After the year we’ve all had, planning almost seems like an out dated notion! That said, we can all still dream and now, more than ever we thought a little bit of winter magic is just what we need….

So, have you ever dreamt of a winter wedding? Your stunning venue covered in a blanket of snow, a lantern-lit reception and a roaring real fire?

Even in a ‘normal’ year the Spring and Summer months are often branded ‘silly season’, with venues booked up years in advance and the best suppliers in short supply. Enter 2021 – with thousands of weddings postponed and venues juggling to accommodate their re-scheduled couples, saying ‘I Do’ out of season has never made more sense and we think it’s a super-romantic option too. Dramatic natural light, a bit of faux fur and some hearty hygge style hospitality and you have the recipe for the most magical winter wedding ever.

We take a look at some of the region’s most breath-taking venues and see what they have to offer for your Wonderful Winter Wedding….

Iscoyd Park

A true winter wonderland, Iscoyd Park looks magical at this time of year. Privately owned and run by the same family who have lived there since 1843, it’s a stunning Georgian house with a very modern attitude. Situated on the Shropshire / North Wales border just a short drive from Chester, Iscoyd has been immaculately restored and boasts a range of charming spaces to say ‘I Do’ including the utterly magical St Mary’s Church for those who want a religious ceremony.

Wrenbury Hall

Wrenbury is simply made for a winter wedding. Stunning at any time of the year its magical, ethereal qualities really come into their own at Winter, so much so in fact, that owner Davinia Jones chose to host her own nuptials in December at the hall.

Steeped in history (parts of the hall date back over 400 years) and surrounded by gorgeous grounds, the hall is exclusively yours from start to finish. Beautiful accommodation and award-winning seasonal food completes the perfect picture here and Davinia and her attentive team really do treat every wedding as if it were their own.

Beeston Manor

Tucked away in the heart of the Ribble Valley this stunning converted Grade 2 listed hall and barn venue must be one the most magical winter wedding venues in the North. Lovingly converted by the Bikerstaffe family, this picture-postcard slice of Lancashire history stays true to its romantic location with breath-taking views across fields and ancient woodland and a host of cosy spaces for your seasonal celebration.

Delamere Manor

Utterly elegant whatever the season, Delamere simply oozes class.  Its impressive Georgian façade, magical courtyard and elegant bedrooms are surrounded by stunning grounds with truly awe inspiring views sweeping away from the house, down to the lake and beyond.

The award-winning in-house caterers Cheeky Chilli and superb in-house team led by Cheshire wedding expert Dale Alexander complete the package for your utterly wonderful winter wedding to remember.

Tyn Dwr Hall

If a snow covered, tree lined driveway leading to a magical Tudor style hall is your idea of bliss then you HAVE to see Tyn Dwr Hall. Beautifully converted by its passionate owners and filled with wonderful design touches, Tyn Dwr combines countryside charm and contemporary style effortlessly. Close to the much-loved village of Llangollen the hall is wrapped by ancient woodland, with its own babbling brook and romantic waterfall feature and its magnificent fireplaces and light filled spaces really come into their own for a winter celebration.

 Vale Country Club

Part of a dreamy working farm in the heart of the Vale of Clwyd your chances of a snowy wedding here are stacked in your favour.  A family run business, the team go to great lengths to make your special day as wonderful as you’ve dreamt it to be. The rustic exposed oak beams, large inglenook fire place and traditional slate flooring create beautiful character and charm. The countryside setting is perfect for your Wedding photographs as the Clwydian Range creates a spectacular backdrop especially in the wonderful Welsh winter.

Oh Me Oh My

 For a very grown-up, city centre wedding with a difference, Oh Me Oh My is hard to beat. Groaning with twinkly lights, this former bank commands impressive views across the Three Graces to the Mersey and beyond and its magical Goodness Gracious terrace provides the perfect spot to wrap up warm and enjoy a glass of something warm whilst soaking up the majestic setting with your guests.

With food as unique as the surroundings and a host of talented suppliers on hand to turn your winter city wedding vision into reality, Oh Me Oh My oozes seasonal style at every turn

One of the most stunning winter wedding venues in the UK – Talhenbont Hall really does have it all…

Set in acres of incredible grounds and wrapped by ancient woodland, this picture perfect hall is romance personified. The main hall itself comes complete with roaring open fires, the most dreamy bedrooms and a cosy bar which is just prefect for pre-wedding tipples.

