How To Plan Your Perfect Cheshire Wedding

The happy couple enjoy a moment in the gardens at their barn wedding in Cheshire

Congratulations – you’re engaged! Choosing each other to have and to hold as you both grow old is probably one of the biggest decisions you have ever made, but there are plenty more to come! So what’s next? Choosing the right Cheshire wedding venue to celebrate your commitment to each other is so important. At first the variety and choice of venues may feel like you are searching for needle in a haystack – but it need not be. Let us talk you through, all the way to “I do”…

The bride and groom hold each other at their wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire
Image Courtesy of Lee Brown Photography

Sandhole Oak Barn near Manchester offers lots of amazing wedding photo opportunities
Image Courtesy of ER Photography

The early stages of wedding planning are so exciting, but it’s easy to get carried away searching for that perfect dress and all those thoughtful details before you actually have the most important aspect booked – the location. When it comes to finding your venue, it’s good to have a rough idea of your guest numbers and your preference on season and day of week. That way you can narrow down the search with minimum fuss. It’s also a good idea to discuss what is at the top of your wedding venue wish list. Aside from love and marriage, what are most important aspects of your day to you? Fantastic food? A beautiful backdrop? Amazing accommodation?

The bride and groom have their photo taken in front of the lake at Sandhole Oak Barn in the North West
Image Courtesy of ER Photography

Finding a date

Weddings are wonderful occasions for your nearest and dearest in all seasons. Spring and summer boast long lazy days and a variety of colour palettes. Autumn weddings embrace the fun of the season celebrating with warming wholesome food, Indian summers and the drama of bonfire night. There is a particular magic surrounding intimate winter weddings and candle-lit Christmas nuptials.

The right theme for you

Having the confidence to pick all of the things you like and enjoy will ensure that you have the wedding day of your dreams! After all, the perfect theme for your special day is the two of you.

A versatile and well-lit space has a simple elegance and beauty that can be dressed simply. Likewise, neutral spaces can take any chosen theme allowing you to put your own stamp on the day and let your imagination run wild with decor ideas.

Visits to your chosen venue on wedding days or open days will give you a great chance to view the space dressed in a variety of ways, providing you with plenty of ideas for your big day.

The bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple at this barn wedding in Cheshire
Image Courtesy of Rafe Abrook Photography

The happy newlyweds have confetti thrown over them as they walk back down the aisle as husband and wife at Sandhole Oak Barn
Image Courtesy of Rafe Abrook Photography

The couple chose lanterns and seasonal flowers displayed on log slices as their table centrepieces at their barn wedding in Cheshire
Image Courtesy of Rafe Abrook Photography

Capturing the moments

For most, after booking your venue and ceremony arrangements, the sensible next step is finding a reputable photographer. If they’ve been to your venue before, then they should be able to show you all the best places to shoot. Any good photographer will be great at shooting no matter if they have been there before or not though. Take your time and meet with them… this person will effectively be a guest at your wedding, and could be the difference between average and amazing photos!

The bride and groom release doves after their outdoor wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn
Image Courtesy of Richard Milne Photography

The oak barn is set up for the wedding breakfast at Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire
Image Courtesy of Richard Milne Photography

A room with a view

A dining room should feel calm and serene from the moment you arrive, connecting you to beautiful views all year around. On a practical note, consider the location of the bar, and how the space works. Your guests will appreciate a venue that allows them to stay close to the party, with the option of a quiet space to retire to if needed.

A beautiful view over the lake at rural wedding venue Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire
Image Courtesy of Capture My Big Day

Food at the heart of your celebration

Well-presented dishes are a feast for the eyes, creating a truly sensational dining experience for your guests. Caterers who include wedding coordination and act as master of ceremonies on the day are worth their weight in gold. Our approved caterers Top Table Weddings and Events are our couples’ first port of call when piecing together the details of the day. They are there to advise and hold your hand as much as you need, meaning you can stay stress-free en route to your happily ever after.

A family member shares some wise words with the groom before the wedding ceremony at Sandhole Oak Barn
Image Courtesy of Wes Webster Photography

It’s a family affair

As a family-run business, we understand that the enjoyment of your nearest and dearest is at the forefront of your planning. Our enchanting oak wedding barn is situated with excellent transport links and the nearby town of Congleton has plenty of local accommodation. To make things even better, the Sandhole Farm B&B is just a few steps away, so you won’t have far to go after the last dance. The Small Barn is the perfect arrival lounge for your travelling guests, an area for children to gather prior to the wedding or as a quieter area for guests to retire to. Those with limited mobility will find both the Oak Barn and B&B breakfast room accessible by wheelchair too, so no one will miss out on the celebrations.

Whether you are looking for the perfect rural space for your destination wedding, or a relaxed and flexible setting with the most picturesque location – Sandhole Oak Barn is the choice for everybody to enjoy.

The verandah at Sandhole Oak Barn is the perfect place to watch the sunset on a warm evening in Cheshire
Image Courtesy of Shane Webber Photography

The happy newlyweds enjoy the views of the sun setting over the lake at this rural wedding venue in Cheshire
Image Courtesy of Shane Webber Photography

If you are looking for the ideal Cheshire wedding venue for your special day, then now is the time to give us a call on 01260 224215 to book your personal tour.