The Boutique · Micklegate, York
A pretty little boutique on Micklegate
Maidens & Ravens sits on historic Micklegate, through the bar walls — the traditional royal entrance to the city of York.
The Place
One of the handsomest streets in York
The street is described as one of the most handsome in York, and is home to beautiful book shops and lovely places to eat. It has been used as a location for many period dramas, thanks to the Georgian buildings and the cobbles.
When you book in with me you will have this beautiful space completely to yourself, and my aim is to give you an experience to remember. Like my dresses, I wanted the boutique to be unique, and that is reflected in everything from the wallpaper to the lighting. Look out for the ravens…
IMG · shop frontage on Micklegate
Come As You Are
Everyone is welcome at Maidens and Ravens
I have a real passion for helping all of my brides. I am a people person and am genuinely committed to helping you find a dress which makes you feel beautiful and meets your dreams!
I firmly believe there is a dress for every bride (and a bride for every dress!). I love brides of every age, shape, size and colour. I pride myself in being fully inclusive and making your appointments as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
A Calm Space
A calm space, made for you
Small but perfectly formed, Maidens & Ravens is definitely not your traditional grey and bright white bridal shop! The vibe is colourful and pretty, a bit vintage, with a little darkness and lots of curious details. I do not do minimalist style here!
Wedding dress shopping can be loud, pressured and overwhelming. Maidens & Ravens was built to be the opposite — only ever one bride in the boutique at a time. Quiet, cosy and relaxed, private appointments and no hard sell.
If you’re autistic, sensory-sensitive, anxious, or simply someone who does better without a fuss, you’ll be looked after here without it ever being made into a thing. Brides who are a little bit different, in whatever way, have always been my people.
No silly rules, either. Try on as many dresses as you like. Take all the photos you want. No gloves, no limits, no raised eyebrows — I promise.
✦
Non-negotiables
What We Stand For
Four promises, always kept:
Size is Irrelevant
I don’t talk size as our dresses are available for every body so who cares about that silly tag number. It’s not even an issue.
Inclusivity
You and your guests will always be welcomed and treated with respect and kindness. This is a safe space.
Genuinely Affordable
Budgets from £400 to £2,000 max. Feeling like a queen shouldn’t mean remortgaging the castle.
Let’s Keep it Relaxed
Private appointments in our cosy, welcoming boutique with no hard sell or raised eyebrows.
Come As You Are
You are safe here
Come alone if you’d rather. Bring one trusted person, or a small group — whatever gives you space to breathe. I’ll be honest, I’ll be kind, and I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. You are going to look incredible.
Awards & Accreditations
Accredited by the Good Business Charter
A small badge that reflects how I try to run things — fairly, ethically, and with real care for everyone involved, from the queens who come to visit to the designers and suppliers I work with.
Bragging Rights
What my brides say
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & appointments
Do I need an appointment?
Yes — we’re open by appointment so the boutique is entirely yours while you’re here, with no strangers wandering in mid-try-on. Use the booking button and I’ll be in touch within a working day.
Is there a charge or deposit for an appointment?
No. Appointments are free and I don’t take deposits. I only ask that you let me know as soon as possible if you can’t make it, so I can offer the slot to another bride.
When's the right time to buy my dress?
There isn’t one — some brides buy two years out, some at the last minute. Do leave time for fitting appointments. Treasure Trove dresses can be bought off the peg, but there’s only one of each, so don’t dawdle if you fall in love. Commissioned for You dresses take around four months, so ideally come in at least eight months before the wedding for all the options.
Dresses, sizing & style
I'm not sure traditional bridal is 'me'. Am I wasting your time?
Not even slightly. Alternative styles are exactly what we do. If the classic white-dress-and-veil isn’t you, the Raven Collection and our colourful, unconventional designs might be. And if you have something specific in your head, we can help you create it.
I hate my body and I'm dreading dress shopping. Help?
I get it completely, and please don’t worry. I’ve seen every shape, size, age and style, and I promise there’s a dress for you — my job is to find it. You’ll have plenty of privacy, the boutique to yourself, and me firmly on your side. I am not one of those stuffy, look-down-your-nose ladies.
Are you genuinely size-inclusive?
Yes. We have dresses to try across a wide range of sizes in the boutique, and our made-to-order gowns can be ordered in any size, without restriction.
Bringing people (and nerves)
Can I bring guests?
Of course. One or two trusted, supportive people can be lovely — we have seating for three alongside you. I’d gently steer you away from a big group, though; too many opinions can become overwhelming.
What if I don't have anyone to bring?
That’s absolutely fine — come alone. Some of my favourite appointments have been one-to-one; they tend to be calmer, with far more room to explore what you love rather than what everyone else thinks. I’ll look after you.
My mum can be critical and I'm nervous about bringing her.
Ask yourself what you need on the day: a supportive voice, not a critical one. You’re welcome to book in alone first to narrow things down, then bring her to see your final few. I won’t have body shaming in the boutique, and I’m happy to tactfully remind anyone that it’s about you and what makes you feel wonderful. I’m on your side.
Buying, deposits & alterations
How does paying work?
For dresses off the peg, you’ll usually pay when you buy. For Commissioned for You dresses, it’s a 50% deposit to place the order and the balance when it arrives.
Are dresses refundable?
By their nature, no — all dresses are non-refundable. If you have concerns, talk to me; I’ll always do my best to help.
Do you have a seamstress?
Almost every dress needs some alteration. We work closely with several excellent local seamstresses and will pass on their details at your appointment — though you’re free to use your own.
Finding Us
Getting here, and getting in
Our nearest carpark is Nunnery Lane, and we are about five minutes’ walk from the train station. If you are driving in from out of York, the park and ride is advisable. There is some limited paid parking on Micklegate and Priory Street, up to two hours, on a first come first served basis.
As with much of York, our building is old, and the entrance to the shop is a little narrow. There is one very low step to get inside, which is still accessible by wheelchair and with a buggy.
I will always do whatever I can to help, so please do ask if you need any specific assistance.
Come and Find Us
Your dress is waiting on Micklegate
Book in and the whole boutique is yours — just you, your people, the dresses and me.