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11th April 2024
3rd August 2023
Having the surroundings of a stunning Chapel entwined with history and a luxurious modern twist, excited Lauren and Jay McGowan when they were searching for their perfect wedding venue.
The couple who live in Newcastle, were recommended Ellingham Hall by a friend who had held their wedding at the venue. They came across images of our stunning Hall and grounds when they were searching for their dream venue and they knew they had to come and explore.
Lauren says, “The photographs showcased that it was such a beautiful place. We went to see another wedding venue before visiting Ellingham Hall, but we just didn’t get the same feel as we did when we stepped through the doors.”
Although not initially looking for a Chapel wedding venue, they immediately knew that Ellingham’s 19th century Chapel was the perfect backdrop for their elegant wedding ceremony.
NOTES FROM THE BRIDE
Did you Dream of a Chapel Wedding?
Not really, it wasn’t until we visited Ellingham Hall that we knew it would be perfect. We invited 100 guests and could have been married in the gorgeous Ceremony Room, however it was the light inside the Chapel that really made us choose that beautiful space for our wedding ceremony. We also chose our photographer, Sarah-Jane Ethan, because of the way she uses natural light in her photography. The colours and the decoration in the Chapel really has the ‘wow’ factor too.
What did your Guests think about the Chapel?
They loved it, they all really liked the entire venue. I’m from Scotland originally, so it was perfect for both sets of family because it’s almost half-way from where I’m from and Jay’s family in Newcastle. My auntie made a comment because she has allergies and Debbie, our wedding planner had asked in advance for a photo of her, so the team could ensure she was given the correct food. My auntie was really impressed with that and she felt special! It was that attention to detail that Jay and I loved and was also noticed by our guests.
How was the Transformation from Ceremony to Wedding Breakfast!
We left the Chapel after the ceremony for photographs and our drinks reception, and when we returned for the wedding breakfast the Chapel had been completely transformed, it was amazing and seamless. I know the team were probably rushed off their feet behind the scenes, but we didn’t notice anything during the changeover. When we returned from having our wedding portraits taken in the stunning grounds, the Chapel was styled with our table décor – it looked beautiful.
Why did you choose a Summer Wedding?
I am a teacher, so I needed to arrange my wedding within the school holidays and as the weather is better in the summer months, we opted for August as it’s usually a better time of year. Last summer wasn’t the best, but fortunately we did get good weather on the day. It rained when we travelled to the venue, but the sun came out and we enjoyed our food by the fire pit and out on the Chapel Terrace the night before. We also used the ceremony room that evening, before going outdoors. With Ellingham Hall having such lovely grounds, it would have been a shame not to have used them.
Did you enjoy having Exclusive Use of the Hall?
We did indeed. My gran and some of our older family members used the Drawing Room to relax when they were getting tired later in the evenings, and they loved it. I think it’s really nice that, unlike other wedding venues and hotels, people could use other rooms if they wanted to be somewhere away from the noise of the music and entertainment. At weddings there is a real mix of ages, so it’s great that Ellingham offers something for everyone to enjoy.
What Evening Entertainment did you Choose?
We had House of Sax for the Evening Reception, and they packed out the dance floor. We also had singers with a chilled Ibiza vibe, and they sang as I walked down the aisle and during the wedding breakfast, which was lovely. It was great how the music flowed throughout the day, into the evening.
We also booked the After Dark Experience and our guests loved the wedding after party from midnight until 2am. Your wedding day is so tiring, so we were grateful we’d also had the night before to spend more time with our friends and family.
Have you any Advice for Brides to Be?
Book Ellingham Hall! Seriously, though, if people want a whole Wedding Experience and want to feel at home, it is the best place to be. I wouldn’t change a thing and the main point to remember is that it’s your day, so choose what you like.
If you are looking for outdoor wedding venues in Northumberland or an exclusive two night wedding, contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.
