Best Wedding Venues in and Around Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay punches well above its weight when it comes to wedding venues. The town is home to one of the most celebrated coastal wedding venues in the country, and its position on the North Tyneside coast means a string of country houses, historic halls and boutique hotels are all within a short drive. Here is a guide to the best options.

Spanish City

Spanish City is the standout wedding venue in Whitley Bay and one of the finest on the entire North East coast. The Grade II listed building was originally built in 1910 and underwent a ten-million-pound restoration in 2018, returning it to its former Art Deco glory. It has since been named Best Coastal Venue in the UK and Best Town and City Venue at the North of England Wedding Awards in both 2021 and 2023.

The St Mary's Lighthouse Suite

The main event space is the St Mary's Lighthouse Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows looking out across the Whitley Bay coastline towards St Mary's Lighthouse. On a clear day, the views are extraordinary. The suite comes with a private bar and can be configured for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and evening receptions.

Rooftop Ceremonies

For something truly memorable, Spanish City is licensed to host ceremonies on the rooftop, with the North Sea as your backdrop. It is one of the most photographed wedding locations in the North East, and for good reason.

Capacity and Service

The venue caters for weddings from as few as four guests up to 140, with a dedicated wedding coordinator who works with each couple to create a bespoke day. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Spanish City has the flexibility to accommodate it.

Best for: Spanish City is licensed for rooftop ceremonies overlooking the North Sea. Winner of Best Coastal Venue in the UK. Capacity from 4 to 140 guests. Call 0191 691 7090 for enquiries.

St Mary's Inn

St Mary's Inn is an intimate wedding venue situated in rural Northumberland, just a few miles from the coast. It is centrally located within one of the North's most beautiful tourist regions, making it convenient for guests who want to combine a wedding trip with wider exploration of the area. The inn's smaller scale suits couples who want a relaxed, pub-style celebration without the formality of a large hotel.

Seaton Delaval Hall

Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built between 1719 and 1730. The hall sits in Seaton Sluice, just a few minutes' drive from Whitley Bay, and is now cared for by the National Trust. The dramatic facade, formal gardens and surrounding parkland provide a stunning backdrop for wedding photography. Contact the National Trust to enquire about private hire.

Best for: Seaton Delaval Hall is one of the finest Baroque buildings in England, just minutes from Whitley Bay. Contact the National Trust for venue hire details.

Jesmond Dene House

Jesmond Dene House is a Grade II listed boutique hotel set in the exclusive suburb of Jesmond in Newcastle, roughly twenty minutes from Whitley Bay. The hotel is surrounded by Jesmond Dene, a wooded valley dotted with waterfalls and rustic bridges, and offers 40 luxurious bedrooms for overnight guests. It is licensed for weddings of up to 114 guests across four private rooms, and the combination of elegant interiors and lush grounds makes it a popular choice for couples across the North East.

Linden Hall, Morpeth

Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa is a Grade II listed Georgian manor house set within 450 acres of park and woodland near Morpeth, about thirty minutes from Whitley Bay. The hotel has hosted weddings for nearly forty years and offers a comprehensive package including catering, accommodation, a championship golf course and a full spa. For larger weddings where many guests need accommodation, it is hard to beat.

Best for: Linden Hall sits in 450 acres of Northumberland parkland, with accommodation, golf and spa on site. Ideal for destination weddings where guests are staying overnight.

Dissington Hall

Dissington Hall is a country house venue near Ponteland, roughly twenty minutes inland from Whitley Bay. It provides a traditional country house wedding setting with elegant interiors and well-kept grounds, and its location between the coast and Newcastle makes it accessible from both directions.

The Parlour at Blagdon

The Parlour at Blagdon offers exclusive use of the venue for the entire day, set in the Northumberland countryside. Accommodation sleeping ten is included on the night of the wedding, making it a good option for couples who want to wake up the morning after surrounded by their closest family and friends. The rural setting and outdoor ceremony options give it a relaxed, festival-style feel.

Choosing the Right Venue

Whitley Bay couples have an unusually broad range of options, from a restored Art Deco dome on the seafront to Georgian manor houses in the countryside. When narrowing down your shortlist, consider:

• Style: Spanish City suits couples who want a modern, coastal celebration. Country houses like Linden Hall and Jesmond Dene House suit those who prefer classic elegance.
• Guest numbers: Spanish City takes up to 140, Jesmond Dene House up to 114, and smaller venues like St Mary's Inn are better for intimate gatherings.
• Season: Coastal venues like Spanish City are spectacular in summer but equally dramatic in winter storms. Country houses tend to feel cosier in the colder months.
• Budget: Prices vary enormously. A Masonic hall or pub venue will cost a fraction of a country estate. Be honest about your budget early on.

Whatever your vision, the range of venues within reach of Whitley Bay means you should not have to compromise on setting.