Colshaw Hall is a Grade II-listed building that was built in 1903 for textile magnates, the Peel family. It is a Tudor-style manor house that was designed by renowned Cheshire architect John Douglas who was also responsible for building projects for Prime Minister William Gladstone and soap giant William Lever.
The building has been an important part of the local community for many years and at one time was used as an auxiliary hospital during World War One. Severely damaged by fire in the twentieth century it was bought by the Irlam family in 2001 who restored the hall and its grounds to its former beauty and Colshaw Hall became a family home again. David Irlam and his wife decided that it was simply too big to be a family home so opened up their home as what you see today – one of the finest wedding venues in the country. Still owned by the Irlam family this is a family run business that know how to deliver the finest of service and weddings.
Colshaw Hall is located in Over Peover; a lovely village just outside Knutsford and within easy reach of Chester, Manchester and Macclesfield.
Today it is one of the best wedding venues in the UK. A superbly family run venue, you can often see the owner David showing couples around, picking up leaves or helping to set the tables for the wedding breakfast.
I have worked at Colshaw Hall a lot, I know the staff and venue very well and I absolutely love it.
How to get in touch with Colshaw Hall to book your wedding
If you were interested in viewing or booking Colshaw Hall then you can do via phone, email or via social media. All their details are on this post.
The morning of your Colshaw Hall Wedding
On the morning of your wedding, depending on what time of year and what package you have opted for you are able to stay in the house the night before your wedding, or you would stay at the bottom of the drive in the lodge. The lodge is a fantastic space to stay the night before your wedding with your wedding party. You then get access to the bridal suite and make up room from 11am. The team at Colshaw will ensure your smooth transition from the lodge to the house.
The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony can take place outside or in the purpose built ceremony room. Which huge windows letting light flow in. Your Ceremony or Cheshire East are the registrars and I would recommend booking them at the same time that you book the wedding. My advice would be a 2pm wedding at Colshaw Hall. The day flows perfectly at this time and it means you also won’t need to be up at stupid o’clock to start the preparations.
You can personalise your ceremony with your own vows, a sand ceremony, personal promises, ring warming ceremony or having a dog to be your ring bearer. My advice for your ceremony – enjoy every moment and remember – your on camera and maybe film, if you have a serious resting bitch face for the whole thing you will look like your having the worst day ever!
Drinks Reception
The drinks reception is in my opinion one of the best parts of the wedding. So I won’t be taking you away for ages and making you miss loads of it. We will do your group photos – I recommend 8-10 and your couples portraits towards the end of drinks. This of course depends on the weather because we live in the UK. I always recommend going outside into the walled gardens where they have a fantastic outdoor bar space (Dependent on time of year)
During your drinks reception have a think about if your budget allows for some kind of entertainment. I always find a singer goes down really well. Something up beat to get your guests in the mood – if thats your vibe.
Barretts will be on hand to discuss everything with you about your plans. From cocktails to canapés you can tailor everything to your own tastes. I always recommend going outside into the walled gardens where they have a fantastic outdoor bar space (Dependent on time of year) I would also ask to have your drinks served outside so guests don’t get comfy inside.
The Best Spots for Couples Portraits at Colshaw Hall
Colshaw Hall has so many options for couples portraits from the walled gardens, the drive and the Japanese gardens. Of course the hall provides a fantastic backdrop for couples portraits. Depending on what time of year you get married in the variations of the gardens is incredible from daffodils to orange and fantastic autumn colours.
For me couples portraits are normally done just before the wedding breakfast when your guests are taking their seat so you don’t miss much of the day with your guests. I would also recommend going out in the early evening especially over summer when the light is softer and we get a nice sunset.
The Wedding Breakfast & Speeches
The peel suit is where you will have your wedding breakfast – it can cater for up to 180 guests for your wedding breakfast. you can use any venue dresser you like, however I would always recommend Ido Events Liverpool. They are fantastic you can get in touch with them here
In terms of speeches I always recommend doing your speeches before your wedding breakfast, however sometimes people prefer to do them after which is also great. I would strongly advise never doing speeches in between courses. I would speak to your speakers and get them to keep their speeches to around 10 minutes per speech. It keeps everyone engaged and entertained.
If you have a young child my advice would be to have them sit away from you during the speeches. This will allow you to concentrate on the speeches and speakers rather than stopping them from grabbing everything off the table or crying!
Barretts will talk you through all your options for your wedding breakfast. But I can let you know that the wedding food is always incredible from Barretts and you & your guests will love it!
The Evening Party
Colshaw Hall has a fantastic space for your evening party. But it is really important to hire a good band or DJ. I have worked with some fantastic suppliers over the last 10 years and I am happy to help recommend anything you need. You can have live music a DJ a photobooth, sax and bongos. The options are yours at Colshaw Hall.
I would always recommend having your first dance around 7.30/7.45pm. This will mean all the formalities are completed and you can party!
Barrretts again will be able to provide evening food that is suitable for you and your wedding guests.
