Set amongst the serene landscapes of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blackton Grange Estate emerges as a captivating wedding venue that harmoniously blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Situated near Barnard Castle in County Durham, this exclusive estate offers couples a unique and intimate setting to celebrate their special day amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.
Blackton Grange Estate spans 11 acres of private land, providing an idyllic backdrop of rolling hills, tranquil reservoirs, and expansive skies. As a Designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, the estate offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing, with the possibility of the Northern Lights gracing the night sky, adding a magical touch to evening celebrations .
The estate features a purposefully renovated Celebration Barn, fully licensed to host wedding ceremonies for up to 74 guests. This versatile space includes designated areas for the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, and evening festivities, all designed to be tailored to each couple’s vision. For those seeking a more intimate affair, the luxury farmhouse on the estate is also licensed for ceremonies, accommodating up to 20 guests, making it ideal for elopements or smaller gatherings .
A hallmark of Blackton Grange is its dry hire approach, granting couples complete creative freedom to personalize every aspect of their wedding. From selecting preferred caterers to choosing unique drink options, there are no restrictions or corkage fees, allowing for a truly bespoke celebration. The estate provides a list of recommended suppliers to assist in planning, and a dedicated wedding coordinator is included to ensure a seamless experience from conception to execution .
Accommodation is provided in the estate’s luxurious 8-bedroom farmhouse, which sleeps up to 18 guests. The farmhouse boasts a large kitchen-diner, games room, cinema room, and multiple communal spaces, offering a comfortable and stylish retreat for the wedding party and close family. The exclusive hire of the estate for 2 or 3 nights ensures privacy and the opportunity to extend celebrations beyond the wedding day.
Beyond the ceremony and reception, Blackton Grange offers a wealth of experiences to enhance the wedding celebration.Guests can enjoy the outdoor hot and cold tubs, explore the picturesque surroundings via direct access to the Pennine Way, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. The estate’s pet-friendly policy ensures that even four-legged family members can be part of the special day.
In essence, Blackton Grange Estate provides a distinctive and flexible venue for couples seeking a wedding that reflects their individuality. With its combination of natural beauty, personalized service, and exclusive facilities, it stands as a premier choice for those desiring a memorable and unique wedding experience in the heart of the North Pennines.
The Wedding
Caitlin and Callum
Blackton Grange
Ceremony and Drinks Reception
Saturday 12 April 2025
Today we had the honour of being the first ever wedding musicians to play at Blackton Grange. This was due to the fact that Catlin and Callum was the first wedding which had been hosted at Blackton Grange.
Having had a day off since our previous wedding in Dundee, we travelled down to Sedgefield for an overnight stop which gave us a chance to visit the nearby town of Barnard Castle.
Barnard Castle is a historic market town nestled in the scenic Teesdale countryside of County Durham, in North East England. Named after the impressive medieval castle that overlooks the River Tees, the town is rich in heritage and charm. Its cobbled streets, independent shops, and vibrant local culture make it a popular destination for visitors seeking a mix of history, natural beauty, and small-town hospitality.
The nearby Bowes Museum, renowned for its stunning French-style architecture and art collection, adds to the town’s cultural appeal. Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, Barnard Castle is a gateway to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a peaceful yet captivating escape.
We stopped for breakfast at a local cafe as we had plenty of time ahead of today’s wedding. As it was our first visit to Blackton Grange, we did however, leave plenty of time just in case there was a difficulty in finding it. And probably good that we did as it turned out to be quite remote and required driving across a reservoir in order to access. Nevertheless we had plenty of time on arrival to get ourselves set up and relax before the ceremony was due to start.
Music for the Ceremony
Pre Ceremony
Better together- jack johnson
Bridal Entrance
Turning pages- sleeping at last
Signing
Brown eyed girl- van morrison
Can’t help falling in love – elvis Presley
Exit
Accidentally in love- counting crows
After the ceremony we relocated outside to continue providing music during the drinks reception. The views from Blackton Grange are fabulous across the Pennines and it was a pleasure to be able to provide music for the very first wedding at this venue.
We really enjoyed being part of this wedding and wish Caitlin and Callum every happiness as they embark on their married life together.
