Runa Farm
A Complete Review & Detailed Venue Guide for 2025 by Carn Patrick Photography
@carnpatrick Runa Farm wedding venue in Darlington, UK #dreamweddingvenue #venuetour #bridetobe #weddingvenueuk #bestweddingvenues #runafarm #darlington @Apartment Group Weddings
♬ original sound - 📸 Carn | Wedding Photographer
Video Tour & Walk-around
Come along with me as we take a casual stroll through Runa Farm, the sweet wedding spot in Barnard Castle, UK! I’ll show you all around the laid-back wedding venue, main bar, the new ceremony room, and all the chill spots for a good time. And yeah, I’ll give you a sneak peek into the bedrooms and bathrooms too! This video’s got all the lowdown on why this place is awesome for a wedding. Let’s jump in and check it out!
An Overview of Runa Farm
Another of The Apartment Groups’ rescue projects, Runa Farm was built from the ashes of the old and decaying wedding venue Jersey Farm. The Apartment Group, known for superior wedding venues like Le Petit Chateau, Lartington Hall, Newton Hall and The Croft, swooped in and created something truly magnificent.
The old site is unrecognisable as Runa Farm takes on a complete overhaul and redesign to become a one-of-a-kind rustic hotel, country pub, and wedding venue with a unique blend of natural rural beauty and laid-back Balearic vibes. The goal of the wedding venue is to craft a distinctive destination for “boho, honest, and earthy” experiences, putting the farm and its produce at the core.
The outcome is spot on and the venue has become an instant hit with brides who are looking for a lovable, relaxed, and luxurious wedding venue in the Darlington and County Durham area. Runa Farm features standout spaces and suites, stunning boho bedrooms with hot-tubs and field-to-fork dining. It’s the perfect place to gather, feast, stay, and soak in the feel-good spirit and endless appeal of Runa Farm.
Getting to Runa Farm is a breeze! Just 15 miles from the closest major city, Darlington, it’s about a 25-minute drive. If your guests prefer public transport, Darlington has direct train connections from across the UK. From there, they can hop on a bus or grab a taxi to Lartington Hall. A good local and reliable taxi company is Alan’s Taxi’s. You can call for a quote on this number – 01833 695860
The local area has some amazing outdoor attractions! Don’t miss High Force Waterfall, a jaw-dropping beauty, or Raby Castle, a medieval gem with deer-filled gardens. So, getting here is easy, and the local attractions are a treat!
I’ve covered everything you need to know about Runa Farm and have gone into deep detail about all of the different pricing, features, pros and cons of this popular wedding venue in this complete review and guide.
Table of Contents
Runa Farm - Key Information:
- Up to 108 Daytime Guests
- 200 Nightime Guests
- 18 Bedrooms On-site
- Plus a 4-Bedroom Farmhouse
- A Dedicated Master of Ceremonies
- In-house Catering
- Dog-friendly Wedding Venue
- Excellent Staff
- Exceptional Food & Drinks
- Amazing Canapés
- Outdoor Ceremony Available
- All-In-One Wedding Venue
- Great For All Seasons
- Stunning Countryside Views
- Alternative Accommodation Options
- Fantastic Atmosphere
Wedding Prices start from just £3,995!!
( All prices and brochures correct as of January 2025 )
You can save £12,800 instantly with this simple trick!
@carnpatrick Hope this helps so many of you brides out there that maybe overwhelmed by the soaring cost of weddings in the UK. Choosing a mid week date will not only save you a fortune it will also take the pressure off stressing about the weather ruining your day. A little rain won’t harm when you’ve saved £13k and still had an amazing day! #weddingtips #weddingbudgettips #summerwedding #dreamweddingvenue
♬ Cruel Summer - Taylor Swift
You can save over £12,000 off the total cost of your wedding day by using my pro tip for choosing your wedding date.
