Styal Lodge

Styal Lodge – a picturesque Cheshire idyll

Tucked away in the beautiful, National Trust village of Styal is a contemporary, unique wedding venue – Styal Lodge. 

Styal, home to Quarry Bank Mill, is a tranquil, historic village situated in between Wilmslow and Manchester airport. Most of the village was built in the early 1800s, the red brick cottages and thatched houses are all so pretty and it’s a great place for a Sunday stroll. We love taking our dog Cooper for a walk around the woods and then heading to one of the pubs for a roast. 

Weddings at Styal Lodge

Nestled in the grounds of Styal Golf Club, Styal Lodge is a family run venue. Bespoke and purpose built, it’s a modern and stylish barn wedding venue. 

Built in the style of a large, luxurious log cabin, Styal Lodge has quickly become one of the most popular wedding venues in Cheshire and Manchester. It’s a real blank canvas, which I love. Couples can put their own stamp on the place and really make it their own. I’ve photographed a number of weddings at Styal Lodge over the years and they’ve all felt completely unique. From Mel and Ken’s stunning Chinese fusion wedding last summer (they even had their super cute puppy with them!) through to Shauna and Nancy’s colourful, energetic wedding that felt like one big party. 

The team behind Styal Lodge have put so much thought and effort into making it the perfect place for a relaxed wedding – from the moment couples arrive to get ready right through to when the last guest leaves (‘kicking out’ time is 1am, ideal for couples who like to party!). 

The dedicated prep room is available from first thing in the morning. It’s the ideal space to get ready with doors opening out onto the secluded garden, a comfortable lounge area and ensuite bathroom and dressing table. It’s super spacious, so there’ll be plenty of room for everyone, regardless of the size of your wedding party! As it’s right next to the ceremony room you can hear the chatter of guests arriving, which really helps the excitement and anticipation build. Don’t worry though, it’s completely private so there is no chance of anyone catching sight of you before you walk down the aisle. 

Couples are able to use the room throughout the wedding day as well, which is ideal if you want a bit of time away from the crowds or if you have young children who might need a quieter space to chill out or nap in. 

Styal Lodge wedding ceremonies

The airy and light ceremony space can hold up to 150 guests. Huge windows line one wall, letting in lots of lovely natural light. It’s spacious yet still feels intimate and private. 

Strings of fairy lights are hung from the high wooden beams and I love it when florists go all out and decorate the room with long floral garlands and colourful ceremony backdrops. 

If you’re planning on having a religious ceremony then there are plenty of lovely churches within a short drive of Styal Lodge. The closest (and one of my favourites) is Norcliffe Chapel in Styal village, I would definitely recommend taking a look at it if you would like a less traditional, more relaxed church service. 

Styal Lodge wedding photography

There’s no shortage of places for beautiful photographs at Styal Lodge. The private garden area is ideal for spring and summer drinks receptions. It’s filled with colourful flowers and I love spending some time here during couples portraits. To be honest, Styal Lodge is stunning whatever the weather and time of year. There is plenty of space within the Lodge, so even if the weather is slightly iffy everyone can enjoy drinks and canapes inside. In winter it is cosy, romantic and intimate. I love it in autumn when the surrounding countryside is bursting with reds, burnt orange and gold colours. 

There is also the opportunity to head down through the golf course to the lake for photographs. I love jumping into the golf buggy with couples and zipping away for a few minutes. The lakeside is quiet and peaceful, and couples always tell me how much they enjoy that little bit of time out after their wedding ceremony. 

If you’re on the hunt for a relaxed and friendly wedding venue in Cheshire then you really can’t go wrong with Styal Lodge. I absolutely love shooting there and would love to chat about your plans. 

STYAL LODGE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY