Download Brochure

Book a Viewing

Download Brochure

Book a Viewing

Download Brochure Book a Private Viewing

Couple on the right track after Ellingham Hall Wedding!

1st May 2026

Sophie & David

23rd August 2025

Newly-weds David and Sophie Allinson were able to let off some steam after they were married in Northumberland. And it wasn’t just at the reception in Ellingham Hall’s stunning Chapel!

The couple – who are steam railway fanatics and volunteer at two heritage railways – enjoyed celebrating with a steamroller in the grounds of the Hall on their wedding day. Sophie and David met in 2018 when David travelled to the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway in South Wales to help support a steam gala event, where Sophie was also a volunteer.

Love flourished among the locos and the couple’s life journey began. Now David, who is a volunteer at Tanfield Railway here in the North East, and Sophie – who was the first female fireman at the South Wales heritage railway – live in Durham. They still manage to split their volunteering between the two railways, 300 miles apart!

Notes from the Bride

How did you manage to secure a steamroller for your wedding?

We intended on having a railway-themed wedding. But you can’t get a steam train to Ellingham Hall! We never really considered getting married at a heritage railway, like some of our friends had done. But steamrollers are pretty close to a steam engine and one of our friends owns one. It was the closest we could get, so we asked if he was free on the day of the wedding and our friend said, “Yes!”

 

What was Ellingham Hall’s reaction to the Steamroller?

Well, I said to them our wedding theme was like eucalyptus with a hint of railways – and I think everyone thought I was a little bit crazy. But the Ellingham team didn’t mind our unusual request and were super-welcoming to what we wanted. They said they’d had a funfair carousel in the grounds in the past, but never a steamroller. They said it would be ok; we just had to keep it off the grass! The steamroller arrived from Scotland the night before the wedding day. It wasn’t the only vehicle of interest however, David owns a yellow Ford Mustang, so there was no question that would be featured in their wedding day too!

Were there any other railway themed elements to your wedding?

We added certain touches to our railway themed wedding such as a themed railway cake, confetti train and guest book. We had a guard of honour made up of fireman’s shovels, which was beautiful. There were other hints, such as tables named after railway stations and the table names were decorated with railway lamps interspersed with flowers for a rustic feel!

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

Firstly, we really loved the venue, it’s gorgeous. We didn’t want a hotel with other people bustling about. We also wanted a long weekend wedding because our friends live all over, not just in the UK. My brother and some close friends live in Germany, I’m originally from Derbyshire, but we also had friends travelling from South Wales, Bristol, London and, of course, Scotland. We needed somewhere that was able to accommodate our guests for a long weekend. We didn’t want guests driving or travelling a long way for a one-day wedding. Ellingham Hall offered everything we wanted and more!

Did you make use of Ellingham’s Grounds?

Absolutely! We used the fire pit and had a barbecue outside the night before, which was lovely, as we got married in August. And we had the bar and everything open. We went for walks around the woodland, it’s such a magical place and I loved that area.

How did your guests react to Exclusive use of the hall?

Our guests spent the entire weekend telling us what a fantastic venue it was, especially those who were able to stay the full weekend as part of our celebrations. The amount of rooms available and space around the venue meant we could be sociable without tripping over each other all of the time. Those who travelled longer distances had all of their logistics simplified being in one place.

Were you happy with your wedding day?

Absolutely! The Ellingham team were great and Alicia our wedding coordinator looked after me the whole day. She was fabulous. I was anxious but she kept me calm. We had a railway-themed cake, and I wanted to make sure we got pictures of it and other items. Alicia and the team made sure all the pictures were captured and helped us in lots of ways including changing our wine supplier.

Have you any advice for couples planning a wedding?

The little details don’t necessarily matter to other people, but if they matter to you, then it’s important. Stick with what’s important to you both.

If you are looking for your a summer wedding venue in Northumberland contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

 

 

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Phil Smith
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars
MUA – Make up by Neveen
Hair – The Bridal Hair Stylists
Suits – Suits Direct
Bridesmaids Dresses – Ever Pretty
Florist – Floral Grace
Cake – Sticky Sponge
DJ – Chris Smith Wedding DJ
Steam Roller – @jameswestabz

Filter by keywords

Filter by category

22nd April 2025

News Real Weddings Summer Weddings Weddings

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.

Read More

20th April 2025

About Inspiration News Weddings

Spring weddings in the UK are increasing in popularity, check out our five reasons to choose a spring wedding!

Read More

26th March 2025

News Real Weddings Spring Weddings Weddings

The 300 mile distance between home & Ellingham Hall was no obstacle for Rachel & Jordan’s beautiful Spring Wedding

Read More

28th February 2025

News Real Weddings Spring Weddings Weddings

Alanah and Scott Wallace were planning their spring wedding, Alanah already had the perfect wedding venue in mind but everything changed!

Read More

23rd January 2025

News Real Weddings Summer Weddings Weddings

Rachel and Michael Moran headed south from Scotland for their dream wedding at Ellingham Hall in Northumberland.

Read More

31st December 2024

Autumn Weddings News Real Weddings Weddings

Natasha & Phil lived the American Dream when they chose to have their amazing two night wedding at Ellingham Hall in Northumberland.

Read More

29th November 2024

Autumn Weddings News Real Weddings Weddings

Ellingham Hall’s creeping Virginia gave a gorgeous glow to the Hall, providing a perfect backdrop for Alexandra and David’s Autumn Wedding.

Read More

29th October 2024

News Real Weddings Summer Weddings Weddings

Fun, bright colours met a traditional elegant backdrop for Lewis and Rebecca’s stylish summer wedding weekend at Ellingham Hall.

Read More

30th September 2024

News Real Weddings Spring Weddings Weddings

Rachael had dreamed of a Church wedding, but the couple also needed a venue with plenty accommodation for family and friends – Ellingham Hall ticked every box.

Read More

24th September 2024

Corporate News Private Hire

Humes Outfitters found their perfect North East Location Venue, Ellingham Hall for their Autumn Winter Countrywear Campaign.

Read More

24th August 2024

News Real Weddings Summer Weddings Weddings

When Dominic and Mark decided a weekend wedding in Northumberland was their dream, they found their perfect wedding venue, Ellingham Hall.

Read More

5th July 2024

Autumn Weddings News Real Weddings Weddings

You can’t help but fall in love with Amy & Sean’s perfect autumn wedding at Ellingham Hall in Northumberland.

Read More