Northumberland is one of England’s most breathtaking and underrated wedding destinations, offering a perfect mix of historic castles, stunning coastline and rolling countryside. Thanks to its proximity to the Scottish border, much of what makes Scotland great also influences Northumberland, with plenty of local passion and iconic landmarks enhancing its appeal. This makes the area the perfect choice for locals looking for somewhere to host their wedding.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that the average cost of a wedding in Northumberland is £20,415, making it a tiny bit more affordable than the UK average of £20,822, but significantly more affordable than London’s £28,629. While it might be more-or-less in line with the UK average, only 4% of couples choose to get married in the region, which just shows how special it really is. It also means you’ll have less competition from other couples, so your planning process will hopefully be a little smoother.
Known for its centuries of incredible history, unspoilt landscapes and northern hospitality, Northumberland is an ideal place for couples looking for a romantic and unique wedding setting.
Being such a beautiful part of the country, weddings in Northumberland are all about making the most of what the region has to offer.
Castle and manor house weddings are hugely popular, with grand medieval venues letting couples include so much of Northumberland’s history in their big day. Rustic barn weddings are another big trend, with couples embracing nature and getting lost surrounded by miles of incredible scenery. As part of this, couples in Northumberland love to make sure their wedding day focuses on sustainability, choosing venues and vendors that are local and are conscious of their impact on the environment.
Cosy winter weddings are also a favourite, helping an already affordable region become even more affordable. Similarly, couples love picking venues that are smaller, so they can focus on having an intimate wedding with only their nearest and dearest.
Other couples love having big reception celebrations, which involves spending a lot on the evening caterers. Couples in the North East spend an average of £2,306 on the food served at the evening reception, which is more than the £1,840 overall average, and makes them the third highest in the UK.
Northumberland is home to some of the most amazing wedding venues in the UK, from fairytale castles to rustic barns and country estates, with choices to suit all types of tastes and budgets.
During the medieval period, the area was known as Northumbria and encompassed most of the North of England and even some parts of Southern Scotland. As a result, there’s a ton of history around what is now known as Northumberland, with many venues making sure the history is highlighted and celebrated. Fancy tying the knot in one of the region’s many castles? Bamburgh Castle, Langley Castle Hotel and Chipchase Castle are both breathtaking and luxurious, meaning you can get married in absolute style. There are also plenty of incredible manor houses and stately homes in Northumberland, letting you get the royal treatment. Venues like Longridge Towers, Ellingham Hall, Matfen Hall and Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel are all truly wonderful places for a wedding.
Much of that fantastic local history is also found within the region’s stunning countryside, which definitely deserves to play a major part in your big day. So, if you know you’d like to get married between late spring and early autumn, you could go for an outside venue space. Venues such as Healey Barn - Cripps & Co, Doxford Barns and The Parlour at Blagdon are all brilliant choices that make the most of what the local countryside has to offer.
Northumberland also has a great selection of unique and character-filled venues, so you can make sure your wedding day reflects your personalities and passions. Hexham Racecourse and Kelso Racecourse are perfect if you love a cheeky flutter on the gee-gees. Morpeth Rugby Football Club is great for rugby fans and St Mary's Lighthouse and Visitors Centre is truly one of a kind, and ideal if you want some of the most original wedding photos around.
Northumberland is a great region if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on your wedding, with plenty of affordable venues to choose from. Horton Grange Country House, Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel and Cuddystone Hall are all fantastic options that don’t cost the earth.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Northumberland is £5,293. This is less than the overall UK average of £5,945, and less than the average paid by couples in the neighbouring North West of England at £5,623.
While Northumberland isn’t one of the most popular regions in the UK to host a wedding, you still need to make sure you book your venue in plenty of time so you avoid disappointment. Most venues need at least 12 to 18 months’ lead time, with some of the most popular venues needing to be booked as many as two or more years ahead of time.
However, if you’re open to considering dates at less popular times of the year, you’re not likely to need to book nearly this far ahead. If you’re happy to get married during the winter or on a midweek date, you may find you can book a venue around six months ahead of time, and pay less than other couples, too.
Northumberland’s coastal and countryside locations mean the weather can be rather varied and a little unpredictable, but this is no different from the rest of the UK.
Spring (March – May) brings fresh flowers, vibrant greenery and mild temperatures, ranging from 9°C (48°F) in March to 14°C (57°F) in May. During the season, the entire Northumberland National Park is absolutely stunning and makes for a must-visit location for capturing wonderful photographs.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular wedding season, with temperatures between 16°C (61°F) and 20°C (68°F). The days are also much longer, which makes Northumberland ideal for hosting an outdoor wedding. Venues like Woodhill Hall and Charlton Hall really showcase what the region is all about.
Autumn (September – November) is a beautiful time for a wedding in Northumberland, with the leaves turning from green to shades of red, brown and orange, which makes it magical and rustic. Temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in September to 7°C (45°F) in November, so indoor venues are always recommended in case of rain, like Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum and The Kings Arms Hotel.
Winter (December – February) is beautiful in Northumberland, with temperatures between 1°C (34°F) and 6°C (43°F). Because so much of the area is fairly remote, you’ll want to make sure you choose a venue that has enough indoor space so you and your guests can stay warm and cosy throughout your celebrations.
Northumberland is easily accessible for your guests, whether they’re travelling up from the South of England or coming down from Scotland.
For guests flying in, the closest airport is Newcastle International Airport (NCL), which is only 30 to 60 minutes from many of Northumberland’s wedding venues. It offers flights to and from major UK and European destinations, making it a convenient option for international guests.
For those travelling by train, Northumberland is well connected via the East Coast Main Line. There are regular trains to Alnmouth, Morpeth and Berwick-upon-Tweed from London, Edinburgh and Newcastle. A direct train from London to Alnmouth takes around three and a half hours, making it a convenient option for guests from the South.
For guests who are driving, Northumberland is easily accessible via the A1, which runs through the county from Newcastle to Scotland. Some of the more rural venues can only be accessed by road, so this is something to think about if you know that a lot of your guests rely on public transport.
When it comes to hotels and other places to stay, you’re spoilt for choice in Northumberland. As well as all the popular chain hotels, there are also plenty of B&Bs and boutique hotels, as well as larger hotels with plenty of space. Some of these hotels even double up as wedding venues in their own right, which should definitely be added to your list of considerations, like Marshall Meadows Manor House, Slaley Hall and The Lord Crewe Arms Hotel.
