So here's the deal, musicians don't tend to have offices, or administrative staff or pension schemes to pay for. They're typically a nimble breed doing what they do because they actually enjoy it. They're not trying to make mega bucks, they just want to make a living enjoying what they do and building up their reputation. A wedding is a beautiful event to be a part of as everyone is there to celebrate the couple and have a great time

Now, before you think we hate agencies, let me just say I really don't, in many cases they provide an excellent resource and for me too a degree of income. In fact, a number of very good friends run their own and add real value for their engagement. Some for example have excellent relations with bars and restaurants and ensure a constant flow of musicians every Friday or Saturday night that the venue promises live entertainment. They're absolutely essential in this area and can source replacements at super short notice, keeping the variety fresh. AMVLive is a great local example of this. Sadly, many agencies don't add real value and what you end up with is essentially paying up to 40% extra than you would if you hired direct

## Are all agencies the same?

A number of internet based agencies are also turning the tide in this area providing unfettered access to the artists and charge the musicians a very reasonable fixed cost per year. A excellent example of this is Last Minute Musicians (link below). Alongside the usual reviews you would expect, they host videos and samples for the musicians but again, crucially, they provide unfettered access to the musicians contact details, exactly the way it should be.

As a bride or groom you have a singular and very tailored requirement. You want a musician who you can trust, enjoy listening to and crucially, you can pick up the phone to in the time leading up to your big day. All of these things are incredibly more difficult when you hire through a typical agency... and you will actually pay more for this...

Don't just take my word for it, put it to the test. Find a musician you like the sound of in your area (google 'wedding pianist' [your city]).. ask them for a quote. Then, find the same musician on an agency website (google 'music agency' [your city])... request a quote again for the same artist.. notice the difference?. Take it a step further, ask the agency if you can have the musician's mobile number so you can discuss song choices and interpretations, what happens?.. 9 times out of 10 it will be a straight no and this can be incredibly frustrating for a bride and groom
## why would anyone use an agency?
Agencies have their place 100%, they add massive value to restaurants, bars, festivals essentially, anything which requires a degree of coordination beyond that of a single musician or band.... For your wedding day however, they just add cost and worse still, a wall between you and the musician.
## what i suggest...?
Don't just take my word for it, put it to the test. Find a musician you like the sound of in your area (google 'wedding pianist' [your city]).. ask them for a quote. Then, find the same musician on an agency website (google 'music agency' [your city])... request a quote again for the same artist.. notice the difference?. Take it a step further, ask the agency if you can have the musician's mobile number so you can discuss song choices and interpretations, what happens?.. 9 times out of 10 it will be a straight no and this can be incredibly frustrating for a bride and groom
why would anyone use an agency?
Agencies have their place 100%, they add massive value to restaurants, bars, festivals essentially, anything which requires a degree of coordination beyond that of a single musician or band.... For your wedding day however, they just add cost and worse still, a wall between you and the musician.
what i suggest...?
Attend wedding fairs, hear the musicians play, talk to them (that's what they're there for) and book a musician direct to add magic to your Big Day.... And put away the CD... no technology in the world can orchestrate you wedding day like a professional musician.

Don't pay the agency commission and get an even better service and cut the cost of your musician!

How to cut the cost of a wedding pianist and get a better service

Finding the best musicians isn't easy, follow these easy steps and guidelines.

Booking a wedding musician can be the easiest thing or the most difficult but remember, the music on your big day sets the tone... Think about the whole day... not just the DJ.

I always find this one the most surprising things when I speak with brides at wedding fairs. Possibly though an inexperienced wedding planner or a venue keen to appear like they've 'covered everything' in one price, the DJ is NOT your wedding music. Its a very small part of it and arguable the part you can stress the least about. Its fair to say that DJ's know what works at that time in the evening and they'll do an excellent and very well rehearsed job of it.

