List of wedding venues County Durham

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County Durham wedding venues

A list of the top wedding venues in Durham UK

As a Durham wedding photographer I have had the pleasure of experiencing plenty of wedding venues. On this page I will share some photos of my favourite wedding venues in County Durham, and I’ll also give you a bit of information in case you want to know about me and my Durham wedding photography packages.

Crook Hall and Gardens Wedding

Crook Hall and Gardens wedding venue

Crook Hall and Gardens is a beautiful historic wedding venue in Durham city centre, but so secluded you would feel like you are in the middle of the countryside. The benefits being plenty of city centre accomodation for guests, and easy transport for any out of town guests.

Crook Hall has a really unique feel created by so many spaces – the gardens are amazing all year round, ad there are so many paths and nooks to get lost in. Similarly the hall has loads of rooms, so guests can easily go for a quiet sit down if they want a break from the music.

In terms of layout – the hall has a beautiful loft space for bridal preparations with stairs leading down into the old hall for the ceremony. Above the hall there is a small balcony – perfect for a string quartet. After the ceremony guests can have drinks in the garden or one of the many cosy rooms before heading back into the large hall for the wedding breakfast and party.

Elopement wedding venue in Durham

Being a unique and historic venue, Crook Hall would be an amazing elopement venue – perfect for a small wedding party, and guests will have plenty of sightseeing options in Durham so they can extend the trip as a holiday.

Crook Hall wedding photography

For wedding photos the gardens are stunning! There are even views over to Durham Cathedral. In the winter the indoor space can be very dark, but an experienced photographer should be able to cope easily.

I photographed this wedding in January 2018 – I loved the venue, and my skills and equipment have improved so much since then, I’d love the chance to be a Crook Hall wedding photographer again!

My prices for wedding photography at Crook Hall start at £600 for 4 hours of photography (including digital files), £900 for 6 hours, £1200 for 8 hours and £1500 for a full day.

Useful Crook Hall wedding links:
Crook Hall facebook page 
Crook Hall wedding menu 
Crook Hall gardens wedding venue 

black and white portrait of bride
The dark corners and streaming light at Crook Hall are perfect for candid portraits
groom and grandmother black and white portrait
The groom having a tender moment with his grandma before his wedding at Crook Hall

Durham Castle Wedding venue

Durham Castle wedding venue

Durham Castle is one of the best places to get married in Durham if you are looking for a grand and awe inspiring venue with history, claims to fame, and exclusivity!

The Grand Hall built in 1284 can seat 200 guests, and there is a lovely courtyard for drinks, lawn games, photos, and simply for taking in the amazing 360 degree views.

As the Castle is the home to students of Durham University during term time, you will only be able to have a wedding during the university holidays (though smaller weddings are permitted throughout the year).

The catering is expceptional! I’ve tasted the food and – oh my goodness – it was delicous and beautifully presented!

Get married in a UNESCO world heritage site!

There are not many wedding venues around the world which can claim to be a UNESCO world heritage site, and Durham Castle is one of them. With accomodation available for guests within the castle walls, your guests will be able to tick this off their bucket list!

Durham Castle wedding photography

Wedding photos at Durham Castle are always wonderful, as all Durham wedding photographers will tell you! The courtyard has steps for group portraits, gateways for couples poses and it’s next door to Durham Cathedral if you wanted to get your Harry Potter fan game on!

I photographed this wedding at Durham Castle in July – I felt very priviledged to be able to capture the day and spend time in such a beautiful and historic place.

My prices for wedding photography at Durham Castle start at £600 for 4 hours of photography (including digital files), £900 for 6 hours, £1200 for 8 hours and £1500 for a full day.

Useful Durham Castle wedding links:
Durham Castle wedding venue page

Aykley Heads House - Registry Office, Durham

Aykley Heads House wedding ceremony

Durham’s registry office – Aykley Heads house is a bright yellow, grade 2 listed villa set in its own grounds on the outskirts of Durham.

There are three ceremony room options, the largest can seat 55 guests.

Often it can be a bit tricky to find parking at registry offices, but as Aykley Heads House is just over a mile from the city centre there is plenty of space.

Located near to the Durham County Council and Durham Hospital, there are excellent transport links.

Durham Registry office wedding photography

If you like yellow, you can’t go wrong getting married at Aykley Heads House!

There is a garden to the side of the villa and this extends further into a large park – so there are plenty of places for lovely photos.

Aykley Heads House official webpage

Durham Wedding Photography Prices

I charge £150 per hour of coverage.

This fee includes the fully processed digital files on a USB, in an online gallery, and a slideshow to music.

I also offer print and album packages, plus engagement shoots. Click to learn more about my wedding photography pricing.

If you would like to inquire about my wedding photography packages, and check if I have availability for your wedding date, please contact me by email (emma@happyotterphotography.com), by phone (07763682138) or text, or use the contact page.

Durham wedding photographer
Wedding photographers Durham

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