Welcome to Swanley Meadows Swanley Meadows is the perfect choice for a dream wedding in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Nestled at the foot of Bosley Cloud, beside the tranquil River Dane and surrounded by rural charm, our venue offers elegant luxury for your special day. Available exclusively from May to September each year, Swanley Meadows provides a stunning and unforgettable backdrop for both grand celebrations and intimate ceremonies.
History
Swanley Meadows is hidden away at the bottom of founder Jenny's family farm, situated in North Rode, a charming village in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. The farm, a former dairy operation, was purchased by her grandparents in the 1950s.
Arrival
As you arrive at Swanley Meadows, you'll be guided down a winding track that leads you to a hidden paradise. Emerging from the tree line, four stunning giant-hat tipis unfold before you, framed by sweeping views of the Bosley Cloud; a dramatic backdrop and unique setting for your special event.
Ceremony area Imagine your perfect wedding ceremony set beneath the majestic canopy of a 200 year old beech tree, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. The grand tree offers a natural, awe-inspiring backdrop, whether enhanced with additional decor or left in its unadorned splendour. This timeless setting combines natural beauty with a sense of tranquillity, making it the ideal place for a memorable and intimate wedding ceremony.
Saying “I do” Swanley Meadows is an ideal venue for every type of ceremony. It’s fully licensed for civil ceremonies with Cheshire East Registration Service through Your Ceremony, and just a stone's throw from several charming churches and places of worship. For those seeking a unique touch, we also warmly welcome celebrant-led ceremonies, including special options like sand ceremonies or handfasting.
Drinks reception Following your ceremony, our expert bar team, The Cheshire Bar Hire Co, will be ready to serve your guests reception drinks from our stylish airstream bar. As guests savour their beverages, your chosen caterer can delight them with a selection of delicious canapés, designed to whet their appetites for the meal to come. This flexible and seamless service ensures a sophisticated and enjoyable start to your celebration, setting the stage for a memorable and elegant event at Swanley Meadows.
The Cheshire Bar Hire Co. at Swanley Meadows
The Cheshire Bar Hire Co. offers a fully customisable drink service tailored to your exact needs, including: Cash bar options Bar tabs Bespoke-crafted cocktails Exclusive drink packages Drink tokens Signature "wedding favour shots" Option to bring your own reception and wedding breakfast beverages Sourcing your favourite drink if it's not already on the menu Whether you’re looking for a unique cocktail experience or classic bar service, the team are here to make every detail perfect for your day.
Tree planting At Swanley Meadows, we offer the unique option to include a ceremonial tree planting as part of your wedding celebration. Your chosen tree will be lovingly nurtured, and you’re welcome to visit it any time, creating a lasting, living symbol of your love story.
Flexbility at its finest At Swanley Meadows, we believe your special day should be uniquely yours. Unlike many venues, we strive to say "yes" more than "no," offering you the freedom to personalise every detail. You’re welcome to choose a caterer who fits your vision, though we’re happy to recommend trusted suppliers if you’d like guidance. Most caterers will provide essentials like linens, crockery, and cutlery for a faultless experience. Our versatile tipi setup can be tailored to your style, and we’ll work closely with you to bring your ideas to life. And because we’re a dog-friendly venue, your fourlegged family members are welcome to join in the celebration too - because everyone should be part of the fun!
Photo opportunities Swanley Meadows offers numerous picturesque photo opportunities to capture the essence of your special day. Imagine stunning group shots beneath the 200 year old beech tree, with its expansive branches providing a natural and timeless backdrop. The wildflower meadow, with its vibrant blooms and natural charm, offers a whimsical and colourful setting for beautiful and candid moments. For a more intimate touch, you can sneak away to the serene banks of the River Dane, where the tranquil waters and lush surroundings create a perfect scene for romantic and reflective photos. Each location provides its own unique charm, ensuring a diverse and memorable collection of wedding photographs.
Endless space, tailored to you
Indoor
The four giant hat tipis at Swanley Meadows provide a stunning and versatile space for your celebration. These striking structures can be seamlessly adapted to suit your needs, accommodating up to 150 guests for a seated dinner and up to 200 for a reception. If the weather requires it, there’s ample space inside the tipis to host your ceremony under cover, ensuring that your special moments are protected from the elements. The tipis can be sectioned off into distinct areas to suit your event's needs, allowing you to create a lively dancefloor, a cosy chill-out zone, and a dedicated space for an indoor bar. Additionally, a generously sized catering tent is available for your chosen caterers, ensuring flawless service and flexibility. This adaptable layout lets you craft a personalised and memorable experience for your guests.
