Top ten county durham wedding venues
County Durham is a beautiful and historic county located in the northeast of England, known for its stunning landscapes, charming market towns, and rich cultural heritage. It is home to a number of stunning wedding venues, including historic castles, elegant country houses, and beautiful gardens, which provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding ceremony and reception.
In addition to its beautiful scenery and historic architecture, County Durham is also known for its warm and friendly people, who are renowned for their hospitality and welcoming nature. This makes it an ideal place for couples who are looking to celebrate their special day in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Furthermore, County Durham offers a wide range of wedding services, including professional photographers, florists, and caterers, who can help make your wedding day truly special. Whether you are looking for a small and intimate wedding or a grand celebration with all the trimmings, County Durham has something to offer.
The best wedding venues in county Durham
Lumley Castle
Located in the charming village of Great Lumley, England, Lumley Castle stands as an impressive and historic wedding venue. For over 630 years, this property has overlooked the River Wear and boasts nine acres of picturesque parkland. Today, it serves as a modern and sophisticated hotel with an award-winning master chef.
The castle offers ample facilities for hosting weddings, including ceremonies, receptions, and evening celebrations. With a maximum capacity of 132 guests, Lumley Castle offers indoor and outdoor settings for civil ceremonies. Its lush dining spaces, which feature dramatic accents and high windows, provide the perfect backdrop for wedding breakfasts and receptions.
Address: Ropery Ln, Chester-le-Street DH3 4NX
Runa Farm
Runa Farm, situated in Barnard Castle, Durham, is a charming wedding venue created by the masterminds behind Newton Hall and Le Petit Chateau. While maintaining the same high standards as these award-winning properties, Runa Farm exudes a distinctive atmosphere that embodies a blend of pure Balearic beauty and fields bursting with romance.
Why settle for a one-day wedding celebration when you can opt for a two or three-day affair at Runa Farm? There are many reasons to consider extending your stay:
Firstly, you can enjoy a complimentary extended stay as the newlyweds. Secondly, you will have the opportunity to spend more valuable time with your loved ones - an experience that is truly luxurious. Thirdly, you can create a unique and unforgettable wedding celebration that will be the talk of the town. Finally, as industry experts, we guarantee that your time at Runa Farm will be nothing short of amazing and unforgettable.
Address: Darlington Rd, Barnard Castle DL12 8TA
Hallgarth Manor Hotel
Hallgarth Manor Hotel is a charming boutique hotel and wedding destination situated in the picturesque countryside of High Pittington, Durham. It offers couples the opportunity to tailor their special day with personalized touches and distinctive features. The hotel is equipped to host a range of events, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations, making it an ideal venue for creating unforgettable memories.
Address: High Pittington, Durham DH6 1AB
Dalton Old Pump House
Located in Seaham, Durham, England, the Dalton Old Pump House is a historic wedding venue that exudes Victorian charm and architectural detail. Originally designed by renowned engineer Thomas Hawksley in 1873, this Grade II listed building has been refurbished into a modern and sophisticated space perfect for wedding celebrations. Its traditional brickwork exterior and grand entrance steps are captivating, while the interior seamlessly blends original features with contemporary accents.
With a capacity ranging from 65 to 175 guests, the Dalton Old Pump House is an ideal setting for weddings. The in-house celebrant, Sally, provides a flexible approach to civil ceremonies, enabling couples to choose the timing that suits them best. After exchanging vows, guests can enjoy Pimms and prosecco while soaking in the historic elegance of the venue.
The Boiler Room is the main event space, boasting elegant chandeliers, exposed brick walls, and romantic greenery and florals. The venue's event team curates wedding receptions and breakfasts tailored to the couple's preferences, from grand, formal occasions to casual gatherings. The venue's blank canvas allows wedding parties to customize the space as they wish, and the in-house team provides decorative items such as letter boxes, cake stands, florals, and more. The plush preparation suite is available for the wedding party to relax and freshen up throughout the day.
Address: Dalton Old Pump House, Stockton Rd, Dalton-le-Dale, Cold Hesledon, Seaham SR7 8RQ
Black Horse Beamish
Black Horse Beamish is a charming marquee and tent wedding venue located in Beamish, in the Durham area of England. The venue is situated within the Beamish conservation area and is part of the 37-acre Red Row Estate, which boasts one of the only lavender fields and permanent marquees in the North, as well as several other buildings such as The Orchard Marquee, Old Red Row Rooms, Red Row Retreat, and Huckleberry Cottage.
Black Horse Beamish offers two distinct wedding venue spaces that can accommodate both grand and intimate celebrations, whether indoors or outdoors. Both areas are licensed for civil ceremonies, making it easy to transition from the ceremony to the reception seamlessly. The stunning lavender field, woodlands, apple orchard, and antique farmyard provide endless photo opportunities.
The George Ridley Room is situated in a beautifully restored 300-year-old building that has retained its original charm, featuring flagstone floors, open fires, and a mix of eclectic furnishings. With breathtaking panoramic views of the peaceful valley, this location is an idyllic setting for your most cherished day.
The George Ridley Room, Gallery Bar, and Terrace offer an intimate setting for your ceremony, wedding breakfast, and evening reception. This stunning space features stone walls, two open fires, high ceilings, and exposed oak beams. The attached gallery bar and heated outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the rolling countryside create a magical atmosphere for your special day. This room can accommodate a maximum of 35 guests for a ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 50 guests for an evening reception.
