I have lived in Congleton for almost 18 years and I’ve been a professional wedding photographer for 15 of them. There are so many lovely venues around here… I photograph at Sandhole Oak Barn and The Plough at Eaton very frequently, but it’s only when I was putting this list together that I realised just how many wonderful wedding venues there are right on my doorstep!
As with most places, there are different districts close by, so technically the Plough is in Eaton, the Swettenham Arms is in Swettenham and the Holy Trinity Church is in Mossley, but the photos below are of wedding venues within 5 minutes of my house. There are barns and pubs and hotels, and of course a variety of churches. Some of these photos are really old and were taken at the beginning of my photography career. The Lion & Swan, for example, has had a huge makeover and looks very different now to how it did back in 2011!
The Plough Inn at Eaton is a country pub with a beautiful old barn and a modern orangery. I’ve photographed there many times, in all seasons, and even though the grounds are not extensive, there are plenty of opportunities for photos in the lovely gardens and also outside the building.
Sandhole Oak Barn is another favourite of mine, and I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many weddings there over the years. The main barn is full of natural light and the outside space has two lakes, various farming out-buildings, a small pagoda and stunning views overlooking the Cheshire countryside.
Next up is the very tall and very grand Congleton Town Hall. Being right in the centre of town means that there is very little outdoor space, but the inside is absolutely beautiful, with super high ceilings and grand features. Congleton park is only a few minutes away, for those who are craving a little greenery in the backdrops of their wedding photos.
Alcumlow wedding barn is a quirky venue with so many opportunities for lovely wedding photos. There is a metal framed outdoor ceremony space and a beautiful traditional barn too. Again, the setting is absolutely beautiful, with views over Mow Cop Castle.
Pecks Restaurant is just outside Congleton and it is famous for it’s famous guests, along with the spectacular food which is served there! I photographed a celebrity wedding there once and I had to sign an NDA so I’m not allowed to disclose the identity of the couple! I can say though, that a boy-band member may have been the best man and there’s still a photo of him in the entrance hall at the venue!
The interior at Pecks is bijou, to say the least, but there are still some quirky spots for photos, as with this wonderful wall of clocks.
The Swettenham Arms has undergone a refurbishment recently and I’m very much looking forward to capturing another wedding there this summer. There is an arboretum right next door, with lots of beautiful trees and pathways, along with the stunning lavender fields in the grounds of the pub itself.
Gawsworth Hall is a stunning venue in a historical building. It is possible to get married in the hall itself and then have a magnificent reception in the extensive grounds there. I’ve photographed weddings there a few times and one wedding had a funfair theme, with whack-the-rat and similar fairground games! The gardens outside the hall are simply beautiful and I’m spoiled for always spoiled for choice when photographing there.
The Alexandra Court Hotel is a hidden gem, close to the centre of Congleton town. It is deceiving from the main road as it looks like there is very little outdoor space, but there are lots of traditional features inside, along with a beautiful garden to the rear.
This photo was taken back in 2011, before the Lion and Swan had been refurbished. It now hosts a brand new restaurant called Ristorante Leone along with a fabulous cellar bar called Radley’s. I’ve photographed a few bridal preparations here too and the mixture of the 17th century original features, combined with the brand new boutique hotel is absolutely inspired.
Last, but certainly not least, is a selection of churches in and around Congleton. The Holy Trinity church at Mossley will always hold a super special place in my heart as this is where my husband and I were married, 15 years ago.
St. Mary’s Church in Astbury is very grand and has an almost cathedral-esque feeling to it. The Georgian building has beautiful stained-glass windows and is certainly very impressive.
Christ Church in Eaton is a lovely church, set upon a hill, just outside of Congleton.
St. Mary’s RC Chapel is set right on the main road into Congleton and has a lovely feel to it, with plenty of natural light pouring in through the big windows.
And last but not least is the lovely St. Peter’s church, tucked in the back streets of Congleton town. The building is quite difficult to see from the road, but the pathway into the church, in the grounds, is very beautiful and is often lined with flowers.
Leave a Reply