West Tower

Contact Details

sales@westtower.com

01695 423328

West Tower Weddings – A Complete Venue Guide by a West Tower Wedding Photographer

West Tower weddings are popular for a reason. As a West Tower wedding photographer, it is a venue I have worked at many times, and it consistently delivers relaxed, well run wedding days that flow properly from start to finish.

Located in Aughton, Lancashire, West Tower is one of the most sought after wedding venues in the North West. It combines historic character with elegant interiors and a layout that genuinely works for real weddings, not staged moments or awkward timelines.

Built in 1875 by Liverpool cotton broker Edgar Musgrove, West Tower was originally designed as a countryside retreat away from the city. Over the years it has been a private residence, boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant, before becoming the exclusive use wedding venue couples know today. Since opening as a wedding venue in 2008, it has become a firm favourite for couples planning relaxed, well organised weddings in Lancashire.

The venue has continued to evolve with additions such as The Stables and modern on site accommodation, while still keeping the character of the original country house. That balance of history and thoughtful updates is a big part of why West Tower weddings feel timeless rather than dated.

Why Couples Choose West Tower for Their Wedding

One of the biggest reasons West Tower weddings work so well is the flow of the day. From morning prep through to the evening party, everything happens in close proximity, which keeps guests together and the atmosphere consistent.

The venue is designed around weddings rather than adapted for them, and that shows in how smoothly the day runs.

Exclusive Use and Location

West Tower hosts only one wedding per day, giving couples exclusive use of the house, gardens and grounds.

Set within around 8 to 10 acres of countryside, the venue feels peaceful and private while still being easily accessible from Liverpool, Manchester and across Lancashire. It is ideal for couples who want a countryside setting without asking guests to travel for hours.

From a photography point of view, the gardens, lawns, terraces and front of the house and also Mill Lane offer a wide range of backdrops, all within a short walk of each other. That means no long treks, no disappearing for ages, and more time actually enjoying your wedding.

Ceremony Options at West Tower

West Tower offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, giving couples flexibility whatever the weather decides to do.

Indoor Ceremonies in the Ballroom

The Ballroom is the main indoor ceremony space. It is bright, elegant and neutral, with large windows and wooden floors that work with any wedding style. The light in this room is consistent throughout the day, which makes a huge difference to how ceremony photos look, especially on overcast days.

The space feels timeless rather than trend led, which means your photos will still look great years down the line.

Outdoor Ceremonies at West Tower

For outdoor ceremonies, the garden pagoda is a popular choice. Set within the landscaped grounds, it offers a relaxed outdoor feel while still being close to the house.

From a planning perspective, this is ideal. Guests can remain outside for drinks afterwards, and if the weather changes, the transition back indoors is quick and stress free.

West Tower is licensed for up to 145 guests for ceremonies, making it suitable for both smaller weddings and larger celebrations.

Wedding Breakfasts and Evening Receptions

After the ceremony, the Ballroom transitions seamlessly into the wedding breakfast and evening reception space.

Large windows overlook the countryside, and the layout works well for speeches, dining and dancing later in the evening. Guests can move easily between the Ballroom, Leather Lounge, Cellar Bar and terrace, which keeps the atmosphere social and relaxed throughout the day.

From experience, this layout makes a big difference. There are no awkward gaps, no separate buildings to manage, and no moments where the energy drops. Everything stays connected, which helps the day feel effortless.

All catering at West Tower is prepared in house, with menus designed around quality ingredients and flexibility rather than a rigid format.

Accommodation and Morning Prep at West Tower

West Tower has 27 bedrooms on site, sleeping around 70 guests overnight. Having accommodation on site makes a huge difference to the overall experience, especially for guests who want to enjoy the evening without worrying about travel.

Morning prep usually takes place in the Crystal Suite, which is bright, spacious and ideal for relaxed getting ready photos. Keeping prep on site helps the morning feel calm and keeps the timeline running smoothly.

The Dom Perignon Bridal Suite is the main suite for the couple, while The Stables and cottages provide additional accommodation for guests. These spaces combine modern interiors with the historic setting of the house.

From a planning point of view, having everything in one place removes a lot of unnecessary stress and keeps the day feeling unrushed.

Fireworks at West Tower Weddings

One of the standout features of West Tower weddings is the option to finish the day with a licensed fireworks display at West Tower.

With the house and open countryside as the backdrop, fireworks create a memorable end to the day and add real impact to evening photography. When timed well, they become one of those moments guests talk about long after the wedding.

They also work brilliantly as a natural finale to the day, rather than feeling like an add on. Of course budget and weather needs to be on your side.

What Makes West Tower Stand Out

Historic country house with modern facilities
Exclusive use wedding venue
Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
Landscaped grounds ideal for photography
On site accommodation for around 70 guests
Licensed fireworks displays
Experienced team focused purely on weddings

West Tower Wedding Photography

I have photographed many West Tower weddings over the years, and knowing the venue properly makes a real difference to both the photos and how smoothly the day runs.

