Blackton Grange Estate is fairly unique in the North East of England whereby we operate as a Dry Hire Wedding Venue. Don't panic though, this doesn't mean we are an alcohol free venue (which we have been asked), excitingly it means we offer a blank canvas approach which can be perfectly tailored to you.
Dry Hire Weddings may I add, are also not to be confused with "Naked Weddings". For some reason I (Jodi) went through a bit of a phase of calling it this only to realise THAT was a WHOLE other thing. On hindsight that could have
ended quite embarrassingly.
So what does Dry Hire actually mean and what is included at Blackton Grange?
As mentioned, it means you are hiring out a blank canvas space that’s ready to dress up and customise. Each dry hire venue is unique so what is included or offered amongst these types of spaces may vary. However, we li
ke to think we've thought of most things ;-).
Firstly, your wedding will take place in our purposefully renovated celebration barn. This space provides a gorgeous (& licensed) ceremony room, a stunning dining area with floor to ceiling windows as well as a chill out space and toilets. The ceremony area is then also the space where your evening party would take place.
Unlike other dry hire venues, we do provide chairs for your ceremony as well as tables and chairs for dining. We also have speakers fitted th
roughout the space which you can use throughout your day, toilets, additional seating and lighting are also provided in the barn. You also get accommodation for up to 18 guests in the luxury farmhouse on site (yes you read that right).
Of course you can add whatever you fancy to this space in terms of décor, flowers, props etc - it's yours to make your own. Where things get even more exciting is our approach to your food and drinks.
Tell me more...
At Blackton Grange Estate, you are free to choose whichever caterers tickle your fancy & whatever tipples you desire. You can choose to hire a quirky bar
or simply provide your own drinks to keep cool in the fridges provided (no corkage charge in sight.) We have a list of amazing recommended suppliers to help give you some ideas but you aren't stuck to using these, these are just a guide.
All we ask is that the options you do choose are fully self sufficient and appropriately insured...simple.
Thinking this approach is a bit of you? Read on to see some of the advantages of choosing this approach.
Advantages to choosing a Dry Hire Venue
The main reasons why couples opt for a dry hire wedding venue are:
Some venues hold more than one wedding on the same day resulting in you having to share your venue with other people (not us, you get full exclusive use for 2 nights or more).
Some venues can be open to the public where they have a bar and restaurant on site leaving you unable to control who may be hovering around on your special day.
Venues typically only offer their in-house caters and bar and sometimes their own suppliers. This often includes inflexibility on drinks and menu packages. Dry hire allows you to style and dress the venue pretty m
uch how you wish and with no restrictions as to which suppliers you can bring i
n, the limits are endless.
One of the key benefits to dry hire venues is being able to choose your own caterer, or supply your own food. You can shake things up and skip or add in courses as you wish or go for full grazing style platt
ers. Your caterer will tailor make their quote as per your requirements, whereas may venues have a minimum spend and set packages.
Another benefit is drinks packages! With a venue, you can expect to pay hotel prices for a bottle of wine but with dry hire you can buy in your own - we even supply fridge's for you to keep it cool and we don't charge corka
ge. Many catering companies can also provide additional staff to serve your guests throughout your wedding breakfast if you wanted to do this.
Style – if you have a certain look in mind for your wedding, this is often easier to achieve using the flexibility of dry hire.
Priorities – what is most important to you? Serving grea
t food? Entertainment? Styling? Have a think about what elements are going to make your wedding perfect for you. You may have your heart set on your do
g walking down the isle with you and traditional venues may restrict you having this. You may want to bring in your own caterer to serve amazing food that represents you two as a couple, again not an option in your traditional setting.
Like what you read?
Visit our website to find out more and to sign up to our mailing list for open days and exclusive offers. Make your celebrations as unique as you are. No packages, no corkage & 100% flexibility at Blackton Grange Estate.
Email: Hello@blacktongrange.co.uk
Facebook: BlacktonGrangeEstate Instagram: BlacktonGrangeEstate
Blackton Grange Estate, Baldersdale, Barnard Castle, DL12 9UX
Prices starting from £5,750 for a 2 day / night hire. To include full exclusive use of the 11 acre estate, luxury farmhouse accommodation for up to 18 guests, Licensed wedding barn with ceremony space for 70, dining space for 70, evening party space for 90, personal wedding coordinator.