The Best Venues For Your Big Day In The North East
Here's our pick of perfect venues to host your big day
Spanish City
The Venue
Whitley Bay’s iconic Spanish City is a multi-award winning wedding venue boasting a private function suite. Originally built in 1910, there’s plenty of history under its dome, with impressive period features combined with modern touches for a wedding with wow-factor.
What’s on offer?
Your special day can be tailored to you with the help of a dedicated wedding co-ordinator who offers a bespoke service. A variety of packages are available which can include a red carpet arrival, a selection of canapés, or a traditional afternoon tea celebration. The St Mary’s Lighthouse Suite can hold 120 guests for a wedding ceremony or couples can hire out the entire venue for exclusive use.
Why wed here?
Named Best Town & City Venue at The North East Wedding Awards 2023, Spanish City is just a stone’s throw from the beach with views stretching to St Mary’s Lighthouse, making for a fabulous backdrop for your all-important wedding photos.
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
Gisborough Hall
The Venue
At this charming Victorian country house on the edge of the North York Moors, the blossom trees act as natural confetti in spring, the rose garden blooms in summer, and the building itself is ivy-clad in autumn, so you’re promised a truly beautiful backdrop for the most romantic of weddings here, no matter what time of year you’ve chosen for your big day.
What’s on offer?
There are various locations at the hall to choose from in which to say ‘I do’: the neutral-toned Madoc Suite, the Glass House with its views of the rose garden and rolling countryside, or the garden for an outdoor ceremony. Enjoy a glass of fizz in the rose garden post-ceremony as guests join you for photographs, and after partying into the night, you can retreat to a luxurious four-poster bedroom. There are plenty of rooms for your guests too, and you can all start the morning after with a delicious full Yorkshire breakfast.
Why wed here?
Gisborough Hall hosts just one wedding a day, so whether you’re opting for an intimate reception, a grand celebration, or an al fresco ceremony, it’s always all about you.
Whitby Lane, Guisborough TS14 6PT
01287 611500
gisborough-hall.com
Wynyard Hall
The Venue
One of the North East’s most exclusive wedding venues, Wynyard Hall sits pretty in 150 acres of picturesque landscape and promises a perfect blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury for your big day.
What’s on offer?
Crystal chandeliers, sweeping staircases and period features provide a majestic backdrop for your wedding, and the hall’s dedicated wedding team can help tailor your big day whether you’re dreaming of a grand or more intimate celebration. The stunning Conservatory, bathed in natural light, is perfect for romantic ceremonies, while the stately Mirror Room and opulent Ballroom are ideal for hosting unforgettable receptions. The Statue Gallery is perfect for a Champagne reception beneath the stained-glass ceilings. From your wedding breakfast to brunch the next day, there’s also a fabulous range of pre- and post-wedding experiences to consider.
Why wed here?
Wynyard Hall’s exclusive use means they only ever hold one wedding per day – so the whole house is yours for your entire celebration. Plus, they’re one of a select few venues in the country that offer both religious and civil ceremonies on site.
Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham TS22 5NF
01740 644811
wynyardhall.co.uk
Horton Grange
The Venue
An elegant Grade II-listed Northumberland country house, Horton Grange and its four-acre entirety will be exclusively yours on your big day.
What’s on offer?
Nine guest bedrooms and an evening capacity of 150 guests mean that at Horton Grange, you’re surrounded only by the people that you love. Marry in the rustic Barn, with a candlelit fireplace and exposed rafters, or the gazebo in the grounds is a gorgeous outdoor ceremony space. The head chef here utilises fantastic local produce to produce an impressive range of customisable packages including pizzas, barbecues and around-the-world street food.
Why wed here?
The wedding team have substantial experience in making sure everything goes right on the big day, and can tailor celebrations down to the finest detail.
Berwick Hill Road, Ponteland, Newcastle NE13 6BU
01661 860686
hortongrange.co.uk
Walworth Castle
The Venue
A beautiful, 12th-century castle set in 18 acres of lawn and woodlands, this is a magical venue for a fairytale wedding. Walworth is Darlington’s only castle, so you won’t get another venue like this for miles around.
What’s on offer?
Marry in the beautiful ballroom, or outside in Lady Palmers Pavilion on a sunny day surrounded by mature trees and beautiful blooms. You can even get married in the dungeon, complete with vaulted ceilings and stone walls, an intimate historical experience for a memorable ceremony with a difference. The wedding breakfast takes place in the lovingly restored Cardinals Court, originally the main entrance to the castle, before the bride and groom retire to a sumptuous four-poster bedroom.
