The River Mill
wedding
photographer
Derbyshire
The River Mill: A Unique Wedding Venue in Derbyshire
Set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Darley Abbey Mills in Derbyshire, The River Mill offers a breathtaking blend of history, charm, and modern elegance. This exclusive-use wedding venue provides a serene and romantic setting, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a unique and memorable celebration.
Key Features of The River Mill
Historic Charm and Georgian Elegance
Dating back to the early 1800s, The River Mill is steeped in history. Its beautifully restored Georgian architecture features vaulted ceilings, original exposed brickwork, and striking cast iron beams. This blend of timeless charm and contemporary touches creates a warm, intimate atmosphere for weddings and events.
Exclusive Use for Your Special Day
The River Mill offers exclusive use of its facilities from 11am to 12am, ensuring complete privacy for you and your guests. Highlights of exclusive use include:
- Private access to the stunning riverbank from 11am to 10pm
- Outdoor dining and drinks by the fire pits, with sparklers and marshmallows provided
- Flexible room layouts and use of the Dressing Room for preparations
- Rustic furniture, Chesterfield sofas, and decorative props such as fairy lights, candles, and a “Drunk In Love” neon sign
Ceremony and Reception Options
- Indoor Ceremonies: The indoor space combines historic charm with contemporary design, offering a cozy yet sophisticated setting.
- Outdoor Ceremonies: Say your vows by the River Derwent, with the sound of water rushing through the weir as your soundtrack. The riverbank is a picturesque blank canvas for your outdoor ceremony.
The venue accommodates up to 60 guests for ceremonies and up to 130 guests for evening celebrations, providing the perfect balance of intimacy and festivity.
Photo Opportunities
The River Mill’s scenic riverside location, nestled in Darley Abbey Mills, offers breathtaking backdrops for wedding photography. Couples love capturing their special moments along the River Derwent or in the charming gardens surrounding this historic Derby wedding venue. From romantic riverside shots to intimate moments in the historic indoor spaces, every corner is picture-perfect.
Weddings at The River Mill
All-Inclusive Packages
To make wedding planning stress-free, The River Mill offers all-inclusive packages. These packages provide fantastic value and include essentials such as:
- Fully staffed and licensed bar
- Tableware (cutlery, crockery, glassware, and napkins)
- Use of the Horse Box Bar for cocktails or street food
Timeline of Your Wedding Day
Here’s a sample timeline to help you envision your day at The River Mill:
- 11am: Exclusive use begins
- 1:30pm: Ceremony
- 2pm: Drinks reception
- 4pm: Wedding breakfast
- 6pm: Speeches
- 7pm: Sparklers and marshmallows
- 9pm: Evening food
- 12am: Last orders
The Dream Team
The award-winning events team at The River Mill is dedicated to ensuring your wedding is flawless. You’ll work with an experienced event manager who will meet with you three months before your big day to go through every detail and ensure your vision is brought to life.
Wedding Accommodation: The Mill Cottage
Your Perfect Wedding Night Stay
Just a stone’s throw away from The River Mill, The Mill Cottage is a newly renovated, self-catered wedding accommodation offering the ultimate home away from home. Nestled in the historic Darley Abbey Mills, this stunning cottage is the perfect place to relax before or after your big celebration or to enjoy your first night as a married couple.
Features of The Mill Cottage
- Bedrooms: 3 double bedrooms, 1 twin room, and a double sofa bed in the snug, accommodating up to 10 adults
- Bathrooms: 2 family bathrooms and an en suite in the primary bedroom
- Kitchen: Fully equipped self-catered kitchen
- Quirky Layout: Fireplaces in every room and a working log burner in the snug, kitchen, and downstairs bedroom
- Outdoor Space: A stunning walled garden with sun terraces, outdoor furniture, fire pits, and a secluded courtyard for pre-wedding drinks
Decorated in chalet chic style, the cottage provides a gorgeous backdrop for getting ready photos. Its tranquil setting and unique features make it an unforgettable addition to your wedding experience.
Why The River Mill is Perfect for Wedding Photography
From a wedding photographer’s point of view, the great thing about this venue is that there is so much variety to the venue. Some venues can be quite limited in terms of the amount of space available and this can sometimes mean that you end up taking similar photographs each time you go there. This isn’t the case with this venue however, as it has so much space as well as beautiful maintained grounds, I would never have to take the same photo twice
Looking for a Derbyshire wedding photographer?
As a wedding photographer, I pride myself on offering something unique, and I understand it’s not a cookie-cutter approach. It’s about getting to know my couples and understanding what’s important to them. I like to build a rapport with couples so we’re like friends, and when it comes to their wedding day, I can just blend into the action, with no awkwardness, or fuss.
Then using my skills and creativity, I love to craft authentic, creative images that help you relive the moments time and time again. Through my imagery I want you to see how much fun everybody had, and see just how good everyone looked, including you!
Key Facts About The River Mill
Accessibility: Conveniently located near Derby City Centre
Location: Darley Abbey Mills, Derby, UK
Ceremony Capacity: Up to 60 guests
Evening Capacity: Up to 130 guests
Facilities: Exclusive-use venue, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, fire pits, Dressing Room, and Horse Box Bar
Accommodation: The Mill Cottage available nearby for up to 10 guests
Outdoor Ceremonies: Available from midday to 4:30pm with a backup indoor space
FAQs About The River Mill
1. What is included in the venue hire?
Venue hire includes exclusive use from 11am to 12am, access to the riverbank, a hidden Dressing Room for preparations, and vintage props such as fairy lights, table decorations, candle sticks, and wicker placemats.
2. What are the venue’s capacity limits?
The venue can host up to 60 guests for ceremonies and up to 130 guests for evening celebrations.
3. Is the venue divided into different areas?
Yes, The River Mill is one large room divided into four quarters: Reception Quarter (comfy seating with river views), Ceremony Quarter (seats up to 60 guests), Dining Quarter (with rustic tables and chairs), and Disco Quarter (ample space for a band or DJ).
4. Can I have an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, outdoor ceremonies are available on the riverbank for up to 60 guests. The area is perfect for summer weddings and is equally stunning in autumn with fire pits for guests.
5. Does the venue provide catering?
Yes, catering options include formal three-course meals or informal grazing boards. Outside caterers are not permitted, except for wedding cakes.
6. Can we bring our own alcohol?
No, alcohol must be purchased through the venue’s catering team. Guests can also buy drinks directly from the bar.
7. Are dogs allowed at the venue?
Yes, dogs are welcome to attend the ceremony and drinks reception but should leave before the wedding breakfast.
8. Where can guests park?
Parking is limited, but an overflow car park is available on Haslams Lane, a 5-minute walk from the venue. Car sharing or taxis are recommended.
9. Is accommodation available?
Yes, The Mill Cottage is located just two minutes away and can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it perfect for the couple or close family and friends.
10. What decorative props are included?
The venue provides a selection of vintage props, including table decorations, tea lights, candle sticks, fairy lights, and a “Drunk In Love” neon sign.
The River Mill Contact Details
Phone: 01332 980790
Email: events@therivermillvenue.com
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