One of the North East’s most historic venues is giving bridal couples a right royal wedding to rival anything Windsor can offer.
On Saturday 19 May, HRH Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle will exchange their vows in the stunning setting of Windsor Castle.
And, in honour of the occasion, 630-year-old Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, is giving other wedding couples the chance to follow in their royal footsteps.
The medieval castle, which is now a renowned four-star hotel, has launched a special Royal Wedding package – and all that is missing is the prince.
Not only can couples say “I do” in either the exquisitely ornate Garter Room or the impressive Barons Hall, but they can then treat 60 guests to a sparkling reception and three course wedding breakfast, created by the four-star hotel’s team of chefs.
Tables will be dressed in starched white linen and set with ornate candelabras and fresh flower rings to match the chosen colour scheme, while a stunning centrepiece will grace the top table, where the bridal couple will be seated on matching thrones.
Each guest will be presented with castle-shaped cookies and, taking centre stage will be a spectacular, three-tiered cake, in a choice of three flavours and created to a bespoke design.
In the evening, the castle’s dungeons will be transformed into a nightclub for late night dancing, with a hot buffet for partygoers.
And, at the end of the day, the happy couple will spend the night in a sumptuous bedroom within the castle itself.
“Castle weddings never go out of fashion,” said the hotel’s sales manager, Lauren Colledge, “but thanks to Harry and Meghan they are set to be more popular than ever.
“Our package includes absolutely everything a couple could wish for – at a fraction of the cost of a royal wedding.”
The Royal Wedding package is available from April through to November for weddings for 60 day and evening guests held between Sunday and Friday and prices start at £6,595.
For further information, or to organise a visit to view the wedding facilities at Lumley Castle, call 0191 389 1111 or visit www.lumleycastle.com.