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2nd February 2024
2nd December 2023
A winter wedding wasn’t the original plan for Luisa and Chris Hartley – until they viewed Ellingham Hall dressed for the festive season and soon changed their minds!
Our Northumberland winter wedding venue looked its festive finest when the couple visited for the first time. And that magical experience helped them decide to switch from an April spring wedding to a jaw-dropping winter wonderland wedding in December.
NOTES FROM THE BRIDE
So, a winter wedding wasn’t your plan?
“Not at all! I’d always dreamed of having a wedding in April; however, I do love Christmas time and when we visited Ellingham during the winter and I saw the venue dressed with all the festive décor, sparkling lights and roaring log fires in the reception rooms, I instantly fell in love with the idea of a winter wedding. I’ve never seen a venue make so much effort with their décor for Christmas – it was magical. It also saved us a lot of money as the grand staircase was dressed with a stunning large Christmas tree and the staircase was draped with a stunning garland and twinkling lights.”
Why did you choose Ellingham Hall?
“We really wanted our wedding to be a two or three-day celebration rather than just a wedding day, which is rushed and over in a blink. We wanted to spend quality time with our friends and family, some of whom we hadn’t seen for a such long time. Ellingham Hall is such a beautiful venue where you can relax the night before and we knew instantly it was for us. The venue is also dog friendly, which was an added bonus. Our little sausage dog, Mr Willie, joined us for the wedding weekend which was really special.”
How was the lead up to the wedding?
“I’m really organised and I made a lot of things for the wedding, including signs and gifts for guests, etc. which did take a little time organising. Chris didn’t get involved in things so much at the beginning but around six months in advance he sorted out all the food and drink requirements with the team.
Debbie, who is Head of Weddings at Ellingham, was amazing and helped us think about everything we wanted and brought it to life. On the night before, Alicia was brilliant and she helped me to put out everything we had made in the Hall and for the guest’s rooms, which really helped me to relax.”
Tell us about the wedding day?
“Our day ran perfectly. Not only was the Ellingham Hall team amazing from start to finish, but the dusting of snow that had fallen outside created the perfect winter wonderland setting, which we could never have imagined so early in December. Our guests really enjoyed our Champagne tower and sitting outdoors by the toasty fire-pit on the evening. We took blankets to keep guests warm and also hired the after dark party den to extend the party beyond midnight. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it as I’d been up since 4am for my morning run before the arrival of the hair and make-up artists. All of the guests loved it and said they had the very best time.”
How was your overall experience?
“It was simply perfect. Our guests all had an amazing time. One of our loveliest moments was when David, the General Manager, took us both up to the Chapel Mezzanine to enjoy some canapés and drinks together to have a short break from our guests.
On your wedding day all guests want to chat to you both, so it’s really thoughtful that the team at Ellingham gave us the opportunity to have some time to have a moment together.”
Advice for brides-to-be…
“Don’t make your own hangover kits as our guests forgot to use them and didn’t take them away as they thought they were provided by the venue! If you are thinking of making up something like this, you may want to consider adding a little tag on your gift to say ‘a treat from your newlyweds’ (which I didn’t do).
Enjoy the run up to the wedding and don’t spend time worrying about the small things – and trust in the Ellingham Hall team, as they have everything planned brilliantly.
Don’t rule out a winter wedding venue – Ellingham Hall as it is simply magical!”
Check out Luisa & Chris’ Wedding Gallery.
If you are looking for a winter wedding venue in Northumberland, contact us today to arrange a viewing appointment.
Credits
Photographer – David West Photography
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars
Dress – Designer Wedding Dresses & Accessories Newcastle | Marrime
Shoes – Rainbow
Bridesmaid’s Dresses –ASOS
Groom’s Suit – Suit Culture
MUA – Home | Marta Makeup | Luxury Bridal Makeup Artist | Yorkshire |UK | Destinations
Hair – @emilyhnealon
Flowers & Styling – Sprig and Thistle
Cake – @sweet.lovecupcakes
Band – Ibiza Soul Duo
DJ – Bride and Grove
Musician – Wayne on Sax UK
Party Signs –@junkyardgirlx
LED Sign – Low Fell Hire Company
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Ellingham Hall named Regional Winner for Best Historic Wedding Venue in the North East & Yorkshire at The 2026 TWIA Awards.
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23rd October 2025
A unique wedding in winter in beautiful Northumberland with a horse-drawn carriage was the order of the day for Hannah and Ryan Fletcher. As was the decision to choose TWO dresses for the day!
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1st October 2025
A traditional summer church wedding ceremony was essential for Katherine and Stephen during their two night wedding at Ellingham Hall.
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6th August 2025
Devyn & Jeremy Wright travelled thousands of miles for their two-night micro wedding celebration at Ellingham Hall.
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14th July 2025
A Lord of the Rings wedding theme isn’t something you see every day. And with Eleanor and Matthew Nesbit unable to travel to Middle Earth, they chose Northumberland’s Ellingham Hall for their enchanted woodland wedding instead!
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30th June 2025
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22nd April 2025
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20th April 2025
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What a beautiful venue! Me and my partner just got married at Ellingham and we could not have chosen a better venue. From booking the venue, to our special day everything was just amazing. Staff have been so great with us and were always there to answer any questions we had leading up to our day. Our special day ran smoothly thanks to all the staff here and all the staff were just so nice from start to finish. All our guests commented on how amazing the venue was and how amazing the staff had been with everyone. We cannot thank everyone there enough for helping to make our day so special.
Rebecca & Aidan Morrison, 13th February 2025
We’re now back from our honeymoon and we just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you did to make our wedding day so special.
The entire team was incredible from start to finish and we especially appreciate the flexibility you showed in accommodating my wish to have the ceremony outside, it meant the world to me!
Thank you again for helping create such an unforgettable day
Lisandra & Stephen, 26th June 2025
Lauren & Eddie Liddle, 27th February 2025
“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
“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
Holly & Fraser Handley, 27th March 2025
