Quick answer: Grand Villa Heights is the new name for the former Raven Hall Hotel in Ravenscar, North Yorkshire, between Scarborough and Whitby. It sits 600 feet above Robin Hood's Bay with the North York Moors behind it, in 90 acres of grounds. Couples can marry outdoors in the gardens or in the Chapel, and the venue takes up to 100 day and 150 evening guests. I've photographed weddings here.
If you've been searching for Raven Hall, you're in the right place. The hotel has been bought and renamed Grand Villa Heights, and this guide uses the new name from here on. It covers what couples ask me most: where you can marry, where the photos happen, what the weather does on the clifftop and how a day usually runs.
Why couples choose Grand Villa Heights
The setting is the reason. Grand Villa Heights describes itself as perched 600 feet above Robin Hood's Bay, with the North York Moors National Park behind and 90 acres of grounds around it. You get the sea, the moors and a big sky in the same day.
A lot of guests can stay on site. The venue lists 54 bedrooms and 2 lodges, with plans to grow to 64 bedrooms, and says there's plenty of space to bring the kids and the dog. It also offers to stretch the celebration over a few days, with ideas like a rehearsal dinner the night before or fish and chips on the clifftops.
The venue is at Ravenscar, Scarborough, YO13 0ET, close to Whitby. It's at the end of a long country road, so it's worth giving guests clear directions.
From Raven Hall to Grand Villa Heights
Grand Villa Heights says it is "building upon the rich heritage and esteemed reputation of Raven Hall Hotel" as it transforms the building. The work is ongoing, so ask the venue which rooms will be finished by your date when you look round. The gardens, the stone walls and the view over the bay are the same as they always were, and that's where most outdoor photographs happen.
Ceremony and reception spaces
Outdoor ceremonies in the gardens
Grand Villa Heights offers "a variety of outdoor ceremony options" in its gardens, with the coast as the backdrop. For photos, an outdoor ceremony at Grand Villa Heights means sea and sky behind you rather than a wall. Ask the venue which spots are licensed for your date and what the indoor swap is if the weather turns.
The Chapel
The Chapel is the indoor ceremony option. Have a look round on a viewing and, if you like, send me a photo of the room so I can plan for the light.
The wedding suite
The venue says its wedding suite has panoramic views, which means natural light for the speeches and the sea through the windows in the evening.
Solara Shores, on the same site
Solara Shores is a separate venue on the same Ravenscar site. Its own website describes it as a barn conversion with Mediterranean courtyards, fire pits and sea views, taking 100 day and 150 evening guests. Ceremonies range from indoor barns to the Clifftop Retreat, with dining in The Great Barn and the evening in The Hay Barn. If you're comparing the two, ask the team to show you both on the same visit.
Best photo spots at Grand Villa Heights
The battlements and the sea view
The old battlements and the edge of the lawn look straight out over Robin Hood's Bay. This is the photo most couples come here for, and it works best in the softer light later in the day.
The lawns and stone walls
The lawns and old stone walls give simple, uncluttered backgrounds for group photos and quick portraits during the drinks reception.
Wind, sea mist and light
Grand Villa Heights is on a clifftop, so wind and sea mist matter more than rain. A breezy day gives movement in veils and hair, which I like, and I'll always find a sheltered corner for the photos where you'd rather not be windswept. Mist can roll in and out quickly, so I keep an eye on it and nip out when it lifts.
How I photograph a Grand Villa Heights wedding
My style is documentary. I don't line people up or ask them to perform. I photograph what happens: the nerves in the morning, the reactions during the vows, the speeches and the dance floor. Group photos are kept short and planned with you beforehand.
I've photographed weddings here, and I'm booked back for a wedding in February 2027, so I'll see the new interiors for myself. You can see full days here in Leah and Dirk's Raven Hall wedding and Lucy and Sam's Raven Hall wedding, and more about the venue on my Grand Villa Heights wedding photographer page.
If you're getting married at Grand Villa Heights, send me your date and I'll let you know if I'm free. Get in touch here.
An example Grand Villa Heights wedding timeline
Every day is different, but a typical summer timeline looks like this:
- 11:00 I arrive for getting-ready photos
- 13:00 Ceremony in the gardens or the Chapel
- 13:45 Drinks on the lawn, group photos, a short portrait by the sea view
- 15:30 Wedding breakfast and speeches in the wedding suite
- Golden hour Ten minutes on the battlements or the clifftop, if the light is good (check sunset for your date)
- 19:30 Evening guests arrive, cake cutting and first dance
In winter the light goes much earlier, so we'd fit the clifftop portraits in straight after the ceremony.
Nearby portrait spots
Robin Hood's Bay is a short drive up the coast and makes a lovely setting for a pre-wedding shoot. The Cinder Track, the old railway line between Scarborough and Whitby, runs past Ravenscar. Both are public places, so you don't need to book anything, but bring good shoes.
Grand Villa Heights wedding photography prices
My collections, from the top:
- Willow: £2,295
- Oak: £1,695
- Digital: £1,295 (half day)
- Small weddings: from £895
A £100 booking fee holds your date. You can see what's in each collection in my price guide.
Grand Villa Heights wedding FAQs
Is Grand Villa Heights the same as Raven Hall Hotel? Yes. Grand Villa Heights is the former Raven Hall Hotel in Ravenscar. The venue was bought and renamed, and is building on Raven Hall's history as it is refurbished.
Where is Grand Villa Heights? Grand Villa Heights is at Ravenscar, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO13 0ET, on the coast between Scarborough and Whitby, above Robin Hood's Bay.
How many guests does Grand Villa Heights hold? Up to 100 daytime and 150 evening guests, according to the venue.
Does Grand Villa Heights have a chapel? Yes. Couples can marry in the Chapel or outdoors in the gardens.
Can guests stay at Grand Villa Heights? Yes. The venue lists 54 bedrooms and 2 lodges, and says kids and dogs are welcome.
What is Solara Shores? Solara Shores is a separate barn-conversion wedding venue on the same Ravenscar site, taking 100 day and 150 evening guests, according to its website.
Useful links
- Grand Villa Heights weddings
- Solara Shores
- My Grand Villa Heights wedding photographer page
- Leah and Dirk's Raven Hall wedding
- Lucy and Sam's Raven Hall wedding
- North Yorkshire wedding photography
- Prices
What happens next
Send me your date and venue, and I'll come back to you with my availability and collections. If it feels right, we can have a chat, and the £100 booking fee holds your date. Get in touch.
About the author
I'm Aaron Jeffels, a full-time documentary wedding photographer based in Guisborough. I was North East Wedding Photographer of the Year 2022, my work has been published in Vogue, and I have 85+ Google reviews. I'm fully insured and bring backup kit to every wedding.