It’s quirky collection of outbuildings includes a delightful array of cottages for your guests to stay in and the jewel in the estates crown – the magnificent Coach House. The most perfect party space available, Talhenbont’s owners Paul & Alicia has transformed the old stable & coach house into an awe inspiring space. Stunning for ceremonies and just epic for evening receptions this place has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Location wise – think fairytale again. Nestled in the heart of the Llynn Peninsula just a few miles from Criccieth and Abersoch, you feel away from it all in your very own private estate, yet just a few miles away from gorgeous bars, beaches, woodland-walks and restaurants if you and your guests want to make the most of your winter escape!

Detail driven, passionate and insanely creative, its no wonder Dale Alexander is one of the region’s most sought after wedding planners….

With a career spent working in five star venues,  alongside some of the industry’s most acclaimed suppliers, Dale has planned and delivered hundreds of weddings – all unique and all totally unforgettable

When you first meet Dale you are struck by his fun, easy going manner. Full of smiles and brimming with enthusiasm, he just lives and breathes weddings. Hardly surprising then that he seems to stay in touch with all of his couples and counts many of them as personal friends.

We caught up with him , mid lockdown 2, in between his last two exciting assignments;  two exquisite micro-weddings for couple’s who decided love could not wait!

So Dale tell us your story. How did you first get into weddings?

“I began my career as a Luxury Wedding Planner in the boutique 5 star hospitality industry and eventually gravitated towards exclusive, private wedding venues overseeing all their events and heading up the customer relations. Function. Over the years, I learnt a great deal about the principles of great customer service, planning and event management. I am incredibly passionate about planning and managing events – it’s what I do best and I can’t really see myself doing anything else!”

We know you plan all kinds of events but what do you love about weddings in particular?

“Everything! I love hearing the stories of  how the couples met, getting to know them, understanding their vision and then making it happen. What could be more magical than helping couples celebrate the most important day of their lives? For me it’s all in the detail – I love nothing more than adding a few extra special Dale touches and then watching all the guests have the time of their lives and make wonderful memories.”

So what is your secret?

I think my number one secret weapon is the incredible suppliers I work with. Throughout my years in the industry I’ve had the privilege of working with some immensely talented professionals. The guys I work with are at the top of their game and from cakes to flowers, décor to lighting and everything in between their work is absolutely world class.

It also helps that I really love people! I think the instinct to organise and take care of people is something you are born with and each and every couple is special to me.

2020 has been a devastating year for couples and the wedding industry. What do you see for 2021?

Hopefully the industry will start to ease back into some kind of ‘new normal.’ I still see intimate events playing a huge part in the wedding scene for many months to come but lots of couples are adapting to this and realising you can still have the day of your dreams and maybe splash out on some extra luxuries with just your nearest and dearest in attendance.

I think intimate weddings followed by a big party or fabulous first anniversary bash will become even more popular and this really excites me – who doesn’t love planning two parties!

Dale has planned over one hundred weddings and events discreetly and considerately. For the not so discreet, some of Dale’s weddings and events have featured in ok! Magazine.

“I absolutely adore the events industry, especially seeing the faces of my clients when they see the result of all of our preparation. Many years of planning these special days have taught me how to pick out the very best suppliers and friends, helping to make the planning process seamless, unique and all importantly ~ stress free. Whether it’s a destination wedding or an event closer to home, I will work closely with you to build an event that you have always dreamed of having. Making the process fun, stress free and creative.”

When Dale is not working as a Luxury Wedding Planner or organising these special events,  you can usually find him in the countryside with his three fur babies; Delaney, Harry & Freya. He also has a strong passion for interior design and everything flowers!

“Please do say ‘hello’, if you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas ~ I would love to hear from you and work with you on this exciting and fun journey ahead. x”

To start your wedding journey, contact Dale and get ready to plan the day of your dreams!

Like everything, Wedding trends come and go. These days there is no such thing as a ‘traditional’ wedding with couples opting to personalise their big-day’s their way. Thankfully brides are no longer pigeon holed as classic or boho and guest no longer have to go through the summer attending identical weddings and eating chicken dinners.

The biggest trend of all right now is individuality with couples celebrating their own individual love stories in their own individual way….

Sustainable Weddings

From minimising travel miles and food waste to using recycled products and sourcing locally many couples are looking to reduce the environmental and ethical impact of their big days. Choosing to use recycled paper for your stationery and doing something meaningful like a charity donation instead of favours are all super-popular ways of keeping your big day green.

