As a wedding photographer, one of the trends I’ve seen really emerge in recent times is couples opting for small, intimate weddings. Of course, COVID and the lockdowns really accelerated this trend, but even now things are getting back to normal I still find that a lot of couples are opting for more personal, relaxed weddings. In fact, Google searches for “small intimate wedding venues” are currently up 60%. It seems that despite restrictions loosening, a lot of couples like the thought of a relaxed, personal day with their nearest and dearest.
I’ve been lucky enough to be the wedding photographer at some fantastic small weddings, and it’s interesting to see how a wedding venue can be adapted to suit a smaller number of guests. In fact, if you’re planning a small wedding you don’t have to be restricted to just small venues: most venues I’ve worked at can adapt to suit any numbers.
With this in mind, I’ve put together a round up of some of my favourite venues in Cheshire which are ideal if you’re planning a small, intimate wedding…
Stockport Town Hall, Stockport, Cheshire
Stockport Town Hall isn’t your run of the mill town hall- in fact, it’s pretty spectacular. With stunning renaissance architecture, this unique wedding venue in the heart of Stockport makes a striking background for wedding photography, however large or small your wedding is.
If you’re having a small wedding, the great thing about Stockport Town Hall is that it has a variety of different rooms to suit your numbers and requirements. While the main room is very spacious, there are also a number of smaller ceremony rooms which are ideal for a more intimate wedding ceremony.
Stockport Town Hall also boasts some showstopping architectural features that are a dream to shoot, and you can make the most of these whatever the size of your wedding. For example, one of my favourite places for wedding photography is on the Marble Staircase. There’s a reason that the staircase is the main feature that Stockport Town Hall is best known for: it’s the ideal setting for capturing some stand-out images.
If you are looking for a small wedding venue in the Stockport area, I can certainly recommend Stockport Town Hall for its striking features and interesting architecture.
Delamere Manor, Cheshire
You may be planning a small wedding, but that doesn’t mean that your day has to be any less luxurious or exclusive. Delamere Manor is a grand manor house set in the Cheshire countryside. Previously the home of Gary Barlow, Delamere Manor is one of the most exclusive and luxurious wedding venues in Cheshire and is ideal for weddings of any size.
Delamere Manor is ideal for smaller weddings as it boasts so many options when it comes to rooms and spaces, including five licensed outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies. Whatever the size of your wedding party, you’re sure to find the ideal space to suit your requirements, and all of them are equally romantic and perfect for wedding photography.
As a wedding photographer, one of my favourite features of this Cheshire venue are the stunning grounds: Delamere Manor sits within 100 acres of woodland, gardens, and features a beautiful lake.
Another great feature for anyone wanting a small, intimate wedding is Gary Barlow’s old recording studio, an ideal space for your evening party. This room has now been styled as an exclusive Cheshire nightclub for the wedding party’s private use and is the perfect space for a smaller wedding party to relax, unwind, and enjoy the evening.
Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
Would you love a fairytale castle wedding, but at the same time want to keep it small? Don’t worry- you can have the best of both worlds at Peckforton Castle, one of Cheshire’s most romantic and dramatic wedding venues.
Peckforton Castle is the kind of venue that makes me feel very lucky to be a wedding photographer in Cheshire. Steeped in history and set against a backdrop of picturesque Cheshire, Peckforton Castle is a Grade 1 listed building which combines history, exquisite architecture, and beautiful grounds.
Initially, Peckforton Castle may look like a venue best suited to large weddings. However, having been a wedding photographer at Peckforton Castle, I have become familiar with some rooms and spaces that are ideal for small, intimate weddings. For example, The Chapel is quaint, cosy, and perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony or blessing. Built in 1851 and set inside the fortified walls of the Castle, the cosy, classic Chapel is unlike anywhere else in the Castle, with a truly unique atmosphere.
Peckforton Castle also offers a hidden gem which is perfect for a small wedding reception or evening party. Tucked away in the heart of the Castle and steeped in history is Peckforton Castle’s Wine Cellar. Offering an elegant and rustic ambience quite unlike anywhere you’ve been before, this unique circular space creates a brooding, romantic atmosphere and, when illuminated by warm candlelight, this intimate cellar is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests for years to come.
No matter how big or small your wedding, I would love to chat about your plans. If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Cheshire, Stockport, or further afield, I would be delighted to answer any questions you have about wedding photography.