Old Palace Chester
Old Palace Chester is a riverside Georgian manor steeped in history, situated on the banks of the River Dee in the heart of Chester. This Grade II* listed former Bishop’s Palace, built circa 1751, seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary luxury. It’s the ideal venue for couples looking for a truly elegant wedding venue in Cheshire or North Wales.
Old Palace Chester- the perfect Cheshire wedding venue
As an exclusive use venue, Old Palace provides unrivalled privacy and flexibility, hosting up to 150 guests for dining, 150 for indoor ceremony, with evening celebration capacity of 200 across the Ballroom, Arrival Hall, and Peploe Lounge & Bar. Outdoor ceremonies can seat up to 150 guests on the secluded Garden Terrace, offering a picturesque riverside option.
Choose the Morning Room for bridal prep, the light-filled River Room (formerly a chapel) for your ceremony, or the secluded Garden Terrace by the Dee. Enjoy drinks in the intimate Peploe Lounge & Bar, then move to the grand Ballroom for your wedding breakfast and evening party- it’s ideal for wedding photography with its mirrored ceiling, oak floor, and abundant natural light.
Centrally located within Chester’s city walls, near Roman ruins and cobbled streets, Old Palace offers accommodation for up to 55 people across 23 ensuite bedrooms, including the stunning Palace Suite, the perfect bridal suite.
Why wedding photographers love Old Palace Chester
From historic interiors with Georgian architecture to waterside terraces and city centre backdrops like Queens Park Bridge, Old Palace offers so many opportunities for captivating wedding photography. The contrast between ornate interiors and relaxed outdoor spaces provides creative versatility across lighting and mood.
As a wedding photographer, I also appreciate the generous natural light in the Morning Room, River Room and Ballroom as well as the outdoor terrace spaces. The layout flows naturally from preparation through ceremony to reception and portraits, minimising disruption and maximising storytelling potential.
Beyond the venue itself, city centre walks by the Dee, Grosvenor Park, and Queens Park Bridge offer dynamic portrait backdrops just minutes away, perfect for capturing couples in iconic Chester scenes.
Old Palace wedding photographer
Old Palace Chester offers a perfect combination of historic elegance, riverside charm, flexible ceremony and dining spaces, and comfortable accommodation, all within walking distance of Chester’s iconic scenery. For wedding photographers, its architectural richness, natural daylight and venue support guarantee inspirational coverage and a seamless experience. It truly is one of Cheshire’s most photogenic wedding venues!
