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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 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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20th April 2025
Spring weddings in the UK are increasing in popularity, check out our five reasons to choose a spring wedding!
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“The Hall has such a lovely feeling and having our meeting at the same time as the corporate launch last year, gave a very different feel to what we usually have at other local networking events. The Chamber needs local venues that make the North East stand out, and Ellingham Hall is a venue that is a hidden gem.”
CLARE MCCABE, RELATIONSHIP MANAGER NORTH EAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
James & Megan Carding, 17th April 2025
“We like to do something different, and Ellingham Hall is certainly out of the ordinary. We had a fantastic time for our staff party and team building. The activities were fantastic and enabled us to get our teams mixed up and get everybody bonding and having a good time together in an amazing environment. We would recommend Ellingham Hall to anyone, the guys here are fantastic.”
Ben Quigley, Group Chief Executive – Everything Different Marketing
Holly & Fraser Handley, 27th March 2025
“The hall catered for everything we needed, from the luxury entrance rooms, to the grounds outside, which we used to talk with clients in more detail afterwards. It was exactly what we wanted to allow us to host a presentation of this size. Guests were welcomed with a selection of drinks and canapés in the entrance hall and then again on departure. The seminar itself took place in the Chapel, while the dining room and drawing room provided the perfect spaces clients to relax.
Michael Sage, Director, Sage Wealth Management
Abbie & Joseph James, 7th December 2024
