Discover the Top Northumberland Wedding Venues for Your Dream Ceremony
Want to know more about your dream wedding venue in Northumberland, well that can start here. With lots of amazing venues, there is something for everyone, options ranging from iconic castles to coastal retreats, we really are all spoilt when it comes to choice. Northumberland has places that could turn your wedding dreams into reality. In this guide we will get into essential details and without the fluff, from the atmosphere to amenities, helping you make an informed choice among Northumberland amazing wedding venues.
Key Takeaways
● Northumberland hands down offers spectacular wedding venues ranging from fairy-tale castles to serene boutique hotels and rustic barns, perfect for any couple’s dream wedding.
● Exclusive-use options and tailored celebrations are a speciality of Northumberland venues, ensuring a bespoke and intimate experience for every wedding party.
● Couples and guests can anticipate luxurious accommodations that complement the grandiosity of the wedding venues, from chic hotels to homely B&Bs, providing comfort, elegance, views and much more.
Enchanting Castles and Stately Homes of Northumberland
Lets step into the fairy-tale world of Northumberland’s castles and stately homes, they are renowned for their stunning architecture, picturesque grounds, and exclusive-use options. You can really picture your dream wedding unfolding in these majestic venues, with their sweeping landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views from pretty much anywhere you look, these venues are just the perfect backdrop for your special day. These are a few of the reasons why I as a photographer love to travel to Northumberland to capture your amazing wedding. Each venue is a unique, luxury Northumberland wedding venue, offering the ideal setting for your magical wedding.
Some of the venues include:
● Alnwick Castle
● Bamburgh Castle
● Chillingham Castle
● Doxford Hall
● Ellingham Hall
● Langley Castle
● Newton Hall
● Seaton Delaval Hall
Whether you’re drawn to the cinematic history of Alnwick Castle, the serene exclusivity of Ellingham Hall, or the coastal majesty of Bamburgh Castle, you’ll find a venue that resonates with your vision. Each of these enchanting castles and stately homes promises an unforgettable wedding experience that we’ll explore further.
Alnwick Castle, A Royal Affair
Often called the ‘Windsor of the North,’ Alnwick Castle embodies royal grandeur, offering a magical setting for your wedding. This castle’s cinematic history, featured in renowned films and TV shows like Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, enhances its appeal as a unique wedding venue.
You can just imagine exchanging your vows in the medieval Guest Hall or historic Hulne Abbey against the backdrop of the castle’s stunning architecture and picturesque grounds. With its intimate setting and royal charm, Alnwick Castle is the perfect stage for a wedding straight out of a fairy tale.
Ellingham Hall, Exclusive Serenity
Set within 8 acres of private grounds in the picturesque Northumbrian countryside, Ellingham Hall is a large stunning, luxury, beautiful, I could go on, Northumberland wedding venue that promises exclusive serenity.
The venue offers:
● The Two Night Wedding Experience, allowing couples an extended celebration
● A relaxed evening before the wedding day
● Luxury suites for the wedding party complete with unique amenities such as hot tubs.
Exclusivity at Ellingham Hall is accentuated by customizable elements such as bespoke drinks menus, a separate entrance for apartments to maintain traditions, and a pre-wedding food-tasting evening to select a bespoke 3-course menu, including the perfect wedding breakfast. Whether you envisage your ceremony in the indoor ceremony room, the wedding chapel, or one of the outdoor settings, you’ll find the perfect setting to start your married life in style.
Bamburgh Castle, Coastal Majesty
Perched on the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh Castle provides a breathtaking panorama, a fairytale setting for your wedding. The Battery Terrace offers a majestic open-air space for exchanging vows, with sweeping views of the Northumberland coastline on one side and the castle’s grandeur on the other. Once your vows have been exchange why not have a sunset walk along the beach, this is a wedding venue that keeps on giving.
The iconic King’s Hall, with its grand teak ceiling and rich fine art collection, hosts ceremonies for up to 140 guests and features a Minstrels’ Gallery. For a more intimate atmosphere, The Keep Hall offers vaulted ceilings and stone-flagged floors, surrounded by eclectic artefacts.
