Couples Photos at Merchant Adventurers Hall

Wedding photos at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall need not be limited to those taken in the walled garden or inside the Hall itself (although they are definitely awesome all-weather backdrops). Starting from the entrance on the bunting-adorned Fossgate, we are able to walk to so many pretty locations in just a minute or two.

The River Foss runs just next to the venue and the bridge on Fossgate makes for a stunning location for wedding photography. If you are a history buff we can head over to the Shambles for some photographs and even pop into the market area after it is closed for some of the quirkier backdrops afforded by the backside of the buildings facing out on the Shambles.

If you want a longer break for photos, Merchant Adventurers’s Hall is about a 5 minute walk to the famous York Minster and Stonegate – arguably one of the most picturesque streets in York (next to the Shambles, of course!)

Group Photos at Merchant Adventurers Hall

Group wedding photos at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall are a breeze. The walled garden offers several options which work in a lot of different types of weather.

As Merchant Adventurers’s Hall wedding photographers, we regularly use the steps opposite the back of the venue to take a large group photograph with all your guests.

From there we can use either the brick walls or the old wall ruins as an easy backdrop for smaller group photos. If the sun is in the right position, we can even sometimes use the river Foss as a backdrop.

If it rains (fingers crossed!) we have used the overhang on the side of the building as protection for group shots or even did some of the smaller ones in the opening of the walk-through tunnel on Fossgate. But never fear – if it is really not working outside, we can pop lights up in the undercroft and take your group photos there!

The Grand Hall

The Grand Hall at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is where the meeting and business of the company took place. As one of the oldest timber-framed buildings still used for its original purpose, this partially timbered room is a historical jewel. Your wedding guests will be wowed by not only the charm of this space but also by the large number of windows which provide an usually bright and cheerful vibe. 

The Grand Hall can seat up to 180 guests for your wedding breakfast. Additionally, it is licensed for weddings so you can have your whole day in one place if  you want to. One of our favourite features of the space is the age-wobbled floor which sends all the lines of the timbers askew. These kinds of unique features gives the space the feeling of a folktale come to life. 

The Grand Hall is one of our favourite spaces to take a few couples photos so we can get the most out of this gorgeous building! 

The Undercroft

Easily our favourite part of working as Merchant Adventurers Hall wedding photographers, the Undercroft is a really unique and wonderful party space.

Originally, this part of the Hall was used as a Hospital and and Alm’s House for the poor. At the back of the undercroft you will find the entrance to the chapel which has sometimes been used for wedding photographs. (Please check with the venue before your heart gets set on this though as their policy has changed on this over the years and it is best to make sure you have as definite “yes” from the venue if it is important to you as this is still a space used for worship). 

Wedding parties and discos never feel more atmospheric than when they are taking place in a space that feels as though you ar underground (even though you aren’t!). The brick walls and small windows means you will still have a party vibe even in the long days of the summer.