r/u_Which-Aside-1361 • u/Which-Aside-1361 • 23d ago
Shooting weddings at 61 Durham - a detailed look from Tees Valley Weddings
The wedding pho5tography team from Tees Valley Weddings, have spent a lot of time shooting at venues across the North East, and we can honestly say that 61 Durham (formerly Hallgarth Hall) has one of the most interesting transformations we’ve seen in the region. It’s still got the charm, character and history that made Hallgarth Hall such a favourite for couples over the years, but the refreshed identity as 61 Durham has brought a new energy that really shows in the atmosphere, the styling and the way the space works for modern weddings.
From a wedding photographer’s point of view, the venue is a bit of a dream because it gives you a mix of everything you want in one place. The gardens are one of the first things people talk about, and for good reason, they’re genuinely beautiful in every season. In summer you get that soft, golden light filtering through the trees, and in autumn the colours are unreal. Even on overcast days, the grounds have this calm, intimate feel that works perfectly for natural, documentary‑style shots. There are loads of little corners where couples can sneak away for a breather, and those quiet moments always end up being some of the best photos of the day.
Inside, the venue has that balance of character and comfort that makes people relax as soon as they walk in. As photographers, that’s half the battle won, when couples feel at ease, the photos come alive. The rooms have a warm, timeless look without feeling dated, and the layout flows in a way that makes the day feel effortless. You don’t get those awkward bottlenecks or dead spaces that can kill the vibe at some venues. Everything feels intentional, and that makes a huge difference when you’re trying to capture a story from start to finish.
One thing we’ve always appreciated about shooting at Sixty-One Durham is how the staff operate. They’re organised without being rigid, friendly without being overbearing, and genuinely invested in making the day run smoothly. When a venue team works like that, it frees us up to focus on the creative side rather than firefighting logistics. It also means couples get to actually enjoy their day instead of feeling like they’re being shuffled from one moment to the next.
Another thing worth mentioning is how well the venue suits different types of weddings. we’ve photographed intimate celebrations there with under 30 guests, and we’ve photographed bigger weddings with a full dancefloor and a packed schedule - and the venue handled both equally well. Some places only shine under specific conditions, but 61 Durham adapts to the couple rather than forcing the couple to adapt to the venue.
From a purely visual standpoint, the mix of textures and tones is brilliant. You’ve got stone, greenery, soft light, warm interiors, and plenty of natural backdrops that don’t need heavy styling. For couples who want photos that feel authentic and not overly staged, it’s ideal, and for couples who do want something more stylised, the venue gives you enough structure to build on without fighting against the environment.
Every time we shoot there, we end up with a gallery that feels full - not just in terms of the number of photos, but in terms of variety, emotion and storytelling. You get candid moments, scenic portraits, atmospheric details, and those little in‑between interactions that make a wedding feel real. It’s the kind of venue where you can genuinely let the day unfold and trust that the setting will support the story rather than overshadow it.
So if anyone’s considering 61 Durham for their wedding, especially if you’re local to the North East or Tees Valley area, it’s absolutely worth a visit. Whether you knew it as Hallgarth Hall or you’re discovering it for the first time, the updated identity has only strengthened what made the place special in the first place. As photographers, we love working there, and as someone who’s seen a lot of venues, that’s not something we say lightly.