Veggie and Vegan Menus

Catering guru and owner of Cheeky Chilli Event Catering Kim Maher said a huge number of couples are now opting for a 100% veggie or vegan feast. ‘Street food style feasts and more casual options such as BBQ’s and grazing tables are super-popular now with couple’s wanting to eat the food they love rather than traditional wedding fayre. It’s not just a trend, it’s a definite shift in lifestyle.’

Go Wild

Its not just the straws in the post ceremony Bellini’s that are sustainable, more and more couples are seeking out sustainable blooms. From locally foraged, seasonal wildflowers and foliage to a hike in the use of dried flowers is all about getting your look whilst saving the planet.

Wedding Cake Creations

Forget icing you’d crack your teeth on and stodgy fruit cakes, these days wedding cakes are a work of art. Decorated in everything from gold leaf and edible flowers to metallic icing drips and lashings of buttercream they also need to taste as good as they look. Even Harry and Megan went off piste with their lemon and elderflower cake – delicious and modern, just like them.

Two Wedding Dresses

It might be your biggest clothing purchase ever but now it’s all about the dual dress reveal. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Billie Faiers and Ellie Goulding (who wore no less than 4 outfits on her big day) have made the two dress trend a staple. Changing onto a second dress or even jumpsuit for your reception allows you to really let your own personality and style shine.

Gender Mixed Wedding Parties

As most of our friendship groups are well and truly mixed these days there has been a massive growth in mixed gender bridal and groom parties. The rise of the ‘bridesman’ and ‘groomswoman’ is set to hit new heights in 2020.

Table Décor

Huge centrepieces are no more – it’s all about dramatic styling and personalisation. Couples want their wedding breakfast to look and feel like a high end restaurant experience with coloured cutlery, beautiful layered crockery and textured décor all making an appearance. Layering

Natural Locks

Call it the Meghan Markle effect but the overly ‘done’ do is most definitely out. Freshly washed tresses, natural waves and the un-done bun are what it’s all about this season so step away from the hairspray ladies.

Confetti Is So Last Year

If you must go with confetti is must be sustainable, so dried petals all the way. This year you will see less and less confetti with bubbles and fabulous ribbon wands taking over as the most Instagrammable post ceremony must-haves.

Statement Veils

If you are going down the veil route its all about going big or going home! Ever since Hilary Baldwin went bold with her ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ veil brides can’t get enough of personalised, cathedral length creations that really pack a punch.

Your pre-wedding and hen party pamper options just ramped up a level with the arrival of the all-new super-spa at Carden Park in Cheshire.

Always a firm favourite on the ‘bride tribe’ bucket list, the new multi-million pound transformation has taken the spa from amazing to absolutely awe inspiring…

What Can You Expect…

The 4,500 sqm standalone spa is nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and is set within the 1,000-acre grounds of the privately owned, award-winning Carden Park Hotel and will offer superior service, world class facilities and a seamless spa experience. The indoor and outdoor spa facilities are amongst the most impressive in the UK and include two large vitality pools, an extensive thermal suite, a glamourous beauty lounge and a variety of soothing relaxation spaces.

The Spa at Carden also has one of the UK’s largest spa gardens offering an expansive multi-sensory experience of wellbeing with numerous thermal experiences and an all-weather Bollinger champagne bar. Developed to provide guests with a ‘nature reset’ whatever the weather, the extensive garden’s state-of-art features facilitate a journey to improved physical and mental well-being.

The Spa continues this flow of nature from the outside in, with its spacious interiors comprising warm earthly tones, feature living walls and contemporary statement furnishings that give a sophisticated but relaxing ambiance. The mood lit relaxation room complete with floor to ceiling windows offers unrivalled sweeping views over the Cheshire landscape, as does the elegant first floor restaurant.

Top-Class Treatments & Fabulous Facilities

The full range of face and body treatments have been designed by natural product house, Elemental Herbology and is based on the Five Element Theory in traditional Chinese Medicine, a belief that everything in life needs to work in harmony in order to achieve perfect equilibrium and even incorporates natural and freshly picked herbs from The Spa at Carden’s garden.

On the opening, Steve Ewing, Director of Spa at The Spa at Carden says “This is an incredibly exciting time for us and the end result has surpassed our expectations.  The Spa at Carden is truly world-class bringing together the best facilities, new treatments and the highest level of service.  We are now looking forward to welcoming guests from the North West and beyond and seeing them benefit from the enriching wellbeing experiences we have waiting for them.”

