With an ever-increasing concern about public health and changing coronavirus restrictions on a regular basis, a Tynedale hotel says same-sex couples are increasingly taking up its weddings option.

The Civil Partnership Act (2004), which came into force in December 2005, gave civil partnerships the same status as civil marriages.

Having been the first venue in Northumberland to stage civil marriages in 1995, Langley was proud to announce it was very well-suited to step up to the mark for same-sex couples.

Now, 15 years later, it has again led the way, showing how weddings for two can be staged in an interpretation of the fairy tale castle wedding, during Covid-19 restrictions.

One same-sex couple who recently married at Langley Castle are Jason and Craig.

Langley Castle’s executive general manager, Margaret Livingstone-Evans, said: “Our recent wedding with Jason and Craig was typical of so many of our same-sex Wedding for Two celebrations – moving, sincere and intimate.

“For anyone happy to make the day all about the essence of what a wedding should be, free from the wider friends and family celebrations, it cannot be beaten when it comes to memorability, mindfulness and extraordinarily special moments.

Langley Castle advertises its weddings as “intimate, pure, emotionally charged and the ultimate celebration of two people’s love”.

“It is a commitment to each other, rather than a debt that needs to be serviced for years, being available for £1895, including a three-night honeymoon stay and dining, or £1520 for wedding, two-night stay and dining.”

For those tired of waiting to tie the knot, or those wanting to seize the day and become a married couple, Langley insists it is the perfect low-risk choice.

The couple arrive at Langley Castle’s mesmerising drawing room, having walked the red carpet to the front door.

There, their loved one is illuminated by light cascading from chandeliers and viewed with the backdrop of a stunning picture window framed with massive drapes.

Champagne and canapés are then served in one of the castle’s romantic window seats, set into its seven-foot walls, unless the couple prefers to curl up on a sofa or in front of the roaring log fire.

When it comes to the photographs, there are lawns, 10-acres of woodland grounds and romantic paths to explore across Langley’s estate. Couples can also take to the hugely impressive battlements and be as dramatic as they wish.