What requires more thought and careful selection is your choice of music for your Reception, Wedding Breakfast and of course the The Ceremony. The latter is THE most important choice you have to make

You have 2 options: a live musician or a mp3 and both have their place! The recorded track (CD/MP3) - The budget option and after the stack of other things you've bought for your big day it might well be the only option. Also, if the song has a big band sound with drums then the recorded track might well be the best way to go. It's incredibly hard to create this with a live band especially in a church... it will sound rough at best and super expensive too. If you do decide to use a recording please don't use a streaming device!... I know it's obvious but I'd actually rather use a CD than spotify or google music... the risk of application failure / battery issues etc is not something you want to be worried about as you walk down the aisle. Most services (paid subscriptions) have a 'download to the phone' option which reduces your risk of technical failure.

A live musician can not just add a visual element to your ceremony but important, more than anything is that they can adapt to changes on the day. I performed a ceremony recently where (due to a wedding dress malfunction) the bride appeared long after the bridal party.... trust me, the CD would have ended long before the bride appeared. Any credible musician can hold the music, the can build it up... add drama at the key moments and pull it back as you reach the alter. Its a beautiful experience when the music adapts to your every step. Its one of my favourite experiences as a wedding pianist.

Go direct, pay less and talk more..... Don't get me wrong, agencies are excellent sources of musicians if you can't find what you're after. They're especially good if you want to arrange multiple musicians across an event or festival. In this sense, they add incredible value. I'm registered with several agencies and get paid work from time to time which is great for me..... AND the agency, just not necessarily for the bride and groom. Why? well, you've just paid 20-40% extra for the pleasure and even worse than that, you've paid extra to erect a wall between you and your musician so chatting through song ideas and themes is in some cases almost impossible.

And, it gets worse, in many cases the 'agency' is actually a band or artist themselves. You might think they have a massive selection of artists and they will select the perfect act for your event. What you will actually get is a 'curated' selection of acts featuring the agency owner and/or good friends of the agency owner, sorted in order of least resistance. I'm generalising here and there are a number of good agencies who pride themselves on the actual 'match'.

The internet is a force of change here such that web based agencies are gaining traction providing unbiased directories of acts and artists with ratings and comments etc. The best examples don't even charge a commission per event and simply charge the musician a yearly rate to be part of the service. A great example of this is Lastminutemusician.com They have a massive selection of musicians and as it's global there is no filter on specific acts and even better, the then have a direct connection between you and the musician. All the benefits of an agency without the downsides. I really hope more agencies look seek to make their selection process much more transparent than they have right now and crucially, allow seamless communication between the the musician and the bride and groom.

Meet your musician before making a booking and definately before the big day! We're (most of us anyway) only human and in most cases as musicians, our goal is for you to be extremely happy with the music on your day. if your musician can't find the time to have a quick chat to discuss your day either at their home/wedding fair/gig then the chances are you're hiring the wrong person. Personally I insist on it (when i'm not behind the agency wall) for a number of reasons.

First I get to confirm all the essentials, dates, times and venues etc. Second though, I want the make sure i can meet (and exceed) their needs and expectations. Only this morning I did a 'meet the bride & groom' at my home and the amount of detail that dropped out of this half hour meeting was incredible and I can say without hesitation that I've more than enough information to ensure I hit all the right notes (no pun intended) on the day.

The groom for example is a guitarist... he likes Rock music... actually almost obsessed with it. Our chat started with him saying something like 'we've got very different taste in music but just focus on keeping Brenda happy'. Great, he was getting brownies for this but it didn't stop me digging deeper and finding out exactly what the groom likes and be able to fire out a couple of rock classics that he really won't expect and others that i promised he would. Not only that, i was able to help them with a host of other things they were looking for from photographers to florists. They left as friends and i really look forward to their big day.

Check and vet their website and facebook. Booking direct is THE best way, for sure. What you don't want however is to book Trevor down the pub who can crank out a great Wonderwall and thinks he can totally nail it. Great, he might even do it for free... but he might also just not fancy it on the day then you're goosed. Ok, thats an extreme case but realistically. Facebook and twitter are good indicators of an acts longevity and authority. Importantly, professional musicians care about their reputation. Poor acts get crushed on this platforms so their visibility can be a big tell. If their website is good, they've invested in their reputation of offering, again a great 'tell' in how serious and professional they are!

