All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the North East, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Check out this Northumberland wedding venue
Situated in Northumberland, Ellingham Hall offers a two-night wedding experience with period charm interwoven with modern-day luxury. The venue is the perfect choice for a wow-factor wedding with high ceilings, an underground games room, architectural features and a showstopping staircase. The 18th-century stately home features a stone exterior with climbing ivy that's picture-perfect all year round. There's plenty of outdoor space showcasing what the countryside has to offer: luscious lawns, peaceful streams, mini waterfalls and enchanted woodlands. You can even exchange vows on the manicured private lawns, in front of the hall or one of the grand oak trees – the choices are endless! If couples are after an indoor wedding, The Ceremony Room is the perfect option. The traditional garden room boasts the most incredible hand-carved, dramatic fireplace.
Posted: 5 July 2021
Win an overnight stay with Mercure
Whether you're planning a wedding, celebrating an anniversary or simply need a night away, this staycation prize is a welcome getaway treat courtesy of Interstate Hotels & Resorts.At one of the most sought-after Mercure wedding venues in the UK, the lucky winner and their guest will stay in the best room in the house, the Wedding Suite, with dinner and breakfast at the hotel of their choice.The Mercure Leeds Parkway Hotel is one of the most desirable wedding venues Yorkshire has to offer, set in the picturesque Golden Acres Park with formal gardens and a picturesque gazebo for dreamy outdoor weddings. While, The Mercure Chester Abbots Well Hotel is a tranquil four-star hotel set amongst two acres of landscaped gardens with a backdrop of beautiful rolling Cheshire countryside and Welsh mountains providing an idyllic setting for any wedding. Or, why not check out Cotswold's Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel for character and setting? This four-star Georgian country house boasts 12 acres of its own park and woodland providing the perfect Gloucestershire backdrop for a truly scenic wedding.
Posted: 29 June 2021
Toast the happy couple with a glass of NINE ELMS No.18
Award-winning NINE ELMS No.18 is a ruby velven – a new type of sophisticated non-alcoholic drink, created in London, that has been specially designed to complement good food.Intricately crafted from the juice of four types of dark berry and aromatised with a complex blend of botanical infusions and distillates, this intriguing non-alcoholic indulgence is full of flavour & character – complexity that gradually reveals itself when sipped & savored with something delicious to eat.With its juicy red & black fruit, uplifting herbaceous notes, warm & earthy spice, gentle acidity & soft tannins, NINE ELMS No.18 is most enjoyable served with something richly savoury - try it with antipasti, charcuterie, chargrilled vegetables, roasted meats or cheese.
Posted: 28 June 2021
Celebrate World Chocolate Day with Haute Dolci
Sweet-toothed diners are in for a treat this World Chocolate Day as London added a new luxury dessert parlour to its dining offer. Situated on Wembley Park Boulevard, Haute Dolci has a stunning open design that draws inspiration from both Italian and French heritage; the eatery combines fashion sensibilities with the art of food and desserts, to ensure a sumptuous and unparalleled customer journey. The restaurant boasts a backdrop of exquisite finishes inspired by Statuario marble and on the mezzanine level, a cherry blossom tree will transport diners to Paris' iconic cherry blossom display outside of the Notre-Dame, adding to the air of elegance at this must-visit dessert house. The tree, constructed from a real cherry tree trunk and six metres in diameter, will provide an ethereal focal point to the decadent eatery, with beautiful bloom-filled branches spanning across the width of the restaurant.
Posted: 25 June 2021
The UK’s Favourite First Dance Songs As Wedding Size Limits Lift
From the 21st June, limits on wedding sizes lifted and couples across the country will be getting their wedding playlists ready, but what could be more important than the first dance song - especially for the next four weeks when this dance it the only one allowed! Selecting a song which has meaning to the special couple can be tricky. Many couples know that whatever song they choose will go on to forever be known as 'their song', which adds pressure to making the right choice. It's perhaps then no surprise that there are almost 1,000 first-dance dedicated playlists on Spotify to help couples choose, but which songs are the most favoured?
