GLORIOUS GARDENS

Our roundup of the region’s most verdant venues

KNOWSLEY HALL

0151 489 4827 | www.knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk

From the moment you enter this private estate, which is home to the Earl and Countess of Derby, you’ll find yourself captivated. Steeped in history, the Hall has welcomed royalty and distinguished visitors since it opened its doors in 1495. Although indisputably grand, it nevertheless offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere thanks to the dedicated house staff who will ensure you have a memorable day.

You have the option to exchange vows in the Stucco Ballroom with its beautiful gold encrusted ceiling, witnessed by 132 loved ones; or more intimately in the Walnut Drawing Room, which overlooks the lake, accompanied by 30 nearest and dearest.

The impressive State Dining Room, hung with family portraits and an antique gold chandelier, can host wedding breakfasts for 132 guests. You can then move through to the Stucco Ballroom for the evening bash along with 200 loved ones. The Walnut Drawing Room is also available once more for your reception drinks and as a relaxing chill space away from the mayhem of the dancefloor.

The venue offers a complimentary menu tasting and a luxury honeymoon suite on the night of your wedding.

https://hervephotography.co.uk

THE GARDENS

Set among 2,500 acres of private parkland, the Hall offers stunning views of its manicured gardens, and the terrace overlooks a beautiful lake complete with running fountain. Plus, the walled garden is the perfect spot to capture your couple shots on the big day.

www.stevegroganphotography.com www.martinpawlett.co.uk

CAPESTHORNE HALL

01625 861 221 | www.capesthorne.com

Capesthorne Hall is a beautiful, family-owned Jacobean stately home, overlooking three lakes and stunning formal gardens. The rooms of the Main Hall boast a wealth of period features, including chandeliers, feature fireplaces, ornate Italian paintings and sculptures, offering a grand setting for your special day.

The venue is licensed to hold civil ceremonies in the Drawing Room, Queen Anne Room, contemporary Lakeside Wing with elevated views over the gardens, as well as outside in the Courtyard and Lakeside Gazebo. Maximum capacity inside the Hall is 100, whereas in the Lakeside Wing it’s 160.

Drinks receptions are held in the Saloon, where you can enjoy views over the West Lawn across to the woodland beyond. If the weather is fine, guests can wander outside onto the terrace, which runs along the back of the Main Hall. Evening receptions take place in the Lakeside Wing, which can accommodate 180.

The venue offers a complimentary night’s stay in South Tower cottage for your wedding night

THE GARDENS

Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, the beautiful grounds surrounding the Hall include formal gardens, lakes, woodland and parkland. The ornate lakeside gazebo provides a gorgeous al fresco wedding setting with the tree-lined avenue leading to it creating a natural aisle for your big entrance.

www.lesleymereditch.co.uk

THORNTON MANOR ESTATE & GARDENS

0151 353 1155 | www.thorntonmanor.co.uk

Standing proudly in the village of Thornton Hough, the historical Thornton Manor Estate is set among an oasis of rural calm and beautiful countryside. Built for Charles William Potts and occupied by the late Lord Leverhulme, the Manor itself is a Grade II listed Elizabethan-style property built in the middle of the 19th century and exudes enchantment and charm.

The Music Room, adorned with spectacular panelling, elaborate plasterwork and period paintings by Giovanni Cipriana, will take your breath away. It can host both your ceremony and your reception. Also available for both parts of the day is The Dining Room, an early Georgianinspired space that overlooks a lime tree avenue. The venue has capacity for up to 200 guests. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Lady Lever Bedroom complimentary on the night of your wedding.

THE GARDENS

The Manor is surrounded by 120 acres of exquisite parkland and landscaped gardens designed by the acclaimed Thomas Mawson. Features like the lakes, meadows, woodland dells and the hand-carved bridge make for a truly stunning backdrop to your big day. The Lime Tree Avenue in particular is a favourite spot among couples for capturing those allimportant couple shots.

ARLEY HALL & GARDEN

01565 777 353 | www.arleyhallandgardens.com

Arley’s beauty is in its charm and intimacy. This impressive Victorian Hall, built in the Elizabethan style is a place of enormous character and interest. Visitors are frequently struck by the warm atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home.

Ceremonies take place either in the Hall with its lavish ceilings, elaborate carvings and stained-glass windows, in the gardens or in the Cruck Barn. The former is also able to host your celebrations, as is the Olympia Barn. Recommended capacity for a sit-down meal at round tables is 100.

THE GARDENS

Arley’s gardens are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest. They’ve been lovingly created over the last 250 years by successive generations of the same family and offer a blend of traditional design and inspired modern ideas. The stunning herbaceous border provides a wonderful backdrop for al fresco ceremonies, and quercus ilex columns along with pleached lime tree avenue are particularly photogenic.

www.shanewebber.com www.stevejayphotography.co.uk

THE OAK TREE OF PEOVER

01565 723 337 | www.oaktreeofpeover.co.uk

The Oak Tree of Peover is a beautiful, rustic, oak-framed barn-style wedding venue set in the heart of Cheshire. It comes ready dressed with fairylights and foliage spiraling up to the ceiling. Wedding parties also have use of the open fire during the colder months.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of the The Ladybird Room offer picturesque views over the grounds and it can host 100 for your vows. The Acorn Room is also available for ceremonies, with a capacity of 108. Its foliage and fairylight decoration, plus a long aisle make for a grand bridal entrance. Finally, the Outdoor Pavilion offers you the opportunity to be closer to nature when exchanging your vows. It offers comfy seating inside for the wedding party, while up to 108 guests can take their seats on the handmade oak benches and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The Ladybird and Acorn Rooms can also host your wedding breakfast, with space for 70 and 108 guests respectively. The former is the perfect space for your evening disco with ample space for a DJ or band and dancefloor.

THE GARDENS

The venue is surrounded by stunning countryside views, which can be enjoyed from a large terrace overlooking the lawn and pond area. Plus, there’s ample seating alongside two firepit tables where guests can relax in the evening.