Brinkburn Priory is a former monastery built, starting in the 12th century, on a bend of the River Coquet, about 4 miles east of Rothbury, Northumberland, England. The priory church survived the dissolution of the monasteries because it was also a parish church.
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I cannot the fantastic experience I had at Brinkburn Priory in Northumberland for a recent wedding shoot. As a seasoned wedding photographer I have had the privilege of working at numerous venues, but Brinkburn Priory truly stands out as a gem among them.
The picturesque setting of Brinkburn Priory is nothing short of magical, with its historic charm and stunning natural surroundings. From the moment I arrived, the ambiance exuded an ethereal quality that lent itself perfectly to capturing the essence of the couple's special day. The historic ruins, coupled with the tranquil River Coquet flowing nearby, provided an enchanting backdrop for capturing timeless moments.
The staff at Brinkburn Priory were not only professional but also exceptionally accommodating. Their attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for the wedding party and vendors, including myself, was truly commendable. From coordinating logistics to providing support throughout the day, the team at Brinkburn Priory went above and beyond to create a stress-free environment for everyone involved.
One of the standout features for me, as a photographer, was the versatility of the venue. Whether shooting in the Priory Church, the White Room, or the stunning grounds, each location offered its own unique charm, allowing for a diverse and visually captivating collection of images. The natural light filtering through the ancient windows and the rustic textures of the stone walls provided the perfect canvas for creating artful and timeless photographs.
Additionally, the commitment to maintaining the Priory's historical integrity while offering modern amenities was evident. The blend of rustic elegance and contemporary convenience made Brinkburn Priory an ideal canvas for capturing the romance and joy of a wedding day.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Brinkburn Priory as a wedding venue to couples seeking a captivating and timeless backdrop for their special day. The combination of its historical significance, stunning surroundings, and dedicated staff make it a five-star choice for creating memories that will last a lifetime. My experience at Brinkburn Priory was nothing short of exceptional, and I look forward to the opportunity to capture more beautiful moments at this extraordinary venue...
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A lovely Priory tucked away in a peaceful location with the River Coquet just beyond the edge of the grounds. However I've only given this place 3 stars because, unusual for English Heritage, there are no information boards on the site telling you about the place. I was told this was because it was difficult to find a suitable place for these as the Priory is actively used for Weddings etc. However I think a simple printed leaflet would surfice. Not everyone wants to buy a detailed guide book. The Manor House is a shell, empty with rooms being restored so you're really here for the beautiful Priory. The Pointed Arches along the Nave tell you this is Gothic Architecture, and it actually dates to 12th Century with restoration subsequently undertaken. An interesting Story around the Bell Sculpture in the garden. The story (perhaps more myth) goes that Scottish Raiders invaded the Priory however the Monks were able to hide. When they had gone, one monk chose to show his delight by ringing the Bell. The Scots heard the sound, returned to the Priory to slay all the Monks and cast the Bell into the river. The Bell has not been found, but its a good story. There is a Portaloo on site, no caffe but you can buy ice cream, sweets etc at the small...
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We visited at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon and were met by a very happy wedding party. It seems that weddings are held here frequently and so if you want to be able to enjoy the Priory without being worried about getting included in wedding photos it might be advisable to visit early, or during the week. It certainly didn't spoil our visit but had we only been here say 2-3pm we may not have been able to get inside the Priory.
The Mannor House has much of its plaster removed, which means that you can see many of the changes that have been made over the centuries. In one of the rooms there is a visual history folder with details about the site and its various owners. I would have loved to know more about the original Priory and also the history and development of the Mannor House, but we didn't see any information about either. There is a guide book for the site which might be worth checking out if you like to know the background.
The location is amazing and we may well go back to do some walks in the area and along the river.
The English Heritage staff were lovely and we can recommend this place as in interesting visit. We just would have liked to see a bit more information at key places...
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