Alnwick Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress in Northumberland, England, offers a truly enchanting setting for couples seeking a unique and unforgettable wedding experience. As the ancestral home of the Percy family for over 700 years, this historic castle has witnessed countless royal and aristocratic celebrations, and now it can be the backdrop for your special day.
Venues and Capacity
Alnwick Castle boasts several stunning venues that can accommodate a range of wedding party sizes:
| Venue | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Guest Hall | Up to 200 guests for ceremonies and 160 for wedding breakfasts |
| Hulne Abbey | Up to 500 guests (available from March to September) |
| Friars Well | 16 to 60 guests |
The Guest Hall, with its carved stone archways and beamed roof, provides a grand and historic setting for your ceremony and reception. The Hulne Abbey, a 13th-century ruined abbey, offers a secluded and atmospheric location for a more rustic or idyllic wedding. The Friars Well, a country residence within Hulne Park, is perfect for intimate weddings and private events.
Food and Beverage
Alnwick Castle takes great pride in its locally sourced and expertly prepared wedding menus. The castle’s chefs can create bespoke menus to suit your individual tastes and preferences, ensuring a truly memorable culinary experience for you and your guests. Additionally, the castle offers a range of drinks, including themed cocktails, to complement your wedding celebration.
Logistics and Services
When hosting your wedding at Alnwick Castle, you can enjoy exclusive access to certain areas of the castle during your event. During peak season, wedding parties can have exclusive use of the Gun Terrace and Outer Bailey between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm for iconic photographs. From 7:00 pm, the Hunters Courtyard is exclusively available for the wedding party.
The castle’s Wedding & Events Manager, Fiona Wealleans, is available to assist with the planning and coordination of your special day. You can contact her at +44 (0) 1665 511140 or via email at fiona.wealleans@alnwickcastle.com.
Alnwick Castle is also licensed for civil ceremonies, so you can host your entire wedding celebration within the castle’s walls. To arrange the ceremony, you must contact the Northumberland Registration Service.
Unique Features
Alnwick Castle offers several unique features that can make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind:
- Harry Potter Theme: As the castle was featured in the Harry Potter films, you can incorporate elements of the franchise into your wedding, such as broomstick training and themed decorations.
- Winter Weddings: During the winter months (November to March), the castle offers exclusive use of Hunters Courtyard and the Guest Hall, providing an intimate and magical setting for your winter wedding.
Additional Options
If you’re looking for alternative wedding venues within the Alnwick estate, the Alnwick Garden offers two unique options:
- Treehouse Weddings: The Alnwick Garden’s contemporary, rustic treehouse venue can accommodate up to 65 guests for an inside ceremony and 85 guests for an outdoor ceremony.
- Pavilion Weddings: The Pavilion at The Alnwick Garden can host ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts, and evening receptions for up to 70 guests.
Whether you choose the grandeur of Alnwick Castle or the natural beauty of the Alnwick Garden, you’re sure to create a truly magical and unforgettable wedding experience.
Contact Information
- Phone: 01665 511086
- Email: events@alnwickcastle.com
- Website: https://www.alnwickcastle.com/weddings
References:
1. Your North East Wedding – Wed in the Magical Alnwick Castle in Northumberland
2. Alnwick Castle Wedding Brochure
3. Alnwick Garden – Treehouse Weddings
4. Reddit – Getting Married in Alnwick Castle
5. Alnwick Garden – Pavilion Weddings