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24th August 2024
15th June 2024
When Dominic and Mark Graydon-Close decided a weekend wedding in Northumberland was their dream, they set out searching for the perfect wedding venue.
“We had heard about wedding celebrations that ran over a full weekend” explains Mark. “But we’d never been to one. So, we started looking for venues in Northumberland and Dominic discovered Ellingham Hall.”
Dominic adds, “When we had heard about weekend weddings, and we knew that was what we wanted. We didn’t want it to be a rushed wedding day but rather a big celebration to spend quality time with our family and friends.”
Being native Northumbrians, the couple didn’t have to look far to find their ideal wedding venue for their summer two-night wedding celebration.
Notes from the Couple
Did you Explore many Venues?
Dominic: We explored a wedding venue which we really liked. But then we visited Ellingham Hall, and we knew it was for us as soon as we walked in. The previous venue we’d seen didn’t really compare.
Mark: From the moment we entered the driveway and walked up to the stunning country house we knew we would love it. It’s such a stunning building with fantastic grounds. Even seeing the treehouses when you drive into the car park made us think it could be the right venue for us. We wanted somewhere with a bit of history that was a grand venue, and Ellingham Hall ticked every box
What do you Love most about Ellingham Hall?
Dominic: Once you’re in and walk around the Hall it just keeps revealing more of itself. With the grand reception rooms leading into the ceremony room and then the stunning Chapel and then up to the floors of stylish bedrooms, which are all beautifully decorated. The venue certainly provides the ‘wow’ factor!
Mark: It was just ticking all the boxes. At that point, we started imagining our weekend wedding and how things would fit together. I just thought it was perfect!
Tell us about your Wedding Day & Special Ring Bearer
Dominic: I got up at six o’clock and pottered around and saw some of my family around the fire pits who were enjoying the early morning sunshine. I walked around the cottages to see more family members who were staying there. It was beautiful. You wouldn’t have had that relaxing experience if the venue wasn’t exclusively yours. Our lovely dog, Libby, was our special ring bearer and she did a great job!
Mark: She stole the show, I think!
Dominic: Debbie, our wedding planner at Ellingham Hall was great. We sprung it on her the night before that we wanted to let our dog Libby run down the aisle with the rings. It was lovely as Libby did run straight to us, as we were a bit apprehensive that she might go wild, but she delivered perfectly!
What did your Guests think of your Wedding?
Mark: We’ve had so many compliments from family about our wedding. Some of our guests hadn’t heard of Ellingham Hall before our weekend wedding.
Dominic: I think some guests were wondering why they were at a wedding the night before, as a lot of weddings are only one day.
Mark: But everyone just absolutely loved it.
Dominic: The team at Ellingham were great. Matt received a lot of compliments on the Friday night. Lots of family said how great he was. In fact, there were loads of compliments about the entire team, they all did a fab job.
Mark: And everyone complimented us on the food. My friend, Joanne, said it was the best wedding food she had ever tasted. We had just under 100 guests during the day of the wedding and that’s a lot of people to serve, especially with the choices. But it was all brilliant.
Did guests enjoy the Evening Reception?
Mark: Yes. The band I occasionally gig with – The Storm Band, played on the wedding evening. It was brilliant and the dance floor was full from start to finish which is exactly what you want. Dominic got lots of sunglasses and glow sticks to get everyone into the party mood.
Dominic: The band did a really good job, and we enjoyed the wedding after party in the underground After Dark party chamber, too. Not many guests knew about it or that the room was there. It was great to see their faces when the party kept going into the early hours underground.
What Advice would you give to Couples for their Wedding Day?
Just soak in the day. Don’t stress about what will happen when the day comes. You’re so overtaken by everything. Ensure you communicate clearly with the staff at the venue about what you want as they are there to help and support you both. The wedding day will fly by, so enjoy every moment!
If you are looking for an weekend wedding venue in Northumberland or a dog friendly wedding venue, contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.
Credits
Photo – Chocolate Chip Photography
Video – Waterfall Weddings
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars
Suits – Moss Bros
Bridesmaids Dresses – Wed4less
Hair – Savannah Hair Design
Make Up – Alice Armstrong
Rings – Whickham Jewellers
Florist – Styled and Seated
Evening Entertainment – Storm Band
Wedding Cake – Northumberland Cheese Company
Musician – Aurora Strings
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“Can’t believe it’s been 2 months since our big day! We’re finally off on our honeymoon, so wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for all your help in creating our special day. The venue was perfect, service excellent, food yummy, den amazing, rooms beautiful – everyone had the best time.”
Rebecca & Daniel Askew, 28th May 2024
Megan and Sam Burgess, 23rd September 2023
“Nick and I just wanted to say the most enormous thank you for making our day so special. The whole thing felt completely effortless whilst being executed perfectly. We were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived, with a massive thanks to Beth, Debbie, David and Jeff who were all completely faultless. Their attention to detail and acknowledgment of things important to us was exceptional. Debbie, thank you so much for making me feel at ease when I was so nervous!
Chloe & Nick Gardiner, 4th May 2024
“I have hosted seminars for over 30 years, all over the country at various well-known venues. At Ellingham Hall you remember everything, from the beautiful quirky venue which has retained its historic features, the friendly staff, great service and the delicious food and amazing coffee! The meeting room had good light and was the perfect size for our event. It was lovely to have use of the comfortable reception rooms too for breaks and lunch. I was very impressed with the extra spaces such as the basement games room and rooftop networking terrace. It is a hidden jewel in the North-East and I am planning to return soon for a private family event”
Amanda Chadwick, Senior Speaker/Presenter, Croner
“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
“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
