Wedding photography at Peckforton Castle.

I still remember the excitement of the first wedding I photographed at Peckforton castle, driving through the winding Cheshire countryside and seeing it stood proudly at the top of Peckforton hill in the distance surrounded by woodland. Then after arriving at the stunning gatehouse lodge, driving up through the woods to the iconic medieval castle.

I’ve photographed many weddings at Peckforton castle now, and the buzz of walking over the bridge and through the gates into the grounds is still the same each time. It is the jewel in Cheshires crown - which is truly saying something when you look at all the amazing venues in the area, and it’s no surprise that it’s the choice for many looking for a high-end ‘fairytale’ wedding.

Why I love Peckforton Castle.

Assuming that you’re not too interested in hearing the secret ‘Dr Who’ geek in me tell you about how it was the filming location for the classic Jon Pertwee story ‘The Time Warrior’ amongst many other films and shows, then I’ll tell you about some of the many things that I love about being a Peckforton Castle wedding photographer.

I’ve heard some photographers say they find it difficult to shoot at due to it being quite dark inside, but this is one of my favourite things about the castle and suits my style of photography perfectly. I love how pockets of natural light burst through the stained glass windows into the grand, dark spaces and onto the red sandstone walls and tapestries. It makes it all the more exciting capturing the moments in a wedding ceremony, or making cool portraits of couples stood in the epic architecture.

In the summer time the sun beams down onto the grass courtyard while guests drink under the shade of a few large trees, and in the winter time where could be cosier than a castle lit with fires and candles?

Ceremonies in the Great Hall

You can have your ceremony in any of the spectacular rooms at Peckforton Castle from the classic and cosy chapel in the grounds, the hexagonal room or even the intimate wine cellar. But without doubt my favourite room to photograph in is the iconic great hall, with it’s huge stained glass windows and vaulted ceiling. It’s a huge yet cosy space, and I have seen some of the most stunning set up’s in there from huge candles on glass boxes and an entire wall of flowers to autumn trees filling the already warm looking room with bright orange and red colour. There is so much good light in this room and also a balcony to get epic shots from above. And it always makes for a great confetti photo as couples walk out of the ceremony and head to the champagne.

Portraits at Peckforton

I probably write this in every blog, but I guess I can’t stress the point enough, I want you to spend your wedding day with all your favourite people. That said, I love spending 10-15 minutes here and there making natural photo’s for you both and you want those too! And whatever the weather, you’re going to get great memories captured at Peckforton Castle. The main courtyard area has great space and light and I love the gated area that leads out into the woods - another area which is just brilliant for an evening stroll as the sun goes down.

In the colder months or days where the sun hasn’t been out as much, there are so many quiet spaces inside where light crashes into dark spaces which is perfect to get creative with, huge epic architecture and grand stairways.

Speeches in the Castle

Usually the wedding breakfast takes place in ‘the drawing room’, which features the top table running along the fireplace and facing all your guests and tall windows - great for photography and perfect for speeches. I have to say though my favourite room for speeches is ‘the hexagonal room’ which is a great space to capture all your guests reactions to that moment you hoped the best man wouldn’t mention. With windows running behind and along the sides the light is just incredible. But whichever room you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Partying in the Great Hall

Looking for an experienced Peckforton Castle wedding photographer?

I absolutely love shooting weddings at this awesome venue, so if you’re planning your big day there and love what you see here then it would be great to hear from you!