This summer, I photographed my first wedding at Hexham House (otherwise known as Hexham Register Office). I was super excited about this one, as I love Hexham itself and Roly & Helen had Airbnb-ed an actual castle for their after party. Yes, that is an actual thing you can do. Read on. But first.. let’s talk about Hexham House!
What’s Hexham House like as a Northumberland wedding venue?
If you’re looking for a charming Northumberland wedding venue then you’ve got it. Hexham House is a listed building, right in the middle of the town. It backs right out on to Hexham Park and sits under the view of Hexham Abbey. It feels small town and quaint in such a lovely way.
As for the inside, Hexham House has just been restored and it’s so gorgeous. It’s kept the historic feel and has the same charming look inside as it does out. Think chandeliers, large windows and ornate details. It is definitely one of the most beautiful register offices I’ve been to in Northumberland and North Tyneside.
It has 2 ceremony rooms of different sizes. The Garden Room is the showstopper and can fit 70 guests, while the Lounge can fit 18. Roly & Helen got married in the Garden Room, with the sash doors at the top of the aisle opened out on to Hexham Park gardens. Stunning!
What season works best for a Hexham House wedding?
This wedding was in May which felt like the perfect time for it as the english cottage style gardens were in full bloom. Everything felt very quintessential Northumberland.
So, back to Roly & Helen and their intimate wedding day – and THAT airbnb booking.
Can you get wedding ready in a legitimate castle in Northumberland?
Yes is the answer!! Roly and Helen were hosting an intimate wedding just for their close family members. They’d decided on a weekend long celebration, so had booked Beaufront Castle as the chosen venue. It it’s a real castle, which has been newly renovated and has 8 guests bedrooms.
On the drive to Hexham from Newcastle, I’ve always seen a grand old estate, sitting high up on the hill as you come into town. I’ve always wondered what this lovely looking place was, so as my Google Maps took me closer on the day, I was really excited to realise that this was it!
Wedding prep photography at Beautfront Castle in Hexham
I arrived mid morning, as everyone was busy getting hair done, suits ironed and make up on. As I pulled in, there was no one around but I was greeted by 3 gorgeous family dogs. I walked into what I assumed was the entrance and could not believe my eyes. This place was insane! After getting lost for 5 minutes, I came across Helen and Roly, getting ready in huge bedrooms next door to each other, that looked over the Tyne and rolling hills.
Both pre-weds were super chilled out and it felt like I was part of the family as it was so small. Everyone was to get a minibus down to the pub for some pre-ceremony tipples next to the registry office, while Helen met us straight at the registry office once she was ready. She did her own make up, then had her Mum help her into her dress. I quickly photographed this, then ran off to the mini bus to join the others in the pub.
Honestly, these photos of Helen in her dress feel like they belong in a magazine.
Why I loved photographing a wedding ceremony at Hexham House
After a quick midday drink, the family crossed the road into Hexham Park and waited at the front of the registry office. If you get married here, you’ll walk straight out on to the park – hopefully in a shower of confetti. It’s beautiful! You may even get some cheers from the people playing bowls on the green a few yards away. It all feels very wholesome and sweet.
Helen walked down the aisle with her Dad and then what followed was a very heartfelt ceremony right from the start. I think both me and the registrars were in bits, especially when Helen’s sister read out a poem she had written, and the happy couple exchanged their personal vows.
As a wedding photographer I adored the Garden Room. The windows let in so much natural light and it has plenty of character to it. I could also just step out the open door at the top of the aisle to give myself a bit more room to capture Helen’s train and the chandeliers in the ceiling.
After the ceremony, we all piled out onto the lawn by the main doors and welcomed the newly married couple with confetti.
What are wedding photos like at Hexham House?
As I mentioned before, the doors opens out straight into the lovely Hexham Park. This means most wedding photography at Hexham House would be right here!
The first spot you can use is right outside the main doors with the lovely facade. Just in the corner of the gardens is a little secret garden which was also super cute, especially as all the early summer flowers were out.
You can also get some lovely walking shots, either with the registry office behind, or Hexham Abbey. We went for the abbey view as it looks so quaint and meant Helen & Roly weren’t squinting into the blazing sun on this gorgeous day.
After some congratulations, family photos and some cheeky drams of whisky in the gardens, everyone jumped back on the mini bus to head back to the castle where the celebrations would continue. Because the castle itself had endless photo opportunities in every corner, we decided to do most of our portraits there.
As a wedding photographer in Northumberland, Hexham House is a dream.
Beaufront Castle wedding reception in Hexham
When we got back to the castle, the wedding dinner had been set up for, and drinks and canapes were to be served by The Pig Catering out on the terrace. They’d set the most beautiful table for everyone – it looked stunning!
As Helen was looking at the table, the dogs were busy rolling all over her veil – I love these candid moments. They usually make up some of my favourite photos in a gallery.
Creative wedding photography in Northumberland
I’ve found it really hard to choose which photos to share from this wedding as I loved this gallery so much. Every where you turn at the castle there is another awesome spot for photos, and because Roly and Helen had booked a bespoke package, I wasn’t with them for long. Decisions, decisions.
As soon as I had arrived at the castle, I had spotted a place that most people might overlook but I knew it had amazing potential. Enter the rundown greenhouse. I loved this for some gorgeous couples photos! If this was the only spot we’d had, I’d have been happy!
There was also a unbelievable staircase (with thrones) in the castle, which we thought would definitely look cool. The sun had just started to come round the stained glass window too, giving a nice effect on the floor. Really though.. eyes on little Smidge staring up at his pawents in the throne shot. Love!!
I ended my time with Roly, Helen and their families out on the terrace and garden, getting a few final photos in those wonderful grounds.
Planning your own Hexham House wedding?
If you’re getting married at Hexham house and are looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you! I offer my Mainstage package to cover your time at the registry office, from arrival though to post ceremony and photos outside, or full day packages if you want the whole shebang! I absolutely loved photographing a wedding here, and the castle was a cherry on top.
Head to my contact page to get in touch and tell me all about your wedding plans.
