SPOTLIGHT ON GREATER MANCHESTER

HYDE BANK FARM, SK6 4DX

01614 303 582 | www.hydebankfarm.co.uk

Dating back to 1655 is the Grade II listed Hyde Bank Farm. The stone barn has a rich history and once belonged to Anne Hyde, the Duchess of York, who married James II. Lovingly converted and furnished to a high quality with oak beams, stone walls and heaps of character, the property is situated within acres of rich countryside and is the perfect setting to take those all-important photographs. CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The Ann Hyde Suite is a gorgeous space that’s overflowing with character, with a fully licensed bar and room for 110 guests during the day and 150 in the evening.

Alternatively, the New Lounges, which have feature windows that showcase the grounds, has space for 150 loved ones.

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Couples will receive exclusive use of the property and the services of a wedding coordinator who will help ensure the day is planned to perfection.

THE RED HALL HOTEL, BL9 5NA

01706 822 476 | www.red-hall.co.uk

The Red Hall Hotel has recently been refurbished and boasts luxurious bedrooms, an impressive honeymoon suite and a restaurant that’s available for pre-wedding celebrations. Inside is a modern and contemporary décor, and outside is a garden terrace that overlooks the hills and is the perfect spot for an outdoor drinks reception.

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The Holcombe Suite, which is the largest function room, is decorated in neutral tones with chandeliers and soft lighting and is capable of holding 120 loved ones for the ceremony and meal and 150 for the evening celebration.

Small celebrations are held in the Peel Suite, a contemporary space with lots of natural light and room for 70 guests for the service, 50 for a sit-down meal and 80 for the reception.

www.julesfortunephotography.com

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Newlyweds will receive a complimentary menu tasting when booking either the Crystal or Platinum packages and a free anniversary stay with the Platinum option.

www.jennyappleton.co.uk

THE PORTICO LIBRARY, M2 3HY

0161 236 6785 | www.theportico.org.uk

One of the few surviving Georgian buildings in central Manchester still serving its original purpose is The Portico Library. This striking Grade II* listed building was designed in a Neoclassical Greek revival style and includes impressive original Greek-style columns and classical stone steps. Inside the enchanting rooms is more than 200 years of history and culture, with a spectacular painted glass dome ceiling surrounded by original Regency-period floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The gallery space features a working wind dial, mural portraits of Milton and Shakespeare and a clock face created by the Big Ben clockmakers. CELEBRATE IN STYLE

Weddings for up to 30 guests take place in the historic Reading Room, followed by a drinks reception under the painted glass dome ceiling.

The venue is unable to host receptions due to limited kitchen facilities, but it’s perfect for gorgeous ceremonies.

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ELIZABETH GASKELL’S HOUSE, M13 9LW

01612 732 215 | www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is a Grade II* listed restored Victorian property that once belonged to the writer, Elizabeth Gaskell. Built between 1835 and 1841, it’s now surrounded by a beautiful garden oasis and a short driveway that leads to the pillared entrance. Guests are welcome to explore the gardens, which have planted borders, winding paths, a heavily scented pergola and native planting schemes. There’s a range of period rooms available for ceremonies from the cosy, book-lined study to the Drawing Room where Elizabeth and her family used to entertain writers such as Charlotte Brontë and Charles Dickens.

www.maddiefarrisphotography.co.uk

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Ceremonies can be held in the Drawing Room, which can accommodate 35 guests.

Receptions and wedding breakfasts take place in the light and airy basement Servant’s Hall. The house kitchen is available for outside caterers or the staff can arrange a drinks reception or afternoon tea with up to 35 friends and family.

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The venue’s boudoir grand piano, Victorian furnishings and furniture that can be arranged to suit the couple’s requirements.

WEDDINGS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER, M13 9PL

01612 752 675 | www.manchester.ac.uk/weddings

The University of Manchester is made up of several properties, all of which can be used for weddings. Manchester Museum, Christie’s Library and Whitworth Hall centre around the Old Quadrangle, a beautifully maintained courtyard with space for private parking and drinks receptions. Dating back to 1873, these neo-Gothic properties were designed by the famous architect, Alfred Waterhouse and his son.

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Whitworth Hall has an impressive stained-glass window, a fully-working organ, a hammer-beam ceiling and room for 650 guests for the ceremony and 360 for the wedding breakfast.

Alternatively, the Whitworth Council Chamber can be used. This area is suitable for intimate services and boasts wooden panelling, wrought iron chandeliers and quirky seating, with space for 130 loves ones for the service and 50 for the meal.

The Fossils Gallery in Manchester Museum is home to many prehistoric objects, including Stan, the T-Rex, who watches over all the ceremonies. It’s capable of holding 100 nearest and dearest for the vows and 80 for the evening celebration.

Receptions can take place in Christie’s Bistro, a large space that can be downsized to create three smaller areas if required, with room for 160 friends and family for the wedding breakfast and 250 for the party.

The Living Worlds Gallery in Manchester Museum can also be used for up to 120 guests. Home to a wide variety of stuffed animals, including Billy, the oldest horse in the world, and a skeleton of a baby sperm whale that’s suspended from the ceiling.

www.christianallenphotography.com