Address: Red Row, Stanley DH9 0RW
Blackwell Grange Hotel
The Blackwell Grange Hotel is an exquisite wedding venue located just outside Darlington, in County Durham. This charming venue is nestled among nine acres of stunning wooded parkland and is conveniently located between the North Yorkshire Moors and the Pennines, with York and Newcastle just a short drive away.
As you approach the venue along the sweeping driveway, the sight of the breathtaking 17th-century mansion set amidst picturesque surroundings is sure to leave you feeling enchanted.
The Blackwell Grange Hotel boasts exceptional grounds and interiors, making it the perfect place to host your dream wedding. The Gazebo, situated in the heart of the garden, is licensed to hold civil ceremonies. The hotel also offers two stunning function suites. The Bruhenny Suite, which has recently undergone refurbishment, features magnificent high ceilings with original oak beams and can accommodate up to 120 guests during the daytime and 200 guests during the evening. The George Allan Suite, which overlooks the beautiful gardens and provides direct access to the Gazebo, can host up to 70 guests during the daytime and 100 guests during the evening.
Address: Grange Rd, Darlington DL3 8QH
The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum, located in Startforth, Durham, is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. This hidden gem is a must-see destination in Northern England, showcasing remarkable collections of fine and decorative arts that are of international significance. The Museum, built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, combines artistry with historic allure to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Facilities and Capacity
With its stunning function rooms, elegant grounds, and world-class art, The Bowes Museum is an awe-inspiring venue for your wedding. The formal parterre garden, originally designed by the Bowes family, is a stunning outdoor location for your ceremony or reception, complementing the unique building. While exploring the grounds, you and your guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink and capture unforgettable wedding photos. The Museum's galleries, featuring exceptional artwork, soaring ceilings, and timeless charm, offer the perfect indoor space for your ceremony or reception. Children in attendance will love the play area, complete with a climbing frame, balance beam, slides, and swings.
Address: Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Weddings at St Chads
St Chad’s College is available for weddings during the Easter and summer vacations, and they are licensed to host civil ceremonies.
There are several spaces available for ceremonies and receptions, including the glass-roofed Cassidy Quad and the lawned garden, which can seat up to 100 ceremony guests. The Senior Common Room is available for couples planning a more intimate ceremony. For wedding breakfasts, Moulsdale Hall can accommodate up to 120 guests and features tall, arched windows with a lovely view of Durham Cathedral.
After-ceremony celebrations can be hosted in Cassidy Quad, which can accommodate up to 140 people. The happy couple can also enjoy a complimentary stay in a garden-view or cathedral-view room on the night of their wedding, and competitively-priced overnight accommodation is available for wedding guests.
Address: 18 N Bailey, Durham DH1 3RH
Bowburn Hall Hotel
That sounds like a lovely venue with a lot of attention to detail. The Bowburn Hall Hotel seems to be a perfect choice for couples looking for a stylish and luxurious event space with beautiful surroundings. The fact that the team of wedding specialists draws on years of rich experience in the industry to provide couples with help and advice on menus, seating plans, wines, and recommended suppliers is a great bonus for couples planning their big day. With facilities for both ceremonies and receptions and a capacity of up to 120 guests, this venue offers a great setting for couples looking to celebrate their special day with their loved ones.
Address: Bowburn, Durham DH6 5NH
The Morritt Hotel
The Morritt Hotel is a wedding venue and spa hotel situated in County Durham, in North East England. From the formal gardens to the pretty hamlet of Greta Bridge, this boutique hotel provides a picturesque backdrop for romantic celebrations. Situated near the historic market towns of Richmond and Barnard Castle, this is an idyllic spot in which to mark your wedding journey.
Facilities and Capacity
The Morritt Hotel is licensed to host civil ceremonies, both indoors and in the beautiful secret garden during mild summer months. This versatile venue caters for all events, whether you envisage an intimate micro wedding for 20 loved ones or a grand-scale gathering for 200 guests. There are multiple event spaces at this location, from the romantic Garden Room to the stunning Ballroom and the oak-adorned Gilroy's Dining Room. The Ballroom is the largest space and can host 200 people for formal sit-down meals or 200 for casual buffets and dancing afterwards. This function room is characterized by ambient chandelier lighting, wooden accents, and large windows that allow natural light to pour in. For more intimate occasions, Gilroy's Dining Room seats 50 people and has a private bar area. During your wedding celebrations, guests can explore the landscaped grounds or relax in the many cosy and comfortable lounges throughout the hotel.
Address: Greta Bridge, Greta Bridge nr Barnard Castle, Barnard Castle DL12 9SE
Conclusion
As your Durham wedding photographer, I can offer you a unique and personalized experience that captures the beauty and essence of your special day. My passion for the outdoors means that I will work tirelessly to find the perfect natural backdrop for your photos, ensuring that the beauty of the North East is captured in all its glory.
My relaxed and candid style of photography means that I will be able to capture those special moments that make your wedding day unique. From the joyous expressions of your guests during the ceremony to the quiet moments of reflection that you and your partner share, I will be there to capture it all.
With years of experience and a true passion for what I do, I can promise that your wedding photographs will be a true reflection of your love and commitment to each other. So why not entrust me with the responsibility of capturing your special day? Contact me today and let's discuss how I can help you to create the perfect memories that will last a lifetime.