Love at first sight: Where to get married in Chester

This pretty town is the perfect place to tie the knot if you’re looking for a wedding that’s rich in history and tradition.

For both English and Welsh guests, Chester is the ideal location. Just 20 miles from Liverpool and right on the border of North Wales, wedding venues in Chester are a sophisticated affair, with historic properties catering to every style imaginable.

Chester Racecourse

If you’re interested in the town’s history, the Racecourse could be the perfect Chester wedding venue for you. Located on the Rodee, once the original site of the Roman port during the Dark Ages, it’s the oldest racecourse still in use in England. You and your wedding party will be able to enjoy picturesque views across the River Dee and the rolling greens of the Cheshire Hills. The banquet rooms are designed to hold large parties of up to 650 guests, and the venue is ideally located right near Chester’s hub of hotels, bars, shopping and restaurants. There are several different rooms available, all at very affordable prices, while the top caterers will look after all your menu needs. Aside from the usual English weddings, Chester Racecourse can also cater for civil partnerships and traditional Asian and Indian celebrations.

Chester Zoo

Animal-lovers will get a kick out of saying ‘I do’ at the best zoo in the UK. That’s right, you can tie the knot not only in the company of your dearest two-legged friends, but also your favourite four-legged and furry friends! Oakfield House is a beautiful Victorian mansion set in 125 acres of prize-winning gardens in the heart of the zoo. Whether you’re after a formal wedding breakfast for up to 140 guests or an informal summer safari with a roast and BBQ for 60 people, Chester Zoo is more than happy to accommodate even the most unusual of requests. Guests will be able to visit the zoo while you take your photos, and you’ll start your marriage on a high note, with all proceeds from your wedding going towards the care of animals and their outreach projects across the world.

Oddfellows

Oddfellows really is a fairytale come true – specifically Alice in Wonderland! Michelin-starred chefs have created an inventive Mad Hatter’s Tea Party menu, while the room itself has been turned on its head where you sit on the ceiling! Take your photos in the Secret Garden and enjoy drinks in the Grown Up Bar by Taittinger, and the private rooftop overlooking Chester’s famous chimney tops.

Rowton Hall

Rowton Hall is one of the most popular wedding venues near Chester. The luxurious 18th century Georgian house sits on eight acres of private lawns and award-winning gardens, perfect for photos or pre-dinner drinks. The hotel is available for exclusive use and can host both civil ceremonies and a reception and dinner for up to 130 guests. There are several different packages available, or if you already have an idea in mind, the staff are on hand to help you create your dream wedding. Choose between the three speciality banqueting suites – the newly renovated Ballroom, the ornamental Inglenook or the intimate Adam Lounge for just 30 guests. Even winter weddings are taken care of, complete with roaring fireplaces and hearty English roasts.

Sandhole Oak Barn

For a wedding with a twist, Sandhole Oak Barn will have all your guests talking. You’ll have the choice of either the Medieval-inspired oak beamed barn or the stunning Oak Clock Tower, both which offer stunning views over the Cheshire countryside. The Oak Barn is a great option for an extravagant rural-themed event thanks to its wrought iron cartwheel chandeliers, heavy oak beams and a grand piano, while the Oak Clock Tower is a romantic open air space on the shores of the lake. Guests can stay overnight in the luxury Sandhole Farm B&B, where up to 40 guests can sleep in stylishly restored stables.