“We’re huge dog lovers,” says Alex. “Peter’s mam Susan doesn’t like to leave her dogs Timothy and Nora in kennels, especially as one dog has a brain condition. So, we needed to find a venue that would welcome them both and Ellingham Hall exceeded our expectations with their unique dog parlour. Susan was so happy that the dogs could stay for our two-night wedding celebration.

Notes from the Bride

Apart from a Dog-Friendly Wedding Venue, what else were you looking for?

We wanted a different venue from other weddings we’ve been to. We’re from Durham and have been guests at most wedding venues in the North East. We didn’t want to travel outside the region as most of our family live local, but some family members were travelling from Australia and Latvia.

None of our guests had attended a wedding at Ellingham Hall before, so it was perfect. In fact, the only person I spoke to who had been to Ellingham was my manager at work. A week before our wedding, she asked where we were getting married and when I said Ellingham Hall. She said, “No way, that’s where I got married – we both have great taste!”

Tell us about your Wedding Decor

I made all my own flowers and decorations. I’ve never done florals before, but as I’m very particular, I wanted to do it myself. It was lovely project, as it helped keep my mind busy during the lead up. My mam came with me to visit the Hall before the wedding and she said it had a lovely romantic vibe, like Bridgerton or an opera house. And that was my inspiration for a red colour theme.

What did your guests think about your two-night wedding?

Our guests were very happy they could stay onsite and didn’t have to find a hotel or get a taxi. I think they were expecting the venue to be busy with other weddings, so when they arrived and realised it was all exclusively ours for two nights they fell in love with the Hall. It was perfect that it was just the family and a private event. It made it such a special day. We got married in April – mainly as it was the only month where we didn’t have something else going on. We had lots of guests saying it was the best wedding they’ve been to!

What about your guests who travelled from Australia and Latvia?

My Uncle Joe is Australian and absolutely adored it. He felt like he was living in a big castle! And my Uncle Philip loved it too, especially the two-night experience and having all the family together. We all loved relaxing and making the most of the grounds. Both our families spent the time getting to know each other. It was like a mini party in the Blue Room.  

Were your guests happy with the food during your two-night wedding?

Absolutely. The food was probably one of the parts of our wedding that really stood out for me. We enjoyed chicken and chips the night before and all I heard for most of the night was how good the food was. That and everyone having such a good time!

You chose a Sweetheart Top Table

It was Peter who suggested it, and I was on board with the idea. He said that after being so busy with the photographer and spending time talking to guests, it would be nice for the two of us to have a bit of time together. He thought having some time to talk about the day would be nice.

What’s your advice to anyone planning a wedding?

I’d say take 5 minutes after your ceremony to unwind because I was way more stressed than I thought I would be. Get all your friends, like all your bridesmaids, together before the ceremony. Having a bit of a natter with them on the morning will help calm you because you’re probably going to be nervous. And just enjoy it! It does fly over, so take time to enjoy every bit of your special day!

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

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Jessie and Emile
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars 
Bridal Gown – Blue Bow Bridal Company
MUA – Beatrice Holli Makeup
Hair – Carly Taylor Hair
Suits – Suit Culture
Bridesmaid Dresses – Club L London
Florist/Stylist – own styling
Winging Waiters/ Magic Mirror & DJ – No1 Singing Waiters NE
Cake – The Cake Garden

“But Ellingham Hall isn’t like that. We knew the venue and grounds were exclusively ours for the duration of our stay and we’d never see another wedding party arriving or departing. It really felt special to us and meant we could settle in and make ourselves at home.” 

Rachel adds, “We could really picture our wedding day from the emotion Ellingham Hall gave us during our viewing. It was so special and had a lovely feeling.” 

Notes from the Bride

Did you always dream of a Traditional Wedding?

Rachel: I wanted something timeless, that I could look back on and still love. That was the vibe I was going for, and it really tied in well with Ellingham Hall, with it’s mix of timeless and modern. I didn’t want it to be too trendy, just elegant and a look that wouldn’t become dated over time. 

