“However, we agreed that we would get married based on finding the right venue rather than the location!”

So, the couple drew up a list of prospective wedding venues to explore online and ruled out any that didn’t tick their boxes, to save on travelling.

“We knew we wanted a classic venue,” says Ellen, “we didn’t want a renovated barn or an outdoor wedding venue, as they wouldn’t work for the colder time of year. We wanted to be comfortable and warm, which shortlisted only a few venues in the end!”

And Ellingham Hall was the first exclusive wedding venue they visited.

“We were tempted to book the Hall while we were viewing it, to be honest,” adds Ellen. “But we decided it was only fair that we should go and look at the other venue on our list which was a hotel near Loch Lomond before making our decision.”

Notes from the Bride

How was your Viewing Appointment at Ellingham Hall?

The second we got in the car after viewing the hotel venue, Will said, “No!” The hotel and staff were lovely, but you felt like your wedding would be a spectacle for all to see. You would be walking through the hotel past other hotel guests. The ceremony rooms had big glass windows, which were lovely. But again, anybody walking past could look in. We wanted our wedding to be private for us and our friends and family. We just knew that Ellingham Hall was right. Nothing else compared to it.

Why did you choose a Winter Wedding?

We didn’t want to get married in spring and summer because for me, I didn’t want our wedding to be dependent on the weather. I think everybody who picks spring and summer says they don’t mind if it rains, but you’re always hoping for the sun and it can be a bit disappointing if it doesn’t show. I didn’t want to look out of the window and be disappointed. I like summer, but I love the autumn and early winter time especially. I think it’s really pretty. And everything is planned indoors for a winter wedding, so you know you won’t have the stress of having to change anything if it’s not sunny and warm!

Did you plan for a Christmas Wedding?

Not intentionally, but we knew we didn’t want a Halloween wedding. We hadn’t realised Ellingham Hall was going to be decorated for Christmas in mid-November and it was a really nice surprise. It made it a lot more special with the beautiful decor. Christmas hadn’t really been at the forefront of our minds as such, but it came together perfectly.

Tell us about your Scottish Wedding Theme?

As Will is from Scotland it was always going to be part of our day. Naturally Will and his wedding party wore tartan kilts, and our florals incorporated thistles, white Eustoma and native foliage’s. We chose a Quaich ceremony, where you use a two-handled cup as a union of the two clans. It marks your family’s coming together, which we wanted to celebrate. It really fitted in with what we had planned at Ellingham Hall. The registrar couldn’t be involved in this part as it includes alcohol, so the team at Ellingham planned this part for us. It was incorporated after our legal ceremony and speaks volumes for the Ellingham team as they delivered it all seamlessly.

And what other Scottish Traditions were Included?

We chose to have a ceilidh on the evening, which was brilliant. The Chapel was perfect because there’s so much space for us to dance. Usually at a ceilidh, it’s a bit cramped but the space in the room was ideal. And if guests got too warm during the dances, they could go outside to the cosy fire pit to cool off.

Did you use the Fire Pit on the Night Before Celebration?

We did and it was great fun. On the night before we toasted marshmallows on sticks and made smores with digestives. It was perfect and we took a lot of lovely photos around the fire pit which we used on our thank you cards for guests. .

Have you any advice for anyone planning a wedding?

Rely on your wedding planner or wedding planning team in Ellingham Hall’s case. It made everything so much easier for us, to know they were there to support us and offer advice every step of the way, which was really helpful.

If you are looking for Scottish Wedding Theme ideas or a Winter wedding venue in Northumberland contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Phil Smith

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Make Up – Shelley Scott Makeup

Groomsmen Kilts, Plaid & Shawl – MacGregor & MacDuff

Photobooth – Snap a Selfie Magic Mirror

Ceilidh Band – Alba Ceilidh Band

Child Care – Northumberland Wedding Creche