There’s something truly special about Sneaton Castle near Whitby. With its sweeping views of the North Yorkshire coastline and its stunning chapel, the venue perfectly combines grandeur with a sense of calm intimacy. It’s a place that feels made for music — the kind of setting where every note seems to linger just that little bit longer in the air.
We were delighted to provide live music for Lizzie and Tom’s beautiful wedding ceremony and drinks reception at Sneaton Castle, and from the moment we arrived, the day had that wonderful balance of romance, excitement, and joy.
The Ceremony in the Chapel
The wedding ceremony took place inside Sneaton Castle’s elegant chapel, which is a truly atmospheric space — high ceilings, warm acoustics, and soft natural light filtering through the arched windows. It was the perfect setting for our piano and cello duo to fill the air with music.
We were positioned at the back of the chapel with our Yamaha electric cello and Nord piano, housed inside our black gloss piano shell which always looks so striking in traditional settings. Before the ceremony began, we performed a beautiful selection of contemporary songs as guests arrived and took their seats.
Pre-Ceremony Music
- All the Small Things – Blink 182
- Africa – Toto
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- Starlight – Muse
- Shallow – A Star Is Born
There was a lovely mix of nostalgia and modern style in these choices — fun, familiar, and perfectly suited to the couple’s relaxed, upbeat atmosphere.
When everyone was ready, Lizzie’s four bridesmaids walked in ahead of her, creating a touching moment of anticipation. Then, for Lizzie’s entrance, we performed “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, one of those timeless songs that always feels made for a wedding. Played on piano and cello, it’s both delicate and powerful — and it made for a beautifully emotional entrance.
During the signing of the register, we played:
- Your Song – Elton John
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John
These choices added a warm, romantic touch as Lizzie and Tom shared their first moments as a married couple.
And then, to end the ceremony on a high, we performed “It’s All About You” by McFly for the couple’s exit — the perfect upbeat track to accompany that joyful walk back down the aisle surrounded by smiles and applause.
Drinks Reception in the Bar
After the ceremony, we moved swiftly — piano shell and all — into the bar area for the drinks reception. Despite the rain outside, everything flowed beautifully, and within just ten minutes we were set up again and ready to play.
The bar at Sneaton Castle has a lovely welcoming atmosphere, ideal for relaxed post-ceremony celebrations. Guests gathered with champagne and canapés while we provided a vibrant and modern soundtrack to the afternoon.
Drinks Reception Setlist
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
- Dance Monkey – Tones and I
- Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
- Believe – Cher
- Count on Me – Bruno Mars
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
- Chandelier – Sia
- I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
- Love Story – Taylor Swift
- Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
The brief from Lizzie had been clear — modern and contemporary songs — and this setlist struck just the right tone. There was an infectious energy in the room, with guests singing along quietly and smiling as familiar melodies filled the space.
Our electric cello and Nord piano combination is particularly well suited to this style of music — it allows us to blend warmth and clarity, creating a sound that feels both intimate and dynamic.
A Fabulous Yorkshire Wedding Venue
We always love returning to Sneaton Castle. It’s such a versatile venue — equally stunning for indoor or outdoor weddings, with friendly and accommodating staff who make every event run seamlessly. The chapel in particular is one of our favourite ceremony spaces in North Yorkshire, and it’s always a joy to perform there.
The rain certainly didn’t dampen the atmosphere on Lizzie and Tom’s wedding day. If anything, it added a touch of cosy romance as guests gathered indoors, surrounded by music and laughter.
It was a privilege for us to provide the soundtrack to such a special occasion, and we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Lizzie and Tom for choosing JAM Duo to be part of their wonderful day.
If you’re planning your wedding at Sneaton Castle…
…and you’d love to include live music that’s personal, romantic, and beautifully performed, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re imagining elegant classical arrangements, contemporary love songs, or a mixture of both, JAM Duo can help create the perfect atmosphere for your day.
Venue: Sneaton Castle, Whitby, North Yorkshire
Live Music: JAM Duo – Piano & Cello
