A historic hall at Carnforth is asking couples who got married there over the past 35 years to share photos and memories.
Leighton Hall at Carnforth hosted its first wedding on August 8 1988 and since then many more have enjoyed their special day in its stunning surroundings.
Now the Hall is looking to create a commemorative timeline and is asking wedding couples and guests to share five decades of pictures and stories.
“My mother, Suzie Reynolds, recognised Leighton could provide somewhere really special for couples, leading to our first wedding on 8th August 1988,” said Lucy Arthurs, estate manager and descendant of Leighton’s famous Gillow furniture-making dynasty.
“We’re hoping to track down couples from those early, simple receptions, held after a church service, right through to present day to see how much things have really changed through the decades!”
In the beginning the 1980s weddings were small and took place in the hall.
The 1990s saw big marquees being attached to the house. The 2000s brought ground-breaking legislation of same sex partnerships. The 2010s saw same sex marriages for the first time and in the 2020s licenses were granted for civil ceremonies and outdoor weddings and the team at Leighton has supported couples through it all.
Kelvin and Pilar Seddon (below) got married at Leighton Hall in 2002 and were the first to have their full ceremony and reception at the Hall.
“The breathtaking drive down to the hall hasn’t changed, but arrivals certainly have,” said Lucy.
“Couples have made their entrance by classic car, lorry, red bus, horse and carriage, or even helicopter!
“It’s lovely to see how Leighton has adapted through the year and we’ll always welcome the most exuberant innovations- we’ve even had a conga through reception!"
“We’ve had sleeping grooms, a nervous best man fleeing the reception, and reunited Grandpa with his lost dentures!
“It’s the individual moments that make memories, which is why we’re putting the call out for couples and guests to get in contact to share their pictures and stories from across our first 35 years of weddings. How lovely if we ended up reconnecting people after many years."
View and upload your own wedding couple or guest pictures and stories here.
Leighton Hall is the historical seat of the Gillow family, and the family still live at the hall today. The hall is open to the public Tuesday to Thursday May to September, pre-booked group visits year-round, and runs a variety of events throughout the season, just 10 minutes’ drive following the brown signs from M6 Junction 35.
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