From cosy micro ceremonies to grand festivities, Bamburgh Castle caters to weddings of various scales, including a civil ceremony and civil ceremonies, promising a coastal wedding experience like no other.
Boutique Hotels and Cozy Inns - Intimate Gatherings Perfected
For couples seeking intimate wedding experiences, Northumberland’s boutique hotels and cosy inns offer a perfect blend of modern comfort with traditional values housed in buildings with significant historic charm. For instance, the Tankerville Arms Hotel and The White Swan Hotel offer unique, bespoke, and historical settings at the foot of the Cheviot Hills or as a 300-year-old Coaching Inn.
Boutique establishments like The Cookie Jar in Alnwick and Newton Hall by the Sea provide a warm, intimate setting for your special day. These venues are not just places to say ‘I do’ but spaces that become part of your love story, offering cherished memories that last a lifetime.
The Cookie Jar, A Sweet Retreat
Nestled in the heart of Alnwick, The Cookie Jar offers a sweet retreat for couples seeking a tailored, intimate wedding experience. The dedicated team at The Cookie Jar works closely with couples to craft their dream gathering within a romantic setting.
With its cosy and inviting atmosphere, The Cookie Jar ensures that weddings are tailored to the couple’s preferences, aiming for a truly individual experience. Imagine savouring the first moments of your married life in this intimate setting, where every detail is carefully curated to reflect your love story.
Newton Hall, Bohemian Rhapsody by the Sea
Located on the picturesque Northumberland coast, Newton Hall celebrates bohemian luxury, suitable for traditional and unconventional weddings. Imagine exchanging vows in a romantic
beach setting, an Enchanted Chapel, or a unique Glasshouse with a retractable roof and walls for waterfront ceremonies. With Newton Hall only a minute drive from the beach, why not take the opportunity to have a romantic walk along the beach, photographs you will cherish forever and Northumberland can give some amazing sunsets too.
Newton Hall’s outdoor wedding options are complemented by tailor-made packages, including:
● Rehearsal dinners
● BBQs around fire pits
● Beach picnics
● Champagne and strawberries in the dunes
With various wedding spaces, each designed to provide a different aesthetic and atmosphere, Newton Hall promises a Bohemian Rhapsody by the sea that you and your guests will never forget.
Le Petit Chateau
Le Petit Château in Otterburn, Northumberland, is a venue I have photographed many a time now, it is a distinct wedding venue blending French chic with shabby elegance. This 30-bedroom boutique hotel offers a variety of wedding packages and spaces, accommodating every style and budget. For any dog lovers like myself, it is a dog-friendly, allowing pets to join in the celebrations and I love this.
The venue supports extended celebrations with options for pre-wedding dinners, BBQs, and picnics. An amazing professional team, including award-winning chefs, ensures a smooth and personalized wedding experience. The venue's outdoor options, like a riverside terrace and Mediterranean garden, offer a unique ceremony setting.
With flexible pricing and an inclusive package, Le Petit Château caters to a range of budgets, ensuring a memorable event for couples and their guests
Rustic Romance - Barns and Countryside Retreats
For couples who dream of a rustic romance, Northumberland’s serene and unspoiled countryside offers an idyllic setting for a magical barn or farm wedding. Spacious interiors and large windows showcase the rustic charm while allowing natural light to complement the romantic setting.
Whether you’re drawn to the award-winning experience of Doxford Barns, the farmyard charm of Northside Farm, or the unique offerings of Runa Farm, you’ll find a barn or countryside retreat that resonates with your vision. Each rustic romance venue promises an unforgettable wedding experience!
Charlton Hall
Charlton Hall, nestled in the heart of Northumberland, offers an exclusive and enchanting setting for weddings within a 150-acre private estate. This venue presents a blend of traditional elegance and modern eccentricity, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a unique wedding experience. The ceremony hall accommodates up to 140 and 200 evening guests in The Looking Glass, with on-site accommodation available for up to 86 guests.
