If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both exclusive and deeply personal, The Byirs in County Durham is a hidden gem worth considering. Nestled on the peaceful south shore of Derwent Reservoir, this family-run venue offers a stunning island-like setting surrounded by calm waters and rolling countryside—perfect for couples who want a serene escape on their big day. By hosting only two weddings per week, The Byirs guarantees you and your guests a truly private and attentive experience.
The Byirs is fully licensed for weddings, giving you beautiful options for your ceremony. Imagine saying your vows beneath a charming pagoda with breathtaking views of the shimmering reservoir, or choosing the rustic elegance of a 100-year-old ceremony barn tucked away in a quiet paddock. If you prefer an indoor setting, the venue’s 16th-century cottage has been thoughtfully restored to blend historic character with modern style. After the ceremony, celebrate in the Island Room—a stunning reception space featuring a dramatic window wall that frames uninterrupted views of the water, combining contemporary design with rustic romance.
Keep the celebration going by staying on-site in The Wood Rooms, seven beautifully decorated rooms created by the Irwin family. These cozy, countryside-inspired rooms can host up to 21 guests and are just a short stroll from the main venue. Plus, there are exciting plans to add a luxurious honeymoon suite, making it even easier for newlyweds to relax and enjoy their first nights together.
The Byirs is located in County Durham, England, with the postal code DH8 9NT. It is nestled between the enchanting villages of Edmundbyers and Blanchland, set on the south shore of the scenic Derwent Reservoir.
The Byirs is fully licensed for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies. Couples can choose from beautiful settings such as a rustic 100-year-old ceremony barn, a charming lakeside pagoda with panoramic views of the reservoir, or the intimate 16th-century restored cottage.
Yes, The Byirs hosts only two weddings per week, allowing you exclusive use of the venue. This ensures a private, intimate, and personal wedding experience tailored just for you and your guests.
The Byirs features the stunning Island Room as a reception space. It boasts a dramatic window wall framing uninterrupted views of the Derwent Reservoir, blending contemporary style with rustic romance. This space can be tailored to accommodate both intimate and larger celebrations.
Yes, The Byirs provides on-site accommodation in The Wood Rooms — seven beautifully decorated, countryside-inspired rooms created by the Irwin family. These can host up to 21 guests and are a short stroll from the main venue. There are also plans to introduce a luxurious honeymoon suite soon.
The venue combines rustic charm with modern luxury through its collection of beautifully restored stone and wooden buildings. Surrounded by peaceful waters and rolling countryside, The Byirs offers a serene and exclusive atmosphere perfect for a deeply personal wedding celebration.
The Byirs offers flexible spaces adaptable for various guest list sizes, ranging from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, ensuring your wedding layout suits your needs perfectly.
Yes, The Byirs is a family-run venue focusing on delivering a personal, stress-free, and carefully planned wedding experience. Their commitment ensures attentive service and a warm, welcoming environment for all couples and guests.
Absolutely. The Byirs provides beautiful outdoor options such as a lakeside pagoda overlooking the reservoir, ideal for couples dreaming of a ceremony surrounded by natural beauty.
The Byirs stands out due to its exclusive island-like setting on Derwent Reservoir, its family-run ethos, limited weddings per week for privacy, beautifully restored historic buildings, and combination of rustic and modern wedding spaces, making it a hidden gem for couples seeking an intimate and stunning wedding location.