Taiwanese Popstar's Wedding Spot Draws Chinese Brides

A historic church in North Yorkshire has become a sought-after international wedding venue, attracting couples from China. Selby Abbey, over a millennium old, gained prominence after Taiwanese popstar Jay Chou married his wife Hannah Quinlivan there in 2015.

The abbey has since seen a surge in visitors and wedding bookings, especially from Chinese couples inspired by the celebrity wedding. Reverend Canon John Weetman noted "quite a demand," with over 30 weddings scheduled for this year. This demand significantly exceeds the abbey's capacity, leading to limitations on ceremonies.

While traditional weddings at the church require meeting specific criteria, such as residency, the venue also provides a "blessing" service. This alternative ceremony has no marital law implications or qualifying requirements, making it accessible to international couples seeking a memorable location.

Fans of Jay Chou continue to visit the abbey, drawn by videos and memories of his "splendid" wedding. The influx of visitors began immediately after the celebrity couple's ceremony, with many Chinese tourists visiting York making a detour to Selby Abbey, highlighting its unique appeal.