The estate provides a picturesque backdrop for indoor and outdoor weddings, boasting three reception areas, two bars, and six bedrooms. Charlton Hall's versatile offerings ensure a tailored wedding experience, whether opting for a magical fairytale escape or an elegant celebration.
The venue has garnered recognition for its exceptional service and setting, winning regional and national wedding industry awards.
For couples interested in exploring this venue further, Charlton Hall hosts open days, offering an opportunity to experience the magic of the estate firsthand. Their tailored approach to weddings promises to align with your vision, creating a memorable day that reflects your unique style.
Charlton Hall is also known for is their decorations, zebra's heads coming from the walls in the ceremony room, giraffes on the staircase and the toilets are not left out with the design, I can only speak on behalf of the men's of course.
Doxford Barns
Doxford Barns in Northumberland offers a beautiful unique and rustic setting for weddings. Barns are becoming very popular and I understand why, they are one of my favourite places to photograph, they suit my style of photographs and entering style too. Doxford Barns is nestled within a 550-acre private country estate. Its blend of 18th-century stone and oak barns with modern touches stands out, providing a picturesque backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.
Offering both one-day and three-day wedding packages, Doxford Barns allows couples to tailor their celebration to their preferences, whether opting for a traditional one-day event or extending the festivities over several days for a more immersive experience. The venue can accommodate up to 180 guests for ceremonies and 250 for evening receptions.
Accommodation options include on-site cottage accommodation for up to 41 guests and 5 glamping pods for an additional 20 guests, ensuring a memorable stay for the wedding party and guests alike.
Northside Farm
Northside Farm presents a unique and customizable wedding experience, offering exclusive use of their estate for a weekend.
They emphasize personalization, with a no-restrictions policy that allows couples to create a truly individual celebration, whether a candlelit romantic event or a gothic-style wedding with a thrash metal band.
The venue's charm is in its ability to transform according to each couple's dream, set against the beautiful backdrop of rolling Northumberland landscape.
Waterfront Wonders - Idyllic Riverside and Coastal Venues
Northumberland’s waterside wedding venues are characterised by their tranquil ambiance, providing a serene backdrop with stunning reflections and iconic landmarks along riverbanks. These venues offer a picturesque and dog-friendly setting, allowing couples to include their pets in the celebration.
Whether you’re drawn to the industrial chic of Dalton Old Pump House or the lakeside allure of The Pavilion at Alnwick Garden, you’ll find a venue that resonates with your vision. Each of these waterfront wonders promises an unforgettable wedding experience that we’ll investigate further.
The Pavilion at Alnwick Garden: Lakeside Love Stories
Found within the beautiful gardens of Alnwick, The Pavilion overlooks a stunning lake, offering a serene and romantic spot for wedding nuptials. The Pavilion facilitates outdoor drink receptions on the East Terrace with the option to use the Atrium during less favourable weather conditions, ensuring a magnificent celebration regardless of good old British weather.
Evening festivities at The Pavilion are characterized by vibrant music and dancing, complemented by evening food for guests, creating a memorable end to the special day. With its lakeside allure and beautiful gardens, The Pavilion at Alnwick Garden offers a perfect setting for celebrating your love story.
Tailored Celebrations, Create Your Personalized Wedding Experience
Northumberland venues offer a wide range of drink packages. They work closely with couples to create the perfect package to fit their wedding budget, showcasing the flexibility and customization available for weddings. These venues offer diverse wedding packages, enabling couples to tailor their special day according to desires and budget constraints.
Whether you’re drawn to the whimsical, personalized wedding experiences offered by The Treehouse Restaurant or the exclusive hire and personalized planning support provided by Hexham House, you’ll find a venue that resonates with your vision. Each of these tailored celebrations promises an unforgettable wedding experience that we’ll scrutinize more deeply.
Personalization at The Treehouse Restaurant
Alnwick Castle’s Treehouse, the largest in the world, offers a unique contemporary rustic setting characterized by its quirky interior with twisting branches, fairy lights, and a roaring log fire perfect for that dark and moody style. The dedicated team at The Treehouse works closely with couples to craft their dream wedding within this whimsical setting.
