Wedding businesses across Newark and Sherwood have won in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2025
Wedding businesses across Newark and Sherwood have been named as some of the best in the county after scooping industry awards.
Every year, the Hitched Wedding Awards aim to celebrate all aspects of the wedding industry, from catering and venues, to photographers, hair and makeup.
What sets the awards apart is that they are entirely based on customer feedback, so recipients can be sure that they are being recognised for a consistent job well done.
Up and down the country, dozens of people work hard behind the scenes to make sure that any couple’s special day runs smoothly, and here in Nottinghamshire there was no exception.
In the wedding venues category, there were some truly beautiful winners, including the ever impressive Thoresby Park, which makes the most of its extensive outdoor space to offer marquee weddings and outdoor ceremonies and celebrations.
The Victorian Riding Hall, a country barn style wedding venue with a secret garden to the rear of the hall, is capability of hosting up to 200 guests, and offers an all-inclusive experience to couples.
Events manager, Gaeth Evans, said: “We are honoured that the Riding Hall Thoresby Park and our fantastic team have been recognised as one of the top wedding venues in Nottinghamshire, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication Natasha and the team put in.
“Our consistent high quality ratings & reviews over consecutive years has earned us this recognition two years in a row and we couldn't be prouder.”
The accolade makes the venue a two time winner after scooping an award in 2024 as well.
The family-run Norwood Park, near Southwell, was also recognised as one of the best venues in the county.
The country house has been restored to its original grandeur, with a sweeping staircase, elegant rooms, and gorgeous grounds providing the perfect back drops for any event.
Madeleine Walker, general manager for weddings and events, said: "We are delighted to be recognized with a Hitched Venue Award.
“Creating unforgettable wedding days is at the heart of what we do, and to receive this recognition from the couples we’ve had the privilege to host on their special day is incredible.
“The award is a true testament to the dedication of our team, their attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
“A huge thank you to our couples for their kind words and trust in us, and we can’t wait to keep delivering magical moments for future weddings."
Newton-based Saywell HQ has been named as a winner in the wedding photographers category for the third year in a row.
This one man show has proved its consistency with customers who have left glowing reviews.
Business owner Andy Saywell said: “Winning this award once was an incredible honour, but to receive it three times is truly humbling.
“These awards are based on real reviews from couples, which makes this recognition even more special. Knowing that the people I’ve worked with have taken the time to share their kind words and experiences means the world to me.
He added: “Being a wedding photographer isn’t just about taking photos — it’s about capturing the raw emotions, the fleeting moments, and the real love stories that unfold in front of my lens.
“Whether it’s the laughter, the happy tears, or the spontaneous dance moves, I’m always grateful to be part of such an important day.
“A huge thank you to all the amazing couples who have trusted me to document their weddings. Your support, feedback, and love for what I do keep me inspired every single day.
“Here’s to another incredible year of weddings in 2025 — let’s capture some more magic.”
One of the most unique winners was Jack & Gin, which was named in the mobile bar services category — despite being in business for less than a year.
Based in Maythorne, near Southwell, the bar operates out of a specially adapted horsebox, offering a range of drinks packages to suit any occasion.
The idea came about after husband and wife, David and Kerrie Hopkins, struggled to find a mobile bar for a party they were arranging.
After sourcing and renovating horsebox of their own, they quickly began attending parties and markets, eventually being booked at weddings.
David said: “We were truly humbled when we realised we had won the award, and so shocked I initially couldn't believe it and thought it a scam.
“We try so hard to put customer satisfaction as our top priority, so it felt amazing to be recognised in the industry for our hard work.
“It really means everything to us that the award came from customer feedback as we never push people to leave us reviews, we just hope we provide a good service and people tell their friends.”
After witnessing everything from guests mispronouncing cocktails’ names to rude and humorous effect, to a bride falling into a cowpat, the pair hope to experience much more.
“What I love about running the bar is not something I had initially thought of, but seeing repeat customers who remember and love what we do makes all the hard work pay off,” said David.
“Being a trader is like a small community and we have made so many friends among fellow traders at other events.
He added: “We're extremely grateful to anyone that believes our business is good enough to be a part of their special day!
In the Celebrants category, Sue Burton, of Celebrant Style, was named among the winners.
Based in Newark and Sherwood, Sue offers her celebrant services is the nominated celebrant at several venues across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire, including The Old Vicarage at Elkesley.
She has conducting hundreds of wedding ceremonies in her unique role, travelling to all corners of the country to officiate ceremonies, and even as far as the Caribbean.
Upon hearing the news that she has won the award, Sue said she was “absolutely thrilled” but couldn’t quite believe it.
“This was totally unexpected, as I’d never entered any awards. I was in complete disbelief when I received the congratulatory email and even phoned Hitched to check could this be real!”
She added: “The Hitched Wedding Awards are allocated based on outstanding reviews and feedback from couples who have used the Hitched platform to plan their weddings.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all the wonderful couples I’ve had the privilege of meeting.”
With over 15 years of experience as a registrar and over 30 years running her own styling and image consultancy business, Sue made the switch to becoming an independent celebrant and wedding stylist a few years ago.
She said: “I felt it was time to combine my unique skill set to focus on the finer details of a ceremony (the heart of any wedding day) by creating bespoke, meaningful celebrations that truly reflect each couple’s individual style and love story.”
Sue’s role extends beyond the day itself, helping couples to feel at ease, going over details and holding pre-ceremony rehearsals at their chosen venue.
She also chooses her outfits to compliment each wedding’s own theme and avoid taking attention away from the couple.
“I feel incredibly proud to be an award-winning Celebrant. I put my heart and soul into every ceremony, striving to make each couple’s special day truly extra-ordinary.
“It’s an absolute honour to be part of so many beautiful “love stories and unforgettable wedding celebrations, and I’m deeply grateful for every moment.”
