KNOWSLEY & ST HELENS Spotlight on…

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

KNOWSLEY HALL

0151 489 4827 | www.knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk

Knowsley Hall is steeped in history and still retains its original features with its marble fireplaces, and carved wood panelling. The rooms are filled with original works of art and cherished antiques, and although grand the Hall feels welcoming and homely with a selection of smaller rooms to relax in, dressed in beautiful soft furnishings.

Grade II listed, the Hall’s origins can be traced back to 1495 and is a fascinating structure boasting a classic Georgian façade. The stately home is surrounded by 2,500 acres of beautiful private parkland maintained by a team of gardeners. The manicured gardens are quite breathtaking and can be admired from the terrace, which is a perfect spot for drinks and canapés.

The Stucco Ballroom is where most of the ceremonies at Knowsley Hall take place, holding up to 132 guests. The Walnut Drawing Room is ideal for more intimate “I dos” with up to 30 guests, overlooking the gardens and lake.

The Celebrations

Wedding receptions can be hosted in the State Dining Room, which has ample space for 132 nearest and dearest. The Stucco Ballroom is the perfect spot for evening celebrations, as you’re joined by 180 loved ones. The Walnut Drawing Room on the other is ideal for reception drinks, and offers a relaxed room during the evening for friends and family to chat. The venue offers complimentary private menu and wine tasting, along with a luxury honeymoon suite on the night of the wedding.

Mercure

ST HELENS

01744 453 444 | www.mercuresthelens.com

Mercure St Helens Hotel, located in the heart of St Helens, can cater for weddings small and intimate, to large and spectacular. Choose from a variety of packages starting from £1,995 or let the team tailor-make your special day to be just the way you’ve dreamed it.

Where To Wed

There’s a choice of spots for your ceremony and celebrations. The Chalon Suite gives you the option to host just your “I dos” as 180 nearest and dearest look on, or your whole day for 120 guests. The Pyramid Suite is designed to give the wow factor to your nuptials with an impressive high glass ceiling, a private bar and two dancefloors. It can play host to 220 loved ones for the wedding breakfast and 300 for the big bash.

ST HELENS TOWN HALL

01744 676 789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk/marriage

This stunning Victorian structure hosts a multitude of beautiful features that will make your special day perfect. A building of timeless elegance, it offers a memorable place to say “I do.”

THE “I DOS”

The stunning Ceremony Room, with its wood panelling and period features can hold up to 60 loved ones and is available Monday to

Saturday. For larger parties, the Council Chamber with its historical décor will comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests. This is available Fridays and Saturdays.

The Celebrations

The Main Hall provides a superb setting for wedding breakfasts and evening receptions. It can play host to 120 guests for a wedding breakfast and 150 for the evening do. It’s equipped with a bar and is licensed to sell and serve alcohol until 1am.

THE BARN AT YEW TREE FARM

0151 488 6625 | www.thebarnatyewtreefarm.co.uk

Set on the rural outskirts of Liverpool, this family-run working farm can be found nestled among 25 acres of greenbelt countryside. The 300-yearold barn has been sensitively renovated to maintain its rustic charm and simple elegance. Connecting to this is a new timber clad extension, which is home to the bar and lounge area to add a touch of comfort and sophistication.

From the large windows of The Barn, you’ll see that it stands within a working farmyard and surrounded by green fields where the alpacas and sheep graze. It has its own private, lawned area where guests can enjoy a drink and relax in the evening sun. The farm provides an array of rustic and industrial backdrops as well as the vast open spaces of the fields.

THE “I DOS”

The 300-year-old Meadow Barn with high ceilings, exposed brick and original wooden beams offers your day the ultimate wow factor for 80 of your loved ones.

Alternatively, The Orchard Room is the perfect space for intimate ceremonies witnessed by 20 nearest and dearest. It’s closed off by grand wooden barn doors, while the bifold doors open fully to lead into the private garden, letting the outside in.

The Celebrations

The Meadow Barn is also the location for receptions. It can be set up for 80 diners with traditional round tables or with charming wooden trestle tables banqueting style. The interior doors open up, allowing the room to flow through into the Orchard Room and spacious bar.

The mezzanine allows for a great viewpoint for guests and photographers alike. It can host 140 for the evening do.

The venue offers a free wine tasting session for its couples.

Totally Wicked Stadium

01744 455 086 | www.totallywickedstadium.com

The Totally Wicked Stadium is the newest purpose-built Rugby League stadium in the country, and is situated in the heart of the North West. This modern facility with spacious suites is capable of catering for weddings of any size, big or small.

THE “I DOS”

All of the venue’s various spaces are licensed to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships, while some even boast panoramic views of the pitch. From the historical Eric Ashton Boardroom, which holds up to 150 guests to the modern features of The Premier Lounge, able to host the same number, the suites here are sure to complement any theme.

The Celebrations

The Eric Ashton Boardroom, named after legendary former player, coach, director and chairman, offers a one-of-a-kind intimate wedding breakfast space for 40 nearest and dearest.

The Stapleton Derby Premier Lounge is located on the second floor of the South Stand. It boasts fabulous panoramic views of the pitch offering an abundance of natural daylight. The contemporary space is also suited to any theme and can accommodate 180 with its own bar and facilities.

The Hall of Fame, also to be found on the second floor of the South Stand, is a mirror image of its sister suite with floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s also furnished with the portraits of more than 40 St Helens RFC legends as well as a huge mural depicting an image of every member of the Hall of Fame stretching the full length of the room, lending it a unique feel.

The 1873 Lounge is the venue’s largest suite based on the first floor. It’s ideal for larger wedding parties of up to 320 guests.

For true rugby fans, the venue offers exclusive pitch-side access with view of the world famous Red V and access to the First Team changing rooms.

Houghwood Golf

01744 894 754 (option 1) | www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Houghwood Golf is located in an exceptional spot offering panoramic views over the Lancashire Plain and Welsh Hills, complete with several stunning backdrops for photographs. The sweeping drive through the golf course leads to the stone-built clubhouse complete with terrace and mature, colourful shrubbery framing the 18th green.

Where To Wed

With a reputation for fine food served in elegant surroundings the venue offers exclusive use of the first-floor restaurant for weddings, which is spacious and sumptuously decorated to a high standard. The room has plenty of natural daylight with windows overlooking the golf course on both sides, and has access to a large balcony. It can accommodate 120 for the wedding breakfast, and 180 for the evening bash. The restaurant is also licensed for ceremonies as is the Richard Valentine Lounge for 50 guests, wonderful for intimate and exclusive weddings.

There are many special features offered to the two of you for your big day, including photographs by the lake and surrounding garden area. The team will also give you a warm, red-carpet welcome with a glass of champagne on arrival. Courteous, efficient and experienced staff along with a dedicated toastmaster are on hand throughout the day to ensure events run smoothly.

As a first anniversary gift, you’ll be offered a dinner and half bottle of champagne in the Fairways Restaurant with the venue’s compliments.