A couple at the centre of controversy over a huge price hike at their planned wedding venue have finally tied the knot at an alternative location.
Brad and Elly Saunders made headlines in September last year when they spoke out over a £10,000 price rise for their planned wedding at the plush Matfen Hall country hotel in Northumberland.
The new owners of the hall, spa and golf course setting explained that following a refurbishment during the Covid lockdown wedding costs at the previous prices were no longer sustainable.
Amid a backlash of negative publicity, the luxury venue apologised “unreservedly” for any hurt caused by the shock increase in the bill and said the Newton Aycliffe couple’s big day could go ahead at the original price.
Read more: Aycliffe couple told to pay £10k or lose Matfen Hall wedding venue
But the damage was done and the couple said trust was lost with Matfen Hall, so they decided to seek an alternative location to celebrate their nuptials.
Although their deposit was refunded by Matfen Hall, several local suppliers whose services were cancelled by the couple were not able to make the same gesture.
Mr Saunders said a list of other suitable wedding sites was drawn up in the hope of staging the wedding at the same planned date.
But, as their efforts to find a fitting available venue at the right time appeared to be coming to nothing, the final “throw of the dice”, Sneaton Castle, at Whitby, came up trumps.
“We drew up a big list, but none could fit with our date and we were getting ready to cancel.
“Sneaton Castle was literally at the bottom of the list.
“We had not heard of it, but a friend recommended it, and when we saw it we fell in love with it.”
Although the date was slightly tweaked, the wedding went ahead successfully at the revised venue earlier this month.
Read more: Matfen Hall issues new statement after telling couples to pay £10k more
“We did have to pay for different suppliers nearer to the venue, but it went really well.
“We are kind of glad things happened like they did because it was a brilliant setting and they looked after us really well.”
A bonus for the Saunders came from Hartlepool wedding car business Kinnie & Kinnie, who read of the couple’s original saga with Matfen Hall and offered their services free of charge for the big day.
“I felt a bit embarrassed and declined at first, but they were insistent and provided us with two Bentleys, to take me and the groomsmen, down.
“It was great gesture and we’re very grateful to them.”
Following the wedding, at which young son Teo took centre stage walking with dad Brad down the aisle, the couple enjoyed a couple of nights away in the Lake District but are planning a full honeymoon at some time next year.
Read next:
Matfen Hall 'not good enough' say Newton Aycliffe couple after £10k U-turn
More couples hit out after Matfen Hall tells them to pay £10k or lose venue
Matfen Hall Spa Hotel to close for refurbishment
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