“With helping friends plan their weddings, Ellingham Hall was already on my radar,” she says. “We had viewed four of five different wedding venues in Newcastle but I just got butterflies when I was at Ellingham Hall.”

No matter where they chose to be married, guests would need to travel some distance either north or south. “Ellingham Hall’s ability to offer exclusive use for two nights made that decision much easier,” Becky explains.

The flexibility of the rooms also meant that Becky and David’s love of entertaining made Ellingham Hall the best choice wedding venue in the North East– especially for a game of bingo, organised by two drag queens!

NOTES FROM THE BRIDE

What was the Inspiration behind Drag Queen Bingo?

We’ve been to a lot of weddings and what stands out is those with multiple types of entertainment. We wanted to offer different touch points and entertainment areas for our guests, and I’ve been to bingo brunch with drag queens and they’re always hilarious. We thought that would be ideal for the Friday, so everyone could get to know each other and relax into the wedding day.

What Special Touches did you add for Guests?

We chose to get married over Easter as people wouldn’t be at work on Good Friday and they’d be off on Bank Holiday Monday too, which would help those who were travelling.

The night before, Ellingham Hall provided tasty fish and chip boxes, after all, you can’t have Good Friday without fish and chips. That really helped to break the ice between
guests.

On our big day, we had pre-ceremony drinks and because I love Bridgerton, we had a string quartet before and after the ceremony which was very atmospheric.

During the wedding breakfast in the Chapel we had an amazing gospel choir from Sheffield. We were going for a Love
Actually vibe!

Tell us about your Evening Entertainment…

We wanted to finish with a big party and went for a saxophone DJ-type of vibe. We wanted to keep wowing people right up to the After Dark party, which everyone loved. All our guests were amazed that the drinks were pre-ordered in the underground bar. They loved the Den games room down there, too. We made a lot of use out of all the fabulous unique rooms at Ellingham Hall.

Did your Guests enjoy the Wedding?

Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed the wedding and entertainment as well as Ellingham Hall and the lovely accommodation. Everyone loved the fact the bedrooms were personalised. The cottages were just beautiful too and perfect for friends with small children and my grandparents, who could get some time away from all the busyness.

Everyone is still reminiscing about the whole wedding weekend! My friends want us to get married every year so we can come back to Ellingham Hall.

What’s your Advice to Brides planning a Wedding?

Like us, incorporate your personality into your wedding. We really wanted entertainment, but if you love sports, include sports or if you love PlayStations, set some up.

Ellingham Hall’s exclusive use means it’s easy to do that, so look at the venue and see if they can offer what you want. Be true to yourself and whatever you want out of your wedding.

If you are considering a wedding venue in the North East contact our wedding planning team today to book a viewing appointment.

Credits

Wedding Day Photographer – Sophotogenic Photography

Night Before Photographer (Drag Queens) – Dru Dodd Photography

Videographer – Abigail Grace Videography

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Wedding Dress – You Are Precious Bridal 

MUA – Irenemua 

Hair – Kara Scott Hair 

Venue Styling – Great British Bash

Cake – Sugar Chic

Daytime Entertainment – Andrelli Strings & Electric Harmony Gospel Choir

Evening Entertainment – Steve Maddison DJ & Joe Reeve Sax

Night Before Entertainment – Marvellous Disco  & Kitana Drag Act