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An autumnal folk themed elopement inspiration shoot. Focusing on a pair of nomadic lovers, slowly wandering their way through the North York Moors to their intimate ceremony at Ryedale Folk Museum.
The day began on the moor top, slowly getting ready in their campervan, exploring the heather and getting excited for their wedding day, before travelling across the moor to Ryedale. They tied the knot (literally) in an intimate handfasting in the doorway of the replica iron age roundhouse, before exploring the museum ~ learning a little about folk life on the moors. From there, in the dwindling light they travelled to a secluded beck-side spot for a (electric) candle lit picnic to bask in their newly married joy.
We love everything about this inspiration shoot that showcases the local suppliers and what they can do on a wedding day.
What was the inspiration behind this styled shoot?
From Moor and Moon: We wanted to show how you could have a wild elopement without the hiking and “big adventure” that is often associated with them. This was for the folks who are introverted fantasy nerds, lovers of cosy cottagecore living, who want to celebrate their love with a more slower paced elopement day.
Ryedale Folk Museum is a beautiful place in Hutton-le-Hole on the North York Moors. It’s a beautiful testament to the ways of folk life on the moors, and brings a little living history to the region. The fact they do short hire wedding days was a big draw for us. We really wanted to show that an elopement can mean getting married in a venue still, but just for a short part of the day before moving on with the rest of the adventure.
What do you love about North Yorkshire?
North Yorkshire is our home. We love this landscape, from the rolling hills to the secret waterfalls and the expanse of moorland and wildlife. It’s a wild and untamed realm, where you can be truly secluded and alone by driving 10 minutes out of town.
The villages here are quaint, life is slow paced, and there’s a certain magick to the moors and dales. The North is often branded as desolate and lacking in adventure or mysticism but we see it everyday.
what Are your Top tips for planning an elopement or photo session in north yorkshire?
Always wear good boots ~ the terrain can be muddy and uneven when trooping about.
Don’t be afraid of getting a little dirty.
Bring a picnic! The food here is EXCELLENT, but there’s really nothing better than parking up by a stream and tucking in to a few pies and cakes.
Feel free to bring your friends ~ an elopement here doesn’t just have to be for the two of you. Using Ryedale as your ceremony location, you can have up to 15 guests with you to explore the museum together.
What is the best time of year to plan an elopement in North Yorkshire?
The North York Moors is beautiful year round, but it really comes to life in late summer and autumn. The heather is at it’s peak towards the end of August and into September, but after the heather fades the bracken begins to turn the most wonderful shade of rust and the forests scattered around the moors begin to glow in their autumn splendour.
As for time of day it really depends. The sunrises here are beautiful, but this is the North of England and good weather isn’t always guaranteed! Sunset over the moors needs to be seen to be believed though, as the light truly sparkles off the heather.
Do you need any special permits or permissions from landowners to plan an elopement in the yorkshire Moors?
Most of the North York Moors is common land, with permissive rights of way so no permits needed. Depending on location permission would be needed from landowners ~ whether that’s farmers or the National Trust.
What advice would you give to others planning an elopement in North Yorkshire?
Don’t be fooled by what you might have heard about this place, there is so much to see and do and so many ways to create an adventurous elopement day. There are peaks to climb and waterfalls to dip in, beaches for fossil hunting, a heritage rail line to add some true vintage whimsy to your day, and so many wonderful places to eat or stop for a picnic.
A North Yorkshire elopement might not be filled with climbing mountains, but it will be full of cosy charm and a yearning for adventure. We always think the perfect folks for a North Yorkshire elopement are those of us who live a little like Bilbo ~ enjoys the comforts of home, but wants to see mountains again.
The vendors:
Photo & Video – Moor and Moon
Planner – Moor and Moon
Model couple – Laura and Aaron
Venue – Ryedale Folk Museum
Celebrant – Becky the Botanical Celebrant
Florist – Picked At Dawn
Dress – (bought by Moor and Moon ~ specific design no longer made) Kate Fearnley Bridal
