The Croft
A Complete Review & Detailed Venue Guide for 2025 by Carn Patrick Photography
@carnpatrick Take a look at the brand-new Croft Hotel wedding venue in Darlington,UK 🇬🇧 #venue #weddingvenue #hotel #thecroft #darltington @Apartment Group Weddings @The Croft Hotel
♬ ♡ ᶫᵒᵛᵉᵧₒᵤ ♡ - SoBerBoi
Video Tour & Walk-around
Come along with me as we take a casual stroll through The Croft, the stunning new wedding venue in the Croft-on-Tees, Darlington! 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 The Croft
Table of Contents
Situated in the charming village of Croft-on-Tees on the outskirts of Darlington, The Croft is a one of a kind wedding venue that blends luxurious style with affordability. The weddings are run by the talented folks behind stellar wedding venues, Newton Hall, Le Petit Chateau, Runa Farm and now Lartington Hall,
Opening up in Summer 2023, The Croft takes on a complete overhaul of the old Croft Hotel and has been redesigned to become a one-of-a-kind wedding venue to suit all budgets. It’s a perfect choice for couples who are looking for a glamorous, fairy-tale wedding experience. The hidden chapel blew me away and still does to this day!
Getting to The Croft is easy! Just 5 miles south of Darlington, it’s about a 10-minute drive from the city centre. If your guests are using 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 Paul’s Taxis Darlington. Call them on – 07828 285656
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 The Croft 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.
The Croft - Key Information:
- Up to 90 Daytime Guests
- 150 Evening Guests
- 22 Bedrooms On-site
- Plus a 4-Bedroom Garden Villa
- 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 Riverside Views
- Alternative Accommodation Options
- Fantastic Atmosphere
Wedding Prices start from just £1,995!!
( 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 The Croft with just a £1000 deposit
The Ceremony Space at The Croft
As a wedding photographer, capturing the feel of The Croft is a joy. The huge antique doors, floor to ceiling mirror and cascading florals set the stage for a stunning wedding ceremony. The entire venue is all about glamorous and sophisticated vibes with a touch of antique charm. I’d say it’s a perfect choice for couples looking for something unique that you won’t find anywhere else.
The ceremony area is 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 The Croft, it’s essential to reserve the date with a registrar for the ceremony. Generally, most wedding ceremonies take place at 1:30 pm but it’s not set in stone.
To check availability, you can contact the North Yorkshire Registrars directly at 0300 131 2131 or via their contact form.
For 2024/25 weddings, there’s a £450 or £550 ceremony fee to pay to secure a Registrar with North Yorkshire Council. Their Wedding PDF guide can be downloaded here.
The Croft’s ceremony chapel is styled so well that you don’t need to pay for extra decorations. It looks good on its own, without the fuss you might find in other wedding venues. But 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 The Croft. The Croft 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 The Croft your wedding guests should arrive a minimum of 45 minutes before the ceremony. Here are the driving directions via Google Maps.
Upon arrival, a 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.
The Maximum guest you can have at your wedding ceremony is 90. With up to 150 guests on the evening!
@carnpatrick Do you love it? Let me know in the comments!! #dreamwedding #weddingvibes #photographerlife @Apartment Group Weddings
♬ original sound - 📸 Carn | Wedding Photographer
The Main Function Area at The Croft
The Garden Suite is where your wedding breakfast and party will be on the evening. The function area is a uniquely designed botanical hideaway, the ultimate indoor/outdoor feel is achieved with a wall of sliding glass that opens out onto a secret garden terrace. The space is a cozy and lovable hidden wonderland, complete with fire pits, a captivating water feature, and a fully retractable roof for year-round enjoyment.
Indoors, sophisticated garden chairs and round rustic tables proudly sit under a luscious canopy of hanging wisteria, forming the heart of this botanic oasis. Guests can relax and enjoy the stylish celebration, appreciating the thoughtful details that create a perfect atmosphere in this hidden gem. The chairs are the coolest I’ve seen at a wedding venue!
