Waterworld

from Your North East Wedding - Issue 56 May/June 2023

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Say your vows by the water’s edge at one of these amazing venues

BLACKFRIARS RESTAURANT 0191 261 5945 | www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/weddings

Located in the heart of Newcastle city centre, Blackfriars is just a stone’s throw away from the iconic River Tyne and quayside. Established in1239 as a Dominican friary, its medieval Banquet Hall once played host to various visiting monarchs, and has now been brought back to life following years of research and restoration. Boasting authentic and bespoke banners, distinctive antler chandeliers, stained glass windows and large oak dining tables and chairs designed and created by local craftsmen, to this day Blackfriars Restaurant remains one of the jewels in Newcastle’s medieval crown.

Just imagine the ceremony of your dreams in the ornate Banquet Hall or unique Tasting Room, followed by a Champagne reception in the sheltered courtyard or historic Parlour Bar. You’ll then head back into the Hall for a delicious and memorable wedding breakfast for 50 seated guests or 65 standing. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to picture opportunities, from the venue’s horseshoe of stone buildings surrounding a sheltered courtyard, or its position close to the river for some amazing waterside shots.

GRAND HOTEL SUNDERLAND

0191 529 2041 | www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/grand-hotel-sunderland/weddings

The Grand Hotel Sunderland boasts a spectacular seafront location, with the North East coast right on its doorstep and Roker Park; a beautiful spot for wedding photographs; just five minutes’ walk away. The venue also shares the views of the coastline’s lighthouse, which can be seen from all three of its Corner Suite’s impressive floor to ceiling windows.

Celebrate your big day in an intimate setting on the seafront, choosing

SPANISH CITY

0191 691 7090 | https://spanishcity.co.uk

Sitting on the seafront, Spanish City has incredible panoramic views of St Mary’s Lighthouse and the coast, giving a stunning backdrop for your wedding photography and adding the ‘wow factor’ to your big day. Unmissable to those visiting Whitley Bay, the building has significant historical value – keeping much of its original features – yet also has a contemporary feel relevant to 21st century visitors. Now, following an extensive restoration, this Grade II listed building is an incredible wedding venue offering a dedicated function space, spectacular sea views and an from five function suites, all licensed for civil ceremonies. This includes the Lowry and Boardroom spaces, which benefit from ever-changing impressive views of the coastline, providing couples and their guests with a spectacular setting for their celebrations. You can even take advantage of the 82 bedrooms available, including a choice of suites, family, accessible and dog friendly rooms. array of exquisite catering options.

Say your vows and start the next chapter of your love story within the iconic Art Deco design of the function suite, fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the unmatched sea view while flooding the room with natural light. Your reception will also be catered there from anything between four to 140 guests, with experienced staff on hand to cater to your every need, ensuring you’ll remember each last detail of your special day.

THE GRAND HOTEL TYNEMOUTH

0191 293 6666 | www.grandhoteltynemouth.co.uk

Nestled on the North Tyneside coast, this classically British building is an iconic fixture that’s recognisable from its grand façade – in fact, the building’s exterior has barely been touched since its original conception in 1872! Uniquely situated overlooking Longsands Beach, it offers guests and visitors exclusive panoramic views all the way across to Cullercoats on a clear day – you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins making their way across the coast!

Become legally hitched in the Pearl Room, a smaller setting to declare your love for one another in front of between between 35-100. There’s also the Orchard Suite; boasting exclusive sweeping views over the beach via large bay windows, it’s yours for larger ceremonies of between 100-150. You’ll then enjoy a reception in the same space; or alternatively choose the Grand Chambers: the largest function room that can host up to 200.

THE GROTTO 0191 455 6060 | https://marsdengrotto.com

Located on South Tyneside’s Marsden Bay, The Grotto is a stunning space to say your vows. It all begins as you approach the venue on the clifftops, entering a tunnel with a lift which takes you to the hotel. Then, once you reach the ground floor, The Grotto’s amazing cave is revealed! Steeped in history since it was originally blasted back in 1782, it’s even said a smuggler was hung in a barrel in a cave close to the present lift shaft back in the day and left to starve!

Ghostly stories aside, The Grotto is a venue to get your guests talking for all the right reasons. Licensed to hold wedding ceremonies for up to 80, it’s exclusively yours for the day, giving you plenty of time for photos before, during and after the ceremony. You’ve also a dedicated wedding coordinator on hand to help planning with the running of your day. You can then host a breakfast for 40 – or a BBQ or buffet for up to 140 –before heading outside to the venue’s bandstand (or down to the water’s edge itself) for some incredible photography to treasure forever.

Our Situated in the Mouth of the Tyne with direct access on to the Beach, Our breath taking views offer the perfect backdrop for your Wedding Photography.