Deighton Lodge and Into the Hedgerow team up to host York’s Sustainable Wedding Fair

Planning a wedding is a huge deal. There’s the venue, the guest list, the food, the outfits… the list feels like it goes on forever. But more and more, couples are asking another big question: how can the big day be a bit kinder to the planet? It seems like a massive challenge, but two local business owners in York are showing that it’s easier than people might think. They've teamed up to create the York Sustainable Wedding Fair, an event designed to help couples plan their dream wedding without it costing the earth. It's a fantastic showcase of the best eco-friendly wedding suppliers from across Yorkshire, all gathered in one beautiful place.

Image: Deighton Lodge - copyrighted to Mark Bamforth Photography

A wedding fair with a difference

This isn't just any old wedding event. The Sustainable Wedding Fair is the brainchild of two passionate local entrepreneurs: Carla Mitchell, the owner of the gorgeous wedding venue Deighton Lodge, and Lucie Pope, the creative force behind Into the Hedgerow, a studio that specialises in beautiful dried floral creations. The original idea came from Lucie, who wanted to create a space where sustainability was the main event, not an afterthought. When she met Carla, they realised they both had the same goal: to inspire couples and show them the amazing eco-friendly options available right on their doorstep in Yorkshire.

Their shared passion led to the creation of this unique event. It’s a chance for couples to meet suppliers who are genuinely committed to sustainability, from the ingredients in the cake to the materials used in the invites. The whole idea is to raise awareness and make eco-conscious wedding planning accessible and, most importantly, fun. They're taking all the information that might appear in a formal press release and bringing it to life, allowing people to see, touch, and taste what a sustainable wedding could be like.

It’s not about being perfect

The thought of a "perfectly green wedding" can feel a bit overwhelming. But the fair’s organisers are keen to show it’s not about ticking every single box. It’s about making small, thoughtful changes that add up. Think of it like this: you wouldn't overhaul your entire life in one day. You might start by using a reusable coffee cup. A sustainable wedding is the same idea, just with more confetti. Co-organiser Lucie Pope puts it perfectly.

“I’m really excited to see this event back for its second year, at a larger well established wedding venue, which has allowed for the showcasing of even more sustainable, local and eco-friendly suppliers! The idea of the fair isn’t to promote the idea of a perfectly ‘green’ wedding, it’s about raising awareness for couples of the other options within the industry and little changes they could make. Whether that be using just local suppliers for their day, hiring rather than buying items or simply ensuring their confetti is biodegradable.”

Image: Deighton Lodge married couple - copyrighted to Fabio Photography

That’s the key. Maybe it’s choosing local vendors to cut down on travel miles. Perhaps it’s hiring decorations instead of buying new ones. Or it could be as simple as making sure the confetti is biodegradable. Every little bit helps, and this event is packed with suppliers who can help couples make those choices easily.

A bigger venue and even more choice

The Sustainable Wedding Fair is back for its second year in 2026, and it’s bigger than ever. The event has moved to Deighton Lodge, a stunning and spacious wedding venue just outside York. This move means there’s room for even more fantastic local suppliers, giving couples an incredible amount of choice. It’s a testament to the growing interest in sustainability within the wedding industry. More and more vendors are thinking about their environmental impact, and this fair brings them all together.

Carla Mitchell, who owns the venue, was amazed by the commitment of the businesses involved. She explains:

“I'm absolutely delighted to co-host this sustainable wedding fair with Lucie. I was so surprised by how many vendors genuinely care about sustainability, many have zero waste, use locally sourced produce, ensure they're powered by solar or use eco-fabrics in their gowns. It's incredible to think everyone is trying to do their part. Having a larger venue like Deighton Lodge has meant we can really showcase as many vendors as possible, ensuring this phenomenal concept has growth!”

From wedding dresses made with eco-fabrics to caterers who prioritise local produce, the fair is a hub of innovation. It shows that choosing a sustainable wedding doesn’t mean compromising on style or quality. In fact, it often means getting something even more special and personal.

Who you can meet at the fair

So, who can couples expect to see? The line-up is seriously impressive, covering every aspect of a wedding day. A whole host of local suppliers and vendors will be there to chat and share their work. These are just some of the brilliant businesses involved:

• Caterers: Baba Ganoush and Homegrown Hospitality are on hand with delicious, locally sourced food.

• Cakes: For anyone with a sweet tooth, Once Across the Garden creates amazing plant-based and vegan cakes.

• Stationery: Turner the Page Designs makes beautiful items from recycled paper.

• Beauty: Charlotte Hubbard is a vegan and cruelty-free makeup and hair artist.

• Outfits: The iconic Brides of York will be showcasing their collections.

• Capturing the Day: Talented photographers like Rob Harrison and Cluskey Smith will be there to show their images and discuss how they manage things like copyright and digital galleries. Oliver’s Wedding Films will also be there for videography needs.

• Social Media: In a modern twist, Ever After Becci offers wedding social media content creation.

• Furry Friends: Paws n Promises is a wedding dog chaperone service so the four-legged family members can join in.

• Flowers and Styling: Gathered at Dusk (florist), Perfect Venue Styling Yorkshire, and Chair and Table Hire York can make any venue look magical.

• Refreshments: Louisianna’s Mobile Bars and A Taste of Italy Ice Cream Tricycle provide the fun finishing touches.

The masterminds behind the event

The whole event is driven by the passion of Carla and Lucie. Carla Mitchell’s venue, Deighton Lodge, is a perfect example of rustic Yorkshire charm. Set in three acres of farmland, the lovingly restored barn can host up to 200 people, and there’s even a seven-bedroom farmhouse for guests. It’s a beautiful canvas for any wedding. You can find out more by checking out the venue on its social media channels.

Lucie Pope’s business, Into the Hedgerow, is equally inspiring. Inspired by nature, Lucie creates stunning, handcrafted accessories from dried and pressed flowers. From bespoke dried floral wedding arrangements to unique jewellery and gifts, her work is a celebration of natural beauty. Her creations are a fantastic, long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers, making them an inherently sustainable choice. Her work on social media is a must-see for anyone looking for inspiration.

Image source: Into the Hedgerow dried flowers.

All the important details

The York Sustainable Wedding Fair is more than just an event; it's a movement. It’s about celebrating love in a way that’s also loving to the planet. For couples looking to plan a day that’s both beautiful and mindful, this is the place to be.

The fair takes place from 12noon until 3pm on Sunday 26 April 2026. It’s being held at Deighton Lodge, near Escrick, just four miles from York city centre. Best of all, entry is completely free, and there’s plenty of on-site parking available. It's the perfect day out for any couples starting their wedding planning journey.