First look: Castle Howard gears up ‘for Ellie Goulding wedding’

It’s could be York’s wedding of the century.

And as these pictures show, the preparations are well underway.

As YorkMix reported last month, singer Ellie Goulding is set to marry her fiancé Caspar Jopling in Yorkshire on Saturday (31 August).

And Castle Howard looks set to play a key part in proceedings.

Although the stately home won’t comment on the wedding, Castle Howard is closed all day on Saturday for a private event. And these giant marquees are being erected.

Rock – and real – royalty

All the indications suggest that Castle Howard will host the reception. Art dealer Caspar is from an aristocratic Yorkshire family, who live at Frickley Hall, near Doncaster.

These photographs by Mr and Mrs Todd, show a huge marquee complex being constructed between the house and the Atlas fountain.

York Minster is rumoured to be hosting the marriage ceremony itself. It closes to the public at 12.30pm on Saturday, rather than its usual closing time of 4.30pm.

There could be some A-list VIP guests at Ellie and Caspar’s wedding. Ellie is a close friend of Prince Harry, and she sang at the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Caspar is reportedly inviting close friends Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and rock royalty on the guest list includes Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora.