Newby Hall has probably the finest claim of any stately home to offer a truly regal setting for your wedding.

Because Robert Vyner, the hall’s owner in the 17th century, was commissioned by King Charles II to make a new set of crown jewels after Cromwell had the originals melted down when his father was executed. But Charles never paid up and an IOU hanging on the wall near the Billiard Room proclaims the unpaid bill of £416,724 which is now worth a princely £400 million.

Today Newby Hall has its own replica which is on rare display for the Jubilee in the Entrance Pavilion, but it’s not the only jewel in the crown for this stately home near Ripon.

Celia Fiennes visited Newby on her tour of the north in 1697 and recorded in her diary, ‘This was the finest house I saw in Yorkshire’.

Little wonder. The present Hall was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and boasts sumptuous interiors by Robert Adam, which epitomise the Georgian Age of Elegance. Newby Hall is now home to the Compton family, who are proud to share their stunning home as a wedding venue with brides and grooms who are looking for something a little bit different.

Within the house are two intimate and timelessly beautiful rooms licensed for civil ceremonies – The Statue Gallery and the Library, both set against stunning Georgian backdrops.

The Statue Gallery is possibly Adam’s masterpiece and was based on the ruins of Tivoli to house William Weddell’s Grand Tour collection of 19 crates full of Roman statues.

Four main figures dominate the room and with some 65 marbles on display, Newby has the finest private collection of Roman statuary in the country. The library also shows Adam’s eye for detail. He converted it into a dining room to become a perfect example of classical symmetry and the Corinthian columns are as stunning as anything to be found in Mycenae.

An intricate confection of friezes by York stuccoist Joseph Rose adorn the walls and ceilings and they are complemented by masterly panels painted by Antonio Zucchi. The room is adorned with fine Chippendale furniture and is the most wonderfully atmospheric place to get married.

Receptions may be held in the Statue Gallery, Ante Room and Regency Dining Room, or you may prefer to dine al fresco in a marquee set to the west front of Newby Hall, where larger wedding parties can enjoy views over the extensive grounds sitting on the banks of the River Ure.

Another option is the Grantham Room; a purposebuilt building set within the picturesque walled gardens for your evening celebrations.

However you decide to celebrate your big day at Newby Hall, you are sure to agree with Celia Fiennes view that ‘This was the finest house I saw in Yorkshire’.