Introduce your musician to your videographer if you have one! Professional musicians with good equipment are more than happy to pipe a quality signal from the keyboard/mics etc direct to the videographers equipment. Essentially, it provides a best possible sound quality for your ceremony video and you'll enjoy the replay so much more. I'll not dwell on this too much but it if you bring this up early, it can sometimes be a very good initial filtering process where an artist is not comfortable with their own skills or equipment.

What to ask your Wedding Pianist and how to find your perfect piano player

How to find the perfect wedding pianist and what to ask



The piano is a versatile instrument that can create a beautiful and romantic ambiance at weddings. Whether you prefer classical music or contemporary pop hits, there is a piano song that can make your wedding day even more special. Here are some of the best wedding songs for piano:

1. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri

This romantic ballad has become a popular choice for weddings, and it sounds beautiful when played on the piano. The soft and melodic piano arrangement perfectly captures the emotion of the song.

2. "All of Me" by John Legend

This soulful and heartfelt love song is perfect for weddings. The piano arrangement is simple yet beautiful, allowing the lyrics and melody to shine.

3. "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel

This classical piece has been a favorite for weddings for decades. The beautiful and elegant piano arrangement is perfect for walking down the aisle or as background music during the ceremony.

4. "Marry Me" by Train

This sweet and romantic song is perfect for a first dance or as a background song during the reception. The piano arrangement is simple and beautiful, allowing the lyrics to convey the message of love.

5. "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra

This classic song has been a favorite for weddings for generations. The beautiful piano arrangement perfectly captures the elegance and romance of the song.

6. "At Last" by Etta James

This soulful and timeless song is perfect for a first dance. The piano arrangement is beautiful and captures the emotion of the song.

7. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith

This power ballad is a popular choice for weddings. The piano arrangement is beautiful and captures the emotion and passion of the song.

8. "Love on Top" by Beyonce

This upbeat and fun song is perfect for getting the party started at the reception. The piano arrangement is lively and energetic, getting everyone on the dance floor.

9. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran

This romantic ballad is a popular choice for weddings. The piano arrangement is beautiful and captures the emotion of the song.

10. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Harold Arlen

This classic song has been a favorite for weddings for generations. The beautiful piano arrangement perfectly captures the magic and beauty of the song.


10 of the best wedding songs for the piano

What are the best wedding songs for piano

Choosing a wedding pianist for your special day is an important decision that can help create the perfect ambiance and set the mood for your wedding. But before you hire a pianist, it is essential to ask them the right questions to ensure that they can deliver the music and experience that you want. Here are some questions that you should ask your wedding pianist:

1. What kind of music do you play?

It is essential to know what kind of music your pianist can play. Some pianists specialize in classical music, while others can play a variety of genres, including jazz, pop, and rock. Knowing their repertoire will help you determine if they can play the music that you want at your wedding.

2. Can you play specific songs?

If you have specific songs in mind that you want to be played at your wedding, you should ask if your pianist can play them. It is important to provide them with a list of songs you want to be played at specific moments of your wedding, such as the processional, recessional, and first dance.

3. How will you handle song requests?

Some pianists may be open to taking requests from your guests during the reception. You should discuss with your pianist beforehand if they are comfortable taking requests and how they will handle them.

4. Do you have any sample performances?

Ask your pianist if they have any sample performances that you can listen to. This will give you an idea of their style and help you determine if they are the right fit for your wedding.

5. Will you need any special equipment?

It is important to know if your pianist will need any special equipment, such as a piano or a sound system. Discuss the details of the venue with your pianist to ensure that they can provide the necessary equipment.

6. How much experience do you have playing at weddings?

It is essential to know if your pianist has experience playing at weddings. Playing at weddings requires a different skill set than playing in other settings, and an experienced wedding pianist will be better equipped to handle any unexpected situations.

7. Can you perform with other musicians?

If you plan to have other musicians perform at your wedding, such as a vocalist or a string quartet, it is important to know if your pianist can perform with them.

8. What is your pricing and availability?

Lastly, you should ask your pianist about their pricing and availability. Discuss their fees and if they have any packages or discounts available. It is also important to confirm their availability on your wedding day.

