Relaxed Pub Wedding
Planning a relaxed pub wedding in Cheshire?
There’s something so quintessentially British about a good pub. We love finding the best local pubs for Sunday roasts, family get-togethers and, of course, they’re a great place to finish up a dog walk. Luckily, living in Cheshire, there’s no shortage of excellent pubs and that you can even hold your wedding in most of them! In fact, my husband and I did just that. We had our very own pub wedding back in 2013.
When couples get in touch and tell me they’re planning a pub wedding I know it’s going to be a very laid back day and a lot of fun. If it’s something you’re thinking about in your own wedding planning I know how daunting it can feel – there are so many places to choose from! So here’s a round up of ten of my favourite pub wedding venues across Cheshire. They’ve all got their own unique charms and they’re all perfect for relaxed weddings surrounded by the Cheshire countryside.
The Morris Dancer, Kelsall
I’ve got to start with The Morris Dancer. This is where Chris and I got married and we had the most wonderful, chilled out wedding day. They can cater for small, intimate wedding receptions in their private dining room which seats up to 16. Perfect for cosy family celebrations.
The Nags Head, Haughton
This 17th century inn has undergone a bit of a revamp recently. Taken over by the team behind the hugely successful The Picturedrome in Macclesfield, The Nag’s Head is becoming well known for its excellent, locally sourced food and real ales. Both of which are pretty good accompaniments to a wedding!
The pub is perfect for idyllic, countryside wedding receptions. Guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens and the interior is modern with a nod to the pub’s historic past.
The Cholmondeley Arms, Malpas
This is a real favourite of mine. Housed in an old Victorian schoolhouse and surrounded by the Cholmondeley Estate, the inn is so picturesque with quirky decor and a really homely feel. As an added bonus there’s a menu of over 366 gins! Couples can even book a gin bar for guests to enjoy at the wedding reception.
Every wedding at The Cholmondeley Arms is unique, it’s a blank canvas. A marquee or tipi can be put up on the lawn and I’ve seen so many ideas for reception entertainment too including garden games, the aforementioned gin bar, live music, firepits, s’mores’ and lots more.
The Chester Fields, Chester
Just 4 miles outside Chester, The Chester Fields is the perfect spot if you want to be close to the city centre but are after a more rustic venue that’s surrounded by Cheshire countryside.
They pride themselves on being “unconventional, creative and personal” and can cater for weddings of all shapes and sizes. Dogs are welcome (always a lovely bonus) and ceremonies can be held outside on the lawn with views across the fields. Oh, and fancy hanging out with some Alpacas at your reception? Check out Rack and Ruin Alpacas who are based just next to the pub!
The Old Dog House, The Three Greyhounds
This is a real hidden gem. Tucked away behind the hugely popular Three Greyhounds pub, The Old Dog House is a beautifully spacious barn venue. Think old beams, brick walls and reclaimed furniture. The large lawn has stunning views across the countryside and guests love the quirky pig pen seating area! And it’s dog friendly too. Well, it would have to be with a name like The Old Dog House, would it?!
I’ve photographed a number of weddings there over the years and always have the best time, it’s one of my favourites Cheshire venues.
The Cock O’Barton, Chester
Not far from the North Wales border, and just 12 miles from Chester, is the fab Cock O’Barton. A rustic, pub wedding venue with a lot of charm. They know how to put on a brilliant wedding here – couples can hire the whole place for the day or just opt for either the private dining room and/or marquee. I’m a big fan of the private dining room. It’s licensed for wedding ceremonies and I love the high ceilings and wooden beams. The windows let in lots of lovely natural light too, which always makes for a happy photographer!
The Plough Inn, Eaton – Congleton
On the outskirts of Congleton, you’ll find the Plough Inn. The pub itself is lovely, a 15th century coaching inn with some of the best pub food I’ve had. And, tucked away around the back, is a beautiful oak beamed barn – fully licensed for wedding ceremonies and receptions. There’s a private garden which is perfect for enjoying a summer drinks reception and plenty of accommodation on site too.
The Roebuck, Mobberley
The oldest inn in Mobberley, The Roebuck was in need of some TLC before Tim and Mary – the fab team behind some of Cheshire’s best pubs – took it over and refurbished it into the cosy pub it is today.
The Roebuck is stunning, a real ‘one of a kind’ with a “pub hub” shop and deli, a bistro and quirky boutique accommodation. I love the terraced gardens, where couples can say their vows in a marquee strung with fairy lights and the main garden itself is so peaceful, ideal for golden hour portraits. With space for around 55 guests The Roebuck is such a lovely setting for smaller, more intimate celebrations.
The Church Inn, Mobberley
The Church Inn is run by Cheshire Cat Pubs and Bars – along with The Roebuck, The Three Greyhounds and The Cholmondeley Arms who also feature on my list. So you know it’s going to be a great country pub with fantastic food and some lovely ales. They also know how to host the perfect rustic wedding reception.
The Church Inn is just across the road from Mobberley’s St Wilfred’s Church. So not too far to walk if couples choose to hold their ceremony there! The Inn caters for up to 22 people in its cosy private dining room, complete with log fires, exposed brick walls and antique furniture. Alternatively couples can hold their reception in the pub garden for up to 55 guests.
The Pheasant Inn, Burwardsley
Tucked away in the Peckforton Hills, with views out over North Wales and the Cheshire Plains, is The Pheasant Inn. I photographed Nicki and Vince’s wedding there a few years ago and fell in love with the place. As the pub isn’t licensed for ceremonies, Nicki and Vince tied the knot at the village church before heading to The Pheasant – their local – for their wedding reception. It was such a beautiful day and I love that they had their speeches outdoors in the stunning gardens. The location is just beautiful and I keep meaning to head back with the family for a meal. It’s dog friendly too which always gets my vote!
These are my top ten, my absolute favourite pub venues. To be honest though I could’ve included many, many more on my list. There are so many to choose from! If you want any pub wedding tips then please get in touch.
The Old Dog house at the Inn, The Three Greyhounds
The Plough Inn, Eaton – Congleton
The Roebuck, Mobberley
Relaxed Pub Wedding
Id love to shoot your relaxed wedding day, how you have planned it. Surrounded by all of your favourite people.
Check out my wedding stories with recent weddings I have shot.
Check out my stories with recent pub weddings including
Kate & Sean
Victoria & Rob
Jane & Tom
Sophie & Tush
Nicki & Vince
