Set among 150 acres of rolling parkland just outside the historic city of Norwich, Dunston Hall is one of Norfolk’s most spectacular wedding venues. With its sweeping driveway, grand Elizabethan-style architecture, and top-tier hospitality, Dunston Hall offers a complete wedding experience — one that feels both luxurious and personal.
As JAM Duo, we’ve had the privilege of performing at weddings all across the UK, but Dunston Hall is a place that always stands out. The setting is magnificent, the staff are incredibly professional, and the atmosphere? It’s just right — whether you’re planning a romantic garden ceremony or a glamorous evening celebration. Every time we return, we’re reminded why it’s one of our favourite venues to play.
If you’re looking for a venue that blends tradition, charm, and modern comfort, Dunston Hall should be at the top of your list.
A Grand Yet Welcoming Setting
Approaching Dunston Hall, the first thing that hits you is the scale. The tree-lined driveway leads you up to an imposing red-brick mansion, complete with turrets, leaded windows, and ivy-covered walls. But despite its grandeur, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where guests feel instantly at ease, and where couples can let the moment truly sink in.
Inside, the interiors are a perfect mix of historic elegance and contemporary comfort. Think oak-panelled walls, high ceilings, chandeliers, and wide staircases made for dramatic bridal entrances. The venue offers multiple rooms for different parts of the day, and whether you’re planning for 20 guests or 250, there’s a space that fits.
Your Wedding, Your Way
Dunston Hall is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers a range of options for each part of your wedding day — from vows to reception.
Indoor Ceremonies
For indoor ceremonies, the Sunningdale Suite is a popular choice. Light and airy with large windows overlooking the grounds, it’s ideal for elegant, relaxed ceremonies. The Eaton Suite is another excellent option for more intimate weddings, offering a refined, traditional atmosphere.
As JAM Duo, we love performing during ceremonies in these spaces. The acoustics are beautiful, allowing the soft tones of cello and piano to fill the room naturally without overwhelming it. Whether it’s a modern classic like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or a traditional piece like Pachelbel’s Canon, our music adds a personal and emotional touch to the moment.
Outdoor Ceremonies
For those dreaming of an outdoor wedding, Dunston Hall delivers in style. The gardens and terrace areas provide a picture-perfect backdrop for open-air vows. There’s something magical about playing live music outdoors here — the birdsong, the breeze, the scent of flowers — it all adds to the romance. Our portable setup means we can perform anywhere on the grounds, from the terrace to the lawns.
Drinks, Dinner, and Dancing
After the ceremony, the celebrations continue with a drinks reception. This is where the music really helps set the mood. We typically provide a selection of light classical, jazz, or instrumental pop covers — perfect for mingling, photo-taking, and champagne toasts.
The drinks reception at Dunston Hall often takes place on the terrace or in the lounge bar area, both of which offer elegant yet comfortable settings for guests to unwind.
For the wedding breakfast, couples can choose between smaller private rooms or the elegant Marquee, which can host larger receptions of up to 250 guests. The marquee is situated in the garden and comes with its own bar, lighting, and dance floor — it’s a fantastic space for dining, speeches, and dancing late into the night.
We often play background music during the wedding breakfast, creating a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. It’s always rewarding to see guests tapping their feet, recognising a song, or coming over to say hello. Our repertoire spans everything from Bridgerton-style string arrangements to instrumental takes on Ed Sheeran, Adele, Coldplay, and more.
And of course, we’re happy to provide live music for your first dance. Whether you want a soft, romantic performance or something upbeat and joyful, we’ll tailor our performance to you. There’s nothing quite like a couple’s first dance to live cello and piano — it adds intimacy, elegance, and emotion in equal measure.
Why JAM Duo Love Performing at Dunston Hall
We’ve played at many beautiful venues, but Dunston Hall is genuinely one of our favourites — and here’s why:
- It’s logistically smooth. Easy access, great load-in points, and helpful staff make setting up quick and efficient.
- The venue team is top-notch. We always feel welcome and well-supported by the events team. They’re organised, professional, and genuinely care about making each wedding special.
- The setting suits live music perfectly. The combination of historic interiors, open spaces, and beautiful acoustics makes Dunston Hall ideal for live performance.
- Couples are happy. It might sound obvious, but happy couples and relaxed guests make for the best performances. Dunston Hall consistently delivers joyful, smooth-running weddings.
From a musical standpoint, the layout of Dunston Hall allows us to move easily between ceremony, drinks reception, and dinner without interrupting the flow of the day. We bring our own PA system and digital piano, so you don’t need to worry about equipment or logistics — we handle everything, discreetly and professionally.
A Few Unforgettable Moments
We’ll never forget one autumn wedding where the couple chose “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” as their exit music. We performed a slowed-down, emotional version on cello and keys, and by the final note, guests were on their feet cheering. The couple told us later it was their favourite moment of the day.
At a summer wedding, we performed outdoors while guests enjoyed cocktails on the lawn. The couple requested a mix of movie themes and 90s pop ballads — unusual, but it worked beautifully. The bride told us the music gave her guests “a sense of calm and happiness” before the big meal.
We’ve also had a few winter weddings in Dunston Hall’s richly decorated rooms, with Christmas trees in the background and candlelight filling the space. Playing festive classics with a romantic twist — think “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on cello — has made those weddings especially memorable.
A Complete Experience
Dunston Hall isn’t just a venue — it’s an experience. With an 18-hole golf course, a spa, swimming pool, and 166 bedrooms on-site, your guests can turn your wedding into a mini-getaway. For you and your partner, it means less stress and more time to focus on each other.
The hotel’s bridal suites are stunning, offering gorgeous views and plenty of space for getting ready. There’s a real sense of occasion in every part of the venue, from the grand staircase to the rose gardens.
And perhaps best of all, the in-house wedding team know exactly how to bring your vision to life. Whether you want a classic English wedding, something quirky and creative, or a blend of cultural traditions, the staff are flexible, attentive, and full of ideas.
Contact Details for Dunston Hall Weddings
If you’re interested in booking your wedding at Dunston Hall, here’s how to get in touch:
Dunston Hall Hotel
Ipswich Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 8PQ
📞 01603 810 961
📧 events753@theelitevenueselection.co.uk
🌐 www.dunstonhallhotel.co.uk
Wedding showrounds are available by appointment, and we highly recommend visiting in person — the photos don’t do it justice!
Book JAM Duo for Your Dunston Hall Wedding
If you’ve already chosen Dunston Hall (or are thinking about it), we’d love to help make your day even more special with bespoke live music.
JAM Duo is a professional cello and piano duo providing elegant, emotive music for weddings across the UK. We perform during ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts, and first dances — offering tailored setlists and a flexible setup that fits any venue.
We’d be delighted to be part of your celebration at Dunston Hall.