COMFY AND COSY ARE WE

https://claralouphotography.co.uk WINTER VENUES

Take a tour of the region’s cosiest winter venues

THE MERE GOLF RESORT & SPA

01565 830 155 | https://themereresort.co.uk

Nestled in the heart of undulating Cheshire countryside and 150 acres of parkland, The Mere Golf Resort and Spa offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. Arriving at the archway only begins to hint at the grandeur to follow, and only when you pass through it does the resort unveil the full extent of its magnificence. Built in 1934, the grounds provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding photography, and feature idyllic views of the Mere Lake, the historical Mere arch and the golf course.

The Riley Room is ideal for an intimate ceremony accompanied by 60 guests, and is home to 60 unique artworks by local artist, Harold Riley.

For much bigger guests lists, you can marry and celebrate in The James Braid Suite, which has a capacity of 550. It boasts views over The Mere Lake and comes complete with its own private entrance, exclusive reception area and bars. Alternatively, The George Duncan Suite is an option for reception numbers of 120. It too has its own private entrance, plus lounge area and separate bar.

As the newlyweds, you’ll be treated to a complimentary stay in the Queen Suite on the night of your wedding.

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CREWE HALL

01270 253 333 | www.crewehallcheshire.co.uk

You take a step back in time when you host your wedding day at Crewe Hall, a stunning Grade I listed Jacobean mansion complete with wow factor. With opulent interiors, landscaped gardens and period-style bedrooms there’s so much to take in. But despite being a historical gem, Crewe Hall hasn’t skimped on the 21st-century comforts, as you can also kick back with an expert treatment in the spa or plunge into the heated indoor pool.

The Long Gallery is the largest room in the main hall and is bathed in Jacobean history. With a central fireplace and large windows overlooking the landscaped grounds, it’s a magnificent setting and can accommodate 200 for the ceremony, 180 for your wedding breakfast, and 200 for the evening do.

The Drawing Room is an elegant space thanks to its intricate carved stone and oak work. It can host 120 for the “I dos,” 70 for the wedding breakfast and 80 for the evening.

The Continental Suite is ideal for larger weddings and one of its many benefits is its bar and entertainment area. There’s space here for 300 ceremony guests, 280 dining and 360 evening revellers.

Moving toward the more intimate spaces, the Great Library has large windows overlooking the lawn providing the perfect lighting and an air of romance. The ceiling design is exquisite and will complement any theme. Here you can invite 90 guests to join you for the ceremony and 50 for the wedding breakfast.

Finally, the Carved Parlour. An intimate, opulent and ornate room, it offers a spectacular setting for 60 ceremony and 30 dining guests.

PECKFORTON CASTLE

01829 260 930 | www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk

This enchanting castle, with its captivating architecture, steeped in history will truly delight you and your guests. Along with a magical backdrop for pictures and videos, all combined with delicious award-winning food and drink, and impeccable service, you’ll be the only wedding at the Castle allowing you to enjoy your fairytale of a day in complete privacy.

There are a wealth of options here beginning with the Great Hall. Imagine saying your marriage vows with the sun streaming through the stained-glass windows, a string quartet playing on the Minstrel’s Gallery, the fire glowing in the background and candlelight reflecting off the Minton Hollins tiled floor. Here you can host 165 loved ones for your ceremony and 120 for the wedding breakfast.

The Hexagonal Room has two working fireplaces and a vaulted stone ceiling. At the apex you’ll see a carved stone with the Tollemache family grace – “At dinner and supper, morning and night, give thanks unto God for his gifts.” Here you can seat 80 for your ceremony and wedding breakfast.

The Library boasts tall, imposing windows and the addition of flowers and candles turns the room into a magnificent setting with plenty of ambience. It can host 30 for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. Another intimate space is the Wine Cellar, tucked away in the heart of the Castle offering an elegant and rustic ambience quite unlike anywhere you’ll have been before. It can accommodate 40 for the vows and 80 for dining.

Finally, for your ceremony you have the option to say “I do” in The Chapel. Built in 1848 and set inside the fortified walls, it’s the perfect place for your religious blessing or renewal of vows (not available for civil ceremonies) and the local minister will be happy to officiate.

www.sansomphotography.co.uk

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MOTTRAM HALL

01625 828 135 | www.champneys.com/hotels/mottram-hall

Mottram Hall is an elegant 18th-century late Georgian country house hotel set in 270 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside. Located in the heart of Cheshire within easy driving distance of Manchester and surrounding villages, it’s easily accessible for your guests. Plus, the picture-perfect rose gardens and stunning lake offer an idyllic setting for any wedding day.

Ceremonies are held in the St Andrews Suite or during the summer months, outside among the glorious gardens. The grounds also offer a wonderful setting for your couple portraits and while you’re off with your photographer, you can rest assured knowing your guests are well looked after at your drinks reception. Prosecco is included in every package, but you’re welcome to upgrade to champage or an alternative.

Receptions too are hosted in the St Andrews Suite where there is ample space for 90 loved ones to join you for your wedding breakfast, with 150 guests for the evening bash.

Three months prior to your big day, you’ll be invited to dine in the AA rosette awarded Carrington Grill for your complimentary menu tasting and a stay in the luxurious bridal suite is included in every package. Your guests too can stay the night of the wedding as there are 120 beautifully appointed bedrooms at the hotel.

www.mattpriestley.co.uk

ARLEY HALL AND GARDENS

01565 777 353 | www.arleyhallandgardens.com

Arley is an oh-so romantic wedding venue perfect for grand occasions, civil ceremonies and small intimate celebrations. Located at the centre of a 2,000 acre country estate, it boasts a beautiful morning preparations suite, breathtaking wedding spaces and on-site weddingnight accommodation. The venue can be intimate and peaceful or full of grandeur, the choice is yours.

The gardens here are outstanding and are reknowned 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 the pleached lime tree avenue are particularly photogenic.

Ceremonies take place either in the Hall with its lavish ceiling, 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.