Gibson Mill opens doors for Weddings
Friday, 16 April 2021
With restrictions on weddings beginning to lift slightly from the 12 April, the team at Hardcastle Crags are getting ready to relaunch Gibson Mill as a fully off-grid, sustainable wedding venue with a wedding showcase on Sunday 18 April.
Weddings take place in the iconic Gibson Mill, which has its roots in the entertainment industry. Once a thriving cotton mill, the historic building started a new life as an Entertainment Emporium in the early 1900s, with roller skating and tea dance events for the local community. In the 1940s, the building fell into disrepair before it was saved by the National Trust in 1950.
In 2005, the National Trust launched a full restoration of the mill, which resulted in Gibson Mill becoming the charity's first place that is completely off the grid. Today, Gibson Mill generates all its own power, process its own waste and uses water direct from the natural source flowing through the woodland.
Photo: HebWeb
With a history closely linked with entertainment and parties, the National Trust made the decision to transform the upper floors of Gibson Mill into a fully-sustainable wedding venue for couples who want to get close to nature and plan a wedding at a site steeped in history.
During the coronavirus pandemic, weddings have been put on hold across the country. But as restrictions begin to lift, the team are looking ahead to the next chapter in the history of Gibson Mill.
Flora Simpson, weddings and events manager at the National Trust said, "We're so excited we can open Gibson Mill for our wedding showcase on Sunday 18 April. It's been such a difficult year for our couples, so it's lovely they can start to look ahead to the future again.
"Gibson Mill is a really special place. We've seen an increase in couples looking for a more natural wedding, with some looking to move ceremonies and celebrations outside. Sustainability is an increasing trend in the wedding industry, and we're so proud to be able to offer fully self-sufficient weddings in the historic mill."
Photo: HebWeb
Gibson Mill is surrounded by ancient woodland and the scenery at Hardcastle Crags changes dramatically through the year. As well as holding their wedding in the mill, couples can make use of the dramatic natural backdrop of the Crags for non-legal ceremonies, photography and drinks receptions.
The wedding showcase takes place on Sunday 18 April and will be run via a booking system. Interested couples will be required to book their place and will be able to meet the wedding team as well as some local wedding suppliers. Safety measures will be in place and masks will need to be worn when inside the building.
Flora added, "It's really important for us to work with local suppliers when it comes to planning our couples' special days. We work with local, Yorkshire caterers and have a list of fantastic wedding suppliers that our couples can work with to create a day that is truly their own. The showcase is a great opportunity for couples to meet these suppliers and experience Gibson Mill dressed for a wedding."
More details about the wedding showcase and to book a place