At The Croft, 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 riverside views as the backdrop. Meanwhile, your guests will be welcomed into the bar and lounge. This break allows the The Croft 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 The Croft isn’t to your theme – You may find that Lartington Hall, Runa Farm, Le Petit Chateau or Newton Hall are more your style.
The Croft 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 The Croft 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 The Croft 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 The Croft, 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!
@carnpatrick Would you stay at this hotel? #hotelstay #bedroomdesign #boutiquehotel #weddingvenueuk
♬ original sound - OG DosEquis
The Garden Villa at The Croft
There are a total of 22 beautiful bedrooms available at The Croft. Plus a 4-bedroom Garden Villa Suite that sleeps 8!
As part of the contract with The Croft 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 The Croft range from £165 for a standard hotel room to £1030 for the entire Garden Villa Suite. All rooms include a locally sourced, Full-English & Continental breakfast.
The Croft’s Honeymoon 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 for the Garden Villa Suite the night before your wedding is from 5pm. Check-in for all other rooms is from 3pm and Check-out is at 10:30am
You can download the entire floor plan and pricing for all 22 bedrooms at The Croft 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 The Croft
At The Croft, 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 The Croft 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 The Croft’s Food Menu & Drinks Brochure here.
Prices for meals at The Croft start at £65 per person depending on the package you go for and the menu 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 90 wedding guests which is the MAX capacity for The Croft, the total price for food during the wedding breakfast would be £5,850.
Rebecca and I offered our wedding guests choices for starters, mains, and desserts—3 options each. The Croft accommodates special dietary requirements so no problems there.
The average mealtime at The Croft is around 2 hours. Expect things to take a little longer if you’re having additional courses.
Please Note: The Croft 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 The Croft
The Croft offers a delectable array of canapés at £10 per person, including vegan and vegetarian options. Choose from delights like California-style Sushi, Pan Seared Duck Breast and the famous Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, with the option to add an extra item for £1.50 per person.
For a guest count of 90, the total cost for 3 canapés each would be £900.
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 personalised and signature cocktails on offer such as 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 The Croft’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 90 wedding guests, the total for drinks would come to £2,835.
Based on 108 wedding guests – The total cost for treating all of your guests to Drinks & Canapés would come to £3,735.
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.
The Croft 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 The Croft’s Party Extras here
No need to feel tied down to the venue’s recommend vendor choices! The Croft 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 at The Croft 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 The Croft 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 The Croft due to the close proximity to neighbouring homes.
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.
The Croft 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 The Croft’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 90 wedding guests the total works out at £1620.
The party wraps up at midnight when the bar shuts down. If you’re not crashing at The Croft, it’s time to head out. You can pre-book your taxi with local and reliable firm – Paul’s Taxis Darlington. Call them on – 07828 285656
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 The Croft
(Swipe Right To View)
Alternative Hotel's Close to The Croft
Got all 22 rooms at The Croft 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 5 alternative places for your wedding guests to stay in comfort close to The Croft. All accommodation provide a delicious breakfast so hit the links below for the lowdown on each spot, complete with all the details you need.
Rockliffe Hall Hotel Golf & Spa – from £330
Blackwell Grange Hotel – from £75
Is The Croft Worth The Money?
I’m in love with The Croft! I’m still blown away by the scale and attention to detail every time I go there! It’s a top tier wedding venue that will become extremely popular over the next few years.
Let’s face it, some venues just don’t cut it anymore and are seriously lacking any sort of style or character. The Croft doesn’t mess around and has ditched the outdated traditional wedding practices and embraced a glamorous and sophisticated perspective on how your day should be. It’s got a truly authentic atmosphere and it’s guaranteed to WOW your guests.
If you are looking for a venue that’s been redesigned to give you the best wedding experience ever – then The Croft is your answer. The scenic riverside views 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 The Croft at the top of your list when venue hunting. This is your big day, after all!
My personal recommendation? Consider an overnight stay at The Croft 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 The Croft to other wedding venues in the North East – I’ve listed 25+ of the best North East Wedding Venues here.
Looking for a friendly and chilled wedding photographer who will mix well with your guests?
I capture the day exactly how it happens whilst giving my brides gorgeous and natural photos.
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