“We felt completely at ease and trusted the team entirely, meaning we could just relax and enjoy the day.”
With our compliments
Mark & Samantha
• Services of an experienced Master of Ceremonies
When you book your wedding celebrations with us, we will include the following: • Use of Tunstall Gallery or Courtyard for drinks reception • An overnight stay in the Bishop Suite, including breakfast for the Bride and Groom • An overnight stay in the Chaplain Suite, including breakfast for your chosen guests • Courtesy room for changing and storing of gifts
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• Advice on the choice of menu and drinks • Provision of table plan, menus and place cards • Use of cake stand and knife • Dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator • PA system and microphones to use for speeches • Finest quality white linen tablecloths and napkins
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“All the staff were professional and supportive giving us further ideas or suggestions in the run up to our big day.”
Civil Ceremonies & Blessings Durham Castle is licenced for civil ceremonies & civil partnerships so that your day can move seamlessly from ceremony to celebration.
Andrew & Laura
Outdoor ceremonies are available in Fellows Garden. If the weather is not suitable for an outdoor ceremony, the event will be moved inside to the Norman Gallery. Smaller, more intimate, indoor ceremonies can be accommodated on selected dates in the Senate Room, the Bishops Suite or the Octagon Room. To arrange your civil ceremony at Durham Castle please contact Durham Registry Office on 03000 266 000 to reserve your ceremony date & time. Please note an additional Wedding Licence fee is payable direct to the registrar. Please check availability at Durham Castle before contacting the Registrars. The earliest time we can offer a civil ceremony is 12noon.
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“Our guests commented that the food was excellent and well worth the 300-mile journey from London.”
Sophisticated food and exquisite menus
Chris & Helen
The food is one of the most important parts of your wedding day and we have a selection of exceptional menus to choose from. Food is all homemade and our team of Chefs offer a wealth of experience to create the perfect dishes. Our suppliers have been carefully selected to ensure only the best produce is served to maintain the quality and consistency of our food. Presentation is just as important as taste when it comes to your dining experience at Durham Castle.
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“The Bishop Suite was the perfect place to wake up together as a married couple.” Catherine & Michael
Accommodation Durham Castle has two suites, the Bishop Suite and Chaplain Suite, as well as over 50 ensuite bedrooms which can be available for you and your guests. Enjoy breakfast with your guests in the Medieval Great Hall the next morning. Check in is from 2pm and check out is by 10am. Please be advised all bedrooms have stairs leading to them.
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“The castle looked amazing, the staff faultless and it was by far the best day of our lives.” Toni & Stevie
Frequently asked questions Last orders Standard closing time for the bar is 11pm with the reception at 11.30pm. We can offer a late licence, if required, with last orders at 12 midnight and reception finishing at 12.30am.
Initial viewing Contact our dedicated Sales Team, on 0800 289 970, to make an appointment to view this historic venue; we offer appointments 7 days a week and would love to show you around. Your booking Once you have a date you wish to hold with us, we will provisionally hold this date for up to 14 days. After this period a non-refundable deposit of £500 will be required and the contract signed, to confirm the booking.
Catering numbers All guests attending your wedding must be catered for, with the exception of evening receptions where at least 90% of guests must be catered for. We do not allow corkage or outside catering.
Meeting deadlines You will meet with your event co-ordinator around 4 months prior to the wedding to confirm every aspect of your day.
Due to the nature of the building and the surrounding area we do not allow fireworks, Chinese lanterns, artificial smoke, balloons and portable dance floors. We also ask that all candles are enclosed and please note there is no smoking in the Castle grounds.
Payment terms We request that 90% of your total invoice is settled no later than 14 days prior to the event, with the final 10% due as soon as possible after the day itself.
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12 Month wedding planner
12 Months prior
10 Months prior
7 Months prior
4 Months prior
2 Months prior
2 Weeks prior
Set the date and budget
Plan the honeymoon
Book wedding cars
Make a guest list for your daytime and evening reception
Book entertainment for daytime and evening reception
Choose a wedding cake
Final meeting with Durham Castle; this is when we will go through the running order of the day and confirm the finer details
Confirm all plans with suppliers
Give Durham Castle table plan, guest list, final numbers and any guests with dietary requirements
Book Durham Castle and pay £500 deposit Purchase wedding insurance if required
Choose wedding favours
Check passport, visa and book any vaccinations required for honeymoon
6 Months prior
9 Months prior
Order men’s suits
Book a florist and choose flowers Choose Bridesmaid dresses
11 Months prior
Confirm the order of service
8 Months prior
Book a photographer
Choose readings and music for ceremony
Go wedding dress shopping
5 Months prior
Choose stationery
Book hair and make up
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Purchase accessories
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Attend any final outfit fittings
Organise décor and table centres
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Drop off any personal items at Durham Castle needed for your wedding day and have a final meeting; then relax …..
Organise a hair/make up trial
Send out invitations
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Day prior
Write speeches and organise any gifts for guests
3 Months prior
Send out ‘save the date’ cards
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1 Month prior
Plan Hen/Stag parties
Choose rings
Book any beauty treatments
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You will receive your 90% invoice from Durham Castle to be paid 2 weeks’ prior to your wedding day
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“We really can’t thank each and every single one of you enough, for making our day absolutely magical. We want to do it all again!”
Other Colleges Durham Castle is not the only venue that Durham University can offer for events in the city… we have a diverse range of venues to ensure that you find the perfect location for any occasion. There are Colleges throughout Durham, each with their own individual character, many set within acres of tranquil gardens and featuring unique architecture.
Louise & Christopher
Our staff have a wealth of experience to ensure you receive a high quality of service to make any event a success.
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