Venue Spotlight: The Rustic Wonderland of Runa Farm

When we first set out on your journey as being North East wedding photographers, we had a few venues in mind we’d love to take photos of!

One of those was the stunning Runa Farm, located just outside of Barnard Castle.

Runa Farm, is an intensely rustic inspired hotel, country pub and wedding venue quite unlike any other, combining natural rural beauty with cool Balearic vibes.

Honestly, it’s a sight to behold. With its own unique chapel and showstopping staircase, plus a beautiful dining/after party room and outdoor spaces too, this is one that should be high up on your list of wedding venues!

To get the full breakdown on what makes Runa Farm unique and worthy of your attention, we had a chat directly with the team at the Apartment Group (Runa’s owners). Here’s what they had to say:

***Head right in the direction of that sign for an unforgettable experience!***

Q: In a nutshell, tell everyone what makes Runa Farm stand out amongst all the other
wedding venues in the Northeast.

Runa Farm: In brief, it was our plan to create an individual and special destination for “boho, honest and earthy” experiences with the farm and its produce at the very heart. The result is a loveable, laid-back and luxurious County Durham country retreat complete with standout spaces and suites and field-to-fork dining, inviting people to gather, feast, stay, and enjoy every element of its feelgood spirit and endless appeal.

***Just look at it! How beautiful would it be to get married here?***

Q: Let’s talk ceremony room – what makes yours truly unique?

Runa Farm: The Runa Farm Chapel is the hidden gem of the farm – entirely unique and unlike any other northeast wedding ceremony venue – with its ornate tented ceiling, smooth polished stone walls and shimmering lanterns delivering an ethereal and romantic experience. For the ultimate dress reveal, brides access the Chapel through a secret entrance making their way down the statement wow-worthystaircase, leading directly to the wedding aisle.

***There’s always plenty of space for everyone to get ready at Runa!***

Q: Tell us more about the accommodation options Runa Farm offers to wedding guests/bride
and groom.

Runa Farm: We have 26 gorgeous boutique bedrooms on site across both Runa Farm & The
Smithy which have all been individually designed to put the luxe into luxury, with irresistible
charms like private gardens, secluded terraces, and hot tubs. Our adjoining pub, The Smithy,
is an incredible, rustic inspired and boutique hotel in the heart of Durham.

Staying over the night before your special day at Runa Farm? No problem! Our charming
rustic Farmhouse accommodates up to 12 guests, boasting spacious living areas, a fully
equipped kitchen, and a generously-sized dressing table—perfect for pampering the bride-to-
be or anyone who wants to feel like royalty!

Our accommodation is also dog-friendly, so if you’re planning on having your precious pooch
at your wedding reception you won’t have to take them home at the end of the day – making it
even more special!

Q: What food options do you have available for evening meals and/or food later on the
evening?

Runa Farm: Memorable food to be shared and enjoyed is the heart and soul of Runa Farm with
our chefs creating remarkable feasts influenced by their County Durham surroundings, using
the very best of what’s available from the fields, kitchen garden and other like-minded local
producers. We offer a variety of options to satisfy your cravings and keep your guests fuelled
throughout the festivities. Whether you’re looking for something hearty to keep the party
going or lighter fare to nibble on, we have a range of options to suit every taste and
preference. Additionally, we can customize menus to accommodate dietary restrictions and
preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys a satisfying culinary experience.

Q: What’s the most quirky and interesting thing about Runa Farm?

Runa Farm: At Runa Farm, the most quirky and interesting aspect is how it seamlessly blends relaxed Spanish influences with its natural farming heritage, creating an atmosphere that is both earthy and elegant. This unique fusion of styles, combined with the venue’s organic and private setting, sets the stage for
celebrations as unique as the couples taking their vows.

Q: Tell us a bit about wedding deals that might be on offer to brides and grooms at the venue.

Runa Farm: Experience luxury without breaking the bank! Our wedding packages start from just £1,995, with savings of up to 75% available on selected dates. Secure your dream celebration at Runa Farm for any available dates in 2024 and 2025.

Q: Can you cater to weddings of all sizes, or do you only offer larger weddings?

