A historic Lancashire manor built from the stones of a dissolved abbey, set within 22 acres of Ribble Valley countryside — Stirk House has been at the heart of Lancashire celebrations since the 1950s and has been performing wedding ceremonies since 1995. Defined by its ivy-covered stone frontage, characterful conservatory, and woodland walks stretching out beyond the grounds, the venue balances genuine historic character with a warmth and ease that makes every wedding feel effortless. From unhurried morning preparations in the manor to golden hour portraits in the grounds and a dancefloor that rarely disappoints, Stirk House offers couples one of Lancashire's most distinctive and well-loved settings for a relaxed, story-filled wedding day.

A complete guide to weddings at Ashfield House, covering the venue’s fascinating history, exclusive-use layout, ceremony spaces, accommodation, and what genuinely makes this family-run Lancashire country house wedding venue feel so warm and relaxed on a real wedding day.

Set within a private 400-acre Cheshire estate just outside Congleton, Sandhole Oak Barn combines lakeside views, oak-framed barns, and working farm surroundings in one purpose-built wedding venue. Defined by its floor-to-ceiling ceremony windows overlooking the water, weathered timber interiors, covered veranda spaces, and open countryside setting, the venue keeps the entire wedding day moving across one connected ground-floor layout. From drinks beside the six-acre lake to evening dancing beneath low oak beams and fairy-lit ceilings, Sandhole Oak Barn offers couples a relaxed rural setting built around long receptions, loud dance floors, and weekends that stay on-site from morning prep through to farmhouse breakfasts the next day.

Industrial Manchester heritage meets canal-side atmosphere at The Castlefield Rooms, a contemporary wedding venue set within the heart of Castlefield’s historic conservation area beside the iconic Dukes 92. Defined by its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the basin, characterful loft-style interiors, and immediate access to cobbled streets, railway viaducts, and waterside walkways, the venue perfectly balances modern city elegance with Manchester’s industrial past. From relaxed drinks beside the canals to dramatic evening portraits beneath the illuminated bridges, The Castlefield Rooms offers couples a stylish, unmistakably Mancunian setting for a laid-back yet visually unforgettable wedding celebration.

RACHEL & ALEX
AT THE CASTLEFIELD ROOMS

Rich Elizabethan heritage meets sweeping rural beauty at The Ashes Barns, an award-winning, exclusive-use wedding venue tucked away at the scenic foothills of the Peak District. Characterised by its beautifully restored 15th and 17th-century stone barns, atmospheric Juliet balcony ceremonies, and unique features like a private glistening lake and a famous no-corkage policy, this family-run Staffordshire estate completely flows with effortless freedom. It strips away the rigid timelines of traditional country manors, giving relaxed couples an authentic, historic backdrop for a genuinely narrative-driven and high-energy celebration.

Authentic farm heritage meets high-end luxury at Owen House Wedding Barn, a stunning exclusive-use venue beautifully secluded within Mobberley's rolling Cheshire countryside. Characterised by its warm timber textures, atmospheric fairy-lit ceremony spaces, and witty design touches like the bespoke Baa-BER prep room, this family-run destination strips away the stiff formality of traditional manors, offering relaxed couples an effortlessly characterful, high-energy backdrop for a genuinely unique rural celebration.

Victorian grandeur meets bold, contemporary eccentricities at Oddfellows on the Park, a stunning boutique hotel completely secluded within Cheadle's scenic Bruntwood Park. Characterised by its dramatic Gothic facade, light-flooded ceremony rooms, and witty modern interiors, this Cheshire destination strips away the stiff formality of traditional estates, offering design-conscious couples an effortlessly stylish, high-energy backdrop for a genuinely unique house-party celebration.

Nestled on the edge of the Cheshire countryside, Hyde Bank Farm is a 17th-century Grade II listed barn that pairs historic stone architecture with a warm, family-run atmosphere. From the oak-beamed hayloft to the sunset views across the surrounding fields, this Romiley venue offers a secluded rural retreat for couples seeking a wedding day that feels both timeless and entirely relaxed.

Tucked away behind ancient stone walls just outside of Halifax, Holdsworth House is more than just a hotel; it’s a 17th-century manor steeped in stories (including a famous stay by The Beatles in 1964!). For couples seeking a wedding that feels both grand and incredibly intimate, this family-run estate offers a "hidden world" atmosphere that is increasingly rare.

Your wedding photos deserve a beautiful delivery, which is why I use Pic‑Time. Your online gallery is elegant, simple to navigate, and designed to showcase your images at their best.

You can view, download, share, and favourite your photos effortlessly, and the built‑in print store makes it easy to order fine art prints or wall pieces. It’s a seamless, premium way to relive your day.

Your gallery is designed to feel effortless — a beautiful space to revisit your memories. Whether you’re saving favourites, sharing moments, or ordering prints, everything is simple, intuitive, and crafted to elevate your experience long after the wedding day.

Your wedding album is the final, beautiful chapter of your day — the part that keeps your memories alive for decades.

