There’s something truly unforgettable about arriving at a wedding venue that has just been brought back to life and Naomi and Rob were among the very first couples to celebrate their big day at the newly restored Denton Reserve in Yorkshire. Set within 2,500 acres of Denton Reserve, this Grade I-listed Georgian mansion blends nearly eight centuries of heritage with a contemporary, thoughtfully designed restoration. The result? A wedding backdrop that feels both timeless and beautifully intimate.

“Reopening Denton Reserve has been a labour of love,” says the Denton Reserve team. “Welcoming Naomi and Rob as one of our first couples was incredibly special. Their weekend captured everything we hoped Denton would offer – beauty, history, and the space for people to come together and celebrate in their own way. Working with Wills Marquees has been an absolute pleasure – their service, quality and style perfectly complement the venue’s character and align with our values. The attention to detail and professionalism they brought to Naomi and Rob’s celebration exceeded our expectations, and we’re delighted to work with them as they share our commitment to creating truly memorable experiences for our couples.”

A long-weekend wedding at Denton Reserve

Naomi and Rob chose to host a full long-weekend celebration, making the most of the reserve’s exclusive hire. Arriving on Friday with close family and their bridal party, they welcomed guests with drinks and canapés on the terrace, a perfect first opportunity to soak in the sweeping valley views.

The groomsmen headed to The Penny Bun, Denton’s local inn in Askwith, for dinner and an overnight stay, while Naomi and her bridesmaids settled into the Hall. Waiting for them was a thoughtful touch from the reserve: restaurant-quality food prepared by the Estate Head Chef using produce from the walled garden and animals from the reserve.

With 70 guests staying onsite, the couple created the relaxed, immersive celebration they’d imagined. The main hall, east and west wings, and the beautifully converted coach houses became a private village for the weekend, giving guests a chance to enjoy the reserve at its best.

Saturday morning preparations

Saturday morning preparations unfolded in the Hall’s stunning Dressing Room, a circular, light-filled space perfect for bridal hair and makeup. The groomsmen prepared back at The Penny Bun before everyone reunited at All Saints Church in Ilkley for the ceremony.

Following the service, guests returned to the Hall for drinks and canapés on the terrace overlooking the valley, an idyllic backdrop for post-ceremony celebrations.

A picture perfect marquee wedding breakfast

The wedding breakfast took place in a 3-pole Wills 9/23 marquee, positioned beside the Hall to capture postcard-worthy views of the River Wharfe and surrounding valley. Inside, round tables dressed elegantly with crossback chairs and a top table for eight created a refined, classic feel.

Florals by Leafy Couture added soft, romantic texture, while photographer Jess Lathan and videographer Adam Pitts documented the day with artistry and ease.

After speeches and dining, guests enjoyed cocktail hour between the marquee, loggia, terrace and library bar before moving indoors to the west wing dining room. There, the Jonny Ross Show Band followed by a DJ kept the dance floor full late into the night.

A luxurious & relaxed day after celebration

The Hall hosted a memorable Sunday breakfast for guests staying in the hall, offering a feast of full English classics and continental dishes. With a leisurely morning ahead, some guests explored the reserve, while a few adventurous friends even enjoyed a wild swim in the lake at the top of the reserve.

Later in the afternoon, around 100 guests returned for a relaxed Fire Feast BBQ, held once more in the marquee, a warm and celebratory sequel to the main event.

A venue set to become a Yorkshire favourite

Naomi and Rob’s unforgettable wedding weekend marks the beginning of many magical celebrations at the newly restored Denton Reserve. With sweeping landscapes, luxury onsite accommodation and a perfectly balanced mixture of heritage and modern comfort, Denton is set to become one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after exclusive-use wedding venues.

In Naomi & Rob’s own words

“We couldn’t be happier that we chose Wills for our wedding marquee. From the first conversation through to the derig, the whole experience was completely seamless. The team were an absolute joy to work with – professional, trustworthy and genuinely supportive throughout the entire planning process. They went above and beyond in every aspect: the team paid multiple site visits given it was the first wedding at Denton since the reopening, helped calm our nerves about weather contingency plans, and recommended brilliant suppliers. We never had to worry about a single thing, which meant the world during such a busy time!

The marquee itself was perfect. The craftsmanship of a Wills marquee is on another level, and it created the most stunning backdrop for our day at Denton Reserve – exactly what we’d dreamed of and more.

We’re so grateful to Wills for helping make our wedding truly unforgettable and we’ll be recommending them to absolutely everyone – they are the best in the business” — Naomi & Rob Keith

To find out more about Denton Reserve take a look at this Conde Nast Traveller article and for more information on our luxury sailcloth tents get in touch here. We can’t wait to hear your plans!