Luke wasn’t exactly traditional with his Suit, was he?

Luke: I chose to wear a tuxedo rather than a morning suit. But that’s because I like bow ties and think they look good, especially as you can untie them in the evening for a more casual cool look!  

Rachel: We’d thought about a morning suit, but a tuxedo still has a bit of a traditional but classic look. And it tied in nicely with our traditional wedding vibe. 

Luke: Yes, it looked great and the black suits were a nice contrast to the white bridal gown and fitted perfectly with our spring green colour theme.  

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

Rachel: We’d looked at about 6 venues and booked a few viewings in one day. Ellingham Hall was the first of the day and it just had that immediate ‘wow’ factor. We viewed the others, but Ellingham Hall was our dream wedding venue. It kind of felt too good to be true because it was just so special. 

Luke: We had seen images online and I wasn’t sure how much I liked Ellingham Hall. But then we arrived and drove up the driveway, and it felt so grand. The outside is stunning and as we were shown around, I could imagine all our guests staying there. 

Rachel: It really matched our idea of a traditional theme. It has real Bridgerton and Downton Abbey vibes and the photo spots are really pretty. 

What was the appeal of a Two-Night Wedding?

Luke: It wasn’t something I was aware of until we came to view Ellingham. Then I thought it would be great with our guests relaxing the night before and then we would be effectively extending our wedding. It really makes the most of your celebration and time together. 

Rachel: Although I’d thought about a two-night wedding, I didn’t think it was all that important until we viewed Ellingham Hall. But the idea of all our guests enjoying food the evening before and then enjoying games in the den sounded perfect.  

What were your Highlights from your Traditional Wedding?

Rachel: There are so many because everything was perfect. One thing was having everyone there over two nights. It was the feeling we wanted to capture. It also made everything even more special as we were able to see everyone having a good time. Another thing I loved was the many little built-in quiet moments. Our wedding team at Ellingham held us back to let us sit down and just soak up every moment. It was very special! And the food was a big highlight for us and our guests. Everyone kept commenting about how good it was, including the canapés and the breakfast the morning after. 

Luke: I think feeling at home was special, too. We were able to relax and feel comfortable on the day of our wedding as we’d already settled in with our guests the night before. One special memory for me was on the wedding night when Rachel and I were able to relax in the Ellingham Suite hot tub, decompress and chat about the amazing day we’d had. We sat in there for about an hour and chatted about how good everything was. I remember that vividly. 

What Advice would you give to Couples planning a Wedding?

Rachel: Wedding planning is such an exciting time, so soak it all in. Get a vision of what you want and the important things you want to be part of your wedding day. Stick to what you want. It’s your day and it’s about you two and your relationship. 

Luke: Yes, I agree. Don’t get influenced by others. We almost fell victim to that, but we pushed back. For me, too, I’d say get the right photographer. I was lucky to see first-hand how good ours was at producing the laidback look we wanted at another wedding. Get to know them and then you won’t feel uncomfortable on the day. We look back and we don’t look too stiff or choregraphed. It was exactly the look we wanted. 

If you are looking for a Traditional wedding in Northumberland, contact our Ellingham team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer: LSM Photography 

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars 

Bridal Gown – Sisters of Grace  

Gown Alterations – Diva Designs for You 

Suits – M&S 

Bridesmaids Dresses – Six Stories & Azazie  

Hair & Makeup: MUBYLEIGH 

Florist: Floral Grace 

Stationary – Elle Bee Design 

Pianist: Jane Gray Pianist 

DJ & Photobooth: AG Events 

Cake: Bake Make Eat 

One part of the Hindu blessing that concerned Remy, was trying to find a venue that would allow a sacred fire – a central element of a Hindu ceremony.

She explains, “It’s only a small fire, but it is indoors. The fire is said to ward off evil, and I was unsure if Ellingham Hall would allow that. I was nervous to tell them because it is an integral part of the ceremony. But we were delighted when the Ellingham team were able to help.

