Combermere Abbey
– a romantic, country house wedding venue
With its walled gardens, stunning lakeside setting and a beautiful Edwardian glasshouse, I’m sure it’s no surprise that Combermere Abbey is high on my list of amazing Cheshire wedding venues.
Located outside Nantwich, Combermere is right on the borders of Shropshire and North Wales. A former monastery turned country house, it is now an exclusive use wedding venue and is surrounded by Cheshire parkland and ancient woodlands. The Abbey has a history dating back thousands of years – the first monastery on the site was built in 1123. The Abbey that stands on the land today was remodelled in the Gothic style in the 1820s and has been in the Combermere family for centuries.
The Combermere Abbey Estate is made up of over 1000 acres of landscaped grounds, walled gardens and rolling parkland. The stunning Victorian Walled Gardens are home to Combermere’s exclusive use wedding venue. It’s the perfect spot and wedding guests love exploring the gardens during the day. They really are beautiful, I especially love the Fruit Maze which surrounds the Edwardian Glasshouse. Apple and pear trees have been meticulously planted to create a maze, at the centre of which stands the Glasshouse. Don’t worry though, your guests won’t get lost en route to your wedding ceremony. They can take a direct route around the edges!
The Edwardian Glasshouse is filled with natural light. It’s a lovely spot for couples to say their wedding vows, underneath a stunning blossoming tree that sits in the centre of the space. Combermere really did bring the “outside in” when they renovated the Glasshouse.
Straight after the wedding ceremony the double doors are flung open and couples can exit straight into a cloud of confetti! It’s the perfect setup, guests gather outside, right in the centre of the Fruit Maze, and cover the newly weds in handfuls of colourful confetti before enjoying drinks and canapes.
When it’s too hot for the Glasshouse (and believe me, it can get very warm in there!) then couples can get married outside, either amidst the fruit trees in the centre of the maze or have a more intimate ceremony in one of the smaller walled gardens.
Picture perfect wedding receptions
Whilst their guests make the most of the gardens I love taking a bit of time out with a couple and heading down to one of the other sections of the Walled Garden for some portraits. There is no shortage of beautiful backdrops at Combermere, it’s always a real pleasure to shoot there.
The wedding breakfast and evening party is held in the Pavilion, a permanent marquee structure that is the perfect place for a celebration. Guests can relax on the terrace as the sun sets, or enjoy a seat in the bar area with huge windows looking out over the lawn. As day turns to night then the spectacular dancefloor is the place to be! As an added bonus Combermere has plenty of on site accommodation so wedding guests only have a short stroll at the end of the night!
Regardless of season, Combermere Abbey is one of my favourite venues in Cheshire. I adore the richness of the gardens in spring and summer, but there is something so special about the colours of autumn or the cosiness of the Glasshouse and Pavilion in winter.
If you’re thinking of getting married at Combermere Abbey then I would love to hear all about your plans.
COMBERMERE ABBEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Check out my stories with recent Combermere Abbey weddings including
Sophie & Josh
Jess & Mike
Olivia & Andy