In conclusion, choosing the right wedding pianist is an important decision that can help create the perfect ambiance for your special day. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that your pianist can deliver the music and experience that you want, and make your wedding unforgettable.

What should you ask your wedding musician or pianist

What Should I ask my Wedding Pianist?

The North East of England is a beautiful region filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and a variety of wedding venues that offer an unforgettable experience. Whether you are looking for a traditional setting or a modern and unique venue, the North East has something for everyone. Here are some of the best wedding venues in the North East of England:

1. Alnwick Castle, Alnwick

Alnwick Castle is a magnificent medieval castle located in the heart of Northumberland. It is a unique and grand setting for weddings, with beautiful gardens and a grand hall. The castle offers a range of packages, including an exclusive castle wedding, which allows couples to have their wedding ceremony and reception within the castle walls.

2. Lumley Castle Hotel, Durham

Lumley Castle Hotel is a 14th-century castle that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. The castle has stunning views of the surrounding countryside and offers a range of wedding packages that cater to different budgets and needs. The castle also has its own chapel, making it a perfect choice for a traditional wedding ceremony.

3. Matfen Hall, Northumberland

Matfen Hall is a stunning country house hotel located in the heart of Northumberland. It has beautiful gardens and an impressive golf course, making it a perfect setting for a romantic and elegant wedding. The venue offers a range of packages that can be customized to suit individual requirements.

4. Wynyard Hall, Teesside

Wynyard Hall is a beautiful and luxurious wedding venue located in Teesside. The venue offers a range of stunning settings, including a grand ballroom, a lakeside terrace, and a beautiful rose garden. It also has its own spa, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing and pampering pre-wedding day.

5. Healey Barn, Northumberland

Healey Barn is a beautiful and rustic wedding venue located in Northumberland. It is a restored stone barn that retains its original charm and character, while also offering modern amenities. The venue has beautiful gardens and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect choice for a rustic and romantic wedding.

6. The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle

The Biscuit Factory is a unique and contemporary wedding venue located in the heart of Newcastle. It is a former Victorian warehouse that has been transformed into a modern and stylish space for weddings. The venue offers a range of packages that cater to different budgets and needs, and also has its own in-house catering team.

7. Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield

Hardwick Hall Hotel is a stunning wedding venue located in Sedgefield. The venue has beautiful gardens, a grand staircase, and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 guests. It also offers a range of packages that cater to different budgets and needs, making it a perfect choice for couples looking for a grand and luxurious wedding.

In conclusion, the North East of England is a beautiful region that offers a range of wedding venues to suit different styles and budgets. Whether you are looking for a grand castle, a rustic barn, or a contemporary warehouse, the North East has something for everyone. So, explore these beautiful venues, and choose the one that best suits your vision for the perfect wedding day.

What are the best wedding venues in the North East

What are the Best Wedding Venues in the North East?

Wedding musicians can add a touch of elegance and romance to your special day. Whether you are looking for a solo musician or a full band, there are a range of options available to suit different budgets and preferences. Here's a breakdown of the costs of wedding musicians in the UK.

Solo Musicians

Solo musicians are a popular choice for weddings, and the cost can vary depending on the type of musician you choose. Here's a rough guide to the cost of solo musicians:

- Pianist: £200-£500
- Guitarist: £200-£400
- Harpist: £300-£500
- Violinist: £200-£500
- Cellist: £250-£500
- Singer: £300-£600

Ensemble Musicians

Ensemble musicians are ideal for creating a more substantial and varied musical experience. The cost of an ensemble can depend on the number of musicians, the duration of the performance, and the location of the wedding. Here's a rough guide to the cost of ensemble musicians:

- String Quartet: £600-£1,000
- Jazz Trio: £700-£1,200
- Brass Band: £800-£1,500
- Acoustic Band: £1,000-£2,000

Full Bands

Full bands are perfect for creating an energetic and lively atmosphere at your wedding. The cost of a full band can vary depending on the size of the band, the duration of the performance, and the location of the wedding. Here's a rough guide to the cost of full bands:

