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Decorative text reading 'Hiddens & Rarities' with floral and sparkling accents on a dark purple background.

Maidens & Ravens

Award winning inclusive bridal

boutique specialising in unique

gowns straight out a fairytale

A woman with red hair and dark makeup, wearing a black off-shoulder dress with lace details, holding a vibrant bouquet of pink and purple flowers, standing against a black wooden wall.

Quick Glance:

Name: Elizabeth
Pronouns: She/Her
Based: York
Covers: Everywhere
Summary: Award winning, inclusive bridal boutique specialising in unique bridalwear especially colourful, fairytale, floral, dark and gothic.

Intro:

Maidens & Ravens is a pretty little boutique situated on historic Micklegate, through the bar walls, which is the traditional royal entrance to the city of York.


Small but perfectly formed, Maidens & Ravens is definitely not your traditional grey and white bridal shop! It is cosy and colourful with vintage furniture and curious touches. When you book in you will have this beautiful space completely to yourself for at least 2 hours.
Our dresses are a collection of colourful, fairytale, floral and dark and gothic. Many styles are customisable to your own preference and most are available in every size.

The boutique is owned and run solely by Elizabeth who has a passion for helping brides of every age, shape, size and colour to find their perfect dress.
Whatever your vision is for your day, Elizabeth will help you find it.

Stalk me:

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A woman with red hair, tattoos, and dark makeup holding a bouquet of purple and pink flowers, sitting on a red leather bench against a brick wall with framed artwork.

About

I am Elizabeth and I am the founder, owner and bridal mavern at Maidens and Ravens, here in the historic city of York.

Did you know that a mavern is someone who is experienced and knowledgeable? Seemed like a fitting name for me.

I started my journey into Bridalwear in 2019 but before that I always had a love for art, making things, sewing, knitting and vintage clothing. Growing up in Edinburgh, I enjoyed charity shop snooping and loved buying dresses from the 60s and 70s which I would get tailored to me. Like all of my friends, my prom dress was a 1980s bridesmaid dress - mint green with puff sleeves and lace! I wanted to look like Sarah from Labyrinth in the ballroom scene with David Bowie, complete with ribbons in my hair! I still love that look.
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.
I have a real eye for what suits you and will suggest different options to adapt a dress to work better for you. I will often pick out a wild card dress for you (sometimes it comes to me as soon as I meet you!) and many of my brides have actually found that it is the one.

Basically, whatever is your dream dress, I want to help you achieve it and if you have no idea, then that's absolutely fine too. We will find it.

A woman with long brown hair and red streaks is holding a large bouquet of flowers above her head in an outdoor field, wearing a white dress with lace details.

Testimonials

  • Decorative text with the words "Maidens & Ravens" in a fancy font with green vine-like decorations and small star-like accents on a dark purple background.

    Jenny Carter

    I had the most wonderful experience at Maidens & Ravens. Not only is it an awesome alternative wedding dress shop, it has the coolest boss lady. We instantly connected on our love of alternative, Doc Martens, dancing & ironing! There was no rushed feelings, everything was comfortable, calm and I felt the luckiest person getting to try on such stunning unique dresses. I would recommend visiting if you like something different & really special. Elizabeth is so lovely, and really provides an incredible experience. 
    And after driving all the way from Edinburgh to York……I said yes to my dream dress ️
    It’s now being made especially for me & I can’t wait to wear her again. (All the dresses have their own name!) 
    Thank you & hopefully see you again.

  • Decorative text reading 'Maidens and Raven' with leaves and sparkles on a dark purple background.

    Angela Louise

    Aaaaw Elizabeth Thankyou! You made my dreams come true yesterday! You made me feel special and created such a welcoming vibe for me and my friends and family! I can’t wait to come back for fittings, but in the meantime I just keep looking at pictures of my beautiful dream dress! ️ for anyone looking for an alternative gown, Maidens and Ravens is a must

  • Decorative text that reads "Maidens and ravens" in a festive font with green vine accents and star-like sparkles on a purple background.

    Christine Muller

    I cannot recommend Elizabeth enough, she helped me find my dream wedding dress. She answered all my inane questions about the dress and even helped make sure my husband was suitably outfitted to fit the grandeur of my dress. This is a place to stop for anyone planning a quirky or different wedding!

  • The image features the words "Haidens & Heaven" in decorative white letterings against a dark purple background, with a filigree green vine design intertwined with the text and small gray star-like sparkles.

    Bethany Burge

    Elizabeth was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. She created a warm and welcoming atmosphere to help me find my perfect dress, and even accommodated a special viewing of me in my new dress for my family who were unable to attend the first time. She liaised with my fiance to surprise us with bubbly and a voice message from my bride to be I could not recommend her more. Thank you Elizabeth xx

FAQs

  • I try to stock dresses for most budgets and have dresses from £500 to £2000. Most of my customisable dresses are between £800 to £1200.

  • Absolutely! Most of my dresses are available in every size and I have lots of samples up to UK size 30 in the boutique to try on.

  • No! Having one or two trusted and supportive people can be a help however I would not normally recommend bringing too many people to your appointment as it can become overwhelming with too many different opinions. You are also welcome to come alone and many of my brides prefer to do this. Many of my favourite appointments have been with my bride by herself or bride and one other and they tend to be quieter with much more opportunity to explore what you love rather than what everyone else wants you to try. Do not feel pressured to bring a group if that’s not what you want. I will be honest and your biggest cheerleader and will help you find a dress that you feel amazing in even if you have no idea what you want.

  • Ideally get in touch with me at least a year in advance if possible, to get booked in. Some dresses take 4-6 months to make so you will then have more options.

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