Holding a romantic and unique wedding at your Cheshire home or farm

It is said that “home is where the heart is” so why not get married at the place that means the most to you? 

Imagine how wonderful it would be to hold your wedding at your house, or your childhood home. Over the years I’ve photographed so many amazing weddings that took place in gardens and on farms all over Cheshire and the North West. 

There are so many different options available when it comes to planning to have your wedding on your own land. The choice really is endless and you really can make the day your own and plan it exactly as you’d like. 

Of course, when there are countless options it can feel a little overwhelming and hard to know where to start! I hope this page goes a little way to helping you with your planning, and that browsing through blogs of ‘at home’ weddings I’ve photographed gives you plenty of ideas.

 Wedding ceremony options 

From civil or religious ceremonies right through to having a blessing with a Humanist celebrant, you can decide how and where you’d like to get married. To an extent. Under English law a wedding can be religious or civil and the ceremony has to take place either in a registered place of worship (for religious ceremonies only of course) or at a registry office or a building that the local council has approved as a wedding venue. 

So when it comes to an at home wedding you’ll need to keep that in mind and think about where you’d like your ceremony to take place. Lots of couples decide to hold their ceremony in a local church. Especially if it’s one they attended when they were children or they have family links to it. Another option is to use a Town Hall and have a civil ceremony there. Many local Town Halls are beautiful buildings and can be the perfect place to hold a ceremony before heading home for the wedding reception. 

You could also think about holding your entire day at home and having a blessing by a Humanist celebrant. I’ve photographed lots of ceremonies like this and it’s such a wonderful option. You can ‘do the legal bit’ either before or after your wedding day and that way no legalities need to take place in your Humanist ceremony. This allows you to have a truly personal ceremony in your garden, or tipi or marquee, and say some beautiful, heartfelt words to each other in front of your loved ones. A celebrant would guide you through your ceremony. They’re so lovely and unique and the perfect way to celebrate your love and your union. 

Relaxed wedding reception at home

Of course, once your wedding ceremony is over you need to think about how you’re going to celebrate. And where! Hiring a marquee or tipi for your garden / land is the perfect choice. It offers plenty of space and shelter (never trust the British weather!) 

You can also decorate the tent however you like. I’ve seen some amazing ideas, from English country garden themes to rustic styling or beautiful soft pastel colours to tie in with the season. If you’d like any recommendations for marquee or tipi hire then please get in touch. 

Another wonderful bonus of holding your wedding celebration at home is seeing all your loved ones enjoying themselves in a place that holds such a special meaning to you. My documentary style means that you’ll get plenty of candid photographs so you can look back and see guests chatting away on your lawn, or family gathering together for photographs with your front door as the backdrop. It also means that when we take a few minutes out for some portraits of you both we can find spots that you remember from your childhood or places that you both enjoy together. Anywhere that sparks a nostalgic memory for you. 

Many of the couples who book me love being outdoors or enjoy pottering in their garden. Just like me! I’m relaxed and discreet which is perfect if you hate being the centre of attention – again, just like me. You’ll see some photographs from recent weddings I’ve shot at home or on a family farm. Scroll through for inspiration! 

If  you’d like to chat more about your wedding photography and love my style then please get in touch, it would be great to hear from you.