Derbyshire is found in the East Midlands of England. It boasts a landscape of opulence straight from the pages of a Jane Austen novel. It is sprinkled with picturesque towns and villages, country houses dating back to the 15th century and is home to the Duke of Devonshire. No surprise, as the 35,000 acres of stunning parkland would entice many to settle here. Who else would enjoy this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Your furry friends and family members, of course! These six pet-friendly wedding venues should be at the top of your list if your pooch will be celebrating your big day with you.
1. Whirlowbrook Hall
Whirlowbrook Hall resides on the Derbyshire/Yorkshire border and is a traditional and luxurious wedding destination. The stately home sits on 39 acres of gorgeous gardens. The immediate outdoor spaces to the front and back of the wedding venue are landscaped to perfection, with meticulously tended flower beds. Beyond that is the enchanted forest. Take a romantic walk through here after you tie the knot, and you’ll find nature has surprises in store for you at every turn. Don’t forget to bring the photographer along!
This Derbyshire wedding venue also boasts an exclusive-use policy, so your pup will only have to encounter your friends and family, who they probably already know. If your furry friend is a bit skittish of strangers, this is the ideal spot to say ‘I do’ with them present.
And should you or any of your guests need a breather from the party to catch their breath, this hotel has a unique Chill Out Room.
2. Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa
Less than a half-hour from the heart of Derbyshire is Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa. This four-star pet-friendly wedding venue is a noble home sitting on 12 acres of exquisite gardens. The gardens are majestic and take you to the water’s edge. Trees canopy over the crystal clear lake. Sunlight dapples through the leaves and sparkles on the lake’s surface. Take your wedding photos outdoors, and your album will surely be dreamy. Bring your dog along for some unique photo opportunities. When your fluffy friend is no longer needed for snaps, he can enjoy the vast grounds in all their glory.
If you’re throwing a more significant bash for your big day, The Lakeview is the ideal wedding suite with a capacity of 180 people. It has captivating views of the grounds and the water outside.
For something more intimate, the original Kenwood House dates back to the 19th century and features ornate ceilings and warm, open fireplaces. It is truly romantic.
3. The Priest House
The Priest House is a unique Derbyshire wedding venue, so bringing your special furry family members along is only fitting. The building includes a Grade II listed water wheel. Modern lighting illuminates it at night and creates a fabulous photo backdrop. The venue has several wedding suites to choose from, depending on the size of your guest list. Neutral colour schemes enhance your personal décor while exposed wooden beams and chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceilings add a touch of The Priest House’s own charm and character.
The house is surrounded by 100 acres of landscaped gardens, fairytale woodlands and wildflower meadows. The property boasts spectacular views of the rolling countryside and River Trent. Make magical memories with your love and your guests here, and you’ll cherish them for decades.
4. Yew Lodge Hotel
Yew Lodge Hotel is a delightful property with several wedding suites up for grabs. Each room is unique and has something different to offer your wedding day, yet each is elegant in architecture and stylish in décor.
The gardens have paved paths lined with gorgeous green trees and lovely flowers. There are sculptures of great beauty that make for stunning photo backdrops too. Your dogs will really enjoy sniffing every corner of this beautiful garden!
Service is of the utmost importance to the dedicated team at Yew Lodge Hotel. Executing your day as you had envisioned is their goal, and exceeding expectations is most often the result of their immense efforts. If you choose to say ‘I do’ here, we’re confident that you and your guests will have an enjoyable day to remember and cherish.
5. Tankersley Manor Hotel & Spa
Suppose your wedding day dream venue is a rustic building full of all the charm and character of the 17th century. Tankersley Manor Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for you to tie the knot!
The manor’s ceremony suites are simply gorgeous. Each one boasts high vaulted ceilings lined with exposed wooden beams, offset by cream-coloured walls. The beams can be strewn with fairy lights, tulle, or flower garlands – whatever it takes to make your big day beautiful. Some of the more intimate ceremony rooms sport exposed brick walls where the stones are a myriad of warm natural tones. The photo of your union becoming official is sure to be stunning in this room!
The surrounding countryside is perfect for you and your pup to take a walk and relax, enjoying the approaching dusk and the final birdsong of the day.
6. The Renaissance at Kelham Hall
Forty-five minutes from the heart of Derbyshire is The Renaissance at Kelham Hall. This pet-friendly wedding venue is a stately home nestled into 42 acres of divine gardens and awe-inspiring parkland. You and your guests will enjoy views of the shimmering River Trent flowing through Trent Valley.
Inside the Victorian house, couples will find the traditional décor of the era. Superb photos are guaranteed beneath the domed ceiling of Kelham Hall. Exposed red brick offers a warm and rustic welcome to your reception. The high vaulted ceiling of intricately crossing beams complete with skylights will flood your ceremony with sunlight and illuminate the most romantic moment of the day.
If an outdoor ceremony is on the cards, there’s a stone gazebo on the grounds that’s like no other. Stone pillars support arches, topped with an intricately carved domed roof, outdone by cathedrals only in scale.