If you book your wedding on a Tuesday, or Wednesday in May, June or September, you’ll save £12,800 compared to booking the same wedding on a Saturday in the same month! No matter which date you choose for your wedding, every couple receives the same level of care and service on their wedding day. Having photographed hundreds of weddings, I can assure you that the day of the week doesn’t impact the experience. Some of the most beautiful weddings I’ve captured happened on a midweek day in the summer!
These are my perfect dates to book in 2026! You’ll still have a perfect day whilst saving over £12,000 off your total wedding cost!
Don’t sleep on these 2026 dates!
MAY 5TH, MAY 6TH, MAY 12TH, MAY 13TH, MAY 19TH, MAY 20TH. MAY 26TH, MAY 27TH, JUNE 2ND, JUNE 3RD, JUNE 9TH, JUNE 10TH, JUNE 16TH, JUNE 17TH, JUNE 23RD, JUNE 24TH, JUNE 30TH
These are my perfect dates to book in 2027!
MAY 4TH, MAY 5TH, MAY 11TH, MAY 12TH, MAY 18TH, MAY 19TH, MAY 25TH, MAY 26TH, JUNE 1ST, JUNE 2ND, JUNE 3RD, JUNE 8TH, JUNE 9TH, JUNE 15TH, JUNE 16TH, JUNE 16TH, JUNE 22ND, JUNE 23RD, JUNE 29TH, JUNE 30TH
Venue Hire price on these dates are only £6200 vs £18,995 on a Saturday of the same month!
Any date can be secured at Runa Farm with just a £1000 deposit
The Ceremony Space at Runa Farm
As a wedding photographer, capturing the feel of Runa Farm is a joy. The laid-back, calm, vibes set the stage for a gorgeous wedding ceremony. The entire venue is all about quality and comfort, with a touch of rustic charm. I’d say it’s a perfect choice for couples looking for something unique.
The ceremony area stands as a non-religious venue, making it an ideal choice for couples who opt for a non-religious wedding ceremony and prefer the registrar option, catering to the preferences of many, including same-sex couples.
To secure your wedding at Runa Farm, it’s essential to reserve the date with a registrar for the ceremony. Two time slots are available for your convenience: you can opt for either the 12:30 ceremony or the 2 pm ceremony.
Darlington Registrar’s serve both Runa Farm and Lartington Hall. Therefore any preference on ceremony time for your own wedding ceremony will depend on if anyone has already confirmed their wedding date at Lartington Hall and vice versa.
To check availability, you can contact the Darlington Registrars directly at 01665 602870 or at registeroffice@darlington.gov.uk
For 2024/25 weddings, there’s a £652 ceremony fee to pay to secure a Registrar with Darlington Borough Council. Their Wedding PDF guide can be downloaded here.
Like all wedding venues in the Apartment Group collection – the styling of the Runa Farm chapel is so beautifully done that it doesn’t need any extra decorations to make it look good like you’ll often find in other wedding venues.
If you are looking to add something unique to your ceremony I’d highly recommend checking out venue styling professionals such as The Enchanted Florist, Sprig & Thistle and Coco Luminaire.
Please note: Candles and open flames are not permitted anywhere inside Runa Farm. Runa Farm recommends using electric tea lights if you are wanting a candlelight effect during your ceremony or on your tables.
You can also book a musician like John Gatenby or Jessica Avinson to play during your ceremony or even create your own music playlist if you wish to. You’ll need around 10 songs to cover the ceremony and the one you chose for walking down the aisle should be at least 3 minutes long. At our wedding, we had a string quartet playing as our guests arrived and when my wife walked down the aisle. That was unbelievable!
At Runa Farm your wedding guests should arrive a minimum of 45 minutes before the ceremony. Here are the driving directions via Google Maps.
Upon arrival, a Runa Farm Master of Ceremonies will warmly welcome your guests. They will guide them to the bar and reception area, providing an opportunity for everyone to meet and mingle before the ceremony begins.
Most Wedding Ceremonies at Runa Farm start at 1:30pm but that isn’t set in stone so you are free to select a time that suits yourself. The Maximum guest you can have at your wedding ceremony is 108. With up to 200 guests on the evening!
