A Celebrant Wedding in the Woods at Saltmarshe Hall, East Yorkshire.
I’m a wedding celebrant based in Yorkshire. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than creating wedding ceremonies which are elegant, joyfully personal to you and meaningful. I travel far and wide for love, delivering ceremonies in beautiful Yorkshire venues of every style. Wherever you choose to get married, it’s a privilege to be a part of your wedding. However, I do love nothing more than getting lost in nature. So when a couple tell me they want their wedding to be outside, I’ll admit to getting very excited. Outdoor weddings are often the most immersive and impactful of celebrant weddings. There’s just something truly special about celebrating your love surrounded by the natural beauty of our Yorkshire countryside.
Unsurprisingly, Yorkshire is home to lots of fabulous wedding venues, with many boasting enviable views of ‘God’s Own County.’ It can be hard to know where to choose. Are you drawn to the rolling hills of North Yorkshire, the dramatic Yorkshire stone of many well known stately homes or simply somewhere you can get lost amid swathes of purple heather? Or perhaps you’re drawn to somewhere which combines a bit of everything.
Saltmarshe Hall is a privately owned estate in Howden, East Yorkshire. Known for it’s stunning Georgian features, it’ll likely suit you if you prefer a more stylish or sophisticated setting for your day. Other features of this impressive wedding venue, aside from the sweeping staircase or huge Georgian windows, are the beautiful ceremony spaces on offer to you. From the hall’s well manicured flower gardens to the light-filled sunroom, Saltmarshe Hall gives you options; a range of stunning indoor and outdoor settings which will enhance your own creative expression, making it the perfect choice for any celebrant wedding.
Niamh and James had always dreamed of tying the knot outside. When they first chose Saltmarshe Hall for their handfasting wedding, they hoped to gather their loved ones for a unique type of celebrant ceremony in the property’s privately owned woodland. After months of meticulous planning and with a little luck from the weather on the day, their dreams came true. In the summer of 2025, they enjoyed an unforgettable celebrant ceremony - exchanging emotional wedding vows accompanied by the sounds of rustling trees and bird song.
“So many of our guests commented on how beautiful and personal the ceremony was, it truly was one of the highlights of our wedding.”
Because I’m an independent celebrant, I’m free to officiate wedding ceremonies wherever your heart desires. That could be barefoot on a beach or nestled underneath your favourite tree in your parent’s back garden. Regardless of the setting or the scale or style of your wedding, nothing beats the uniqueness of a celebrant ceremony.
James and Niamh’s wedding was beautiful. I really hope this blog post will inspire you for your own wedding. I’m especially excited to reveal just how dreamy and romantic a wedding can look when it takes place outside. So please read on to discover more and, as always, for more information, drop me an email and we can chat.
(Photographer: Freya Raby).
Venue: Saltmarshe Hall, Howden. Photographer: Freya Raby
Saltmarshe Hall for your Celebrant Wedding
Set in peaceful countryside and close to the village of Howden, Saltmarshe Hall is a beautiful Grade II listed, private country house. Surrounded by around 17 acres of gardens and parkland on the banks of the River Ouse, this stunning Georgian property offers couples an exclusive hire for their wedding day. Couples can choose from several licensed indoor ceremony rooms or exchange vows outside in the picturesque grounds beneath trees or on the terrace, creating a truly memorable backdrop for their celebration.
It’s easy to see why Saltmarshe might be a preferred choice for a modern couple who want their own taste of traditional luxury for their special day. The interiors of Saltmarshe Hall feel bright but elegant and the grounds are beautiful and serene. You can tell the staff are well versed at ensuring the smooth running of your wedding and understandably the venue has an excellent reputation within the wedding industry.
Venue: Saltmarshe Hall. Photographer: Freya Raby.
Have your Celebrant Wedding Ceremony Outside
“I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine”
A big reason to choose a celebrant for your special day, aside from having someone dedicated to your every ceremony whim and focused on delivering a wedding that feels personal and one-of-a-kind, is that you don’t need your venue to be licenced. So if you love being in nature and can imagine saying ‘I-do’ in a rambling meadow of wildflowers - go for it! With a celebrant, you’re free to break traditions and design a bespoke wedding ceremony to fit your personal vibe or wedding theme.
Of all the wedding ceremonies I’ve officiated, those that have taken place outside have been some of my favourites:
There really is something magical about gathering your loved ones under the sheltering embrace of ancient trees, the gentle rustle of leaves providing a majestic soundscape to your celebration. The atmosphere feels peaceful and calm and it’s an easy way to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Of course, we can’t always rely on the weather. I’ve known celebrants conduct a ceremony in the pouring rain, pictures from the day dotted with multicoloured umbrellas and guests huddled together for protection.