New data analysed by five-star hotel, The Grand, York has revealed the most popular songs to play during a first dance in 2021. Analysing over 57,000 songs on Spotify, the current top ten list has been revealed, and the results might just be surprising. Securing both first and third place is the hugely successful Ed Sheeran and taking second, is 2021 X Factor winner, James Arthur.
Posted: 23 June 2021
New launch from local vegan restaurant
If you're planning a get together with your best girls or boys, the latest launch by award-winning vegan restaurant brand Stem & Glory is just the ticket. Great for adding an authentic flavour to your pre-wedding celebrations, the business has introduced the 'finish-at-home' vegan pizza. The launch is part of a rapid expansion of its online store serving restaurant-quality meals well beyond its home towns of Cambridgeshire and London to all over the UK. The pizzas have a Stem & Glory healthy twist including a lip-smacking menu of toppings made in-house entirely from vegetables and each one arrives ready for you to bake at home. Founder Louise Palmer-Masterton said, "We created our artisan pizza menu during the first lockdown, intending to launch at our new Cambridge site, but the latest lockdown has allowed us to develop it into a finish-at-home version. It has been so well received we will definitely be keeping it in our online store after we open again."
Posted: 22 June 2021
Government changes outdoor wedding restrictions
One thing the pandemic has highlighted is the archaic wedding laws couples are still governed by; and although this was due to be revised in government in the next year or two, MPs have decided to bring forward a change in outdoor weddings. From 1st July to 30th April 2022, couples can tie the knot outside without the restrictions of it having to take place under a permanent licensed structure, ie, a gazebo or pagoda. This is a much needed boost for wedding venues with booking in the next nine months and are having to adhere to social distancing requirements and outdoor weddings being preferable.
Posted: 21 June 2021
Whether you're planning a night away for your hen do, or having your best buds getting ready with you on the morning of your wedding, elegant Instagrammable loungewear is essential! What's more, if you feel relaxed comfortable and stylish, this will show in the pictures. Luxury pyjama and loungewear brand Jayde, has a new white collection which will be perfect for the bride, the mothers, and her friends before the wedding, on the big day itself - and why not take the new items on honeymoon too!
Posted: 21 June 2021
Do you live up to your star sign when it comes to relationships?
If you're here reading County Wedding Magazines you're on your journey towards walking down that aisle to meet your one and only at the end of it - aaah! Have you looked to the stars to see how compatible you are? Are there things you wish you knew about your partner to really put a smile on their face? From personality type to the perfect date here Holistic Therapist Katie May at Switchback Travel presents the kind of partner you are, according to your star sign....
Posted: 18 June 2021
Are memories a match made in heaven when planning a wedding? Here's what couples forget!
Here, the wedding experts for Autowise present 5 of the most common things left off the to-do list when arranging a wedding. 'You may think you're a person who remains calm under pressure, but when it comes to weddings, all bets are off! Planning a wedding is basically a full-time job in which you have dozens of people working underneath you. It's easy to miss some vital details here and there. With that in mind, here are the most common.
Posted: 16 June 2021
One small step for couples, one giant leap for weddings!
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's recent announcement only had one element that an estimated 50,000 couples - who have weddings within four weeks of June 21st – wanted to hear: can their wedding day go ahead??The great news is yes, weddings can happen from June 21st which was music to the ears of many – whoops and cheers! However, with every Government announcement there's some fine print too; so here's the lowdown of what you need to know....
Posted: 15 June 2021
The sun is shining - and here's why it's making us all happier!
It's almost a universal fact that many of us just feel better when the sun is shining. Whether it's because we can forgo our winter coats, or because we love sitting in a pub garden after work and can just relax, we all seem to feel calmer when the sun in shining. Here, Health Practitioner and Skin Specialist, Tammy Richards at Pure Optical explains the science behind why the sun makes us feel happier and how it can even improve our physical health and wellbeing...