I use Folio Albums, handcrafted in Yorkshire with thick fine‑art pages, lay‑flat spreads, and custom linen or leather covers.

Each book holds around 80 images and comes hand‑packaged as a keepsake. Prices start at £700, with optional mini duplicates for parents.

Testimonials reveal what it truly feels like to be photographed with care and calm. These honest words from couples reflect feeling supported, relaxed and completely yourselves throughout the experience.

Yes, our pictures are phenomenal but EVERYTHING Stephen did went above and beyond our expectations. From wading through a lake in his wellies to get a good bridge shot to staying far beyond the hours we had paid him for all to get the perfect dusk shot that we had mentioned in passing: nothing was too much trouble.

Stephen clearly loves what he does and his passion shines through. He’s clearly not doing it for the money. Not only this but he is one of life’s good guys: A pleasure to spend the day with.

We couldn't recommend Stephen enough as an amazing wedding photographer. Stephen is so relaxed and he made us feel such at ease the whole way through, from our first initial email, our pre-wedding shoot, to when he left our wedding, wishing us all the best. Stephen is so proficient and kept such a low profile you wouldn't have known he was there, capturing the most amazing and insightful moments of our day.

You can tell that Stephen absolutely loves what he does and it shows in the pictures he took.

Our photographs are absolutely stunning, very natural and just really captured the atmosphere of the day, and we will cherish them forever!

The best wedding photographer by far in the North West

When I was looking for photographers, I contacted few and explained that I wanted two ceremonies (Sri Lankan ceremony & Church Ceremony) and Stephen was the ONLY one to actually study what a Sri Lankan ceremony was before responding to me.

I was pleased that he knew the procedure and which special moments we needed to focus on. He did not let us down on the day and gave us the most amazing wedding pictures we've ever seen! Thank you Stephen for making our day a memorable one!

Thank you so so much for all of our wonderful photographs! I cannot look at them without crying as you have captured the day perfectly! We cannot thank you enough for how wonderful you were on the day as many of our guests commented on how polite and kind you were and since seeing your photographs they were blown away by your framing and artistic style!

We honestly couldn't be happier that we went with you. You are genuinely a lovely guy through and through and have given us the gift of capturing our day in the most spectacular way possible.

Visit Kerry & James’ Styal Lodge Wedding

We found Stephen through an online search and struck gold in doing so. Initially, Stephen and his partner Emma met us at a convenient location to introduce themselves. This ice breaker was great because it gave us an opportunity to see if our personalities matched and also discuss details we were hoping to achieve. Stephen’s professionalism, approach and experience gave us all the confidence needed to trust him with our big day.

As part of our package, we completed a pre-wedding shoot in Delamere Forest. Not only were we really happy with the shots Stephen took, we found the time was really helpful in building a friendship ahead of our wedding day.

On the day itself, Stephen and Emma were great! They arrived early and interacted brilliantly with our friends and family. Furthermore, they stayed late into the evening ensuring they caught every aspect of the day. The results speak for themselves but in terms of how Stephen and Emma got there, we couldn’t have been happier!

Having met Stephen at Tatton wedding Fair and browsed his work through his extensive portfolios, we arranged a meeting in Manchester where he explained his passion for photography and how he would put myself and my wife Alice at ease for our big day.

We gained a great rapport with Stephen & he was kept perfect communication leading up to our big day regarding any queries or suggestions we had. He offered us a pre wedding shoot which we had in the country park on site at our wedding venue Haigh Hall, which was perfect for a couple who had never been in front of a Camera before which totally made us feel relaxed.

On the big day Stephen and Emma arrived early at the venue and at our home for our shots leading up to the ceremony. During the breakfast Stephen and his wife Emma were everywhere capturing all the moments and laughter that we now look back on. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better photographer, our pictures and gallery supplied will be cherished forever. For anybody who is browsing or thinking about booking Stephen McGowan if he is available for your day I wouldn’t look any further!

100% one of the best Wedding Photographers in the North West.

Right from the very beginning of our journey to finding the best photographer for our wedding started when we met Stephen at the Tatton Wedding Fair. We were well informed of all packages and Stephen’s photography style has amazing quality and he captures such natural shots as well as shots with a difference, which is something we were after.

Our wedding day was the most perfect day and Stephen added so many memories by capturing the day so beautifully. From the tiny details to the wider view at the venue, Stephen captured it all. All the guests commented on how relaxed and effortless the traditional posed photos were done after the ceremony. Looking back through our collection of photos my husband and I are so pleased that we chose Stephen as he creates something different for each couple he works with. We wanted a specific shot from our wedding where Adam and I wanted to exchange cards before the ceremony without seeing each other but wanted our reactions captured. Stephen set this up for us without hesitation and got the most beautiful pictures which brought us to tears (happy tears) when we first saw these photographs. A memory that will always live on through the photos that Stephen took. Like I’ve said before he will stop at nothing to get the perfect shot for you!

We would very highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking to book their wedding photographer. He is simply the best!

Visit Chrissie & Adam’s Heaton House Farm Wedding