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.
Melmerby Hall is located in Penrith, Cumbria, England, with the postal code CA10 1HB. It is set within 25 acres of private woodland, providing a serene and picturesque setting for weddings.
Melmerby Hall is a family owned venue within The Rowley Estates providing bespoke wedding breaks tailored to each couple, emphasizing individuality and a personal touch.
Melmerby Hall offers wedding breaks with a minimum stay of three nights. They do not accommodate single night bookings, ensuring a relaxed and extended celebration experience.
Melmerby Hall itself accommodates 18 guests across nine bedrooms. With the adjoining Stag Cottage (three bedrooms) and Kirkbride Hall cottage (four double bedrooms), the total accommodation can host up to 32 guests comfortably in 16 ensuite bedrooms. Wedding celebration parties are welcome to invite day or evening guests up to 100 in total.
Melmerby Hall features four interconnected reception rooms suitable for smaller gatherings:
These spaces offer intimate and elegant settings for wedding celebrations.
Yes, the gardens at Melmerby Hall include an archery lawn that is well suited for outdoor setups such as marquees or tipis, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions for guest groups up to 100 guests.
Melmerby Hall is rated 5-star by Visit England and has been awarded a Gold Award for outstanding quality, particularly in guest service, ensuring a high standard experience for wedding parties.
The village of Melmerby is within walking distance of the Hall and offers several amenities for guests:
These local spots provide convenience and charm for wedding visitors.
Melmerby Hall and the Rowley Estates more generally offers bespoke wedding holidays for guests hosting intimate wedding celebrations as well as larger gatherings of up to 100 guests.
We offer personalized wedding breaks without standardised packages reflecting our preference for individuality and discretion.