- 4-piece band: £1,000-£2,500
- 5-piece band: £1,500-£3,000
- 6-piece band: £2,000-£4,000
- 7-piece band: £2,500-£5,000
- 8-piece band: £3,000-£6,000

DJ

A DJ is a popular choice for weddings, as they can cater to a range of musical tastes and keep the party going all night long. The cost of a DJ can depend on the duration of the performance and the location of the wedding. Here's a rough guide to the cost of a DJ:

- 4-hour performance: £400-£800
- 6-hour performance: £500-£1,000
- 8-hour performance: £600-£1,200

In conclusion, the cost of wedding musicians in the UK can vary depending on the type of musician, the number of musicians, the duration of the performance, and the location of the wedding. It's important to do your research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations before making a final decision on a wedding musician. Remember, the cost of the musician is an investment in the atmosphere and memories of your special day.

How much do wedding musicians cost?

### Natural Beauty
This spectacular suite has a marquee style roof and stunning terrace with large windows overlooking the grounds. The winter garden can accommodate a minimum of 80 and a maximum of 280 guests for a wedding breakfast and up to 300 for the evening. Beamish Hall is also available for venue only enquiries, where specialised areas of catering are required.

### Common Room
The Common room is ideally suited for civil marriages ceremonies and smaller wedding receptions. It is finished with a period features and specially woven carpeting that carries one of the original crests associated with the Hall.

### Wedding Breakfast
Say I do early next year with the enchanting Beamish Hall as the backdrop to your dream day. Celebrate your wedding in complete privacy with our unique exclusive offers.

### Shafto Hall
A magnificent suite complemented by oak panelling, stained glass with endless decor and lighting possibilities. The suite can seat a minimum of 70 and up to a maximum of 120 guests for your wedding breakfast

### Monboucher
Stunning bay windows overlook the acres of parklands, leaving you with a beautiful back drop for your perfect day. Over the years we’ve kept these fabulous original features which complement The Monboucher perfectly, as well as a separate bar area to relax with a Whiskey or a Mojito after the dancing shoes are worn through

Beamish Hall | Prices, Events, Weddings and Special Deals.

Beamish Hall

Beamish Hall | Weddings, Prices, Videos and Packages

### Why Do I Need a Wedding Pianist?
A wedding pianist is incredibly versatile and can adapt to any situation. They can play soft and subtle music during the ceremony, create a lively atmosphere during the cocktail hour, and keep the party going during the reception. The versatility of a wedding pianist makes them an excellent choice for any part of the wedding.

Music has the power to create an atmosphere, and a wedding pianist can set the tone for your wedding day. From creating a romantic ambiance during the ceremony to energizing the dance floor during the reception, I can help create the perfect atmosphere for each part of your wedding day.

### How Much Does it Cost?
Prices start from £220 for your reception drinks or wedding breakfast and £220+vat for your ceremony. Click 'quick quote' to get an instant quote for ceremony, reception and wedding breakfast. 

### What is included?
As part of every booking I can learn up to 3 piano compositions of your choice and a free meeting at my home in Gosforth to discuss song choices and present options if you don't know where to start. I have a significant setlist of popular songs performed to compliment the venue and event

### Do you have a Grand Piano?
I provide a professional digital piano as part of the booking but if you want the look of a beautiful Grand Piano I can offer the Grand Piano shell above for only £80+vat.Exclusive to Wedding Keys this beautiful Piano shell was imported from Holland and available as part of your booking.
<img src='weddingkeysPianoShell.jpg'></img>


Experienced and professional piano player recommended by Seaham Hall, Matfen Hall and Ellingham Hall.

Wedding Keys

ceremony

reception drinks

wedding breakfast

Absolutely fantastic addition to our wedding this year. Everyone loved him. From the gentle music before the ceremony

Ive seen David playing live at a couple of venues now and he has both an awesome talent and passion for his music.