“They said, they would have their team on standby by the fire alarm just in case the alarm went off during the blessing. They were so supportive with everything we asked.”

Notes from the Bride

As our first Hindu Wedding – How did it go?

I wanted to honour my culture, but a week-long celebration wasn’t possible. Instead, we held the Hindu blessing the night before our wedding with close family and friends. It was wonderful, and the Ellingham team were excited to be part of it. I was a little nervous because it was so different from the weddings they usually host, but it went really well. Afterwards, our guests enjoyed a drinks reception followed by a delicious masala curry served with naan bread, poppadoms and pickles, which everyone loved.

What is involved with the Hindu Wedding Ceremony?

I wore a red Lehnga with gold embroidery, which is a traditional dress for a Hindu wedding. Chris wore a traditional ivory Sherwani and was serenaded by drummers. We decided it would be nice to do that when he arrived so he could make a grand entrance. A Mandap was set up in the Ceremony Room, which is a canopy that represents our marital home. When Chris arrived at the Hall with his mum, dad, sister and brother, they greeted my mum and uncle, who was my dad-like figure. It signifies welcoming them into my family home.

Chris also had to break a little pot with his foot. He did that to symbolise whether he was worthy of marrying me. Then he was welcomed into the Mandap by my mum, uncle and the priest. That’s where the words are recited before I arrive. I stayed inside the Mandap for the rest of the blessing.

Did everything go well with the Hindu Wedding Blessing?

It really did. During the ceremony, we had to put a banana into the fire from some height, which represents abundance, fertility and the divine connection! I was nervous about it, but we got it in. The fire is almost like an altar along with the Mandap.

Did you have a traditional British wedding on the second day?

We wanted a two-night wedding as I always wanted to do the Hindu wedding ceremony the night before our traditional wedding. We looked at other venues, who were happy with us doing some aspects of the ceremony, but they didn’t work logistically. You did not have exclusivity at the other venues. You were put into a room with other people around who weren’t part of your wedding. At Ellingham Hall, we enjoyed exclusive use of the Hall and grounds. There was exactly the right amount of accommodation we needed for our guests that wanted to stay over both nights.

What was the Highlight of your Cross-Cultural Wedding in Northumberland?

I can’t pick one, everything was so good from the night before to our fabulous wedding day. The food was incredible. I have had so many guests come to me to say the wedding was insane. And the fact you had a choice for the wedding breakfast was amazing. Usually, it’s a set menu!

What Advice do you have for Couples Planning a Wedding?

Enjoy the planning! Don’t get stressed about it because on the day, if details go wrong, only you will notice it. Enjoy being engaged and planning the wedding as it goes by so quickly. And have faith in your wedding team and suppliers. They do it all the time so trust them.

If you are looking for a cross-cultural wedding in Northumberland or a Hindu Wedding Blessing, contact our Ellingham team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer: Sophotogenic
Videographer: Abigail Grace
Content Creator: The Bride’s Vision
Priest for Hindu Blessing: @hindupriest108
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars
Bridal Sari – @Sonascouture
Bridal Gown: Marrime Bridalwear
Hair: Charlotte Monoghan
MUA: Anna McClen and Giorgia Lucy
Suits: Slaters Menswear
Bridesmaids Dresses: Club L London
Hindu Ceremony Décor: Chai Events Pranali Amlani
Drummers for Hindu Blessing: @rhythmxinc
Wedding Day Florist: Flori and Fern
Pianist: Mark Thompson
Photobooth: Studio Social North (TOM)
DJ: Ian Conway Icon Entertainments
Cake: The Couple That Bakes

Once Bethany visited and saw how close the church was, she also quickly fell for Ellingham Hall’s charms.
“When we attended our food tasting at the Hall, we were reassured we’d chosen the perfect place for our wedding,” she explains. “We’ve been to so many weddings where the food isn’t good or you only get one option. We both love our food, so the fact we had more options to offer our guests combined with the quality of the food, it really felt right.”

Notes from the Bride

Tell us about your Church Wedding in Northumberland?