General Manager of Carden Park, Hamish Ferguson added “The arrival of the Spa at Carden is our biggest development yet and will firmly establish us as a world leading destination spa resort, fully complementing our other extensive leisure services.  I am proud of the fantastic work all our staff and suppliers have undertaken to make the Spa at Carden truly magnificent.”

6 Tips To Help You Be The Best Wing Woman EVER!

Being your best friend’s wing woman on her wedding day IS an honour and she’s chosen you for a reason – she knows you can keep calm in crisis, have her back at every turn and you two always have the best time when you’re together. When I got married, my Maid-of-Honour was the ultimate MOH and I couldn’t have gotten through the day without having her there. When that big day comes for your besty (and leading up to!), here are 6 top tips that my MOH did for me and that you’ll want to do yourself!

1. Be calm, be organised.

Sometimes things go wrong, sometimes things go missing or it rains on your big day (it did on mine!), of course it will all work out in the end, but as MOH you need to be your bride’s rock—stay calm throughout it all so you can help her calm down when necessary.

2. Feed your bride!

We all want that glass of bubbly when getting ready before the wedding, but no one wants a wobbly bride walking down the aisle – make sure your bride gets some food in her before she says her ‘I Do’ – whether that’s picking up some breakfast or making sure the venue you’re getting ready in prepares some nibbles to bring up to the room (along with the bubbly!), make sure she’s not getting married on an empty stomach.

3. Get out on the dance floor!

They’ve spent so much money on the music and the venue and the last thing any bride wants is no one dancing. Make sure you help her out by being the first one out there with your partner or friends, this will help get the rest of the guests up and dancing too!

4. Step up as photo assistant!

Make sure you know all the shots your bride wants from the photographer. The day goes so fast and your bride is getting her hair and makeup done and it’s up to you to make sure she gets everything she wants out of the day. Know the photo list in advance and make sure the photographer is getting all those shots! Trust me, she’ll thank you later.

5. Be there for the dress fitting!

My veil would have been a different colour than my dress, had I not had my MOH there for the fitting. Be there to support your bride and if you spot something that you know doesn’t seem right, let her know. She’s chosen you as her MOH for a reason!

And finally (or firstly!),

6. Throw the best hen do for your bride.

Not all brides want a crazy party. Make sure when planning the hen do that you’re doing what the BRIDE wants – you know her best after all! Whether it’s a weekend away, a night out, or a spa day, have an itinerary ready. Plan out the day and make it personal to her.

5 Great Afternoon Tea Spots for a Super-Sweet Hen Treat 

For those keen to take a detour from the traditional Hen trimmings of karaoke bars and more willy straws than you can shake a stick at, afternoon tea is a sumptuously sweet day out, especially if you’re planning a Nana/Mum-friendly do! Afternoon tea has come a long way from stale scones and cucumber sandwiches with a number of glamorous venues in the North West serving up a luxurious and relaxed way to spend your afternoon surrounded by your Bride Squad.

PANORAMIC 34

If the incredible skyline views across Liverpool weren’t enough to make an impact, Panoramic 34’s Afternoon Tea also offers an inventive selection of goodies such as Mushroom Truffle and Prosecco & Strawberry Maccaron on their popular Luxury Afternoon Tea menu. Washed down with a chilled glass of fizz Panoramic guarantees a backdrop like no other – check the sunset time before booking to ensure maximum heart-eye reactions to your hen-party insta!

OH ME OH MY 

Although their view of the Liver-Birds is unparalleled, you may be forgiven for mistaking the Mersey for the River Seine with Oh Me Oh My’s decadent Parisian Afternoon Tea. With a venue that boasts high ceilings and a spacious dining area, you won’t be disappointed with the plethora of fluffy pastries, macarons and delicate sandwiches served, as well as an extensive cocktail menu. Consider booking this venue in the warmer months to take advantage of the breath-taking roof terrace!

THORNTON HALL HOTEL 

If a Hen Party isn’t the time to be a little extra then when is? Why not incorporate your Afternoon Tea as part of a Spa Day at one of the North West’s premier pampering venues, Thornton Hall Hotel. The menu at Thornton Hall offers a range of unusual and aromatic tea flavours from Mulled Wine to Mint Melange (as well as a few stronger drinks to toast the Bride!) What could be a better remedy to shed any wedding-planning stresses than a relaxing treatment, picturesque grounds and sweet treats?