Audio visuals Our venue hire includes enchanting ambient indoor fairy lights and stylish outdoor festoon lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your event. If you’d like to enhance the lighting even further, we’d be delighted to collaborate with our trusted local partners to tailor the atmosphere exactly to your vision. Whether you're imagining additional uplighting, spotlights, or other effects, we’ll ensure your space is beautifully illuminated.
We include a full, state-of-the-art in-house PA system, so your band or DJ is fully supported. Bands are very welcome, provided they’re happy to play through our zone array system. If your DJ or band doesn’t bring their own party lighting, our trusted partners can arrange this for you. We’ll seamlessly coordinate with your chosen suppliers and ours to ensure a flawless experience and a memorable event.
Floor plan
We collaborate with you to design a floor plan that complements your guest count and enhances your unique style. Choose from a selection of long and round tables to create the perfect layout for your space.
Outdoor At Swanley Meadows, the expansive field space offers endless flexibility for your celebration, allowing you to tailor the day to your wishes. The open, versatile landscape can accommodate a variety of activities, from a lively outdoor reception and lawn games to a serene picnic.
Whether you envision a whimsical fairytale setup or interactive entertainment, the field can be transformed to reflect your unique style and preferences, providing a customisable canvas for creating memorable experiences.
Execution & styling
We’re thrilled to be working alongside Florence & Vera Events - experts in creating seamless, stylish, and truly memorable weddings. With years of experience and an eye for detail, they’re here to help coordinate your day to perfection, ensuring everything runs beautifully behind the scenes so you can focus on soaking up every moment. Need extra support? Florence & Vera offer a range of additional services, including: Styling packages - Elegant, thoughtful, and affordable On-the-day styling help - Already have décor? They’ll help set it all up Full Wedding Planning - From concept to completion, they’ve got it covered Whether you need a little help or a lot, Florence & Vera are here to make the journey to your wedding day effortless and enjoyable.
Wild Canvas Wedding Crèche at Swanley Meadows A unique service providing care and entertainment for little guests during your special day. The crèche offers a safe, creative, natural and fun space for kids of all ages to relish, allowing parents and guests to relax and fully enjoy the celebrations. The Wild Canvas Team: 2 highly qualified childcare practitioners Over 25 years experience working with children All staff DBS checked Paediatric first aid trained
Wild Canvas Wedding Crèche at Swanley Meadows The Wild Canvas Wedding Crèche provides: Bespoke packages for each special day A beautifully decorated dedicated bell tent for the kids Age-appropriate outdoor activities, games, and natural crafts An imagination zone and creative station A keepsake photo book created by the children to capture their special moments A team who are no strangers to the great outdoors!
Sundown
When the sun sets at Swanley Meadows, the venue transforms into a magical wonderland, enveloped in a soft, enchanting glow. The landscape is beautifully illuminated by stunning lights that cast a warm, inviting radiance over the entire area. Cosy fires are thoughtfully placed around the space, creating intimate pockets of warmth where guests can gather and enjoy the evening. As the night unfolds, the atmosphere becomes alive with music, whether from your chosen DJ or band, setting the perfect tone for a lively party. The combination of twinkling lights, the gentle crackle of fires, and the rhythm of your favourite tunes creates an unforgettable setting, blending elegance and comfort for a truly memorable celebration under the stars. Music and the bar service end at midnight when guests retire to their glamping accommodation or summon their carriages.
Onsite accommodation
The Hideaway at Swanley Meadows
A FLEXIBLE SPACEYOUR OWN Whether you're looking for a beautifully designed space to get ready with your favourite people, a peaceful retreat during the celebrations, a luxurious place to stay the night, or all three, The Hideaway adapts effortlessly to your plans. PRIVATE BATHROOM & SHOWER The Hideaway features its own beautifully appointed bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower, complimentary toiletries and soft, fluffy towels, providing all the comforts you need throughout your stay.
