14 of the Dreamiest Durham Wedding Venues You'll Want to Visit Now
Imagine getting hitched on a flower-filled farm, or how about a spectacular castle? We can't wait to show you these beautiful wedding venues in Durham. You're bound to fall in love!
If you haven't already, this selection of spots will have you seriously considering a Durham wedding venue.
Situated in the North East of England, Durham is a peaceful, tranquil city and an idyllic spot to explore if you're on the hunt for a gorgeous wedding venue. This serene location offers a calming getaway where you can create your dream wedding. Whether planning an extravagant fairytale celebration or a stylish, intimate get-together, you're sure to love what Durham has to offer.
Durham provides the perfect escape for couples seeking a wedding immersed in nature. As well as boasting spectacular countryside wedding venues, Durham is one of the very few UK cities that has its own coastline. Stretching 14 km and boasting picturesque views, read on to explore an amazing coastal wedding venue set by the sea.
The 15 Prettiest Wedding Venues in Durham
If a beachside wedding venue isn't your bag, how about a rustic barn wedding venue, a grand castle, or a historical museum wedding venue? Well, you'll find all these breathtaking venues and more in our round-up of the 14 dreamiest wedding venues in Durham.
1. Beamish Hall Country House Hotel
Set in the heart of Durham, Beamish Country House Hotel has been hosting events for over 700 years, and the next one could be your very own special day. The striking property boasts a number of spaces for you to exchange your vows, from an outside area under a canopy of trees to the light-filled Shafto Hall with attractive wooden features.
This award-winning wedding vendor has more than enough room for your guests to stay the night, with 42 luxurious bedrooms and an apartment. Fresh, bright, and modern, expect white tiled en-suites, pretty gold mirrors, and the most adorable shuttered windows.
READ MORE: The Best Wedding Venues in the North East
2. Dalton Old Pump House
Here at Hitched, we love an industrial wedding venue. If you do too, we reckon Dalton Old Pump House, designed by renowned engineer Thomas Hawksley, will be right up your street. Dating back to 1873, the Grade II listed building is bursting with Victorian character and charm, featuring metal pipework, stone walls, and high ceilings.
Whether you're hosting a micro wedding of 65 guests, or a large celebration with up to 175 people, gather in the beautiful Boiler Room for a reception and wedding breakfast. You'll only have to glance upwards at the decadent chandeliers to realise how spectacular this venue is.
3. Lumley Castle
Castle wedding venues are a popular choice for a wedding venue, and Durham is home to some lovely ones, including Lumley Castle, which is set on nine acres of gorgeous parkland and overlooks the River Wear. Why not treat yourself and stay the night before your celebration? On day one, you'll enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and an evening barbecue before celebrating your wedding the day after.
You won't have to worry about where your guests will stay; there are a whopping 73 rooms in the castle, complete with regal décor and a cosy atmosphere. Moreover, you can even host your hen or stag do at Lumley, making it a versatile space no matter what event you're planning.
READ MORE: Wedding Venues With Plenty of Accommodation
4. Blackwell Grange Hotel
Originally built as a private residence in 1663, the Blackwell Grange Hotel has kept a charming rustic feel to it. Now that it's a wedding venue, it provides a relaxed and comfortable space to celebrate your special day. Alternatively, the outside wedding gazebo is situated in the heart of the garden and makes a lovely summer space for your wedding reception.
Better yet, when booking, you'll receive complimentary use of the wedding suite for your first night as newlyweds, including a delicious breakfast in the morning. There are two fabulous function suites to choose from - the Bruhenny Suite with wooden beams and a gorgeous fireplace and the George Allan Suite, which has a charming garden view.
5. Black Horse Beamish
They do say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the lavender field setting of the Black Horse Beamish is enough to make anyone fall in love with this wedding venue. Set within a conservation area, the surrounding countryside is simply stunning and will make a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photographs.
The Orchard Marquee is a wonderful place to host your ceremony and reception, boasting panoramic views of the landscaped gardens and apple orchard. Able to hold 250 guests, it's furnished with a dance floor, eight-foot chandeliers, uplighting, and a fully integrated sound system, so you're guaranteed a good night.
READ MORE: 24 Gorgeous Garden Wedding Venues in the UK
6. Runa Farm
Calling all boho couples - Runa Farm is a new wedding venue open since Spring 2022 that's rustic, romantic, and relaxing. Ideal for a balmy summer wedding, Runa Farm can host the festival wedding of your dreams, boasting flower-filled gardens and on-site glamping. Alternatively, this wedding venue has Spanish influences making it perfect if you're after a destination wedding location right on your doorstep.
With timber beams and exposed stonework, The Old Barn will transport you and your guests to sunnier climes where you can eat, drink, and dance! But the real star of the show is The Runa Farm Chapel. Ethereal and elegant, expect to make your entrance via a statement staircase decorated with glimmering lanterns.