The Main Function Area at Runa Farm
Banquet-style tables are the secret ingredient to an unforgettable wedding celebration. Not only do they foster a sense of togetherness and encourage lively conversations among guests, but they also make efficient use of space, accommodating a larger crowd without sacrificing comfort.
These tables also serve as a focal point during speeches, ensuring everyone has a clear view and can fully engage in the heartfelt moments that make weddings truly special. It’s the perfect blend of practicality and intimacy, turning your wedding breakfast and speeches into an extraordinary experience.
At Runa Farm, the Speeches usually take place first at 4pm, swiftly followed by the Wedding Breakfast. Average total time for this is about 2.5 hours.
Once the meal is over, we’ll step outside for stunning sunset photos, with the picturesque County Durham countryside as the backdrop. Meanwhile, your guests will be welcomed into the bar and lounge. This break allows the Runa Farm staff to clear and set up the tables, preparing the perfect scene for your evening party starting at 7:30 pm.
Did you know that all wedding venues in the Apartment Group collection are the exact same price?!
You can pick the venue that perfectly aligns with your style and wedding theme, without the stress of comparing one venue against another.
Each of the Apartment Group wedding venues possesses its own unique charm and appeal. They’ve structured their pricing in a way that allows you to choose based on your preferences rather than being driven solely by cost considerations.
If Runa Farm isn’t to your theme – You may find that Lartington Hall, The Croft, Le Petit Chateau or Newton Hall are more your style.
Runa Farm is Dog-friendly!
@wishboneweddings Congratulations Mam & Dad . B E S T D A Y E V E R #dogsatweddings #jackeusselterrier #wishboneweddings #petchaperone #dogchaperone #cutedogs #bride #weddings
♬ Beautiful Day - U2
One thing I love about Runa Farm is its pet-friendly vibe. It’s the perfect wedding venue if you want to bring your furry friend along—no need to say goodbye to your beloved four-legged companion. Not only can your dog stay with you the night before the wedding, but they’re also invited to be part of the entire celebration. Some venues might say they’re dog-friendly, but it’s important to check the details. Luckily, at Runa Farm the atmosphere is super chill, and your furry pals can roam freely inside and outside without any worries.
For those who prefer not to have their dogs attend the wedding at Runa Farm, alternative options are available. Wishbone Weddings presents a VIP personalised chaperone service tailored for your dog. This comprehensive service entails pick-up, walks, playtime, pampering, and overall care for your canine companion throughout the wedding day. Additionally, they offer the convenience of dropping off your dog at a predetermined location. With prices starting at just £150, it’s certainly worth considering this option for a worry-free celebration!
The Bedrooms at Runa Farm
@carnpatrick 🤩🙌 Blown away by the pre-wedding accommodation @Runa Farm everything you could need for the perfect night before and start to your wedding day! #weddingvenue #runafarm #hotel #darlington #luxury #bohoweddingvibes @Apartment Group Weddings
♬ ♡ ᶫᵒᵛᵉᵧₒᵤ ♡ - SoBerBoi
There are a total of 18 beautiful bedrooms available at Runa Farm. Plus a Farmhouse that sleeps 12! See Video Above…
As part of the contract with Runa Farm you must make use of a set amount of the onsite bedrooms. This means you’ll either need to pay the cost for the bedrooms yourself or have your guests call to book and pay for a room themselves. Most couples offer the onsite bedrooms to their wedding VIP’s first such as main family members and members of the bridal party.
Prices for the onsite bedrooms at Runa Farm range from £165 for a Cosy Room to £365 for some of the luxury Courtyard Suites. All rooms include a locally sourced, Full-English & Continental breakfast.
The Bridal Suite is included free of charge with the cost of your wedding.
Camp beds are available for children in the larger rooms. They cost £30 per night and include breakfast. Travel cots are available free of charge.
There is also a £30 charge per pet.
Check-in is from 3pm. Check-out is 10:30am
You can download the entire floor plan and pricing for all 12 bedrooms at Runa Farm here.