Runa Farm: We specialise in crafting unforgettable wedding experiences, whether you’re planning an intimate celebration for 20 or a grand affair for up to 120 guests. And when the night falls, our venue can accommodate up to 200 for an evening of festivities!

Q: Any pro tips for brides and grooms on where they should be having their best photos taken at Runa Farm?

Runa Farm: When it comes to capturing your best photos at Runa Farm, definitely try incorporating the charming animal residents into your shots! Set within the picturesque Durham countryside, Runa Farm offers a backdrop of lush green fields, quaint stone buildings, and blooming wildflowers. But what truly sets it apart are the endearing animal residents, including rare breed sheep and pigs, pigmy goats, miniature Shetland ponies, alpacas, andeven a deer named Dottie! These furry friends are not only happy to be in the spotlight butalso add a touch of whimsy and charm to your wedding photos. So, don’t hesitate to includethem in your photo sessions for unforgettable memories that truly capture the spirit of Runa Farm.

Q: Can you give us an outline of how a typical wedding day works for brides and grooms who might be interested?

Runa Farm: Typically, couples opt to arrive the night prior and enjoy The Farmhouse as well as the accommodation at The Smithy. Many couples also enjoy a meal the night before at The Smithy too!

For the big day, we recommend a 12:30pm or 2:00pm ceremony time at Runa Farm, followed by an hour and a half drinks reception. This is the perfect opportunity to bask in the sunshine on our Terrace while savouring delicious canapes.

Afterward, we usually allocate around 2 hours for the couple and their guests to relish the wedding breakfast, although the duration may vary depending on the chosen menu.

Later, the evening entertainment begins their setup, transforming The Old Barn into a lively party venue complete with a spacious dance floor. While our staff handles the arrangements, you and your guests can enjoy Tea & Coffee, or perhaps something a bit stronger, at the Bar or on our Terrace.

The evening reception typically commences around 8pm/9pm, featuring bouquet tossing, cake cutting, and, of course, the first dance. For an added touch of elegance, consider including Magical Mist in your package for a memorable first dance experience.

During the evening reception, our skilled chefs will be busy preparing your chosen buffet, serving up a final round of delectable dishes to conclude your celebrations. Although the main bar closes at 12am for guests, the festivities continue as our bar reopens at 12:30am exclusively for residents!

Q: Let’s talk about the team at Runa Farm– for example how do wedding coordinators and the wider team all work together to make a special day extra special for the couple?

Runa Farm: At Runa Farm our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that every couple’s special day is truly extraordinary. Each couple is assigned a dedicated wedding coordinator who play a central role in orchestrating the lead up to the event, working closely with the wider team to bring the
couple’s vision to life.

Our wedding coordinators work closely with the couple from the day they book to the day
prior to their celebrations! We can personalise every aspect of the wedding, from the venue
setup to the menu selection, to reflect the couple’s unique style and personality.

On the day of the wedding, each couple will be assigned a wedding manager & master of ceremonies who work together seamlessly to ensure that every detail is executed flawlessly.

From setting up the ceremony space to coordinating the timing of events throughout the day, our staff work hand in hand to create a smooth and stress-free experience for the couple and their guests.

Above all, our goal is to create memorable moments that the couple will cherish for a lifetime.

Whether it’s surprising them with a special touch during the reception or going the extra mile to accommodate their requests, our team is dedicated to making every moment of their wedding day extraordinary. By working together as a cohesive team, our wedding coordinators and the wider staff at Runa Farm strive to exceed the expectations of every couple and create unforgettable experiences that they will treasure forever.

Q: Are there any extras that Runa Farm offers that brides/grooms should be aware of?

Runa Farm: At Runa Farm, we pride ourselves on offering a range of extras to make your wedding day truly unforgettable! Whether you’re looking to add a touch of enchantment to your first dance with our Magical Mist or pop a cork & celebrate in style with our Champagne Tower, the possibilities are endless at Runa Farm!

Q: You offer venue tours for brides and grooms – tell us a bit more about that.

Runa Farm: Embark on a bespoke journey with our private guided tours available every day of the week! Before your tour, we’ll provide you with a brief questionnaire to understand your preferences and expectations, ensuring that your viewing experience is tailored to perfection!