YOUR PRIVATE GETAWAY
A BEAUTIFUL SPACE TO PREPARE & STAY
PERFECT FOR YOU & YOUR SELECT PARTY
PICTURE PERFECT DECOR & SURROUNDINGS
STUNNING SURROUNDINGS Surrounded by rolling countryside and uninterrupted views, The Hideaway offers endless opportunities for beautiful photographs and quiet moments together. Wake to birdsong, take in the peaceful surroundings, and enjoy a little extra time in your own corner of the Cheshire countryside.
Bell tents
At Swanley Meadows, we offer beautifully furnished bell tents, via our partners, Simply Bells, each accommodating 2-5 guests, available for hire on the night of your event. These elegant and spacious tents provide a comfortable and stylish accommodation option for you and your guests. The tents are erected before any guests arrive, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable stay for all. We also allow guests to bring their own tents on a pre-arranged basis.
Simply Bells at Swanley Meadows Each luxury tent comes equipped with: Comfortable bedding: Folding camp beds with mattresses (no air mattresses here!), sheet, a 13.5 tog duvet with linen, and a pillow per guest Elegant décor: Bed throws, rugs and a bedside table Ambient lighting: Storm lanterns and outdoor fairy lights to create a cosy atmosphere Additional touches: Entrance mat and a decorative plant for a welcoming feel The Mini Moon bell tent includes all the standard amenities but with a dresser, a small clothes rail and a real bed for that added bit of luxury.
Testimonials We couldn’t possibly have asked for a better experience. Jenny and the team are incredible, and should be really proud of everything they have achieved in their
When we envisioned our wedding, we dreamed of a magical celebration in the Cheshire countryside. Swanley Meadows brought that dream to life beyond our wildest expectations. Jen's meticulous attention to detail transformed a simple farm field into a breathtaking venue. If you're searching for a venue that turns dreams into reality, look no further! Emma and Dan, June 2024
first year. The venue itself is fantastic, with an amazing mix of nature and practicality. We had multiple things to consider right up until the ceremony starting (e.g. how to deal with a bit of rain) but Jenny and the team were on hand at all times to advise and act on our decisions. We honestly wouldn’t change a single thing! Nathan and Beth, August 2025
Price list
Tipi Venue Hire | May to September Hire includes exclusive use of the fully furnished tipi and grounds - please see overleaf or a full list of inclusions.
Monday*
Thursday
Saturday
2027
£7,250
£7,975
£8,975
2028
£7,750
£8,250
£9,500
*Bank holiday Mondays are priced at the Thursday rate Prices shown include VAT and may be subject to change until booked A 25% booking fee is required to secure your date.
Venue hire includes:
Exclusive use of venue and grounds starting from 9am on the morning of your wedding day until midnight Day prior set up between 1-5pm Four giant-hat tipis accommodating up to 150 guests for a seated meal or 200 for a standing reception Enchanting ceremony space under the canopy of a 200 year old beech tree Additional accessories such as 2x easels, wooden frame for fabric signs, aisle log stumps, log slice cake stand, cake knife, umbrellas Tipi weatherproof panels Hard flooring and matted walkways Tipi indoor fairy lights, outdoor festoon lighting and bamboo lanterns 5x5m dancefloor
In-house zone array sound system, decorated with foliage and 2 disco balls, including microphone and basic electric drumkit Portable speaker and microphone for outdoor ceremonies Stylish wooden furniture including dining tables, oak cross-back chairs, bench ceremony seating, barrel poser tables, outdoor cable reel tables, cosy sofas and low coffee table A fully stocked indoor bar and additional outdoor bar, open until midnight Outdoor fire pits including logs Luxury shepherds hut-style toilets Generator hire and fuel Spacious 6x6m catering tent Parking for up to 50 cars Full on-the-day coordination until after the first dance/cake cut
Every wedding at Swanley Meadows is incredibly special to me. Each couple brings their own unique story and vision, and I feel truly honoured to be part of their journey. Seeing their dreams come to life in the place I call home makes each celebration profoundly meaningful and memorable. This is a place that holds a special spot in the hearts of all who visit, and I'm delighted to open our gates and share its magic with you.
Jenny, founder of Swanley Meadows
www.swanleymeadows.com Swanley Meadows, Bank Lane, North Rode, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 2PJ enquiries@swanleymeadows.com 01260 734336 @swanley_meadows Images thanks to Natalie Jayne, Paul Waring, Rob Machon Weddings & Jonny Draper