We Meet the Owner of Northside Farm Who Tells us How she Transformer Her Farm into a Unique Wedding Venue
Diversifying their farm and converting a 150-year-old barn into a unique wedding venue, Northside Farm in Northumberland has been giving happy couples the wedding day of their dreams for almost 10 years
Tell us about Northside Farm.
My husband Ralph is a farmer and I was still at university when we set up our diversification project. The business grew from there and we established ourselves as a destination wedding venue in 2016. Everything at Northside Farm has been built or converted by hand and with love by ourselves to create a luxurious and rustic venue, with 10 glamping pods for guests, four whimsical fairytale-style cottages and luxury facilities. We offer exclusive-use wedding weekends for three nights to guarantee ‘your wedding, your way’.
What was the inspiration for starting the business?
We had always planned to convert our 150-year-old barn and develop the land into a wedding venue. We were the first to marry at Northside Farm in 2016 and did everything our own way, and that started our ethos that every couple should have their wedding the way they want it.
What makes Northside Farm so unique?
I think it’s a mixture of things. The centre of everything we do and what we value the most is people, our staff and our clients. I think when people are at the centre of what you do you create an environment that feels like a special place to be in. We have a small team who deeply care about every single wedding and you’ll never be bounced from pillar to post. You get space and freedom to do whatever you like to make your wedding truly your own. The most important thing is that everything has been built and converted by us both ready for our own wedding, meaning no stone was left unturned.
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Tell us about the ‘no restrictions’ formula.
We offer exclusive use for up to three nights to give couples a more relaxed experience and more time to spend with friends and family. We operate a ‘no restrictions’ formula meaning the bride and groom can plan the wedding of their dreams; from playing lavish garden games to arriving by a tractor or helicopter, as well as weekend barbecues, outside cinema screenings, silent discos or a spectacular fireworks display in the evening to really end the celebrations with a bang.
What has been the most popular request?
Each couple has their own unique plans for the style and theme of their wedding and they can use the barn and gin gang as it is, or use it as a blank canvas. No two weddings have ever been the same. Probably the most popular request is fireworks or to bring along their pets – we have even had a few alpacas and horses join in the celebrations over the years!
Read More: Plan the Perfect Honeymoon for Memories That'll Last a Lifetime
Tell us an interesting fact about the business.
Ralph was born at the neighbouring farm and has worked on the land all his life, so we are very conscious of the environment in which we are set and everything we do we try to improve on and restore in a sympathetic way. We are pleased to say that we have been recognised by many award bodies in our industry for what we have created.
What have been the biggest challenges so far?
Like many businesses, Covid and the restrictions it brought with it was really tough, especially for the wedding industry. We tried to accommodate couples as best we could within the rules and move their dates around at no extra cost to try to accommodate their wedding exactly how they wanted it.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
We get to go to work each day in idyllic surroundings and plan the happiest days of people’s lives. We love working with our couples, getting creative and mapping out the details to their perfect day. What could be better?
Are there any new plans for Northside Farm?
We have some very exciting plans for further expansion and changes over the next few years so watch this space! My brain never stops mulling over how to improve and add value for our couples.
Best thing about the North East?
It has to be the people. That and the countryside and beaches being so close together too.
Favourite place to eat or drink locally?
The Beaumont in Hexham. It is an independent, family-run hotel and restaurant and we love it.
An item you couldn’t live without?
My car because I do so much running around and we live so rurally. That or a cup of tea!
Advice you’d give your younger self?
Always follow your heart and listen to your intuition and you can’t really go wrong.
