Choosing your wedding venue is the first big decision of your planning journey, and arguably the most important. It sets the tone for everything that follows: your style, your guest list, your colour palette, even the season you marry in. Here in the North East, you’re spoilt for choice — but how do you find the one that’s right for you? Here’s our guide to choosing wisely, and what makes a venue truly special.

1. Start with your guest numbers

Before you fall in love with a setting, be realistic about how many people you want to celebrate with. An intimate gathering of forty feels lost in a cavernous hall, while a guest list of two hundred needs room to breathe. The best venues offer flexibility — at Dalton Old Pump House we can host up to 240 guests, yet the building’s character means even smaller celebrations feel warm and personal.

2. Let the building tell a story

The most memorable weddings happen in venues with genuine character — somewhere your photographs simply couldn’t have been taken anywhere else. A blank-canvas marquee has its place, but there’s something unforgettable about exchanging vows surrounded by history. Dalton Old Pump House is a Grade II* listed Victorian Gothic Revival building in Seaham, all soaring arches, ornate brickwork and the kind of atmosphere you can’t manufacture. It does half the styling for you.

3. Think about the whole day, not just the ceremony

Picture the full flow of your celebration: where guests arrive, where you’ll say “I do,” where the drinks reception drifts, where the dancing happens once the sun goes down. A great venue moves you seamlessly from one moment to the next without awkward gaps or long coach transfers. Ask how each space is used across the day, and imagine yourself in it.

4. Consider the setting and the season

The North East gives you dramatic coastline, rolling countryside and historic architecture in equal measure. Seaham’s coastal location offers something genuinely distinctive — sea air, big skies and a sense of place. Think too about when you want to marry: a venue that’s magical in high summer should be just as enchanting wrapped in winter atmosphere. The best ones work beautifully year-round.

5. Visit in person — and trust how it feels

Photographs and websites can only take you so far. Walk the rooms, stand where you’ll stand, picture your families filling the space. The right venue often announces itself the moment you step inside; you’ll simply know. This is exactly why we hold regular viewing evenings — there’s no substitute for experiencing a building’s atmosphere first-hand.

6. Look at what’s included

Some venues offer dry hire and leave the rest to you; others provide a more guided experience with packages, in-house knowledge and trusted suppliers. Neither is wrong, but be clear on what you’re getting so there are no surprises later. Ask about exclusivity, timings, and the team who’ll be looking after you on the day.

Come and see for yourself

The perfect North East wedding venue is the one that makes your heart skip the moment you arrive. We’d love to show you why so many couples feel exactly that at Dalton Old Pump House. Get in touch to arrange a viewing, or join us at our next open evening — and let “Lady Dalton” work her magic.