Posted: 14 June 2021
When Mark Lee from Mark Lee Photography set up this shoot at Cheshire's Park Manor, he wanted to seek out like minded suppliers to collaborate on creating stunning inclusive images; and what better showcase this gorgeous shoot than Pride Month! Mark says, "For months I've been coming across posts on Facebook on issues from the LGBTQ+ community over double standards within the wedding industry. Some finding that they were being charged more or that some suppliers just wouldn't work with a same sex couple. Then a supplier wanted to know how to create a logo for same sex supplier so not to offend. And another supplier unsure how to word his contract... this got me thinking. Why is this so difficult? Why does there need to be an issue regardless of who you are and who you want to marry? The law has changed so why are people still living in the dark ages? It's time to accept everyone."
Posted: 11 June 2021
1920s wedding inspiration from renowned wedding planner
If you are looking for a wedding day with sophistication and style, you won't go far wrong with 1920s wedding inspiration to shape your big day. Celebrity wedding planner, entertainment agent and hospitality consultant, Liz Taylor of the Taylor Lynn Corporation, has noticed a recent renewed vigour among her clients for 1920s weddings. Here she shares her tips on how to create the atmosphere of the roaring twenties for a style-packed wedding: "Extravagant. Exuberant. Unrivalled glamour. And incorporating those alluring Art Deco touches that are synonymous with the era, a twenties wedding is, and always should be, a celebration in style," begins Liz. "Since lockdown began to lift, we've been inundated with requests for 1920s themed parties. People want to just let go and have fun, so what better era than the roaring twenties." "It may seem that a 1920s themed wedding is easy, but if you go over the top the event can feel gimmicky. The aim is to achieve the perfect balance of stylish 1920s touches without feeling like you've stepped onto the set of the Great Gatsby."
Posted: 9 June 2021
The Sea Hotel overlooks the picturesque South Marine Park and SouthShields seafront; after undergoing a 1.3-million-pound renovation, the hotel has been brought back to its former glory. With many photographic opportunities including the winding staircase and seaside backdrop, couples are sure to capture romantic and memorable photos to treasure for years to come. Exchange vows in the Bramhall Suite, an intimate ceremony location for up to 120 nearest and dearest. After the all-important 'I dos', the sophisticated suite gets transformed into a reception spacefor 120 people for a seated reception or 150 for a more relaxed layout.
Posted: 8 June 2021
Check out this new wedding venue in Northumberland
With stunning views across the Northumberland countryside, TinyFields is a new venue perfect for tipi weddings. Located just outside ofHexham, the venue's suitable for intimate, unplugged weddings withup to 60 people. Onsite, couples can find a newly renovated two-bedroomaccommodation in the Tiny Chapel with views across the countryside and a very welcoming hot tub. Call 07717 220 556, email dawn@dawnmariewed.co.uk or visit:www.facebook.com/tinyfieldshexham for further detail.
Posted: 3 June 2021
Located in Whitley Bay, Spanish City offers extraordinary spaces forweddings right by the beach and has been awarded Best Coastal Wedding Venue at The UK Wedding Awards 2020. Built in 1910, the venue has undergone a £10-million-pound restoration in 2018 to preserve its historic features; couples will fall in love with the Spanish-style architecture and the stunning building makes a lovely backdrop for photographs. The front of the venue features coastal gardens and a large stretch of grass running along the cliffs. Exchange vows in The St Mary's Function Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide views over the Whitley Bay coastline and St Mary's Lighthouse. This area includes a fully stocked bar, service kitchen, a PA system and white walls to match any colour scheme.
Posted: 1 June 2021
The nation's most cherished wedding photo
Printing experts Parrot Print whose slogan is 'Bring Your Images to Life', has surveyed couples in the UK to reveal what the nation's most cherished wedding photograph is. After a turbulent year for the wedding industry and hopeful couples alike during the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions are easing and weddings are starting to resume. Now more than ever, we are cherishing special moments in our lives and your very own wedding day is up there with the most important for many happy couples. But when it comes to wedding photography, it's important to make sure you're getting the most from your important snaps to hang on your wall, give as a gift or simply treasure forever.