Why wed here?
With a red-carpet welcome and the use of thrones for the bride and groom, marrying here will truly make you feel like royalty – which is exactly what you deserve on your wedding day.
Walworth, Darlington, County Durham DL2 2LY
01325 485470
walworthcastle.co.uk
Crathorne Hall Hotel
The Venue
A luxury country hotel built in 1906, Crathorne Hall has spectacular views over the Leven Valley and 15 acres of gardens and grounds to explore. The hall was built for celebrations, and with its period features and ornate detailing, it exudes romance for a wedding day straight out of a historical romance novel.
What’s on offer?
Wed with up to 120 guests beneath a gorgeous feature chandelier in the Edwardian Room, with views across the countryside through floor-to-ceiling windows as a backdrop. Or, choose the candlelit Foyer for up to 70 guests. The hall can offer outdoor ceremonies in their private grounds which can also be used for reception drinks, lawn games or a private moment between the happy couple in the sunken garden. The hall’s head chef will work with you to craft the perfect menu for your big day, from a traditional three-course meal to build-your-own burger bars and outdoor pizza ovens – they even offer creative gin bars and sweetie stations for a novelty element.
Why wed here?
From offering live-streaming of the ceremony for those who can’t make the big day to watch at home to endless personalisation options for food, drink and decor, Crathorne Hall go above and beyond with the details to make your day perfect.
Crathorne, Yarm TS15 0AR
01642 700398
handpickedhotels.co.uk
Lumley Castle
The Venue
Built in 1388, Lumley Castle is as historically rich as venues come. The castle has multiple wedding spaces, each as opulent as the last and detailed with timeless period features that are sure to impress guests.
What’s on offer?
Outdoor ceremonies can be held in the picturesque Barons Garden, whilst the ornate and elegant Garter Suite, historical Barons Hall and the sophisticated Scarbrough State Room are glorious options for ceremonies or receptions. For a more intimate affair, The Gilt and The Sceptre have all the regality of the larger rooms but on a smaller scale. The castle has a range of packages available, including the Keys to the Castle which gives exclusive use of the entire venue.
Why wed here?
The ultimate fairytale wedding, it doesn’t get more romantic than tying the knot at a classic castle in a series of enchantingly-decorated rooms.
Ropery Lane, Chester-Le-Street DH3 4NX
0191 389 1111
lumleycastle.com
The Byirs
The Venue
This brand new, island-inspired haven nestled in private grounds on the shore of the Derwent Reservoir is a picture-perfect wedding destination like no other. The Irwin family’s vision of creating a very special place to wed has been truly realised with their opening of The Byirs.
What’s on offer?
The recently-renovated 16th-century barn makes for a charmingly rustic ceremony space and the Island Room offers uninterrupted views of the water during your reception, which evolves as the party continues and the sun sets over the reservoir. Their in-house catering team will work with you to curate the menu of your dreams, and their cigar lounge-inspired Colin’s Bar is a sophisticated spot to grab a tipple. Seven quaint rooms can sleep up to 21 of your closest guests, and the much-anticipated honeymoon suite is to be revealed soon.
Why wed here?
Panoramic views over the sparkling waters of the reservoir make an utterly unique backdrop for your big day, rain or shine.
Pow Hill Country Park, Edmundbyers DH8 9NU
01207 255117
thebyirs.com
Matfen Hall
The Venue
Matfen Hall is Northumberland’s only five-star hotel. Set on a 17th-century country estate, the hotel is complete with fine dining, a tranquil spa and a 27-hole golf course, as well as a series of luxurious bedrooms. The stunning grounds and ceremony rooms here are utterly gorgeous.
What’s on offer?
You are spoilt for choice with options on where to hold your ceremony here. The magnificent Great Hall allows brides to make a grand entrance down the sweeping oak staircase, before saying ‘I do’ beneath the stained-glass ceiling. Outdoor ceremonies are just as stunning in Le Jardin Hollandais, as are the drinks receptions with the finest wines and Champagnes available. The Morning Room is a great blank canvas to be styled however the couple wish for their wedding breakfast, and the Cloisters Courtyard provides space for a first dance beneath the stars whilst the underground bar is the perfect private place to dance the night away with up to 200 special guests.
Why wed here?
Endless idyllic settings for photography and an award-winning team dedicated to scripting your perfect day make weddings at Matfen Hall a real dream come true.
Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RH
01661 886500
matfenhall.com