We always wanted to get married in a church. We’ve been to civil ceremonies for friends’ weddings, but we wanted something with more of a religious aspect. But one concern we had about a Church wedding was getting our guests to and from the church. But having closeness to the St Maurice church from Ellingham’s grounds was handy, especially as the Hall is so lovely.

What was it like planning between Church and Venue?

It was easy and straight forward. The vicar was very relaxed when we attended our church visits. We took our daughter with us, who was probably around 10 months old at the time – which could have been a nightmare. But everyone at the church was lovely. The team at Ellingham are used to communicating with the church, so it all felt very relaxed and organised. We also had a rehearsal at the Church the night before our wedding, which was helpful.

How did your guests find travelling between the two?

I think all our guests walked through the secret door in Ellingham’s woodland to the Church. Even our older guests with mobility issues, walked as it’s so close. Paul met everyone who was staying at the Hall downstairs and they all walked over together, which was lovely. Those who didn’t stay, parked at the venue and then walked over to the church. Paul said he felt like the Pied Piper with all our guests following him!

Being foodies, tell us about your Wedding Day Food Experience?

The options were all good. I had the fillet of cod with chorizo, which was brilliant, and Paul enjoyed the confit of duck leg. Our wedding breakfast was perfect. All our guests raved about the food and the evening street food was also tasty!

Tell us about your Evening Reception?

We had casino tables in the Ceremony Room, a photobooth and a personalised beer pong table! It was one of the best parts of our day and really helped to break the ice with our guests. It looked stunning – there was stuff going on everywhere. We had a young guy, Alf, doing a couple of sets in the Entrance Hall. The weather was lovely and warm, so people were outside playing lawn games. I had to go and get guests to come indoors and enjoy the band as they were all enjoying themselves so much outdoors in the sunshine.

So, you both changed Outfits for the Evening?

We did. I wanted to change into a lighter dress for the evening party celebrations. I virtually live in black, so I asked Paul if he fancied wearing black tie for the evening to compliment my dress! We didn’t ask our guests to change as it was a personal choice for us to feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Was the Night Before just as fun as the Wedding Night?

We played some lawn games and beer pong, but it was a much more chilled evening. I really enjoyed the night before, spending quality time with guests. The weather wasn’t good enough for the fire pits as it was too windy. So, we decided to pay for the After Dark instead on the wedding night. We didn’t use it as we went to bed at midnight, but our guests stayed up until the early hours to party and loved it!

What other bespoke touches did you offer on your Wedding Day?

We had our daughter with us, so we hired a crèche in the morning and soft play at lunchtime. The parents all said it was lovely being able to sit and enjoy a meal without having their kids running around them! We also had a croquembouche profiterole tower without the chocolate, as well as a champagne tower. And we both love Formula1, so our table plans were F1 themed! We had two great days doing what we love, and that’s my advice to anyone planning their wedding. Do what you love doing!

If you are looking for your a Church Wedding in Northumberland contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer: Amy Katherine Photography
Videographer: Afashionate Films
Church – St Maurice
Bridal Gown Day- Accent Original Bridal Shop
Veil- Nuziale Bridal Boutique
Bridal Gown Evening- Club L London
Hair: Updodarling
MUA: Annamcclenmakeup
Groom Suit Day- Moss Bross
Groom Suit Evening- Marcus King Tailor
Photo Booth: Valentina Photobooth
String Quartet: Northern String Quartet
Ice Cream Cart: Ice-Cycles
Florist & Styling: Rooted Up North
Table Cloths: Table Alchemy
Cake & Desserts: Master Cakesmith
Creche: Northumberland Wedding Creche
Cocktail Hour Musician: Alf Hill
Band: Union Street Band
DJ: House of Sax
Casino Tables: Platinum Events Newcastle
Guest Illustrator: Lauren Young Illustration
Magician: James_piatt_magician

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

Special Memory

As well as finding the ideal venue, Ellingham Hall was able to host Jordan and Jack’s wedding the day before the second anniversary of Jordan’s grandma’s passing.

