Wedding photographer: Peckforton Castle

Wedding Photographer: Peckforton Castle

The kind of place that makes you go 'Wow!' As you drive into Peckforton Castle's grounds and then into the woodland parking area, you can only see the Castle's main carriageway entrance but you still haven't glimpsed the Castle itself. Peckforton Castle takes your breath away. A beautiful horseshoe-shaped building with a lovely enclosed lawn where peacocks roam. A wonderfully unique and very private place to marry.

Being from Cheshire originally myself, I always get excited when I receive an enquiry for a wedding being held at Peckforton Castle.

Peckforton Castle: History

The start of the Castle-build is said to be in 1842 although it was only finished in 1851. Soon after, a forest was planted around the Castle which has since been awarded the status of "Site of Special Scientific Importance."

The Castle remained property of the Tollemache Family, ancestors of the original owner, John Tollemache, until 1988 when it was bought. It is now owned by the Naylor Family and is used exclusively as a luxury hotel and venue for corporate events and weddings.

Travel & Accommodation

Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, Peckforton Castle is easily-accessible from the M6 motorway and is close to the towns of Chester, Nantwich, Tarporley & Whitchurch. Handy for your guests and wedding photographer alike, it gives you the option of a self-contained wedding meaning that you don't have to travel on your wedding day if you don't want to. That said, if you want to marry in church then there are several beautiful churches in the nearby villages where you could hold your ceremony before returning to your reception at Peckforton.

With 48 individually designed bedrooms, Peckforton Castle is likely to be big enough to host your wedding guests who wish to stay over. With so many lovely rooms, there is a choice of Bridal Suite too.

Words from the Bride & Groom

I've photographed several weddings at Peckforton Castle over the years including Matt & Katy's wedding in 2010. They say that they chose the Castle because it's "so grand and romantic." Read more about their wedding and see lots more images here where Katy gives an interview to wedding blog site Before the Big Day.

Back in 2009, Groom Paul thought he'd surprise his new wife Carly by arranging with the Castle for the ring to be delivered to the Best Man by one of the Castle's owls! Imagine the look of surprise on everyone's face - especially Carly's! They also had the Birds of Prey display to keep the guests entertained between the ceremony and the dinner.

Did you know that in recent times Peckforton Castle has been used as a location for the shooting of many films and TV programmes including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves?

Special Features

Outside the Castle walls is a great place for your wedding photographer to take you if you have a spare 5 minutes. The lush green background that the ancient forest provides will add a completely different dimension to your wedding album or set of images.

Also, for couples who would prefer a little bit of privacy away from their guests to have their photographs taken, this secluded area provides the perfect place.

The Hexagonal Room and Library

Choose between either one of these lovely rooms in which to hold your wedding breakfast. I think it will depend on your numbers of guests as the Hexagonal seemed a bit smaller than the Library. Both are beautifully lit and the Hexagonal Room's wonderful vaulted ceiling is a real winner. The photograph here on the left was taken in the Hexagonal Room just before Matt & Katy's guests entered the room.

A beautiful and unique venue that I love to photograph weddings at. It's magical & medieval and certainly worth looking into if you're looking for somewhere that's 'grand & romantic.'

Whether you choose Peckforton Castle or any other European venue for that matter, you can drop me an email, tweet or facebook message if you'd like to get in touch. Ciao! - Amy x