of the City of York and is surrounded by beautiful private gardens for you and your guests
to enjoy.

We are an accessible and fully inclusive venue situated inside the city walls, just off Walmgate, a stones
throw from the beautiful Walmgate Bar, Red Tower & the imfamous York City Walls.

As a charity, we are constantly working to continue to utilise the power of music to change lives, engaging with
communities of all ages and backgrounds locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. By booking your
wedding, celebration or party with us, you are helping us continue to change lives through music.

🎉 Discover the Perfect Package for Your Celebration at the National Centre for Early Music! 🎶

We offer four distinct wedding and party packages designed to cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets.

Package 1 - Lully: For those seeking the elegant charm of 17th-century French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, our Lully package includes exclusive NCEM hire from 09:00 to 23:00. You can also enjoy the sounds of our Bösendorfer grand piano and make your speeches crystal clear with two handheld wireless microphones. A sound system for background music completes the experience.

Package 2 - Purcell: Embrace the uniquely English form of Baroque music with our Purcell package. This includes everything from Package 1, with the added advantage of a day-before load-in from 15:00 to 21:00, a next-day load-out from 09:00 to 11:00, enchanting fairy lights, and the option to use our Bösendorfer grand piano.

Package 3 - Bach: Elevate your celebration with our Bach package, featuring all the elements of Package 2 plus up to 12 LED colored uplighters, six candelabras with candles for a romantic ambiance, and an added touch of either 2 free tickets to an NCEM season concert or a bottle of Prosecco for your top table on the big day.

Party Package - Strozzi: For those looking to host a memorable party, our Strozzi package offers exclusive NCEM hire from 16:00 to 23:00, the use of our beautiful Bösendorfer grand piano, two handheld wireless microphones for speeches, and a sound system for background music.

No matter your budget or style, we have a package to suit everyone. Contact us today to discuss your dream celebration at the National Centre for Early Music.

  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

Unusual weddings
Historic
Landmark
In the city
Church
Outdoor license
Unique weddings

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Evening reception facilities

Venue staff assistance:

Master of ceremonies/toastmaster

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Changing room for wedding guests
Pet-friendly
Horse baraat permitted
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Do you have any questions?

Reviews for National Centre for Early Music

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to make your big decisions easier.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
14 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of the service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
R
Rose Sent on 27/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Magical hidden venue with sublime service

A huge thank you to Hannah, Mark and Lindsey for making our day beyond perfection. They really do go above and beyond to make your day as special and stress-free as possible. The caterers Bradshaws were also incredibly easy to work with and accommodating to our needs. All our guests were wowed by the space, and incredibly complementary about the NCEM, how beautiful it is, the location, the garden space and of course the staff! We could not recommend the NCEM enough! Thank you for the perfect day!
A
Andrew Sent on 13/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect venue for our evening reception!

We booked the NCEM as our evening venue (they also offer full day hire) and were immensely satisfied. Very conveniently placed just inside the city walls, with a beautiful old church hall as the main space. All the staff were wonderful from the beginning when Hannah looked after us as we toured the venue, and then Mark and Lindsay looked after us so well ok the night. The venue is very well cared for and they have a number of decorations in house that you can discuss with them such as fairy lights and up lights which they can help you set up.

All in all we had a fantastic day and the NCEM and all their staff played an important part in making it so!
I
Ilona Sent on 27/04/2018
5 out of 5 rating

It really could not have been better!

From the beginning, the communication was excellent and we were positive that the NCEM was the perfect venue for us. The help from everyone before the Saturday was appreciated and it meant we could relax and enjoy our big day knowing everything was completed or in safe hands.

On the day, all staff were professional, willing and good humoured, even when some guests were lingering at the end of the night! We also had a lot of guests remarking how kind and helpful all the staff were, in particular Mark who helped a guest with her young baby.

We had such a fantastic day celebrating with our friends and family and it really could not have been better. Thank you to you and your team at the NCEM for making our day so special!
F
Fabienne Sent on 11/01/2018
5 out of 5 rating

We would definitely recommend the NCEM to others

The staff were brilliant and very accommodating, right up to the last minute! Our day was very special and the NCEM team and Bradshaw's made it so easy for us - no fuss or complications.
J
Jo Sent on 21/12/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect place for a party!

The NCEM was the perfect venue for our celebration. It provided a great atmosphere and we could not have asked for more from the perfect city centre location or an incredible facilities. The service we received was excellent. Hannah and Lindsay made the experience very stress free and it was a lovely place to be. We will definite use again for future family parties - in fact we can't wait!!
S
Sarah Sent on 06/09/2017
5 out of 5 rating

We found it a lovely, unique and beautiful settin

What can we say! We are so delighted that we chose the NCEM as our wedding reception venue. Hannah was OUTSTANDING in her customer service answering all of our queries. She was so helpful and so friendly and without her involvement we know our wedding wouldn't have been so fab! Bradshaw's (the designated caterers) were perfect too! The most delicious food and wonderful service!
If we ever renew our vows, it will be at the NCEM!
K
Kirsty Sent on 11/11/2016
5 out of 5 rating

It was perfect

It was perfect! Our reception was relaxed and went so smoothly thanks to the helpful staff at the NCEM. The planning process felt the same - no question was too small and nothing was a problem.
S
Sam Sent on 11/11/2016
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful venue

Beautiful venue, fantastic staff and amazing value for money. We had the most perfect day - thank you so much!
K
Kelly Sent on 11/11/2016
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect place to have a magical wedding day

Our entire wedding experience was a real joy - from all the planning with Hannah, to the day itself. Everything went smoothly, and all our needs were met. Our guests all commented on the beauty of the place, and how much they enjoyed the food. It's the perfect place to have a magical wedding day.
R
Robert Sent on 11/11/2016
5 out of 5 rating

Great atmosphere and space

A great atmosphere and space to work with, from lighting through to sound. Staff were utterly fantastic, really made the day what is was and the caterers (who knew the venue so well) doubled the great feel of the day.
J
Jo Sent on 16/05/2016
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect venue, fantastic service!

We cannot stress strongly enough how perfect this venue was for us - the garden for games, the flexible space inside, the feeling of being 'different', etc. And the service was fantastic - ALL the staff were so friendly, welcoming and helpful - just lovely! All we can say is thanks VERY much!
S
S Sent on 04/09/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Lovely hospitality and venue

It was such a pleasure to have our wedding at the NCEWM. Nothing was too much to ask and our day went exactly to plan.
R
R Sent on 04/09/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing wedding reception

Thank you so much to the NCEM for their help during our wedding planning, the day was amazing and we would not hesitate to recommend the NCEM to any of our friends wanting to marry in York.
R
R Sent on 04/09/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing wedding reception

Thank you so much to the NCEM for their help during our wedding planning, the day was amazing and we would not hesitate to recommend the NCEM to any of our friends wanting to marry in York.
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National Centre for Early Music Real Weddings

Sarah & Joe
12 photos · 01/05/2022

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Map

St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate YO1 9TL York (North Yorkshire)
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