“She really wanted us to get engaged and we were sad she couldn’t see us get married,” Jordan explains. “But we wanted March to have happy memories and the dates aligned perfectly. It was a lovely tribute to my grandma, too. ”

Notes from the Couple

How did you find Ellingham Hall?

Jordan: We came across Ellingham’s sister venue Lemmington Hall on Instagram and loved it, so we went for a viewing. While we were there, the team asked if we would also like to view Ellingham Hall as it is only a 10 minute drive from Lemmington. We were so set on Lemmington Hall, but we went to view Ellingham while we were in the area and we absolutely loved it.

Jack: It had a nice vibe. I loved how all the guest rooms were different. The staff were just kind and helpful. It was just amazing!

Jordan: We wanted a home from home, where we felt like the venue was ours. Ellingham Hall was unique because other venues hosted up to three weddings in one day. But Ellingham is exclusively yours for two nights!

Why did you travel so far for your Venue?

Jordan: We were considering getting married abroad, but there are not a lot of places that offer legal gay weddings. So, we decided a stay-at-home wedding was better for us. We wanted a venue with plenty accommodation as most family members would be travelling.

Did you view many venues?

Jordan: We viewed about 10 wedding venues before going to Lemmington and Ellingham Hall. But none took our fancy as some looked dated and had old fashioned carpets etc. We loved Ellingham, especially as it was it has modern touches but also has the original features of the building.

Why did you choose a Spring Wedding?

Jordan: We chose a spring wedding because we wanted a shorter engagement. March marked almost two years since grandma’s passing, we thought it would be nice to remember her as part of our wedding celebration. It was perfect because we were able to get married the day before her anniversary.

Although the UK weather is unpredictable, we looked out at blue skies on our wedding morning. It was so warm that some of our guests were taking off their extra layers during the photos!. We opted for a weekday wedding as you do not need to get married on a weekend anymore and it does save money for the same experience. Our guests made it part of a holiday. Some guests stayed in Northumberland after our wedding too.

How did you find Planning your Wedding from so far away?

Jack: We trusted the team at Ellingham Hall for the planning and recommended suppliers. We really enjoyed the food tasting evening and made a bit of a holiday out of that! We love the beaches in the area and visited Holy Island because we love watching the TV show Vera.

Jordan: The staff were very helpful. They didn’t just deal with suppliers; they came up with ideas to support our vision. They couldn’t have done more. We also went to the venue’s open day, which really helped and gave us the chance to chat face-to-face with suppliers.

What did you all think about your Two Night Wedding?

Jack: With a lot of our family and friends meeting for the first time at our wedding, our guests all said they loved the night before celebration. It was a perfect icebreaker to get to know each other before the big day, so when the ceremony commenced, everyone was really relaxed.

Jordan: We also loved the variety of photo spots available at Ellingham from the iconic Chapel window to the bridge over the stream, the locations gave us some incredible photos.

You also had Four-Legged Guests…

Jordan: We did. It was amazing that our dogs could join us. We didn’t know if we would be able to, but when Ellingham Hall told us they are a dog-friendly wedding venue, we were so happy. Their Dog Parlour was a game-changer. Other venues wouldn’t let the dogs stay overnight, but at Ellingham, they were part of the whole experience and acted as ring bearers during our ceremony. They were also able to run around and enjoy the grounds while we were having our photos taken. A highlight for us was taking them for a walk around the grounds the morning after the wedding, before we relaxed in our private hot tub, just the two of us taking in everything that had happened. The rest of the time the dogs were looked after by our superb dog chaperone. It was amazing!

Have you any advice for Couples planning a wedding?

Jordan: Try not to stress. Hannah operations manager at Ellingham Hall offered us great advice – your guests don’t know what you have planned and what to expect, so don’t worry about the details and just enjoy every moment.

Jack: If you choose Ellingham Hall, I’d recommend you go to their open days. You get some great ideas from their recommended suppliers. That’s how we found our dog chaperone.