Posted: 31 May 2021
Post-lockdown weddings tips for saving for your big day
For so long, soon-to-be newlyweds have faced disappointing setbacks and delays due to the number of guests being drastically curtailed and most wedding ceremonies suspended during peak lockdown. While couples await a fixed date for the return of larger weddings, many will be starting to plan their nuptials and looking forward to a bigger celebration. Emma-Lou Montgomery, associate director for Personal Investing at Fidelity International has shared a few savvy savings tips for those aiming to tie the knot this year.
Posted: 28 May 2021
Receive a discount off wedding entertainment with Aurora Strings
Aurora Strings has provided the soundtrack to hundreds if not thousands of weddings and events across the North of England. To help couples save money, the business is offering a 10 per cent discount off 2022 weddings when couples quote 'newlyweds'. Gayle Roberts at Aurora Strings says, "Lockdown has been so difficult for so many people. As we all know, it's hit the wedding industry as well as the arts hard and we can't wait to performtogether again!" Before COVID-19 restrictions, the team had collaborated with some fantastic artists including Field Music, The Cinematic Orchestra,Kathryn Williams, Beccy Owen and Sir Cliff Richard to name a few.
Posted: 27 May 2021
5 of the best hen weekend destinations
It hasn't been the easiest of times to get engaged and plan a wedding but that aside, things are on the up! With restrictions being lifted and venues opening, hen weekends are now set to go ahead... Here experience specialist Fizzbox.com, share their recommendations on the best hen weekend destinations for 2021
Posted: 26 May 2021
Discover this rustic wedding venue in Northumberland
Healey Barn was converted by Cripps & Co in 2015 to create a luxury wedding venue while retaining the charm and history of the original building. Located in the tranquil countryside near Corbridge in Tyne Valley and less than 20 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, the location is perfect for travelling guests. Ceremonies are conducted in the Long Barn with a capacity of 144 guests; candles, fairylights and an open fire add to the romantic and enchanting atmosphere. This space can then be transformed into a drinks reception area and dancefloor after the ceremony. Leading through from the barn, the dining room provides the perfect space for the wedding breakfast and loved ones can take in the spectacular views whilst eating some fabulous food.
Posted: 25 May 2021
Get ready to say “I Do!” with tips from celebrity florist, Larry Walshe
Celebrity florist and designer, Larry Walshe, provides insights and expert guidance on post-pandemic weddings for couples finally able to plan their special day. It is no secret that the wedding industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, but as restrictions begin to ease, couples are now beginning to plan their much-anticipated weddings and are eager to say "I do!" Typically, over 278,000 weddings take place in the UK each year, but with 90 percent of couples cancelling weddings scheduled for 2020, there's significant pent-up demand to tie the knot in 2021 and 2022. With little guidance or support given to the £14.7bn wedding industry, celebrity florist Larry Walshe, founder of luxury floral installation company Larry Walshe Studios, shares his expert thoughts on what weddings will look like from 21st June onwards, and how couples can ensure the celebration is one to remember.
Posted: 21 May 2021
Say 'I do' at Hexham House Register Office
In Northumberland, Hexham House Register Office is an 18th-century wedding venue that's now offering five-star accommodation. The Grade II listed property has been lovingly restored and now includes seven luxury apartments. Couples can utilise the suites for pre-wedding preparations and the wedding night. Apartments can be booked through the venue's new partner Wooden Star Cottages and the team can answer any queries or deal with special requests. To celebrate this collaboration, Wooden Star Cottages is offering couples saying 'I do' in Hexham House a discounted stay for them and all guests.
Posted: 20 May 2021
Pre-wedding luxury staycations for hen and stag dos!
With many international travel restrictions still in place for the foreseeable future and group activity rules fairly unclear, many married couples to be remain unsure as to how best to celebrate their stag and hen dos. Well, Last Minute Cottages has an abundance of luxury properties available in the UK for large groups of stags and hens! In close proximity to many different attractions and amenities, such as public footpaths, rivers to row down and more importantly, pubs and town centres the properties online are perfect for a celebratory staycation to remember. Those looking for a pre-wedding celebration to remember need look no further than Last Minute Cottages for their dream staycation property.
Posted: 19 May 2021
