Cheshire’s best venues for an outdoor wedding

There’s something wonderfully romantic about saying “I do” outdoors. Whether you’re imagining a country garden ceremony surrounded by flowers, sweeping Cheshire countryside as your backdrop, or simply the freedom to make the most of a beautiful summer day, an outdoor wedding can feel incredibly special.

As a Cheshire wedding photographer, I’m lucky to work at some beautiful venues which are perfect for outdoor weddings. Here are four of my favourites for couples who want to take their ceremony outside.

Rowton Hall Hotel and Spa, Cheshire

Set within eight acres of gardens and grounds, Rowton Hall has a particularly lovely option for an outdoor ceremony: its historic Walled Garden. With sweeping lawns, flower borders, and a clematis-covered pergola, it creates a naturally romantic setting for exchanging vows (and the ideal backdrop for wedding photography!).

As a wedding photographer, I’ve always found Rowton Hall to be a brilliant venue from a photography perspective. There are plenty of tucked-away corners around the gardens, giving you lots of opportunities for relaxed couple portraits after the ceremony.

Abbeywood Estate, Cheshire

Abbeywood Estate in Cheshire is surrounded by 45 acres of gardens and woodland in the Delamere countryside, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful backdrops.

The Gazebo in the Exotic Garden provides the setting for outdoor ceremonies, surrounded by lush planting. I’ve photographed outdoor ceremonies here myself, and it really does make a beautiful focal point for wedding photography.

The combination of gardens, woodland, glasshouse and open Cheshire countryside also means there’s plenty of variety throughout the day.

Colshaw Hall, Cheshire

For a classic Cheshire country estate feel, Colshaw Hall is hard to beat. Couples can choose from three licensed outdoor ceremony areas: the Magnolia Garden, Walled Garden, and Japanese Gardens. Outdoor ceremonies are available during the summer months, from April to October.

Each setting has its own character, but all offer beautifully maintained gardens and plenty of greenery around you as you say your vows. They’re all perfect for capturing stunning wedding photography, and because Colshaw Hall is exclusively yours for the day, there’s plenty of freedom to enjoy the grounds.

Old Palace Chester

For something a little different, Old Palace Chester offers an outdoor ceremony overlooking the River Dee. As a wedding photographer, I’ve loved shooting couples at this venue as it’s such a unique outlook and we’ve created some really special photographs.

The Garden Terrace at Old Palace is enclosed by private lush gardens, with the river and surrounding landscape creating a beautiful backdrop while guests are seated on the lawn. It’s a particularly lovely option if you want the romance of an outdoor ceremony without giving up historic architecture and elegant interiors.

And, of course, there’s the added bonus of Chester itself for photographs, giving your wedding gallery a lovely mixture of gardens, riverside views, and historic architecture.

Planning an outdoor Cheshire wedding?

An outdoor ceremony in Cheshire does come with one unavoidable consideration: the British weather! All four of these venues have indoor alternatives or contingency arrangements, so there’s no need to panic if the weather doesn’t play ball. 

From gardens and woodland to riverside views, Cheshire has some wonderfully photogenic settings for an al fresco ceremony, and I’d love to help you capture every moment. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Cheshire, get in touch- I’d love to hear more about your plans!