The Byirs, a brand-new venue, will officially open on February 1 and 2 with two showcase days at Pow Hill Country Park, Edmundbyers.
The Irwin family, from left: Paul, Margaret, Sam and Anna (Image: The Byirs) The land itself has been owned by the Irwin family since 2014. They previously owned and managed The Boat Shack Cafe on-site until it closed in 2023.
READ MORE: Luxury dog hotel opens on 250 acres of Northumberland farmland
The views over Derwent Reservoir (Image: The Byirs) Husband and wife Paul and Margaret own the business with their son, Sam and his wife, Anna, who welcomed their daughter Savanna four months ago.
Couples can choose an indoor or outdoor ceremony and the venue boasts a recently renovated barn dating back to the 16th century, which has been ‘transformed into a rustic but modern ceremony space that oozes character and charm’, the owners said.
The Derwent Reservoir (Image: The Byirs) Wedding manager Anna will liaise with all couples interested in celebrating their wedding at The Byirs.
Sam said: “It’s all family-run and you won’t get passed from pillar to post. Anna will be on the emails and cooperate with everyone.
The indoor ceremony space (Image: The Byirs) “The meaning of the word Byirs is ‘by the Irwins’. It’s in a stunning location, private but also personable.”
The Boat Shack Cafe was based in a container so the family applied for planning permission to create a new stone building and make it into a wedding venue.
Outdoor ceremonies are available (Image: The Byirs) The new building has a full glass front to maximise views over the Derwent Reservoir and Sam said they describe it as like ‘being on your own private island because all you can see is water’.
Colin’s Bar, which honours Sam’s grandfather (Image: The Byirs)“The venue has been adapted to suit the location and make the most of it, no matter what the weather or the season you’re not missing out on the views of the reservoir.
The Byirs is on private land owned by the Irwins (Image: The Byirs) “It’s a location like no other. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that is personable, on private grounds, surrounded by water and countryside, we’re the wedding venue for you.”
Sam explained they closed The Boat Shack because they always intended to open a wedding venue.
The Wilkinson suite (Image: The Byirs) “The Boat Shack was just a stepping stone and when we decided it was time to flip the switch and get going on the wedding venue, we were in a position to do it.”
The Byirs’ showcase days will run from noon until 4pm, to offer couples the chance to see what a wedding can look like at the venue.
The outdoor pagoda (Image: The Byirs) “From appointments we’ve already had, people are amazed at the scenery here and how as a family we can tailor their wedding and customise it how they want it. We’ve tried to think of everything down to the feeling of the rooms, with chandeliers and luxurious furnishings so people feel comfortable.”
The outdoor ceremony area is set in its own paddock (Image: The Byirs) The Byirs has a honeymoon suite, a main venue, multiple ceremony areas both indoor and outdoor, a ceremony byre with a grand fireplace and dressing rooms for couples to stay the night before the wedding.
The Byirs is set in Pow Hill Country Park (Image: The Byirs) Customers can book private appointments for a tour of the site.
For more information, go to The Byirs’ brochure at https://www.thebyirs.com or email hello@thebyirs.com.