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

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Dru Dodd

Videographer – DGM Productions

Registrar – Northumberland Registrars

Rings – Beaverbrooks

Suits – Slaters Menswear & Moss Bros

Make Up – Carly Michelle Make Up and Hair

Hair – Hairbydiinsta

Groomsmaid Dresses – Wed4less

Event Stylist – Made Simply Perfect

Dog Chaperone – Walk & Woof

DJ – Steven Maddison

String Quartet – Andrelli

Wedding Cake – Bake That and Party

“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

“We simply had the ultimate family party, I’d say. On the Sunday, we had games outside, including rounders, and everyone got involved. Then we enjoyed a barbecue, with karaoke and there were other activities on the evening.

“It was something I wanted to do, but not many venues would offer it. So, when we came to Ellingham Hall, I already knew they offered a two-night wedding.

“We asked if we could extend to three nights, and they were very accommodating. So we did it, and that was exactly what we wanted. We didn’t think we’d be able to because other venues had said they couldn’t offer three nights. Some don’t offer two night weddings either!”

Notes from the Bride

What did your Family say when they realised it was a three night wedding?

They all thought it was amazing, it was like a mini holiday! Everyone enjoyed their weekend away. On the Sunday, some guests stayed at Ellingham Hall while others visited Alnwick Castle and the beautiful coastal beaches. We made a weekend out of it. It was nice to have that extra time enjoying Northumberland and then for guests to return later in the day for a delicious barbecue with drinks. It was the ultimate family Sunday.

What did your Guests say about the Experience?

Everyone said it was amazing. They said the venue was beautiful and so well looked after. They all thought it was fantastic and only two guests had been to an event at Ellingham Hall before. They said it was just a lovely weekend full of fun and everyone was in good spirits. We felt very much like we were at home. In fact it felt like it was our house!

Did Guests have far to Travel?

We’re live about an hour and a half away from Ellingham Hall, but our guests came from all over. We’ve got family in London, Sheffield and some travelled all the way from Australia to celebrate with us! A couple of friends came from New Zealand too, we were thrilled they could join us.

Why did you opt for a Black-Tie Themed Wedding?

Well, we thought it would be a bit different. Ellingham Hall also inspired us. It just fitted with the look and feel of the Hall.

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

As soon as we drove up the driveway, we got the “wow” factor! Then we went inside and it felt right. Everyone on the team was just so good and very friendly. It was different to what we’d experienced at other venues because we immediately felt at ease and at home. There wasn’t anything pretentious and it was all about us and what we wanted, and not about us choosing a package which feels restrictive.

Why did you choose to marry in Summer?

I always wanted a summer wedding, as I love the idea of being outside. So because the outdoor ceremony spaces were so good, it was perfect for us. We played lawn games on the Sunday, which finished a perfect summer wedding.

You brought your dog, Zola. Was that part of your wishes?

Ellingham Hall is a dog friendly wedding venue and having our dog at our wedding, was very important to us. Their dog parlour is great, and Zola was able to stay in the Hall on the Friday night. It meant Dan could take her for a walk on the wedding day morning. It helped calm his nerves and keep to his usual routine of taking her out for a walk around the gorgeous grounds.

What’s your advice for anyone planning a summer wedding?

Don’t worry about the weather. It will be what it will be and Ellingham is perfect whatever the weather!

If you are looking for a three night wedding in Northumberland contact our team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Holly Ruby Photography
Videographer – We Were Here
Content Creator – Moments Media
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars
Florist/Event Styling – Made Simply Perfect
Bridal Gown Day – Joana Bridal Harrogate
Bridal Dress evening – Unona
Hair – Up Do Darlin
Mua – HFS Make up Artist Make Up by Lau
Dog Chaperone – Wagging Tails NE
Cake – Cakes of Dales
DJ – PA Entertainments
Band – The Covers Club

Notes from the Couple

Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?

We viewed Ellingham Hall in early November 2023 while we were in the North East looking at wedding venues, and we were just blown away by how beautiful the Hall looked. Northumberland is a stunning part of the North East and the Hall is so beautiful and well decorated that it was really easy for us to imagine ourselves and our guests there.

