Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings

Whether you already have a clear idea of how you’d like your day to be, or would like our experienced weddings team to offer a bit of guidance, we’ll be on hand to ensure your day is just that: yours to do whatever you wish. You’re bound to have lots of questions so we’re giving you a helping start with answers to those that are most commonly asked. And you can always get in touch via email weddingsandevents@doxfordhall.com or give us a call on tel: 01665 589700

Payments & Packages

We don’t have the budget to sign up to your set packages, can we make changes?

Yes, of course. We have a number of wedding packages to show you what’s available when you host a wedding at Doxford Hall. These should be seen only as a guide and we will work with you to come up with a tailor-made package that fits your brief and your budget. Let us know what you’re after and we’ll devise a package to suit!

Do we need to take all of the bedrooms with our booking?

No, you are not obliged to book any rooms when you host your wedding with us. We have 41 bedrooms in total, which includes three Coach House and five Cottage rooms, we would recommend you reserve as far in advance as possible for your guests. The bridal suite is included in the cost of every wedding for use by the happy couple on the night of their wedding.

Can our guests get a discount on staying at the hotel?

Yes, of course. Our room rates change depending on the date, however our current bed and breakfast rates start from £205 per room.

How long can you provisionally hold a date and how much is the deposit?

We will provisionally hold your date for two weeks, after which we will ask for a £1000.00 deposit to confirm your wedding.

When do we meet our Wedding Manager and when do we need to make payments?

You can meet with our Wedding Manager as soon as it is convenient for you to do so and as many times as you need. Please make an appointment by emailing weddingsandevents@doxfordhall.com

90 days before your wedding, we will require a 75% payment. One month before your wedding, the final payment is due. Please feel free get in touch with any further queries you may have.

Will the hotel provide decorations?

We provide white linen tablecloths, white linen napkins and cutlery and Chiavari chairs. If you would like chair covers, sashes or centre pieces, we recommend you contact our preferred wedding suppliers.

Do I need to book the registrar if I want a Civil Ceremony?

Yes, you will need to contact the Northumberland County Registrar to book your Ceremony. Their contact number is 01665 602 870. When you make a booking at the hotel we will issue you with a form to give to the registrar but it is your responsibility to book this with Northumberland Register Office.

Do we get full use of the grounds if we’re hosting our wedding at Doxford Hall?

Yes. Doxford Hall is tucked away in ten acres of private estate, all available for you and your guests to enjoy on your wedding day. There are some secluded spots offering a variety of beautiful backdrops to your wedding photographs. If weather permits you may wish to have drinks on the terrace, or in our walled garden or anywhere else that takes your fancy!

On-site Arrangements

How many weddings do you hold per day at Doxford Hall?: We’ll never hold more than one wedding per day.
We are planning a large wedding, what’s the maximum number of guests you can accommodate?: We can accommodate 180 guests in our ballroom (the Kennedy Suite) for a sit-down wedding reception.
Can we marry outside?: Yes, weather permitting. A decision will be made the morning of your wedding to confirm that the weather is suitable and in the event of heavy rain or high winds in particular, alternative arrangements will be made to host your day inside.
What time will my ceremony be?: This is of course, your decision but we would advise that you speak to your Wedding Manager who can recommend a ceremony time that fits your wedding plans. For example, a ceremony late in the afternoon with a large guest list can leave the rest of the proceedings feeling a little rushed.
Can we have animals at our wedding?: You’re welcome to bring animals to your wedding, providing you have an outside ceremony and that the hotel has been informed in advance. Regrettably no animals are permitted inside the hotel, with the exception of dogs who are allowed in the Morning Room and the Bar. We also have several dog friendly bedrooms; please let us know if you’ll be bringing a dog at the time of booking.
Who will be present from the hotel on the day of the wedding?: Our dedicated Wedding & Events Manager will be your main point of contact from the moment that you book your wedding, throughout the run up to your day and naturally, in most cases, will be there on hand to see you marry too. Alongside our Master of Ceremonies and banqueting team, you’ll have the full attention of an experienced team to ensure that your day goes exactly as you planned. If the Wedding & Events Manager is on leave, the Master of Ceremonies will take over on the day.
Do you allow confetti at Doxford Hall?: Yes, we allow biodegradable paper-based or natural petal confetti both inside and outside the hotel.
Where can we get ready on the morning of the wedding?: We recommend that you book a bedroom at the hotel the night before your wedding if you wish to get ready here on the day itself. However, subject to availability, we are able to offer the Library where you will be able to get ready on the morning of your wedding should you not stay the night prior. Accommodation for the bride/s and groom/s is included in each of our wedding packages for your wedding night.
Will my wedding be private? What about other guests at the hotel?: We do not offer exclusivity at the hotel as a default – although it is possible to book the Hall for your exclusive use. However, the Kennedy Suite has its own bar, toilets and reception area and is located on the lower ground floor, well out of the way of other guests. There are no bedrooms or other function rooms on this floor.
What are the access times for set up?: If the room is available the day prior, you can have access at this point. If the room is in use, then access will be the morning of your wedding.
Is there anywhere for children to play at the hotel?: Children love our yew tree maze which can keep young (and old) occupied for hours. We also have a variety of garden games that you may set up on the lawns. Please ensure that children are supervised at all times.

Catering

Some of our guests have special dietary requirements. Do you have menus to suit?: Yes, we’re happy to cater for a variety of special diets and will discuss this with you when designing your menus. Please let us know details in advance and at the point at which you confirm your final guest numbers. We are unable at present to provide kosher menus.
Can we have an evening buffet for our guests?: We can tailor a separate buffet for your evening guests, with anything from a sit-down meal to bacon stotties – you decide what you’d like and we’ll make it happen.
We are planning a themed celebration; can you provide a menu to match?: Of course. You tell use the theme and we’ll create something to fit.
Can we use an external caterer such as an ice cream van or a hog roast supplier?: When you book your wedding at Doxford Hall it is on the understanding that we provide the catering for your event. However, should you wish to hire an ice cream van etc for supplementary food that shouldn’t be a problem. Please discuss this with your wedding manager.
Can we bring our own alcohol?: We have a huge wine list and range of drinks available. If there is something specific you would like for the day we can look to order and supply it for you. We do charge corkage if you would like to bring your own alcohol; please ask your wedding manager about this.
How late does the bar stay open?: The Kennedy Ballroom bar closes at midnight and your live music/ disco can continue until 12.30am.
Do you have a children’s menu?: Yes, we have a children’s menu and this can be tailored to your needs in the same way as the adult menus.

Suppliers

Do we need to use your recommended suppliers?

No, you can hire any supplier you wish but we’ll gladly put you in touch with our recommended suppliers who know our hotel well and provide excellent service. If using your own suppliers please ensure they have the proper licensing and public liability insurance prior to booking them and ask us about our recommended suppliers.

Can our suppliers visit Doxford Hall in the run up to our wedding?

Yes, of course. Please ask them to make an appointment with our Weddings Manager weddingsandevents@doxfordhall.com in advance.

Can we use a drone for photography?

Yes, so long as you have the relevant license and permissions.

Do you allow Chinese Lanterns or fireworks?

You are welcome to provide fireworks for your big day, however we do not permit the use of Chinese Lanterns. Please ask your Wedding Co-ordinator for more details.

We are planning to have live music at our wedding. Is this ok?

Yes, we have music license that allows music until midnight.