7. The Morritt Hotel
Located in the quaint hamlet of Greta Bridge, The Morritt Hotel is a pretty place to host weddings of up to 200 people. Licensed for civil ceremonies, if you're getting married in the warmer months, why not head to the hotel's gorgeous secret garden? Quintessentially English and oh so pretty, it overlooks the verdurous countryside, making it a beautiful backdrop from all angles.
After the celebrations have ended, The Morritt Hotel has 26 luxury guestrooms and a self-catering cottage that can sleep up to 18 people. Complete with a hot tub, sauna, games room, and an adjoining spa, it's safe to say you and your loved ones will stay in luxury.
READ MORE: Our Favourite Luxurious Wedding Venues
8. Whitworth
Animal lovers will adore Whitworth as their wedding venue - this location has its very own deer park, which makes for some adorable snapshots! The Grade II country house can accommodate any style or theme for your wedding day. From laid-back, relaxed celebrations to big, bold, and dramatic soirees, Whitworth will host a magical wedding day for you.
The 73-acre estate isn't short on delicious produce from the kitchen gardens, so you and your guests can expect mouthwatering feasts whipped up by the very best chefs. Whether it's a nine-course formal dinner or a vintage afternoon tea, you won't be disappointed with what Whitworth has to offer.
READ MORE: 16 of the Best Beach Wedding Venues in the UK
9. Durham University
Another breathtaking castle wedding venue in Durham is the extraordinary castle at Durham University. Constructed in 1824, this wedding venue has an array of historic rooms from which you can host your wedding day like royalty. Our favourite space has got to be The Great Hall, where you'll find yourself in opulent surroundings with large stained glass windows and grand high ceilings.
Durham University also has some spectacular smaller spaces, including the Tunstall Gallery. Why not enjoy chatting to your guests, sipping drinks, and nibbling on canapés while looking at antique oil paintings and lavish furnishings?
10. Hardwick Hall Hotel
If you're planning a large celebration for your wedding day, look no further than Hardwick Hall Hotel. Every space in this wedding venue is spectacular, from the flower-adorned Floral Chapel to the magnificent Coleman Suite with six extravagant crystal chandeliers. Made from tens of thousands of Austrian Strauss Crystals, it's a sight to behold!
The Paddock Marquee is the perfect space to host your evening meal during the warmer months. With its own private garden, it'll be a relaxed and spacious area for you and up to 150 guests to celebrate. Also available outdoors is the stunning Tuscan Alcove set in a tranquil area with peaceful lake views. It doesn't get more dreamy than that!
11. Redworth Hall Hotel
Couples wishing to experience the lap of luxury for their special day will love what Redworth Hall Hotel has to offer. An exquisite Jacobean manor house nestled on 26 acres of verdant land, you'll feel like you're in an episode of Bridgerton when you're dolled up and walking down the aisle.
Host your ceremony in one of the stately rooms, followed by an iconic confetti exit before exploring the lush grounds for amazing photo ops. The Prince Bishop suite will set the scene for your reception, where 180 guests can join you in celebrating. Adorned with rich colours, crystal chandeliers, antique artwork, and lavish furnishings, you're bound to feel like royalty here.
READ MORE: The Dreamiest Bridgerton-Inspired Wedding Ideas
12. The Scruffy Duck
Coming in strong with those whimsical, dreamy vibes is The Scruffy Duck. If you're on the hunt for a beautiful pub wedding venue, you're in luck. This gorgeous setting has been renovated from an 18th-century coaching inn and is now where your wedding vision can be brought to life.
We adore the cool tones dotted with gold fixtures and décor - it really creates a wedding-in-the-clouds atmosphere. The exposed wooden beams are perfect for hanging your favourite flowers from, creating the ultimate haven for your special day. Up to 70 loved ones can witness your milestone here, making it perfect for an intimate get-together.
13. The Bowes Museum
History lovers searching for a setting steeped in antiquity for their milestone celebration should check out The Bowes Museum. Established in the 19th century, this stately building houses internationally-acclaimed fine art collections curated over the years and makes an exquisite museum wedding venue.
Surrounded by sweeping views of the Durham countryside and boasting a refined atmosphere brimming with sophistication, you and 200 guests can take in the gorgeous artwork and stunning architecture. What's more, you and your loved ones can enjoy a private tour of the exhibitions for a truly unforgettable day!
READ MORE: Unusual Wedding Venues You Didn't Know You Could Wed In
14. St Chad's
If you have your heart set on getting married in Durham Cathedral, St Chad's College couldn't be in a better location for your reception. If you'd rather a more intimate space, St Chad's also invites couples to marry in its manicured gardens, surrounded by trees and just a stone's throw from the River Wear.
If an outdoor wedding isn't what you're looking for, St Chad's offers a selection of beautiful interiors that provide unique backdrops for wedding photos. You'll get scenic views of Durham Cathedral in the Moulsdale Hall, where 120 of your loved ones can join you for a memorable occasion. Nearlyweds can also host their ceremony in this space, meaning the entire day can be celebrated in one gorgeous spot.
If all that talk of the countryside has got you craving a calming escape, check out these seaside hotels, which make a lovely couple's staycation or minimoon.