With the stunning Alnwick Garden as an option to have access to for your photos, designed by Capability Brown, serving as a stunning backdrop, The Treehouse Restaurant offers a harmonious setting for a truly personalized and enchanting wedding experience. Imagine saying ‘I do’ amidst the treetops in a setting that is as unique and special as your love story.
Hexham House, Your Day, Your Way
Hexham House is a beautifully restored Grade II* listed building that offers stunning views of the historic Hexham Abbey, providing a majestic backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The venue’s park location enhances the serenity of the celebration and offers numerous picturesque spots for wedding photography, capturing timeless memories.
Couples who choose Hexham House for their wedding will benefit from:
● Exclusive hire of the venue, ensuring a private and intimate setting
● The support of a dedicated team to streamline the wedding planning process
● The option to have a grand celebration or a more intimate gathering
Hexham House promises a wedding experience that is truly your day, your way.
Accommodate Your Guests in Style
Northumberland offers various luxurious accommodation options for guests, from elegant boutique bedrooms to grand wedding suites. These accommodations ensure a comfortable stay for your guests, allowing them to enjoy the festivities and the beautiful Northumberland scenery. Discover the perfect wedding venues in Northumberland to make your special day unforgettable.
Whether you’re drawn to the Georgian grandeur and romantic rooms of Doxford Hall Hotel or the warm, personal experience offered by local B&Bs, you’ll find accommodations that resonate with your vision. Each of these accommodations promises a stay as memorable as the wedding, which we will explore in detail.
Luxurious Comfort at Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa
Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa is a luxurious wedding venue nestled within the calming beauty of the Northumberland countryside. The venue boasts a sprawling 450-acre estate, accommodating a range of wedding experiences, from grand outdoor celebrations to more intimate indoor gatherings.
With its Georgian grandeur and romantic rooms, Doxford Hall Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in luxury and comfort amidst glorious gardens, ensuring a luxurious stay. Whether you dream of a grand celebration or a more intimate gathering, Doxford Hall promises a stay as memorable as the wedding.
Homely Hospitality at Local B&Bs
Northumberland’s local bed and breakfasts are known for their warm, personal hospitality, catering to guests seeking a homely touch. These B&Bs offer a more intimate and personalized stay compared to larger hotels, making them ideal for wedding guests wanting to feel at home.
The Orchard House and the Old Vicarage are among the top choices, praised for their comfort, character, and exceptional service. By choosing to stay at a B&B, guests also have the opportunity to explore Northumberland’s quaint villages, historic sites, and beautiful landscapes at their leisure.
Summary
From enchanting castles like Bamburgh Castle and stately homes to rustic barns and tranquil waterfronts, Northumberland offers many unique and beautiful wedding venues. Whether you dream of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, these venues promise an unforgettable wedding experience with luxurious accommodations and tailored planning assistance. With their stunning architecture, picturesque backdrops, and personal touch, these venues are not just places to say ‘I do’ but spaces that become part of your love story, offering cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a wedding venue UK?
The average cost of a wedding venue in the UK ranges from £6,500 to £9,000, varying prices based on the venue type and location. Recent trends indicate a rise in venue costs, now averaging around £8,800, driven by inflation and increased catering expenses.
What is the cheapest day to book a wedding venue?
Consider hosting your wedding on a weekday, such as Sunday or Tuesday, to save money on the venue cost. Weekdays are generally more affordable and offer a greater chance of availability for popular venues.
When should you book a wedding reception venue?
You should book a wedding reception venue 12-18 months in advance for more flexibility, considering factors like the location and type of venue. It's best to plan to secure your desired venue and date, this also applies for your other suppliers too.
What types of wedding venues does Northumberland offer?
Northumberland offers diverse wedding venues, such as enchanting castles, stately homes, boutique hotels, cosy inns, rustic barns, and tranquil waterfronts. Choose a venue that aligns with your vision for the perfect wedding.
Can I have an intimate wedding in Northumberland?
Yes, you can have an intimate wedding in Northumberland, as many venues there offer tailored experiences and support from planning teams to create your dream intimate gathering.