My approach to West Tower wedding photography is 99 percent unposed and documentary led. From morning prep in the Crystal Suite, to relaxed group photos on the lawns, quick couple portraits at golden hour and capturing the atmosphere of the evening, everything flows naturally without dragging you away from your guests.

Group photos are kept efficient, and couple portraits usually take around 20 minutes. That gives you strong, natural images without disappearing for large chunks of your drinks reception. If we get a sunset though – I would love to head back out for some more couples portraits,

Whatever the weather brings, West Tower works. Rain, sunshine or dramatic skies all add something different to the story of the day. Fireworks in the evening often provide one of the strongest photographic moments of the night.

I also work closely with the West Tower team, helping with timings and making sure photography fits around your wedding rather than interrupting it.

Planning a West Tower Wedding?

If you are planning a West Tower wedding in Aughton and want relaxed, natural photography with a documentary approach, I would love to hear from you.

Visit Andy Griffiths Photography to check availability and chat about your plans. You can also see more real West Tower weddings over on Instagram at @andygriffithsphotography.

I have photographed a lot of weddings at West Tower, and living locally means it is a venue I know well.

That familiarity makes a real difference on the day. Knowing how the venue flows, how the light changes around the house, and how the team work together allows photography to fit naturally into the wedding rather than interrupting it.

The staff at West Tower are consistently brilliant, the location works in all seasons, and the layout makes it easy to capture the day as it actually happens. It is one of those venues where everything feels considered, which is exactly what you want when planning a relaxed wedding. You can contact the team and book a viewing here

Where is West Tower located?
West Tower is located in Aughton, Lancashire. It is easily accessible from Liverpool, Manchester and across the North West, making it a great option for couples who want a countryside venue without long travel times for guests.
Is West Tower an exclusive use wedding venue?
Yes. West Tower hosts only one wedding per day, giving couples exclusive use of the house, gardens and grounds. This means there are no other weddings taking place on the same day and no sharing spaces with other guests.
How many guests can West Tower accommodate?
West Tower is licensed for up to 145 guests for wedding ceremonies. The venue works well for both smaller, more intimate weddings and larger celebrations, with flexible spaces that adapt easily throughout the day.
Can you have an outdoor ceremony at West Tower?
Yes. West Tower offers outdoor ceremonies at the garden pagoda within the landscaped grounds. This is a popular choice for spring and summer weddings and works well because it is close to the main house, allowing an easy transition indoors if the weather changes.
What happens if it rains on a West Tower wedding day?
West Tower works well in all weather conditions. Indoor ceremony options, covered areas, and elegant interior spaces mean there is always a strong backup plan. From a photography point of view, rain often adds atmosphere rather than causing problems. You can view my rain blog here
Does West Tower have on site accommodation?
Yes. West Tower has 27 bedrooms on site, sleeping around 70 guests. There are also additional options in The Stables and cottages. Having accommodation on site helps the day feel relaxed and allows guests to fully enjoy the evening without worrying about travel.
Where does morning prep usually take place at West Tower?
Morning prep typically takes place in the Crystal Suite, which is bright, spacious and ideal for relaxed getting ready photos. Keeping prep on site helps the morning run smoothly and avoids unnecessary travel between locations.
Can you have fireworks at a West Tower wedding?
Yes. West Tower is licensed for fireworks displays. Fireworks are usually scheduled for the evening and provide a memorable end to the day, as well as a strong visual moment for photography.
How does the layout of West Tower affect the flow of the day?
One of the biggest strengths of West Tower weddings is the flow. Ceremony, drinks, wedding breakfast and evening reception all take place close together, keeping guests connected and maintaining a consistent atmosphere throughout the day.
Is West Tower suitable for documentary wedding photography?
Very much so. The layout, natural light, gardens and guest flow all suit a documentary approach. Moments happen naturally without constant interruptions, which allows the story of the day to be captured as it unfolds.
How long do couple portraits usually take at West Tower?
So this will depend on your photographer but for me, couple portraits at West Tower typically take around 10 to 15 minutes. The variety of backdrops close to the house means great photos can be captured quickly without taking couples away from their guests for long periods. But if we get a sunset then I would love to do some more portraits for a similar amount of time.
Do you need a photographer who knows West Tower well?
Experience helps but isn’t always crucial for any wedding venue. I have worked at West Tower in every weather condition and time of year. So I Know how the venue works, where the best light is at different times of day, and how to work around the Ballroom and gardens helps photography fit naturally into the wedding rather than interrupting it.
I have also been a guest a couple of times at West Tower so know the venue very well.
Is West Tower a good venue for evening parties?
Yes. West Tower is known for lively evening receptions. The Ballroom works well for dancing, and the nearby bar areas keep the atmosphere going throughout the night.