A wedding venue at a historic pub in the Ribble Valley is hosting an open day next month for couples looking for a more relaxed setting for their nuptials.
The Red Pump Inn, which dates back to 1756, began hosting weddings when owners Jonathan and Fran Gledhill’s daughter tied the knot at the pub.
The bed and breakfast pub, in Clitheroe Road, Bashall Eaves, was used for the big day after the Gledhills’ daughter Ciara couldn’t find a venue to suit the type of wedding she wanted.
A yurt was erected for the big day in 2021, and after positive feedback for the pub’s “your wedding, your way” philosophy, it continued hosting weddings against the backdrop of the rolling Ribble Valley hills.
With the Red Pump Inn’s wedding season for 2024 now almost over, it is inviting couples to visit the venue ahead of 2025 to see if the setting and services on offer are what they are looking for for their big day.
Mr Gledhill, who took on the pub with his wife in 2015 and have since added glamping yurts, shepherds huts, and a renovated beer garden, lawns and car park, said he believes that despite the Ribble Valley’s rich selection of wedding venues, the Red Pump has something unique to offer couples.
He said: “The Ribble Valley is incredibly popular for weddings, but the venues we looked at just didn’t have the relaxed, informal and outdoor space our daughter wanted for her big day.
“We have incredible views around here and it’s a shame not to take full advantage of them.
“We only hold weddings between May and September and want to limit to one wedding a week so couples get a truly bespoke service; we don’t want them to feel as though they’re on a wedding conveyor belt and rushed.
“Couples get exclusive venue hire including all our accommodation and they don’t have to use our catering.
“Brides and grooms have chosen everything from a three-course meal to a variety of street food trucks.
“They can bring in whichever planner, decor, photographer etc they wish to, all we ask is they use our bar licence and service and of course our accommodation for friends and family.”
The Red Pump Inn can host up to 90 guests, and alongside its four glamping yurts and two shepherd huts also has eight boutique rooms.
Over the next few weeks couples are invited to attend open days at the pub to see if it meets their needs.
The open days take place each Sunday between September 15 and October 13, from 1pm to 4pm, with no appointment necessary.
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