BALTIC SOCIAL

If anywhere was to contradict the traditional afternoon tea image of white lace tablecloths and quaint finger food, it’s the Afternoon Punk Tea at Baltic Social. Dishing out delicious comfort foods more commonly found on the menu of an American burger joint, Baltic Social’s exposed brickwork and Chesterfield seating provide the perfect backdrop for traditional afternoon tea with an alternative twist. Feast on mini cheeseburgers, mac and cheese balls, sweet potato fries and cookie sandwiches – with an equally drool-inducing Vegan menu that everyone can enjoy!

ODDFELLOWS

Gather your favourite Odd-ladies and head for this coveted spot in Chester to enjoy an afternoon of sweet and savoury delights. The eccentric interior of Oddfellow’s is not the only thing that’ll catch your eye, with a menu of vintage-inspired cocktails to complement a selection of sandwiches, scones, tarts and cakes. Based in the Georgian Oddfellows Hall, this location was once a haven for the misfits in society who had an appetite for fun and mischief…sound familiar?

It’s meant to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and teach you to love the simple things in life; the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is already a popular source of home décor inspiration and life style choice that is fast making its mark on the wedding market…

Celebrating the simple things in life, enjoying cosy moments with your nearest and dearest and enjoying everything nature has to offer sums up hygge perfectly. With autumn upon us and winter just around the corner we in perfect hygge season, so sit back, grab a mug of hot chocolate and prepare for cosiness overload with our tips for pulling off the perfect hygge inspired big-day…

Back to Nature

Hygge is all about embracing nature and using beautiful things from the environment to enhance your life. This means floral touches should be kept natural with lots of greenery and seasonal blooms that are abundant in your chosen location. Keep table settings simple – vintage mismatched crockery and glassware with lots of tall candles, greenery and twinkling lights will create the perfect hygge vibe.

Atmospheric Lighting

Creating the perfect ambience with soft lighting, particularly candlelight is an absolute must. Festoon lighting, fire pits and more fairy lights that you can shake a stick at will also help get the hygge flowing.

Keep It Casual

Your bridal look and indeed what Mr wears should be kept as casual and personal as possible. Vintage dresses and cool accessories such as leather jackets, funky waistcoats and bow ties all work well. To be totally hygge you have to feel like you and be warm, cosy and comfortable at the same time so don’t be afraid to throw on your favourite cardigan or even a bit of vintage velvet to nail that statement Scandi look.

Food For The Soul

Like everything else at a hygge wedding, food should be kept as simple as possible. Think warming casseroles, roast meats and lots of seasonal trimmings. For a full-on winter feast an outdoor hog roast could be a great alternative to a buffet and a boozy hot chocolate stand or cookie and milk stations can be a cute alternative for a cosy dessert.

Choose The Perfect Venue

Rustic romance is the order of the day when choosing a venue. Obviously an outdoor wedding in a tent or tepee is bang on trend but a wedding barn or shabby-chic country pile can work just as well with a hygge theme.

When you take to the dance floor for your first dance as newlyweds, it should be the best dance of your life.  In your head, you are Johnny and Baby, wowing the crowd with your effortless moves… but in reality you are more likely to produce an awkward shuffle and trip over your train!

If your first dance debut is giving you nightmares – fear not! We catch up with the region’s most experienced first-dance guru Kristina Jones from Wedding Dance Chester to find out how to turn your less than perfect sway into a magical dance to remember…

So Kristina, what is your background – what got you into dance?

“I started Irish dancing when I was 7 but after seeing my mum in a reunion dance show I was hooked on the idea of dancing on the stage. Trying everything from musical theatre, ballet, street, dance, tango to contemporary…my feet haven’t stopped! I danced my way through school, GCSE and A-Levels and then finally went on to study dance at University.

“However, I’ve always loved the teaching side of dance. Sharing the knowledge and seeing students improve is a real privilege.”

Why Wedding Dance? What is your main motivation for helping couples?

“I was approached to help a friend of a friend prepare for their big-day. After I had taught my first couple I was hooked. Sharing such simple movements made such a big impact. It’s like watching magic happen! Seeing a couple’s confidence grow and helping them enjoy their moment in the spotlight is such an honour – I just love it!”

How does the service work? What do you do with couples and what does a typical wedding dance look like?

“We really appreciate that most of our couples have busy lives, so we try and plan lessons around their schedules and can travel to suitable locations for them. We also teach week days and weekends so can be super-flexible.