We were looking for somewhere that could accommodate most of our family and friends and that would offer a two-night wedding so that everything could take place in the one setting. We’d viewed some venues that were a bit too oldy-worldy in terms of décor, and some that were much too modern and a bit “quirky” for our taste. Ellingham struck the right balance between the two!

It was a lovely, cold, sunny day when we viewed the Hall, and the leaves of the creepers had turned to gorgeous red tones with the arrival of autumn. That aesthetic helped our decision to opt for an autumn wedding over a spring wedding that we’d originally planned! And when we found out there was some availability for the following November it was a no brainer for us!

Why did you opt for a Celebrant Ceremony?

We were legally married at the Holy Name of Mary Church in Middlesbrough a month before our wedding celebration. Mikhaila adds, “We chose to do that because a lot of my family have been married or christened there and it was my grandparent’s local church, so it means a lot to me!”

At Ellingham, we wanted a ceremony that felt more personal, relaxed, fun, and that meant something a bit more special to us both. We came across Jo the celebrant quite early in our search and she was so bubbly and fun when we had our initial chat, so we booked her straight away.

What was your favourite part of your Wedding Day?

Mikhaila: That’s such a tricky one! If I had to pick one part, it would be the walking into the Ceremony room with my mum and seeing Jesse standing there waiting for me and smiling. Neither of us knew what the other was wearing, so we both had a nice surprise! He looked great, and behind him I could see Jo our celebrant grinning at me at the end of the aisle and the incredible fireplace flower garland that Becca had arranged for us, and it was just a beautiful moment. But my uncle playing Ellingham’s grand piano after dinner and getting everyone singing along would be a close second!

Jesse: It’s a cliché but seeing my wife-to-be appear and walk down the aisle is a memory I will never forget.

What did your Guests think about your Two-Night Wedding?

They loved it! It’s not an exaggeration to say that everyone we spoke to raved about Ellingham Hall and how lovely it was. The indoor open fires were a big hit (as was the fire pit) and people remarked how great it was to have almost everyone in one place. Guests also commented how seamlessly the day itself was managed by the Ellingham team!

What’s your advice to couples planning their Autumn Wedding?

The main thing we would advise is being very mindful about your venue and the optionality it offers: you could get a gorgeous, crisp, sunny day or you could get rain or wind. For us, Ellingham was the perfect choice because we knew that if the weather was good our guests could wrap up and enjoy the outdoor fire pit and lovely grounds – but equally, if the weather was bad, the Hall is large enough with beautiful interiors that we could spend the entire day indoors and it would still be fabulous!

So, when you’re looking at venues think can your venue adapt to the weather? Is it roomy enough inside that everything could happen indoors if it had to? And beyond that, we’d suggest paying attention to the venue staff: Ellingham’s experienced team were fantastic and handled all parts of our wedding day, so we didn’t have to think about a thing! Being able to trust your events team to take care of everything just means the day’s more enjoyable so you and your guests can properly relax!

To explore more beautiful images from Mikhaila & Jesse’s Autumn Wedding click here

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

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Steven McDonald
Videographer – Top Table Films
Celebrant – Love Jo Ceremonies
Bridal Gown – Hugo & Elliott (Anna Campbell designer)
Hair & MUA – Claire Alexandra
Suits – Moss and Charles Tyrwhitt
Bridesmaid Dresses – Ghost
Florist – Wild in Tyne
DJ – Tartan Entertainment

“I feel I would have been too hot if I’d chosen to wear a long-sleeved dress in spring or summer. So, we thought a winter wedding would suit us best” said Hannah. “And as there was a date in February available, we thought that would be perfect for us.”

The couple tied the knot at Ellingham Hall’s nearby St Maurice Church, which was also something that featured on the couples dream wedding shortlist.

Notes from the Bride

Why did you opt for a Church Ceremony?

We wanted to get married in a church, and as Ellingham Hall is so close to the village church, this really helped our decision. It played a huge part as to why we chose the venue, and the location was perfect as our guests only had to walk a few minutes to the church. I arrived at the church in a horse-drawn carriage, which had always been my dream.