@carnpatrick Check out the text messages my clients sent me 🤯❤️ #wedding #thankyou #appreciationpost #photographerlife #gratitude #Adios2023
♬ On Top Of The World - Imagine Dragons
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Food & Drink Options at Runa Farm
At Runa Farm, as with all it’s sister wedding venues, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to delectable feasts and food options. While many go for the classic 3-course meal, there’s room to spice things up with additional courses. This venue goes above and beyond, offering unique alternatives such as Greek Feasts, Asian Feasts, a spread of Stellar Seafood, and even lavish 9-course menus. What sets Runa Farm apart are the exciting new additions like Breakfast Arrival Bites, Pre-Dessert Cocktails, and the delightful experience of Sharing Desserts and Starters. Trust me, these are culinary delights you won’t find at your average wedding venue!
You can download Runa Farm’s Food Menu & Drinks Brochure here.
Prices for food at Runa Farm start at £65 per person depending on the package you go for and the meals you choose.
Quick Maths:
So to give you an idea of how much it costs to feed all of your guests here are some numbers…
For a traditional 3-course meal, you can expect to pay around £65 per person. Based on 108 wedding guests which is the MAX capacity for Runa Farm, the total price for food during the wedding breakfast would be £7,020.
Rebecca and I offered our wedding guests choices for starters, mains, and desserts—3 options each. Runa Farm accommodates special dietary requirements so no problems there.
The average mealtime at Runa Farm is around 2 hours. Expect things to take a little longer if you’re having additional courses.
Please Note: Runa Farm does not allow outside catering or corkage but you can pay a little extra to bring your own little bottles of alcoholic wedding favours for your guests.
Canapés & Cocktails at Runa Farm
Runa Farm offers a delectable array of canapés at £10 per person, including vegan and vegetarian options. Choose from delights like Thai fish cakes, tempura prawns, and mini cheeseburgers, with the option to add an extra item for £1.50 per person.
For a guest count of 108, the total cost for 3 canapés each would be £1080.
Couples can elevate their guests experience with drinks packages ranging from £31.50 to £45 per person, featuring signature cocktails, wine with the meal, and Prosecco or Champagne for toasts. There’s a wide variety of cocktails on offer like Espresso Martini’s and Raspberry Mojito’s, along with local ales, spirits, and wines. The bar is open until midnight for individual purchases.
You can download Runa Farm’s Food Menu & Drinks Brochure here.
Quick Maths:
Pricing for a drinks package that includes a signature cocktail or beer, two glasses of wine and a Prosecco is £31.50 per person. Based on 108 wedding guests, the total for drinks would come to £3,408.
Based on 108 wedding guests – The total cost for treating all of your guests to Drinks & Canapés would come to £4,488.
It’s worth pointing out here that every guests must be catered for, so you can’t only do this for a set amount of guests. You must have the same package for everyone.
Runa Farm is the Perfect Wedding Venue to Throw a Huge Party!
Now it’s party time and you get to decide how you want to rock the celebration. The Magical Mist optional extra during your first dance is killer for photos! It looks incredible! If you’re in the mood for some extra pizzazz, think about adding a stellar DJ and maybe a photo booth to kick the party up a notch!
You can see a full list of Runa Farm’s Party Extras here
No need to feel tied down to the venue’s recommend vendor choices! Runa Farm is all about letting couples run wild and stamp their own vibe on the party and evening festivities.
If you’re on the lookout for musical wonders, check out AMV Live Music Agency. They’ve got an incredible array of wedding bands and solo artists that can truly set the stage for a memorable night. Personally, I’ve witnessed Hip Hop Hooray totally owning the party scene – they’re a fantastic choice, but of course, it all boils down to what floats your musical boat!
It’s worth noting that there are no disco lights in Runa Farm so I’d recommend hiring a DJ who can give you that party atmosphere.