At Saltmarshe Hall, the wedding coordinators will make a judgement call 24 hours before your ceremony. If the forecast feels a little ‘iffy’ their indoor ceremony rooms are beautiful so an excellent back-up option without feeling like you have to compromise.
During the run up to Niamh and James’ wedding, the weather had been very changeable. We were obsessively checking the forecast for days beforehand. A light rain was due for later in the day so we decided to just go for it; a little risky but worth it we decided. In the end, we couldn't have been luckier. The temperature felt just right, with the trees providing a subtle protection from any threatening clouds and the ground staying dry enough for their white carpet entrance.
Venue: Saltmarshe Hall, Photographer: Freya Raby
James and Niamh’s Celebrant Ceremony
James and Niamh met shortly after graduating from University and fell in love during covid, when James inadvertently ended up moving in with Niamh’s family just as the world was plunged into lockdown.
As a young couple, with a passion for fun and travel, their ceremony script told of hilarious misadventures; eventful trips to Mexico or nights spent camping under the stars.
Family are really important to them both too. So, on the day, we found as many ways to incorporate their loved ones: Niamh’s mum gave a reading and both mums joined them as witnesses to the signing of their wedding certificate.
Niamh and James also loved the idea of including a beautiful handtying ritual in their ceremony. Handfasting is an old Celtic tradition: centuries ago, couples would have their hands tied once they were engaged as a symbol of their commitment and dedication towards one another. It’s where the term ‘tying the knot’ first came from. Handtying is a simplified more modern nod to this classic ritual: I bind a couples hands with a simple knot from their chosen handtying cord, often reciting some beautiful poetry at the same time.
Venue: Saltmarshe Hall. Photographer: Freya Raby
When it came to their wedding planning and organisation, Niamh and James worked really hard - ensuring no stone was left unturned. They worked alongside a wedding planner and on the day coordinator: Hannah Rachael Weddings but also managed to make lots of their stationary and signage for the day themselves.
Their flowers were put together by Stems Design and were absolutely stunning. Their chosen musician for the day was a harpist: Sarah Paterson Harp. She provided some seriously serene and romantic music to accompany their ceremony. Their photographer for the day was Freya Raby, who I’m sure you’ll agree, did a wonderful job:
“From the very beginning, Michelle was more than just a celebrant, she felt like a friend. After a few meetings, it was clear how deeply she cared about getting to know us, understanding our story, and making sure every detail of our ceremony felt personal, heartfelt, and uniquely us.”
I hope this blog has encouraged you to choose a celebrant for your wedding and embrace a ceremony that feels more unique and personal. Perhaps you might even consider getting married outside. As I’m sure you’ll agree - outdoor weddings are unapologetically joyful and romantic. ‘Oh the blossom, the flowers, the ancient trees….’ I could go on.
I’d love to chat to you about your own wedding plans. I offer all couples a ‘no-obligation discovery call’ via zoom to chat through ideas and questions, and to ensure I’m a good fit for your wedding.
A Bit More About Michelle Park Celebrant
I’m a wedding celebrant but also consider myself a story teller and performer. I’m based near Leeds, West Yorkshire but will travel the lengths and breadths of Yorkshire for love. I’m from a teaching background which I think helps in so many ways when it comes to being a professional celebrant. When I’m not officiating weddings, I’m a wife and mother to three amazing and demanding kids! If I’m not on the school run, you can often find me out and about in Leeds, buying too many clothes, hopefully watching a gig or hiding in a bookshop somewhere. I also love spending time in nature. One day (likely when the kids are older) I’ll devote more time to longs walks and working on my garden because it makes me so happy. I’d also love to complete the 3 peaks.
I really enjoy learning about people and celebrating their story. I find it easy to connect with couples and nothing gives me greater pleasure than curating a a beautiful wedding ceremony which celebrates your love story with authenticity, passion and humour.
Photographer: Louise Pollitt Photography
My ceremony style is a modern take on traditional; I’m easy-going but also thrive on the ‘pomp and ceremony’ that often comes with a wedding. I get very excited about your wedding plans and thrive on discussing them all over a cuppa. When it comes to your chosen outfits, style, colour, theme….I’m all in!
I’d love to chat about your celebrant requirements so please do drop me a message and let’s find some time to chat x
Michelle x