Tell us the Main Reasons for choosing Ellingham Hall?

We loved the venue; it’s a gorgeous house and the fact it’s exclusive use is a huge bonus. There are many wedding venues which host multiple weddings each day. I didn’t like the idea of that at all. Ellingham Hall is totally private for your friends and family, and the team were amazing too. As soon as we walked into the Hall, we felt at ease, and everyone was so helpful. The Ellingham Team offer a personalised service, and they really listen to your vision. We had viewed a lot of wedding venues and we’ve been guests at many weddings too, but we hadn’t been to a wedding at Ellingham Hall. So, as well as the amazing service, privacy and closeness to the church, the idea of getting married where no one else we know has been married was also special for us.

Had you looked at other Two-Night Wedding Venues?

No, it was totally new to us and no other venue we viewed offered that experience. We loved the idea of stretching out our wedding, because the day itself flies over. It was nice for me and Ryan because we had the chance to chat with our guests the Friday night before, so we felt less pressure to mingle on the wedding day. We visited quite a lot of wedding venues across the North East and Ellingham Hall was the first one we’d come across that offered the Two Night Wedding.

Tell us why you opted for Two Wedding Dresses?

One of my best friends told me one of her biggest regrets on her wedding day was that she couldn’t relax on the evening because she didn’t want to spoil her dress. So, I thought a second dress would be a great solution. Also, I knew that with a long-sleeved dress, I’d probably feel too hot on the dancefloor, so I wanted a shorter dress that I could easily move around in.

My main bridal gown was from Sorella Bridal boutique in Northallerton, and my evening dress I’d spotted online on Knutsford Wedding Gallery in Cheshire.

What Unique Elements did you include in your Weekend Wedding?

We really wanted to put our own stamp on our wedding. We booked an acoustic singer to perform the night before, to make it more of a cocktail party vibe. We enjoyed delicious food, the beef was gorgeous, as were the chocolate brownies.

In the church, we booked a string quartet to play, which created a nice atmosphere for the ceremony. We had personalised newspapers designed, which we laid out on the pews so guests could take a look while waiting for the ceremony to begin. The newspaper was full of fun details about our relationship over the years.

We hired a big glitter wall with neon sign, where lots of our friends and family had their photos taken. On the evening, we hired a DJ along with a saxophonist and bongos to get the party going and everyone on the dancefloor.

How was your Wedding Morning?

I recall looking out the window in Lady B’s Wedding Suite and the weather was gorgeous, so I was over the moon. It was so exciting, and I didn’t really feel nervous at all. I think, because we had been planning our wedding for two years and the wedding planning team at Ellingham had every detail captured, it really helped. Before the ceremony, me and my bridesmaids enjoyed pre-ceremony drinks in the wedding suite which was lovely. I also got a mention on BBC Radio 2 as they were doing a piece on their show about Saturday weddings. My mum wrote in when they mentioned it, and we were both live on the show.

Any Advice for Couples Planning a Wedding?

Just don’t stress, it will all come together in the end. Don’t worry about all the little things and just enjoy the planning as much as you enjoy the wedding day. Also, let people make a fuss over you!

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer – Stephen Beecroft Photography

Videographer – Ryan Etherington

Content Creator – Your Moment Captured

Church – St Maurice, Ellingham

Bridal Gown (day) – Sorella Bridal Northallerton

Bridal Dress (Evening) – Knutsford Wedding Gallery

Mua – Beatrice Hollie/Samantha Henry

Hair – Bridal Hair by Kayleigh

Groom Suit – Dandy Threads

Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Bridesmaid by JB

Groomsmen Suits- Moss Bros

String Quartet – Amici Musical Trio

Singer – Glen Roughead

DJ/Sax/Bongos – House of Sax

Horse & Carriage – North East Carriage Company

Cake – Batesman’s Bakes

Cold Spark Fountains – AG Events

Balloons & Glitter Walls – ALF Events