Credits
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars
Photographer – Sarah Jane Ethan
Videographer – Abigail Grace Videography
Groom Suit – Pal Joey
Bridal Gown – The Wedding Dress Company
Bridal Shoes – Dune London
Bridesmaids Dresses – Wed 4 Less
Make Up – Alex Balmain & By Rebecca
Hair – Bridal Hair by Kayleigh & Sophie Punshon
Cake – The Master Cakesmith
Florist – Bridal Bloom
Evening Music – AMV Joe Condon & House of Sax
Singer – Ibiza Soul Duo
Photobooth – Snap a Selfie
Light Up Letters – Coco Luminaire
30th January 2026
Ellingham Hall was named National Winner for Best Historic Wedding Venue in the UK at The 2026 TWIA Awards.
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27th March 2026
Distance was no issue for finding their dream wedding venue, Ellingham Hall for a two night spring wedding.
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27th January 2026
A Scottish wedding theme was central to Ellen and William Mackey’s celebration weekend at Ellingham Hall.
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30th December 2025
We’re Home of the two night wedding – but Liv and Dan Hunter chose Ellingham Hall for an extended three night wedding celebration!
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28th November 2025
Ellingham Hall was the perfect blend of timeless charm and contemporary elegance, inspiring a warm and romantic autumn wedding.
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11th November 2025
Ellingham Hall named Regional Winner for Best Historic Wedding Venue in the North East & Yorkshire at The 2026 TWIA Awards.
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23rd October 2025
A unique wedding in winter in beautiful Northumberland with a horse-drawn carriage was the order of the day for Hannah and Ryan Fletcher. As was the decision to choose TWO dresses for the day!
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1st October 2025
A traditional summer church wedding ceremony was essential for Katherine and Stephen during their two night wedding at Ellingham Hall.
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6th August 2025
Devyn & Jeremy Wright travelled thousands of miles for their two-night micro wedding celebration at Ellingham Hall.
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14th July 2025
A Lord of the Rings wedding theme isn’t something you see every day. And with Eleanor and Matthew Nesbit unable to travel to Middle Earth, they chose Northumberland’s Ellingham Hall for their enchanted woodland wedding instead!
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30th June 2025
TV show Bridgerton was the inspiration behind the suits worn by Kyle and John Blackburn-Wood for their Autumn wedding at Ellingham Hall.
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22nd April 2025
It was the extreme heat and high wedding costs in Bermuda that saw Callum and LeChé Kerr decide to marry at Ellingham Hall in Northumberland rather than on their sun-kissed archipelago.
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Lauren & Eddie Liddle, 27th February 2025
Elle-Lea & Tom Richards, 24th July 2025
We’re now back from our honeymoon and we just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you did to make our wedding day so special.
The entire team was incredible from start to finish and we especially appreciate the flexibility you showed in accommodating my wish to have the ceremony outside, it meant the world to me!
Thank you again for helping create such an unforgettable day
Lisandra & Stephen, 26th June 2025
What a beautiful venue! Me and my partner just got married at Ellingham and we could not have chosen a better venue. From booking the venue, to our special day everything was just amazing. Staff have been so great with us and were always there to answer any questions we had leading up to our day. Our special day ran smoothly thanks to all the staff here and all the staff were just so nice from start to finish. All our guests commented on how amazing the venue was and how amazing the staff had been with everyone. We cannot thank everyone there enough for helping to make our day so special.
Rebecca & Aidan Morrison, 13th February 2025
“The venue was immaculately presented and very welcoming. Easy to find just off the A1, with plenty of parking next to the meeting rooms and closer space to unload equipment. The area provided for breakout/coffee/lunch had plenty of room and was a relaxed environment, which gave delegates the chance to meet each other before the conference. The food and drink was plentiful, and of a good standard. The meeting room itself was well equipped and a nice size for our group, not to feel crowded, but also not lost as can happen in large rooms. The staff were on hand all day and happy to help with any of our requests.”
Karro Food Group Rep
“I booked a lunch party at Ellingham Hall for a very discerning group comprising of generous supporters of a local charity. We were 27 people and we enjoyed a Champagne reception before a delicious three course lunch. Wendy and her team could not do enough for us, our every request was granted. Dietary requirements were very efficiently and creatively dealt with and the result was a most enjoyable event at a price I was very satisfied with. I would definitely use Ellingham Hall again for a function like this.”
Jon Radgick
