A Spring Wedding at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire: Evening Light, a Sword for the Cake and a Painted Leather Jacket
Late in the evening at Peckforton Castle, Rebecca pulled on a black leather jacket hand-painted with roses, a skull and their wedding date. Alex wrapped his arms around her, and behind them the castle towers were lit warm by the last of the sun. It was the perfect evening light to finish a day full of small, telling details.
Over the years we’ve heard plenty of stories about how couples meet: dating apps, travelling, school. It’s always the little details that stand out. Rebecca and Alex met at work, which sounds familiar. But their details made it a story worth remembering (and prove that nice guys definitely don’t finish last).
Peckforton Castle: a hilltop wedding venue looking out to Beeston Castle
Peckforton is a hilltop castle. The ground falls away steeply to the north and west. Across the valley, about three-quarters of a mile away, the ruins of Beeston Castle sit on their own sandstone crag. Beeston was built in the 1220s by Ranulf de Blondeville, Earl of Chester. Peckforton came six centuries later, in the 1840s, and was built to look every bit as old.
The woods on the hills around it are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Sandstone Trail, a 34-mile path from Frodsham to Whitchurch, runs along the foot of the slopes. For us, the height is the gift. When the evening is clear, low sun comes across the countryside and catches the red sandstone, and that’s exactly what we had for Rebecca and Alex.
A gentleman, a taxi and a day full of feeling
Soon after they became aware of one another, Rebecca and Alex got to know each other on a work night out. They were strictly friends at that point. That didn’t stop Alex taking a not-insignificant taxi ride to see Rebecca safely home to her parents’ house, then another one back to his own. That kind of consideration must have won over his future in-laws, and it certainly made an impact on Rebecca.
For as long as I can remember, my parents have talked about the importance of being a gentleman: opening doors, and bringing flowers now and again (not apology flowers!). At the risk of sounding ancient, you don’t see it as much any more. Alex is a notable exception.
The day itself was full of feeling from the start. Rebecca, still in her rollers, was in tears over a book of photos and handwritten notes, and so were the women beside her. At the front of the Great Hall, Alex covered his mouth as she appeared at the far end of a candlelit aisle. Rings were exchanged with big smiles, and they walked back out through a shower of confetti.
Speeches, a sword and that evening light
The speeches had Rebecca laughing with her hand over her face, and there were long, tight hugs afterwards. Then the cake, topped with their initials, was cut with a sword, which felt entirely right for a castle.
Verity was on maternity leave for this one, just a week after the birth of our son River. Rebecca and Alex knew she was unlikely to be there, and we’d promised them an exceptional photographer to fill in. That was the fantastic Claire Penn, who contributed to the images here.
As the light softened, we framed the two of them in silhouette in an arched doorway, with the castle beyond. Then came the jacket and that warm evening glow. Combined with the venue and Rebecca’s incredible dress, this really did feel like the wedding we all hope to see. In the Great Hall, they had their first dance surrounded by their guests.
Why we love a spring wedding at Peckforton Castle
If Peckforton is on your list, here’s our honest advice:
- Keep some time for the evening. The castle sits high on the hills, so on a clear night the low sun warms the sandstone. We’ll keep a few minutes free after dinner to make the most of it.
- There’s a second castle in the view. Beeston’s ruins sit on the next hill, and the grounds look across the valley towards them.
- Take the aisle slowly. The walk up the Great Hall is a long one, which gives us time to catch reactions at both ends.
- Bring your own personality. The building is grand, but it’s the personal touches, like a sword for the cake or a painted jacket, that make the photos yours.
Planning your own wedding at Peckforton Castle?
If Peckforton is on your shortlist, our Peckforton Castle weddings page has many more days at the castle, and our Cheshire wedding photography covers the rest of the county. We’d love to hear about your plans.