Dave played beautifully at our wedding reception December 2017 Lartington Hall. Very prompt in his correspondence

Wedding Keys Piano | Experienced professional wedding and events pianist. Newcastle / North East / Durham

## Private Events & Parties
I also offer acoustic music to compliment your party, corporate event or restaurant night throughout the North East of England. Whether you are looking for subtle background music or to get your guests up dancing, I have sets to meet your requirements. I have multiple PA options and am completely self contained, so I can comfortably perform at any size venue, indoors or outdoors.
<img src='mikeheydon6.jpg'></img>
## Sample Repetoire

Sample Repertoire Balads Love Songs Perfect - Ed Sheeran How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding Desire - Ryan Adams Friday I’m In Love -The Cure It Must Be Love - Madness You Do Something To Me - Paul Weller Photograph - Ed Sheeran A Song for The Lovers - Richard Ashcroft Crazy Love - Michael Buble / Van Morrison When You Say Nothing At All - Ronan Keating Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol Dancing In The Dark - Bruce Springsteen Dakota - Stereophonics Hold Back The River - James Bay Greatest Day - Take That Live Forever - Oasis
<img src='mikeheydon7.png'></img>



professional wedding and events guitarist and vocalist

Mike Heydon

Mike Heydon | Excellent guitarist / singer for your big day, highly recommended

### What can I bring to the table?
While the focus for wedding music is often on the evening and a function band or DJ, live music during the daytime of a wedding creates the perfect backdrop for the arrival of your guests, your wedding ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast. This can be around 4-5 hours, and adds a truly unique personal touch to your wedding day. I play a genuine mix of music on your wedding day making sure to include some of your favourite songs, and of course, your personal requests for your ceremony.
<img src="raysnowdon11.jpeg"/>
### Do I need to hire a piano for you to play?
I carry 3 pianos so music flows seamlessly on your wedding day - all setup before your first guests arrive - no moving gear - no hassle! I'll happily play indoors or outdoors at your venue, it's always nice to play a real grand piano if they're available and if you're marrying in church I can play there first before heading back for your reception and wedding breakfast at another venue!
### How will I know what it will sound like on solo piano?
I’ll record samples of your ceremony songs in advance so you get an idea of how they’ll sound on the day. This can also be helpful for the bride if she’s looking to rehearse her entrance with her bridal party!
### Can we meet or chat before the big day?
I always love meeting up or catching up on FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom so you can share your wedding plans, we can chat about your music likes and dislikes, I’ll share a few handy hints and advice from the piano stool, and of course I can play a few songs too.

Ray is a seasoned pianist performing at weddings and events across the north east.

Ray Snowdon

We can’t thank Ray enough for making our day that extra bit special.

We got married at Bamburgh Castle – a truly magical day and all concerned helped to make it run like clockwork.

Ray’s music gave the day a great atmosphere and many of our guests commented how good it was

Ray Snowdon | High energy piano player | Wedding and Events | North East

## What is included?
<img src="ellinghamhallKiss.png"/>
18 beautiful presented bedrooms in the main hall for a two-night wedding celebration (33 guests). Express check-in from 4pm the night prior to the wedding. Evening food for Hall guests and a fully staffed bar the night prior to the big day. Grab and go breakfast for all Hall guests on the morning of the wedding. Dedicated time to allow you to decorate the venue the day prior to the wedding. Private access to our underground games room. Late morning check-out at 11am on day of departure. An experienced and award-winning wedding events team to help coordinate your day. Free parking for you and your guests for the duration of your stay

## Two Night Weddings

Unique two-night weddings, giving couples a truly special experience. With exclusive hire of the Estate from 2022 including 29 bedrooms, sleeping 56 guests on-site, you’ll get the special opportunity to invite your closest family and friends for two-nights of wedding celebrations. So whether you have guests coming from all over the world, or are simply looking to extend the traditional wedding day, there’s no better place than Ellingham Hall

## Accommodation

Ellingham Hall offers outstanding accommodation for you and your guests. Our bedrooms are brimming with elegant fabrics, fine furnishings and exquisite decor, offer a truly great’s night’s sleep. Each bespoke room has been designed to make you feel completely at home in the loveliest surroundings.Two bridal suites are available, each as beautiful as the other and with every inch created to deliver the ultimate in luxurious comfort. One of these extra special rooms features a super king sized bed, private roof terrace and a hot tub; the other boasts a four poster bed, roll top bath and your own dressing room.The Hall also offers a selection of pretty stone cottages, perfect for your guests to stay on site and have their own space to get ready and then wind down.
<img src='ellinghamhallBathroom.png'/>
## Delicious!

