Lancashire Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Leyland offering beautiful photographs without the waffle
A Guide to Planning a Dream Wedding in the Northwest of England (Without Losing Your Marbles!)
Planning your special day is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be stressful
11/4/20245 min read


Your Guide to Planning a Dream Wedding in the Northwest of England (Without Losing Your Marbles!)
Planning a wedding in the Northwest of the UK? First of all, congratulations on your engagement! Secondly, take a deep breath. Planning your special day is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be stressful especially when you’ve got friendly, down to earth advice from someone who’s seen it all (hint, me). As a wedding photographer based in Leyland, Lancashire, I’ve been lucky to work with incredible couples at some of the region’s most beautiful venues. Let me guide you through the ins and outs of planning your big day with plenty of wit and wisdom along the way!
Picking the Perfect Venue in the Northwest
The Northwest is a treasure trove of jaw dropping wedding venues that cater to every vibe, whether you’re going for fairy tale elegance, rustic charm, or modern chic. Some local gems to put on your radar include:
Lancashire Favourites:
Eaves Hall (near Clitheroe): A Georgian-style stunner that oozes romance.
Rivington Hall Barn (Bolton): Perfect for that rustic countryside vibe.
The Wellbeing Farm (Edgworth): Think llamas, quirky décor, and a barrel-load of fun.
Hipping Hall (Kirkby Lonsdale): A boutique venue with a serene countryside backdrop.
The Out Barn (Clitheroe): A modern yet rustic venue with panoramic views.
Manchester Marvels:
Manchester Hall: A city-centre gem with grand interiors and modern touches.
Victoria Warehouse: An industrial-chic venue with tons of character.
Didsbury House Hotel: Intimate, stylish, and full of charm.
The Monastery Manchester: A unique venue with breathtaking architecture.
Great John Street Hotel: A boutique venue with rooftop spaces.
Wigan Wonders:
Haigh Hall: A Grade II listed country house with stunning grounds.
Ashfield House: Elegant, family-run, and perfect for romantic celebrations.
The Kilhey Court Hotel: A country house hotel with tranquil gardens.
Chorley Charms:
Shaw Hill Golf and Spa Hotel: A picturesque setting with a touch of luxury.
Heskin Hall: A historic manor with gorgeous period features.
Park Hall Hotel: A versatile venue with great spaces for ceremonies and receptions.
Preston Picks:
Bartle Hall: A charming country house with beautiful gardens.
Samlesbury Hall: A medieval manor full of history and romance.
Ferraris Country House: A quaint venue with Italian-style gardens.
The Ribble Valley Wedding Barn: Rustic charm meets stunning scenery.
Liverpool Legends:
The Titanic Hotel: A waterfront venue with industrial elegance.
Sefton Park Palm House: A Victorian glasshouse bursting with natural beauty.
30 James Street: Glamorous and steeped in maritime history.
Oh Me Oh My: A quirky rooftop venue with a relaxed vibe.
The Isla Gladstone Conservatory: A stunning glasshouse in Stanley Park.
Blackpool Beauties:
The Village Hotel: Modern and versatile with great amenities.
Winter Gardens: Iconic and perfect for a show-stopping celebration.
The Clifton Arms Hotel: A classic seaside venue with charm.
The Imperial Hotel: Victorian elegance right on the promenade.
Lancaster Gems:
The Ashton Memorial: A landmark venue with breathtaking views.
Lancaster House Hotel: Contemporary luxury meets countryside charm.
The Fenwick: A boutique venue with cozy and rustic appeal.
The Royal Station Hotel: A historic venue in the heart of the city.
Cheshire Classics:
Colshaw Hall (Over Peover): A luxurious and elegant country manor.
Sandhole Oak Barn (Congleton): Lakeside views to die for.
Merrydale Manor (Over Tabley): Modern luxury meets countryside charm.
Arley Hall and Gardens (Northwich): Stunning gardens and a timeless atmosphere.
Peckforton Castle (Tarporley): A fairy-tale castle with endless photo opportunities.
Cumbria’s Crowning Jewels:
Inn on the Lake (Ullswater): Picture-perfect Lake District views.
Askham Hall (Penrith): A Grade I listed dream with beautiful gardens.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (Windermere): For those lakeside “I do’s.”
The Belsfield Hotel (Bowness-on-Windermere): A luxurious venue with panoramic lake views.
Pro Tip: Venues book up FAST in the Northwest, so secure your date early. But don’t rush make sure the venue fits your vision (and budget) before signing on the dotted line.
Staying Sane While Planning Your Wedding
The truth is, wedding planning can feel like herding cats while juggling flaming torches. Here’s how to keep calm and carry on:
1. Take Your Time
Don’t let anyone rush you into decisions. This is YOUR day, so take time to explore options, ask questions, and weigh up what matters most to you as a couple. Vendors (like photographers, caterers, and florists) understand how important these choices are, and the good ones will work with you to make sure you feel confident before you commit.
2. Make Lists (and Delegate)
Lists are your new best friend. Keep track of tasks, deadlines, and who’s responsible for what. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be afraid to delegate! Your wedding party isn’t just there to look good in photos; they’re there to help (and if they’re not, remind them nicely).
3. Breathe (Seriously)
Whenever you feel like you’re drowning in spreadsheets or Pinterest boards, take a step back. Go for a walk, binge your favourite show, or indulge in cake tasting (arguably the best part of wedding planning).
Choosing the Right Photographer (Spoiler: It’s Me!)
Let’s talk photos. Long after the confetti settles and the cake is eaten, your wedding photos will be the one thing that brings all those magical memories flooding back. Choosing the right photographer isn’t just about skills (though I’ve got those in spades); it’s also about finding someone you click with. Here’s what to look for:
1. Style
Do you love natural, candid shots that capture the raw emotion of the day? Or are you into bold, dramatic portraits? Check out photographers’ portfolios to see if their style matches your vision.
2. Personality
Your photographer will be with you for most of the day, so it’s important to choose someone who puts you at ease. I’m known for being approachable, funny, and down-to-earth. No awkward posing here—just genuine smiles and laughter.
3. Experience
Weddings can be unpredictable (hello, British weather!), so you need someone who can roll with the punches and still get amazing shots. With years of experience photographing weddings across the Northwest, I’ve got the skills and the stamina to capture every moment beautifully.
4. Reviews
Don’t just take my word for it. Read reviews from past couples to see what they loved about working with me. Spoiler: it’s usually a mix of my sense of humour, professionalism, and knack for capturing all the feels.
Subtle Nudge: If you’re looking for a photographer who will feel more like a friend than a vendor, capture moments you didn’t even know were happening, and deliver stunning images you’ll treasure forever… well, you know where to find me!
Final Words of Wisdom
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love with the people who matter most. Whether you’re planning a big bash at one of the Northwest’s grand venues or an intimate elopement, remember that it’s YOUR day. Keep the focus on what feels right for you as a couple, and everything else will fall into place.
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect photographer, let’s have a chat! I’m here to make your day as stress free and fun as possible while capturing all the magic. Now, go forth and plan the wedding of your dreams you’ve got this!