Hodsock Priory Tudor Gatehouse Wedding

Historic Moment! First Wedding Ceremony held beneath Hodsock Priory’s iconic Tudor Gatehouse

Hodsock Priory, a historic Grade II listed country house nestled on the outskirts of Worksop, Nottinghamshire, is a licensed wedding venue and has long been a sought-after venue for weddings, thanks to its grand interiors and stunning grounds. 

Now, a new chapter is unfolding at Hodsock Priory as couples embrace the freedom and flexibility of Celebrant Style ceremonies - unlocking the opportunity to hold their ceremony in breathtaking, unlicensed locations across the estate. From the enchanting woodlands and tranquil lakeside to the dramatic backdrop of the Tudor Gatehouse, love stories can be brought to life in unforgettable settings.

On 8th June 2025, the Hodsock Estate made history with its very first wedding ceremony beneath the iconic Tudor Gatehouse - one of the oldest surviving buildings on the property and a rare example of Tudor brickwork in Nottinghamshire. Built to honour a royal visit from Henry VIII in 1541, the Grade I listed Gatehouse provided a regal setting for a fairytale celebration.

It was an honour to be chosen as Celebrant to deliver this landmark ceremony for Maya and Jonathan and make their fairytale wedding come to life in the most unforgettable way – filled with love, laughter, and even a perfectly timed bit of sunshine! Their unique love story began as an online friendship across continents, eventually blossoming into a transatlantic romance. Though they had previously married legally during a low-key ceremony in the U.S., they dreamed of a traditional wedding celebration with family and friends.

Their unique ceremony at the Tudor Gatehouse was a truly international affair, with guests from the UK and USA in a joyful celebration.  Although I’ve delivered many ceremonies at Hodsock Priory, this one was particularly special. The Gatehouse holds such historical significance, and to witness Maya and Jonathan exchange vows beneath its arch felt like stepping into a fairytale storybook.

Celebrant Style ceremonies are surging in popularity, offering couples the chance to create deeply personal, one-of-a-kind experiences beyond the limitations of licensed wedding venues. Unlike Registrars, who can only conduct ceremonies in specific licenced areas of licensed wedding venues, Celebrants can deliver ceremonies virtually anywhere.  For example, at Hodsock Priory a Registrar can only deliver ceremonies in a choice of five allocated rooms, or in the Georgian-styled gazebo outdoors.

Weddings really are my passion, and I'm thrilled to be recipient of the "Hitched" Wedding Award for Celebrants  - a recognition based entirely on outstanding reviews from couples I've had the pleasure of working with and testament to my experience and passion.  I’ve had the joy of delivering ceremonies in many licensed wedding venues as well as rustic barns, private gardens, village halls, paddocks, and even on a Caribbean beach. 

Although Celebrant ceremonies require a marriage to be legalised by separate appointment at a register office, I’ve had 15 years’ previous experience as a Registrar, so it’s part of my unique celebrant service to advise couples on the legalities of marriage.

I don’t just deliver unique ceremonies I guide couples every step of the way.  I also help to style the magic! With guidance on posture, positioning, and movement during key moments throughout the ceremony, to mastering those picture-perfect poses.  And yes, Maya and Jonathan absolutely nailed the dip-kiss during their exit from the Gatehouse - thanks to a few secret styling tips demonstrated during our on-site rehearsal.

With more couples seeking authenticity, creativity, and freedom in their wedding ceremonies, Hodsock Priory, paired with Celebrant Style, is set to become an even more magical and versatile venue for love stories that deserve to be celebrated without restrictions.

Sue Burton www.celebrantstyle.co.uk

Photographs courtesy of: Laura Jayne Photography