Expect beautifully cooked flavour combinations, sourced from the finest Northumbrian suppliers, topped with exquisite presentation for your guests to go crazy over. There’s something to suit every taste with a range of simply delectable menus, each cooked to perfection with a good helping of food wizardry! And that’s not all. Talk to us about our satisfying English breakfasts, succulent hog roasts, generous buffets and decadent canapes.
<img src='ellinghamhallFood.png'/>

Ellingham Hall is an impossibly beautiful venue, bursting with elegance and character

Ellingham Hall

Ellingham Hall | Exclusive Wedding Venue | Reviews, Videos and Prices

## Seclusion
Nestled in a striking clifftop location on the Durham Coast, our Georgian country house hotel is rich in heritage, contemporary in style, and has been named among the best places to stay, dine, and celebrate in the North East

## Romance through the years
Seaham Hall as played host to all manner of celebrations over the years. They even provided the backdrop for the marriage of the great romantic poet, Lord Byron. With enchanting interiors, decadent feasts, and perfectly manicured gardens for those all important photos make this luxury hotel the perfect place to tie the knot.

## Winter Weddings
Our roaring fires, beautifully frosted hedgerows, and elegant interiors create the most magical setting for a winter wedding. Indulge in Champagne and canapés in The Lounge, tuck into a deliciously decadent wedding breakfast with loved ones, and continue the celebrations long into the night with live music, fireworks, and a DJ and dance floor

## Summer Weddings
With majestic Georgian facade and acres of gorgeous grounds as your backdrop, Seaham Hall is the perfect place for a summer wedding. Sip Champagne and cocktails and pose for photos in our gardens, indulge in vibrant, seasonal menus in our beautifully dressed Ballroom, and spend the rest of the evening dancing under the stars

Seaham Hall Weddings - Prices, Bookings and Events

Seaham Hall

Seaham Hall | Exclusive Wedding Venue | Reviews, Videos and Prices

### Highly Recommended
I have previously been resident pianist at both of these well established venues; Wynyard Hall Hotel in Wynyard & Rockliffe Hall Hotel in Hurworth-on-Tees

Available to play at weddings, events and special occasions. 2022 Packages available – prices start from £225

Tess Jennifer

Tess Jennifer | Experienced Contemporary Pianist | North East

Le Petit Château is a renowned wedding venue in Northumberland, with a quirky atmosphere we can definitely make your big day have a lasting impression in your guests mind.  Here at Le Petit Chateau, we have multiple wedding venue spaces to suit the style of your wedding – whatever it may be! We also have an array of wedding packages and late availability special offers; if you think a wedding at Le Petit Chateau is for you then why not come to one of our open days and see it for yourself.

### TWO OR THREE DAY FESTIVITIES
One of life’s great luxuries is spending time with friends and family and we couldn’t agree more. Why not turn your wedding into an extended celebration with perhaps an intimate rehearsal dinner the night before, an alfresco BBQ round the fire pits, or a picnic by the river with meadow games…the opportunities are endless. What’s the saying when it comes to celebrating…go big or go home?! Ask our team about this exclusive opportunity valid on selected dates, when booking the hotel bedrooms.

### Safe Hands
We're overrun with industry professionals, wedding awards and we've more wedding coordinators than any other venue we know! This ensure you of a speedy and attentive reply every time. It's your day, don't accept anything less. Even our Master of Ceremonies acts as your very own personal butler on your big day.

### Options for Every Budget
With various pricing levels plus our all-inclusive packages, we really have something for everyone so go on grab yourself a spectacular special offer.

### Flexibility
Whatever your heart's desire we have endless possibilities. Our only limit is your imagination.

### Dance yourself Dizzy!
At Le Petit Chateau we never split up your guests - separate rooms are for party poopers only! Dont worry, we also have cosy, comfy areas for your great aunty Mary.

### Table Options
We've rustic farmhouse tables, vintage chic or linen loveliness - only Le Petit Chatuea gives you the choice.

