Dissington Hall Northumberland | Conferences | Weddings | Banqueting

Frequently Asked Wedding Questions

Are we able to book a Chocolate Fountain?

There is no problem with having a chocolate fountain at Dissington to provide that extra special memorable occasion for you and your guests. It could be presented alongside your evening buffet meal.

It may be that you have your own specific company you would like to book yourself. Although Dissington is not available for functions on a self catering basis, this should not pose a problem and a fixed cost of £60.00 plus VAT (Valid until 31/3/2008) will be added to your final invoice for this facility. This includes a contribution towards an electricity supply, venue overheads, cleaning and laundering.

We would also be happy to arrange it all and provide a fountain for your date. Please enquire about the cost and arrangements.

Is live amplified music allowed in the grounds or in the marquee?

Amplified music is only permitted in the Billiard Room and is subject to a house decibel limit. We reserve the right to withdraw power supplies if this is unreasonably exceeded.

Can we throw confetti in the grounds?

We are happy for your guests to throw confetti in the grounds assuming it is biodegradable and will disappear naturally.

Do you have any accommodation?

Dissington Hall is a non-residential venue. We include a list of local accommodation providers within all our wedding packs and on our website to help you find suitable places to stay for your guests.

What is North Lodge?

North Lodge is a self-catering lodge situated within its own walled garden a few minutes walk up a private drive to Dissington Hall. The lodge has recently been refurbished specifically for use by the owners and for wedding guests wishing to spend a few extra days in Northumberland. The lodge sleeps a maximum of four guests. Our staff will be more than happy to discuss costs and availability with you.

Can we use lit candles as part of our decoration?

Lit candles enhance the mood of any event. After fire safety risk assessments (a legal requirement) in 2006 we have made some general restrictions on their type and placement.

Lit, sturdy candles on bases or in wet oasis, can be placed on the Library, Garden Room and Main stair Mantelpieces only. Lit candles cannot be used in any other rooms in the Hall including the Marquee.

What alternatives to candles have families been using?

A wide variety of mains and and low voltage candles and fairy lights are now available from may different outlets. When used these create very similar effects. New products are becoming available all the time so customers are encouraged to visit the Hall and discuss ideas before making any decisions.

Does Dissington have any battery operated candles we can hire?

To encourage safe decorations it is now possible to hire battery operated tea lights and clear glass holders. Please enquire about costs and availability.

Can you provide a children’s meal?

For children under 10 years old a 50% reduction applies to the main reception meal. We are also able to provide a childs meal for children under 10 (e.g Chicken Nuggets and chips followed by Ice Cream). Please enquire about costs.

Do you have a wine list?

We do have a full Wine List with a wide range of affordable wines and champagnes. All wines are of good quality and may be tested before you choose.

Can I bring my own wines and champagnes?

We include details of corkage charges in the wedding pack, which are only charged on any reception, toast or meal drinks consumed and supplied by the bridal party and your guests.

The charges cover the safe storage, chilling, breathing, serving of the wine, the provision of glassware and replacement of breakages along with a contribution towards the overheads of running Dissington Hall as Licensed Premises.

Will my guests be able to book taxis when they arrive?

We have a full taxi list and a public phone in the Arch Room Bar for use by your guests. We advise that you book taxis and other transport early in the day.

Are we able to bring our own caterers to Dissington Hall?

Dissington Hall is not available for functions on a self-catering basis.

I have a guest with a special dietary requirement will this cause any problems?

The menu you choose for your day will be served to all your guests. The exceptions to this are those with special dietary requirements. We will need to know in advance if any guest is diabetic, needs a gluten free diet or has a nut allergy etc. We will be able to advise an alternative option for these guests. If you are unsure of the ingredient content of your chosen menu we will be happy to help.

Do you have disabled access?

Yes. There is access via the main entrance and the Garden room for the main house and via the Billiard room and Marquee for the lower part of the function suite. We will be happy to discuss any possible assistance required prior to booking.

Will a coach be able to access the hall easily to drop off guests?

If you book coaches for your guests please let us know who the company are in advance of your day. Coaches will have no problems accessing Dissington Hall from the North (A696 direction).

Will you be able to help me to book my wedding services?

We have a file of local reliable wedding service suppliers who have worked at the Hall before which we would be delighted to show you, including photographers, florists and wedding cars.

We also have two wedding fairs a year. The fairs provide an opportunity to view the work of the wedding services as well as providing a chance to chat to members of the Dissington Hall staff. We aim to invite over 25 local suppliers to each fair and entry is free.

Do you have a cake stand and knife we are able to use?

Included in our prices are a Master of Ceremonies, use of a 14” diameter silver cake base stand and knife, typed seating plan and 3 highchairs.

If I book a wedding service that have never worked at Dissington Hall before can I make an appointment for them to view the facilities?

If the company have never been to Dissington before we welcome you to make them an appointment to view the Hall and our facilities. This gives an idea of the sizes and locations of our rooms and what equipment, if applicable, will be suitable to use in advance of your day.

How much is the booking deposit?

We do not accept provisional bookings; dates are either free or firmly booked. We request a booking deposit of £400 to confirm your booking. These are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation, but will be deducted from the final invoice.

What is your cancellation policy?

The following costs will be payable if a booking is cancelled: any time after booking £400 (the deposit); within 6 months of the function, £1000, within 1 month, 50% of the estimated invoice (food and room hire); within 10 days, 100% of the invoice (food and room hire).

After the deposit has been made, when will we be due to pay the remaining balance?

Following the deposit, a payment totalling 90% of the full cost of the day is payable 5 weeks before the function. The final balance is payable within 1 week of your wedding.

Do you have a Civil Marriage and Civil Partnership License?

Dissington is licensed to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies and Civil Partnership Ceremonies and has three beautiful licensed rooms, The Library, The Garden Room and The Billiard Room.

What time does the bar close?

Last orders are called at 11.15pm, the bar closes at 11.30pm and the function ends at midnight. A late license can be arranged Monday to Saturday, last orders at 11.45pm, bar closes midnight and function ends at 12.30am. Please enquire about costs for the late license.

Can we leave cars overnight in your car park?

Cars can be left in the public car park overnight at the owners risk. They must be picked up by 10.00 am the next morning.

Are we allowed fireworks? Sparklers?

We do not allow fireworks on the grounds as they have the potential to disturb the peaceful wildlife haven Dissington provides for many different species and also many farm animals within a very close proximity to the Hall.

Families do however often provide sparklers for guests when the bridal party arrive or depart.

After our function ends are we able to leave things at Dissington overnight?

All gifts and property must be removed on the evening of your function. It may be possible to arrange collection of these items the next day before 10.00 am depending on other bookings. We would be happy to advise nearer the date of your wedding.

What time do we have to vacate the Brides room?

The Brides Room is available for your use all day. We do ask you to vacate the room by 11.30 pm and remove all personal possessions.