“In the first session we teach some basic footwork all of which can work with most styles of wedding dresses (otherwise what’s the point!)

“Once they get over their initial nerves we then go on to teach a variety of turns, leans and if they are brave enough even a lift or two!

“Future lessons are all about finessing the routine and building confidence. There is no set number of hours or lessons. Some couples just want some simple moves and a bit of direction which could be done in one session, whereas other couples want a full-blown routine with killer moves which may take a few more lessons.

“There is no ‘typical’ wedding dance – they are as individual as the couples we teach!

“We have done everything from romantic waltz inspired routines to a full blown 7 minute+ 90’s dance mashup!”

What types of couples do you work with ? Are they all super-confident?

“Absolutely not! Most couples are totally petrified, but we make it our top priority to put them at ease. Embarrassment is a big factor too, especially if one half of the couple is quite shy – but we literally blow that out of the water in the first ten minutes!

“It’s important to say that there is a big generational gap in terms of couples dancing together. Old fashioned dances and balls are a thing of the past and many couples have never really danced together – unless you count a bit of bump and grind in a nightclub!

“I think dancing is a life skill that we should all have. The confidence to be able to get onto the dance floor and do something that resembles a real dance. Confidence is everything.

“Obviously, some couples love the dance floor and they are probably the ones who request more intricate or crazy routines, but at the end of the day it’s your wedding, your dance and your moment so it needs to show a bit of you and your personality!”

What would be your top 3 tips to give your first dance the wow factor?

“Own the dance floor – staying in the centre on one spot will just make it more nerve racking, so if you’re going for a spin, make it a spin that takes up some space. Simple moves can often be the most effective, so don’t overthink it too much.

“If you aren’t sure what song to pick, go with something guests will know as there is nothing worse than a couple awkwardly swaying to a song nobody knows!

“Absolutely do not wave at guests to join you – it puts them on the spot and makes it look like you both feel awkward. If you know that you don’t want to stay on your own, get the DJ to ask guests to join you or utilise the bridesmaids and groomsmen and give them a cue to join you.”

What did you dance to at your wedding?

“I’m embarrassed to say our first dance was less than spectacular!

“Like so many couples I speak to at fairs – we didn’t have a clue what song to pick, didn’t want a “routine” but also didn’t want to just sway. I tried to teach my hubby some moves and he spun me (quite quick) and then let go of my hands – so I face-planted the wall! Safe to say we “winged it” and I got him to spin me a few more times and friends joined half way. The song we chose (2 days before on the way to drop things at the venue!) was Mcfly ‘Love Is Easy’ (got to love a bit of cheesy pop!!)

Check out Kristina’s own Wedding Dance pictures here: www.instagram.com/weddingdancechester

To find out more about Wedding Dance Chester please visit their website at www.weddingdancechester.com or contact Kristina direct on 07868 224071 or email her at kristina@weddingdancechester.com

If you have exhausted your wedding venue hunt and just not finding ‘the one’ – we hear you!

Whilst we love our super-traditional wedding venues we know that more and more of you are looking for something a bit different – something that bends the weddings rule book a bit and fits perfectly with your personalities.

So Aunty Nelly might not like that she has to wear wellies and maybe it will take a bit more organisation than just rocking up at your local four star but we think choosing somewhere a bit ‘out there’ is so worth it.

From farms and woodland to castles and even a world-famous zoo – we’ve got it all going on in the North West. Here’s our pick of some of the best unusual wedding venues across Cheshire and beyond…

Guys and gals are equally well catered for too with the brilliantly equipped Beauty Shed and all new BaaBAR’s man-cave which even comes with its only table football game.

Guests can make a weekend of it too with enough capacity to sleep 36 people in either The Tens – beautifully appointed double, twin and family rooms or the farmhouse B&B next to the barn itself.

And for a bridal suite with a difference, escape to the quietest corner of the farm and hideaway in your very own love nest! The achingly beautiful Bridal Cabin is rustic luxury personified – you won’t want to leave (like ever!)

Find out more at: www.owenhouseweddingbarn.co.uk

Food and drink is also a massive part of the offering here and the talented team only use the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients which are all cooked to perfection. Before making any decisions on your food, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with their Executive Head Chef and plan your menu in person.

Find out more at: www.chesterzoo.org/weddings

With amazing dockside photo opportunities and plenty of outdoor space for those balmy wedding evenings it’s the perfect place to create your own bit of history and seal the deal in style.

Find out more at: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/venue-hire/weddings/index.aspx