If you’re on the hunt for a seriously awesome DJ who brings a breath of fresh air to the whole wedding DJ scene (you know, steering clear of the cringe-worthy vibes), look no further than The Beat Boutique! Seriously, they’re top-notch, and you won’t find any of that cheesy wedding DJ stuff with them.
But hey, we’re lucky to have some stellar options for top DJs here in the North East of England. Give a nod to Bride & Groove and Steven Maddison DJ – they’re definitely worth checking out too! Choices, choices – the hardest part is picking which amazing DJ will spin the tunes for your special day!
Bring on the confetti cannons! They’re totally embraced during the party at Runa Farm and make for an epic start to the festivities, not to mention some stunning snapshots of your first dance. Now, here’s the lowdown – just a heads up, there’s a cleanup fee of £30 (yeah, a bit of a bummer). But hey, let’s make sure you get every bit of magic out of those confetti cannons, right? Worth every penny for that picture-perfect moment!
Fireworks, sparklers and Chinese lanterns are not allowed at Runa Farm due to the rural location, noise restrictions and negative effects it would have on neighbouring livestock.
For couples intending to include guests exclusively for the evening segment, it is recommended to designate a 7 pm arrival time for evening guests. Typically, the ceremonial cake cutting by the bride and groom occurs at approximately 7:45 pm. This timeline allows guests an opportunity to socialise, have some drinks and get involved in the atmosphere before the the first dance gets underway.
Runa Farm kindly requests that provisions be made to accommodate all evening guests with food. They present a buffet-style evening meal for everyone around 9 pm, right after an hour of hitting the dance-floor.
Just like the main Wedding Breakfast menu, the options for the evening feast are seriously impressive.
From what I’ve observed at weddings, the top crowd-pleasers are Fish & Chips and Hog Roasts. They never fail to delight guests and serve as the perfect alcohol absorbers, ensuring the party can keep on rocking a little longer!
Click here to download Runa Farm’s Epic Evening Food Menu
Prices start at £14.95 per person and you must cater food for all of your evening guests.
Quick Maths:
Prices for Pizza or Pimped-Up Fries in the evening is £18 per person so for 108 wedding guests the total works out at £1944.
The party wraps up at midnight when the bar shuts down. If you’re not crashing at Runa Farm, it’s time to head out. You can pre-book your taxi with local and reliable firm – Alan’s Taxi’s. Call them on – 01833 695860
Now, for the night owls staying on-site, grab another drink as you can party going until 2am!
A Sample Timeline for a Perfect Wedding Day at Runa Farm
(Swipe Right To View)
Hotels Near Runa Farm
Got all 18 rooms at Runa Farm booked and need more space for your awesome guests? No sweat – I’ve done the legwork for you!
I’ve checked out every nook and cranny in the local area to round up The Top 4 alternative places for your wedding guests to stay in comfort close to Runa Farm. All accommodation provide a delicious breakfast so hit the links below for the lowdown on each spot, complete with all the details you need.
Is Runa Farm Worth The Money?
I’m in love with Runa Farm! The Apartment Group has created a fresh, new vibe setting the bar for all other weddings venues to follow.
Let’s face it, some venues just don’t cut it anymore. Runa Farm, however, has ditched the outdated traditional wedding practices and embraced a cool, laid-back perspective on how your day should be. It’s got amazing boho, beach holiday vibes and it’s a dynamic space that can be shaped exactly how you want it.
If you are looking for a venue that’s been built from the ground up to give you the best wedding experience ever – then Runa Farm is your answer. The scenic backdrop of rolling countryside and an outstanding team set it apart from the all the rest. Having photographed spectacular weddings across all of the Northeast wedding venues, I can confidently say, put Runa Farm at the top of your list when venue hunting. This is your big day, after all!
My personal recommendation? Consider an overnight stay at Runa Farm and take a tour of the venue after breakfast to soak in the vibe. See if it aligns with the vision you have for your big day. My guess? It probably will!
If you’re looking to compare Runa Farm to other wedding venues in the North East – I’ve listed 25+ of the best North East Wedding Venues here.
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