### Outdoor Weddings
Our outdoor ceremonies and celebrations are among the most distinctively different in the world. We have an ourdoor terrace with retractable roof and fire pits, ring of fire water fountain and a wild meadow with romantic ruins.

### Stunning Accommodation
Blow your guests socks off with our 29 boutique bedrooms and suites, many with freestanding baths and private roof terraces plus our complimentary Bridal Suite.

### Fabulous Feasts and Crazy Cocktails
You choose and our award winning in-house chefs will deliver. Create everything from vintage tea parties to find dining; pash finger buffets to meadow picnics: hog roasts to Asian banquets. Anything is possible, so long as it tastes good.

Le Petit Chateau

Le Petit Chateau | Weddings, Prices, Rooms and reviews.

## Treehouse Weddings
We can host an indoor ceremony for 65 guests (we can accommodate more guests when the
ceremony is outside) followed by a wedding breakfast for up to 80 guests. Our local registrars are
based in Alnwick and can be contacted on 01665 602870.

Viewings are advised, in order to encapsulate the beauty of the setting the Treehouse can provide
for your wedding day. If you would like to come along to have a look around our beautiful venue
please contact us by phone: 01665 511852 or by email at treehouseweddings@alnwickgarden.com.

## Garden Pavilion
The Alnwick Garden we not only realise that each couple are unique, but also recognise that every detail counts. Therefore, we are confident that the tailoring of our wedding to suit
your needs will ensure both you and your guests experience a day filled with treasured memories.

The Alnwick Garden Pavilion is one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations to be found anywhere in the
world. It is a light and contemporary space with glass walls looking over breath-taking panoramic views of The
Alnwick Garden Cascade. Together with the Pavilion, couples can capture truly unique photographs from within
the award-winning Garden from areas such as The Rose Garden, Bamboo Labyrinth, Cherry Blossom Orchard,
Ornamental Garden, and even The Poison Garden Gates! Not forgetting when The Garden closes to the public,
you have the entire 12-acre garden at your disposal! Pair this spectacular venue, with deliciously satisfying food,
all prepared by our first-class team of chefs using local produce. This, then complemented by our finest hand
selected wines and decadent cocktails, all served by our attentive waiting staff – and we can offer you the most
incredible day of your life. 

The Alnwick Garden Pavilion is one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations to be found anywhere in the
world.

Alnwick Gardens

South Causey Inn

## Food Heaven
<img src="lartingtonhall1.jpg"/>
The first meal you eat together as man and wife, surrounded by your nearest and dearest, is probably the most special dinner of your life. The wedding team at Lartington Hall are passionate about creating the perfect ambience and giving you the best wedding food you’ll ever taste, to make sure it’s a simply magical experience. Choose to dine in our beautiful ballroom or dining room, on either round or long tables - the choice is yours, with a vast array of table layouts and plans to choose from.

## The Bedrooms
Guaranteed a good night’s sleep Set in 75 acres of beautiful Parkland, and nothing around but sheep, you’re in for a treat! Helped along by our designer furnishings from Mulberry Home, Colefax and Fowler and Nina Campbell, our goose down bedding, freestanding baths and underfloor heating. Our amazing rooms look over the prettiest gardens with spectacular views across the Park and to the hills beyond - breathtaking.
<img alt="lartington hall bedrooms" src="lartingtonhall7.jpg"/>
## Lartington Hall
With a range of exclusive hire options from day hire to two or more nights, and an elopement option too, they’ve something to suit everyone.
Exclusive Hire prices start from:
Saturday with overnight stay £5,250.00
Weekend (2 nights) £10,500.00
Mon-Thurs with overnight stay £3,750.00
Weekday (2 nights) £7,250.00
Day Hire with Bridal Apartment £1,900.00 Add your Food and Drink from £100.00 per guest
<img src="lartingtonhall9.jpg"/>

Beautiful venue, hosted the most elegant weddings in the north east. A real miss now but the memories are sweet.

Beamish Hall

Natural Beauty

Common Room

Wedding Breakfast

Shafto Hall

Monboucher

Suppliers We Love