Business Details
Award-Winning Rustic Wedding Venue in Northumberland
Doxford Barns is an award-winning family-run barn wedding venue located within a private 550-acre country estate on the Northumberland coast near Alnwick. Specialising in bespoke one-day and three-day wedding celebrations, we offer couples complete freedom to personalise their wedding experience across our rustic yet elegant spaces. Our venue combines original 18th-century architectural features with modern amenities, including exposed oak beams, festoon lighting, and contemporary comforts. We provide exclusive use of the venue and grounds, ensuring uninterrupted privacy for weddings and events. With on-site accommodation for up to 43 guests across eight self-catering cottages and additional facilities like The Coop for pre-wedding preparations, we cater to both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations.Our dedicated team has earned multiple industry awards for exceptional service, consistently achieving 5-star customer ratings. As part of the Doxford Group, we also operate Charlton Hall, a Grade II* listed sister venue offering alternative wedding settings. Our approach prioritises flexibility, allowing couples to tailor their wedding timeline, from weekday celebrations to extended weekend events with catering and accommodation packages.
Services
Wedding Venue Hire
Accommodation Packages
Event Planning
Catering Services
Corporate Retreats
Highlights and features
- Award-winning team with multiple industry accolades for wedding services
- Family-run venue offering exclusive use of entire estate for weddings
- Bespoke packages for one-day or three-day wedding celebrations
- On-site accommodation for up to 43 guests across eight self-catering cottages
- Historic 18th-century barns restored with modern amenities and romantic character
What people say
Award-winning team
Beautiful rustic venue
Exclusive use guarantee
Flexible wedding packages
Excellent accommodation options
Services
Wedding Venue Hire
Our restored 18th-century barns provide a romantic rustic setting for weddings with original features like oak beams and stone walls combined with modern lighting installations. The Threshing Hall accommodates up to 160 ceremony guests while The Great Barn hosts 180 day guests and 250 evening attendees. Venue hire includes exclusive access to all spaces, outdoor areas, and bespoke decoration options with flexibility for one-day or three-day celebrations.
Accommodation Packages
Eight self-catering cottages sleeping up to 43 guests feature period character with modern comforts including wood-burning stoves and biomass heating. The Coop offers eight-bed pre-wedding accommodation above the ceremony space, while The Lodge and Farmhouse Annexe provide additional options. All properties include kitchens, Wi-Fi, and luxury bathrooms for guests' convenience during extended celebrations.
Event Planning
Award-winning planners offer tailored support from initial consultations through execution, including timeline creation and supplier recommendations. Couples receive venue expertise for styling decisions, with flexibility to customise layouts and schedules. The team provides guidance on seasonal considerations and helps coordinate additional services like catering and accommodation bookings.
Catering Services
Custom menus feature locally sourced ingredients for wedding breakfasts and evening receptions, with options ranging from formal dining to BBQs. The venue accommodates special dietary requirements and offers wine pairing suggestions. Catering packages include breakfast and evening meals for three-day wedding packages beyond standard reception offerings.
Corporate Retreats
The venue hosts corporate events with adaptable spaces for team-building activities and conferences. Packages include exclusive use of facilities, custom catering, and accommodation for delegates. The 550-acre estate provides outdoor areas for networking while restored barns offer versatile indoor spaces with modern amenities for presentations and workshops.
People
Richard Shell
Owner
Richard Shell is the owner of Doxford Barns and founder of the Doxford Group. With extensive experience in property development and hospitality, he established this wedding venue to combine historic preservation with modern event hosting capabilities. His vision created both Doxford Barns and sister venue Charlton Hall as exclusive-use wedding destinations in Northumberland.
Questions
What wedding package options are available?
We offer one-day weddings with traditional celebrations or three-day packages allowing extended festivities with accommodation and additional meals included.
Can we have exclusive use of the venue?
Yes, Doxford Barns guarantees exclusive access for all weddings with no other events or visitors during your booking period.
What accommodation options exist for guests?
Eight self-catering cottages sleep up to 43 guests, with additional options including The Coop (eight beds) and Farmhouse Annexe (six beds) available.
Are weekend weddings possible?
Our three-day weekend packages are popular, allowing Friday setup, Saturday ceremony/reception, and Sunday departure with accommodation included.
Can we book a venue viewing?
Private one-hour appointments with our wedding team are available for venue tours and detailed discussions about your requirements.
What event spaces are available?
The Threshing Hall (ceremonies), Great Barn (receptions), Cart Shed (welcome drinks), and outdoor spaces including The Lake area are available for events.